Page 23 of The Best Man: Unfinished Business

Chapter Ten

Harper

Something about the New York City mornings brought an invigoration to Harper, even when he worked all through the night.

Since Candace’s birthday party and the breakthrough he’d reached even after hearing rather disturbing news, he managed to push both Robyn’s dating life and Jordan’s life without him out of his mind, to refocus intently, alone for two straight days.

He’d taken that time to perfect and refine his big idea and was now feeling very bullish about his movie pitch—evidently so was his agent.

Harper stepped out of his spa shower into the steam of his bathroom feeling refreshed.

And he continued to replay the feedback he’d gotten from Stan in his mind as he toweled off.

“That sounds great, Harper,” Stan said excitedly after hearing the highlights of this new direction.

“It sounds just like what those Hollywood muckety-mucks are looking for. Great job!” Their conversation had gone perfectly.

Stan was planning on meeting him in LA, and he’d also be at the book signing that Cassidy setup.

Later in the afternoon, Cassidy called him to review the final details for his trip.

“You all set?” she wanted to know. The question was mostly rhetorical because Cassidy always made sure Harper had everything he needed for his appearances.

Cassidy gets shit done, Harper thought. “How’s your kitchen today?

” she deadpanned through the phone receiver.

To the untrained ear, it’d be difficult to decipher whether she was joking, but Harper knew better.

“Ha ha” was his sarcastic response. In return, Cassidy delivered a low “heheheh.” She didn’t judge, but she also didn’t want anything to interfere with his burgeoning public image.

“You could still stand to post a little more on social media,” she nudged.

“I know that’s not your thing, but it helps, you having a presence out there.

The national morning hit was good and the authors that you shouted out are appreciative.

But let’s give folks a little more access to you…

online. ” Cassidy pushed gently, but was definitely about business.

“I agree” was Harper’s response. “On all.”

“How’s Mia?” Cassidy asked, as she normally did. Mia was always Harper’s primary concern when he traveled, especially when time-zone changes disrupted his schedule of speaking to her.

“She’s good. We had a great visit last month.”

“And Robyn?”

“Living her best life far as I can tell.”

“Good for her.”

Harper paused. “Yeah…I guess so.”

“And what’s that pause about?” she asked. She always caught everything.

“Nothing.”

“Harper…”

“She’s seeing somebody. Apparently.” Harper tried to feign casual disinterest.

“Oh. Good for her.”

“You’re right,” he said.

“You jealous?” Cassidy asked flatly.

“No. Not…jealous…” Harper mused. “Just, I don’t know. I’m processing it, I guess?”

As usual, Cassidy was all business. “What’s to process? She’s seeing somebody. You’re seeing many bodies. You’re both adults, you’re both responsible. You live half a world apart and co-parent a beautiful daughter.”

“I know. I got it.”

“Just saying…”

“I heard you. I still gotta pack.”

“You haven’t packed yet…?”

“It’s only three days.”

“Okay, wear something handsome. Take pictures. Post them. Let your fans know you’re coming.”

“Bye, Cass.”

—

Harper, now dried and groomed, stood in his closet in just his underwear picking out clothes for his LA trip.

He was packing late as usual. His flight was at six p.m. and it was already three in the afternoon.

He’d be gone for only three days, so he needed just enough to fit in one carry-on.

He hated waiting for checked baggage. But he’d also put a hold on a villa on Maui.

If the studio liked his pitch he planned to head to Hawaii to do some writing on the screenplay—with no distractions.

He had thought about inviting someone to go there with him: Tracy, Michelle, Jessica, even Bailey, but if he was really going to get work done, he’d have to be by himself.

He worked best solo, but something in him hated being alone.

Best to head somewhere he could be soothed by the calm of nature and focus on nothing but his work.

As much as he liked his routine, the loneliness that came could tempt him to deviate from his task of writing.

As disciplined as Harper normally was when it came to work, he was vulnerable right now to wanting company.

The right text at the wrong time was often a combination that led to poor decisions he (and his work) would pay for later.

And it never seemed to end well. If there was distance between him and New York, he’d be much less tempted.

But maybe…if he allowed one of these paramours seeking girlfriend-status to be more integral to his process, if he allowed them in, then maybe they could be of support.

Maybe they could be a partner. Maybe they could be… like Robyn….

Not by replacing her, no, but by helping him like she used to, to shape an idea, build concepts, bounce thoughts back and forth. Someone to be his partner. That would be an ideal mate. Then his life might fit again. Maybe he should be more open….

Or maybe that’s a crutch. Harper produced his finest work by hunkering down and getting shit done.

He didn’t have time for distractions, worrying about someone else’s schedule and what they wanted for breakfast. But being honest about that made him an asshole.

He wanted to have his freedom, but he also wanted someone there for him.

It was very much a “have the cake and eat it too” scenario.

Harp, you’re a mess …. Jordan would have held him accountable, told him to “pick a lane.” Make a decision and stick to it.

Hopefully she’d respond to his text before much longer.

He could really use her counsel. It’d be great to see her again.

She’d help him figure his shit out. Fuck. He missed her.

Whether he got the chance to see Jordan or not, still, this trip would allow Harper to have some much-needed introspection.

Do some deep meditations, be present. Yes, get this script written, but more important, reflect on this station in his life, and where he wanted…

no, needed to go. Everyone else in his life seemed to know what they wanted and were getting it, living it.

What do I want? Harper pondered. The answer sounded so simple: happiness, love, fulfillment, friendship, companionship, financial success.

He’d had all those things at one point, mostly with Robyn.

But he also hadn’t always considered Robyn.

He remembered her saying in their marriage counseling sessions, “I think of you, I consider you.” He listened but he didn’t hear her.

Not always. Too caught up in his own self-worth and career.

Too preoccupied to be reciprocal because she always picked up the slack.

The next woman he chose to be with had to bring a lot to the table, but what was he going to give or sacrifice?

How could he do the work ? That part he had to figure out.

Time was getting short; he needed to make some quick decisions.

He opened the drawer and pulled out tees, shorts, underwear, and socks, then grabbed his toiletry bag from the bathroom.

He zipped up his monogrammed carry-on. With that done, his matching knapsack for his computer, noise-canceling headphones, notepads and pens were all he needed. He was ready togo.

Packing made him think of the reality of his trip.

After LA, the change of scenery would be good.

He could keep a low profile, take some hikes, have some poke bowls, and figure out his next steps.

His next chapter. The only drawback was that he’d be even farther from his good mornings with Mia.

She’d be more than half a day ahead with him in Maui.

He’d have to be very mindful and set alarms for himself.

He’d never want to disappoint her or not keep his promises to call.

He pulled out his phone and noticed, Hmm…

Still nothing from Jordan. He tisked his teeth and released his frustration into the emptiness. “Come on, J. Leave me hanging…?”

It was already 3:30 p.m. The driver would be arriving soon.

That time in New York translated to 8:30 p.m. in Accra.

Mia was likely getting ready for bed. Even if it was late, Harper wanted to touch base with her and not take any risk missing their usual call.

Has Robyn given her back her phone yet? he wondered.

Even though the last conversation with his ex had ended cordially, he didn’t want the likelihood of his own awkwardness to set the vibe of another exchange.

He’d try Mia’s phone. Maybe Mommy had relented.

Two rings in Mia’s sweet smiling face appeared. “Hi, Daddy.”

“Hey, baby. Looks like you got your phone back. Yayyy!”

“Yup” was her response.

“Somebody must have been a good girl. How was school today?”

“Fine.”

“What Mommy make for dinner tonight?”

“Jollof rice and chicken waakye from the restaurant. Ms. Haniah brought it for me and Mawusi.”

“Ohh,” Harper said in faint recognition.

Haniah was Robyn’s right hand. They had met when Harper first visited Accra, and he’d heard the name Mawusi before associated with Mia’s school and playdates.

They were buddies. “Good, all right. I’m sure it was yummy.

” Then slowly, Harper began to realize that Mia was in a background he didn’t recognize.

“Wait where are you, Mimi?”

“Mawusi’s apartment,” she stated matter-of-factly with an “of course” intonation.

“Oh. It’s bedtime soon. What time is Mommy coming to get you?”

“She’s not. I’m staying here. She said I could. And we’re going to bed soon….”

“Where’s Mommy?” Harper wanted to know instinctively.

Mia shrugged. “Mm-hmm. She said she’ll get me from school tomorrow.”

It was a Thursday night and maybe Robyn was still at the restaurant…

. It’s a parent’s right to grant their children sleepovers and playdates for whatever reason they sought fit.

But on a school night? he wondered. Where is Robyn?

What’s she doing? And who’s she with…? Harper reminded himself of Robyn’s reprimand.

None of your business, Harp. None of your business…

“Hmmmph. Okay. You guys doing alright, though?” Harper struggled to bring himself back from more spiraling thoughts of none-of-his-business kinds of things.

“Uh-huh. We’re looking at this funny thing on TikTok.”

“Okay, but don’t spend too much time on that device. You got it back so respect Mommy’s rules, even if she’s not there.”

“Okay,” Mia responded with a sigh.

“Okay, Mimi. I’m going to California in a few hours for some meetings.”

“Really?”

“Yup. I’ll probably be in the air when you’re sleeping. When you wake I’ll be there. Will you call me in the morning?”

“Mmm. Maybe.”

“Maybe?” Harper playfully feigned disbelief. “What?!” Mia laughed. He lived for that laughter.

“I’ll think about it,” she said.

“Well, good. You can call me anytime. You know that, right?”

“Yup.”

“If you ever need me for anything, do not hesitate to call or FaceTime me, okay?”

“K. Bye, Daddy.”

“I love you.”

“Love you too.”

Harper hung up after Mia did. He stood there for a full sixty seconds before he managed to shake off what he felt.

Stop. He shouldn’t care. It wasn’t his business.

But Harper was a little concerned and definitely curious.

Was Robyn on a date? With that guy? Harper didn’t want to seem pressed, but Who knows about this guy?

he thought. Murch. He seemed like he wanted to say more the other night, but Candace had stopped him.

It was Robyn’s news to tell, but she wasn’t telling and Harper was curious.

So he’d find out from Murch. Harper pulled out his phone to send a quick text.

Hey, man, give me a call. Something I wanted to run by you.

No rush. Harper was not supposed to want to know, but he couldn’t resist adding: What do you know about this guy Robyn’s dating?