Page 99 of From the Start

“Prohibition Beach. It was her mom’s favorite place. She goes there to speak to her mom.”

I should have known this. But every time Harper mentions her mom, she looks lost and I change the subject. That shit ends now. There will be no more holding back. That ship has sailed anyway.

“Thanks, Henry.”

I hang up and message mom. And then I start pacing. Should I go to the beach with Mom? Or should I let her handle this?

I snag my keys and make my way to my SUV. Mom can handle this, but I’ll be there when Harper’s ready. I’ll always be there. I will always wait for her. Be someone she can count on.

“Come in!” Henry yells when I knock on their door.

“Hey, Henry,” I greet as I walk inside.

He nods in approval. “You showed up. I knew I liked you for a reason.”

Carl strolls out of the kitchen. “Where’s Harper?”

“Boy scared her and she ran off.”

My cheeks warm at Henry’s loud declaration.

“You waiting for her here?” Carl asks and I nod. “Excellent. I need to quit early. My kid has a dance recital.”

“Go ahead.” I don’t hesitate to agree.

Harper can get mad at me all she wants. She needs to learn I’m here to help her. Not tell her what to do. There’s a difference. Her stubbornness gets in the way of telling them apart. Lucky her. I’m here to explain.

“Dinner isn’t made yet,” Carl says as he waves goodbye.

“What do you want for dinner?” I ask Henry. He opens his mouth but I wag my finger. “And don’t say Fruit Loops. Cereal is breakfast, not dinner.”

“Fine,” he grouches. “Spaghetti.”

“Holler if you need anything.”

He waves me away. “Shush. My show is on.”

I chuckle as I get to work. I’m scooping the fried rice into a container when the door opens.

“Kai!” Harper yells.

“Keep it down,” her dad grumbles. “The whole neighborhood heard you.”

I can’t hear Harper’s reply but she barges into the kitchen moments later.

“What are you doing here?”

I motion to the counter, which is now covered in dishes. “What do you think I’m doing?”

“I think you’re trying to take over my life.”

I scratch my chin. “By preparing a week’s worth of meals? You hate to cook.”

“And she sucks at it!” Henry yells.

“Stay out of this!” Harper yells back.

“Then, keep your voice down!”