“Fine. Moving on. Which one of you is going to help with the bake sale at the school this week? I need a few more volunteers.”
Caroline was eyeing me. She knew what a softy I was when it came to helping her students.
Sawyer chugged from her glass before responding. “Do you want burnt cookies again?”
Caroline shook her head. “I was asking both of you just to be nice.”
Throwing my hands in the air, I caved quickly. “What day is it and what do you need me to bring?”
“Wednesday, and those lemon bars your Grammy taught you how to make would be amazing,” she sang out before blowing me a kiss.
“You owe me one,” I shot back.
“I love you, too, Harper.”
Chapter 3
Meeting the Enemy
I greeted my assistant when she picked up her phone. “Hey Susie.”
“Miss Collins, I was just about to call you. All of your appointments for today have been moved just like you asked.” My cheery assistant was a lifesaver, so much better than the ditsy one I had fired a little over six months before. If I had known hardworking assistants like Susie existed in the world, I wouldn’t have held on to the incompetent nightmare longer than her trial period. Live and learn, I suppose.
“Perfect. I have some lemon bars with your name on them. I will bring them in with me in the morning.”
“Wonderful, boss. See you tomorrow.”
“I should be able to answer my phone if you need me throughout the day.”
“Very good. Thank you, Miss Collins.”
“How many times do I have to insist on you calling me Harper?”
“A few more, Miss Collins.”
“Fine. Take a long lunch and leave early if you want to. No need for you to be bored sitting in the office all day.”
“Thank you.”
Sitting in my car in front of the school, I took a deep breath before grabbing the four trays of treats from the passenger’s seat
then made my way inside and down the hall to Carolina’s classroom.
“Knock, knock,” I sang out as I entered.
Carolina popped up from behind her desk. “Bless you for coming early.”
I smiled and did a stupid curtsy. “I come bearing lard-filled, artery-clogging desserts, as promised.”
“You are seriously a lifesaver.”
“Not a lot of parents signed up, huh?” I asked as I set my purse down on her desk.
“You’d think that would be the problem, but it’s really that none of them care enough to actually bake shit from scratch. All we get is store-bought cookies and Wal-Mart brownies they swear they slaved over.”
“Moms tend to have a lot on their plate, right?”
Caroline shrugged. “It’s true. I’m just glad we have one booth with something that actually was made at home.”
She gave me a quick hug and then ushered me out to the atrium area where we had to start setting up.
Once all the tables were in place and the parents started trickling in with their kids, I began to feel a bit overwhelmed. It wasn’t the fact that my biological clock was yelling at me to start a family; that I could ignore. It was the bitterness of not even having a viable relationship on the horizon that bit at me hard. Looking around, I saw all the doting moms and dads fawning over their offspring, and most of the parents couldn’t have been much older than Caroline or me.
“You good?” Caroline asked while she straightened out my display.
“Uh huh. Go do your thing. I’ll be fine.” I waved her off as she giggled.
“All right. Holler if you need anything.”
Right after my friend walked away, my phone binged with a text.
Micro-Penis Asshole: When do I get to see you again, sexy?
I rolled my eyes and snickered a little thinking back to our awful date where he was a horrendous person to spend even five minutes with. He was short, which wasn’t a deal breaker in itself, but add in his unwarranted confidence and the fact that he’d casually mentioned he actually had a micro-penis after making me pay for my own meal and there was no way in hell I was going to spend another second with that loathsome creature.
Another banner date for the record books.
Harper: Who’s this? I don’t save jerks’ numbers.
Thankfully he started to type and then the thought bubble went away.
That was easy.
“Harper?” I heard a familiar voice call over to me.
Looking up, I saw the elated face of my new client, Dahlia, as she scurried in my direction.
“Mrs. Reynolds. I didn’t know your son went to school here.”
She pointed to a little blond-haired boy talking to Caroline. “That’s Noah over there, talking to his teacher. I didn’t know you had children.”
I rubbed the back of my neck. “I don’t. Just helping Caroline out.”
“How do you know Miss Covington?” she asked, popping out her hip a little.
“We went to college together. Been best friends ever since.”
“That is so sweet,” Dahlia said in the most Southern accent imaginable. “So, I was about to call your office, but I’m so glad we ran into each other—I have to tell you the news.” Dahlia got closer to the table as her voice turned to a whisper.
“What’s up?” I asked, popping a corner of one of the lemon bars into my mouth.
“Harry didn’t come home last night so I changed the locks and threw all of his stuff out on the lawn.” Her ominous smirk spread like wildfire.
“You did what?” I couldn’t believe it. I mean, I probably would have done something similar, but I wouldn’t advise a client to do something like that. Always take the high road—it gives the opposing party less to fight with in court.
“The bastard had it coming. Let him sleep with his tramp from now on.”
Before I could even rebut the impetuous actions she had taken, a tall bear of a man stormed up to her.
“Dahlia, what in the fuck is wrong with you?” A man I could only assume was Harry gripped her arm, swinging her a few feet away from the table.
“I should be asking you the same question,” Dahlia yelled, pulling her arm free of his grasp.
Looming over her, he took a step closer. “You ungrateful cunt. You’re nothing without me. How dare you lock me out of my own house.”
All the parents, teachers, and students were frozen watching the lovers’ quarrel unfold.
“Maybe y’all should take this out to the parking lot,” I suggested in a low voice, moving closer to the enraged couple with extreme caution.
Menacing eyes shot to me. “Who the fuck do you think you are?” Harry’s chest was puffed out as he barked at me.
“This is my lawyer.” Dahlia crossed her arms over her chest as a cocky smile spread across her face.
“Your what?” Harry wailed.
“Hey mate, why don’t you listen to the lady and take this somewhere else. You’re scaring the kids.” A man approached with his hands up.
“I don’t need this shit.” Harry grabbed his wife again. “You’re coming with me.”
“Actually, she’s not.” The savior stepped between the husband and wife. “Not with you acting like this.”
“Is this your new fuckboy or something?” Harry growled, shoving Dahlia to the ground before turning to the good Samaritan.
Dahlia scrambled to her feet. “And what if he is?”
Wrong answer.
I pulled out my phone and hit record just as Harry slapped Dahlia, knocking her down once again. Leaping in front of her, I calmly looked at Harry. “I think you have caused enough damage for one day. I suggest you leave this school before you’re arrested for spousal abuse.”
Right then, the school’s rent-a-cop rushed over, gripping Harry’s forearm. “You’re coming with me.”
Fighting the entire way, Harry was dragged off the scene.
“Are you all right?” I hugged Dahlia to me as she started to cry.
“I didn’t think he would get violent. He’s never had a temper like that before.” She sniffled in my arms.
“He’s never been kicked out of the house before either. Do you have somewhere you and Noah can stay for a little while? I don’t think it’s wise to go back to your house right now.”
The from before walked up to us. “Dahlia, I’m sure Tessa and Mark wouldn’t mind having you guys over for a few nights. Why don’t you give my sister a call?”
“Thank you, Rhett. I’ll do that.” Dahlia smiled at him before turning to me. “And thank you for stepping in. You were the right choice for a lawyer.”
“I’m just sorry we couldn’t deescalate the situation sooner.”
“Mommy?” The wide eyes of Noah peered up at us as tears started to well up in them.
“Oh honey, don’t worry. Mommy’s fine,” Dahlia cooed. “We’re going to stay with some friends for a few days while Daddy calms down. Everything is going to be fine.”
“What’s wrong with Daddy? Why did he get so mad?”
Dahlia looked over to me. “I think I need to take him out of here and really explain what is going on.”
“If you need anything, just let me know.” I squeezed her arm before waving goodbye.
“Well, that was a little crazy.” Rhett shoved his hands into his pockets, leaning against my table of baked goods.
“That’s a word for it. I’m Harper.” I reached out my hand to officially make his acquaintance.
“Rhett Davis. What brings a divorce lawyer to an elementary school bake sale?”
I laughed a little. “Just helping a friend.”
“Got roped into this shindig too, I take it.” He smiled wide as his ice blue eyes lit up a bit.
“Not a parent either?”
Shaking his head, he answered, “An uncle. My sister, brother-in-law, and I run a bed and breakfast just outside of town. I pulled the short straw and they’re running the inn.”
“Lucky you.”
“I should probably go make sure Tessa is able to get Dahlia and Noah a room for a bit. It was nice meeting you, Harper.”
“Same to you, Rhett. Thanks for helping Dahlia.”
“That’s what friends are for,” he stated quickly with a little shrug. “Besides, Noah and Raymond will have a blast hanging out for a few days.”
“There’s always a silver lining.” I giggled—giggled like a stupid pre-teen talking to her crush for the first time.
“That there is.” Rhett shot me a little wink before shoving away from the table. “See ya later, Harper.”
As I goofily waved goodbye with crimson coating my entire body, Caroline rushed over to me.
“What just happened?” she whispered.
“Shit hit the fan.” I didn’t know what else to say.
Caroline looked at all the gossiping parents and teachers as they glanced our way. “What should I do?”
I let out a forced sigh. “Damage control?”
She pulled her hair back into her signature power ponytail. “On it.”
“You got this,” I cheered.
Walking into the middle of the atrium, Caroline put her hand high in the air. “Everyone, I know that was a messy scene, but let’s not allow it to take away from making money for our fieldtrip fund for the kids. Try to have a good time and gorge on some tasty treats. It’s for the children, after all.”
And just like that, everyone snapped out of their gossiping trance and went about their business like nothing had happened.
“That seemed too easy,” I remarked, walking up to Caroline’s side.
“These parents are like vultures—they’re just pretending to drop it.” She rolled her eyes before laughing. “I can’t believe that just happened.”
I shook my head. “I really can’t either.”
“How do you know the Reynolds family?” she asked, cocking her head to the side.
“Work,” I replied, and she knew that meant the end of that conversation. “How about we take our own advice and get back to it?”
“Sounds like the right thing to do.”
Chapter 4
Have A Good Pickup Line
After helping Caroline finish up with the bake sale, I ambled home for a much-needed bubble bath. Sinking into the steaming tub, I hummed along to the radio. It was the perfect way to relax, popping bubbles of lilac and lavender with some Garth Brooks radio in the background.
Just as I was about to shut my eyes and get lost in the euphoria of my tiny bathroom, my phone binged with a message from one of the many dating apps I used.
Rick: Aren’t you a little young to be a lawyer?
Well, he’s off to a great start.
I rattled off my canned statement to that asinine question: Aren’t you a little too rude to be talking to me?
Rick: I can see we’re not going to get along.
Me: You think? Good luck charming the panties off the next dumbass you encounter on this app.
Rick: Fuck you.
Online dating was the devil. I hated everything about it, but where was someone in her thirties with a career really going to find dates? Bars were always jampacked with dirt-bag drunks just looking to score. All of the men I worked with were married, and I couldn’t date clients. My friends were also in basically the same boat.
Flipping through picture after picture, not finding anyone that sparked anything in me, I let defeat settle in.
Maybe I just need to take a break from dating.
Just as the thought crossed my mind, another message came through.
Harvey: How’s your evening going, beautiful?
Much better way to start a conversation.
Me: Much better now.
It felt so weird trying to flirt via messenger with zero knowledge about the person on the other side of the conversation.
Harvey: Mine just got better as well.
Me: And why is that?
Harvey: Because I’m talking to you ;)
I took a second to check out his profile, and it checked all my initial boxes. His pictures were all of him without crazy filters or weird angles, one a full-body shot of him at the beach with a surfboard, and he had a huge smile with good teeth. He was thirty-seven, lived within ten miles of me, and was an antiques appraiser. He enjoyed the outdoors, he had never been married, and he didn’t have any kids.
This guy seems too good to be true.
Me: So, Harvey, tell me something about yourself that isn’t on your profile.
Harvey: I’m taking this really pretty girl out to dinner tomorrow night. I’m not sure if she knows it yet, though.
Me: Is that so?
Harvey: The question is, is she going to let me pick her up at seven or will I be meeting her at Noble Fare?
Me: I think she is going to be meeting you there at seven-thirty.
Harvey: Fair enough. It’s a date.
Me: That seemed too easy. Usually guys want to talk for a few days before committing to a date.
Harvey: Well, you’ll find that I am not like most guys. See you tomorrow night.
Me: See you then.
I threw my phone back onto the bathmat next to me and leaned back in the suds.
What a crazy day.
The next day dragged on slower than molasses in winter time. Work was blah. My mood was blah. Nothing seemed entertaining. All I could focus on was making it to six o’clock when I’d be able to head home and get ready for yet another first date.
Even though Harvey had piqued my interest, I was still skeptical. I liked that he was forward, and on paper, everything seemed to check out, but I was done getting my hopes up.
Around four in the afternoon, I rattled off a text to the Happy Hour Club’s group message.
Harper: Anyone free around 6:30 to help me get ready for another date?
Caroline: I have a ton of spelling tests to grade so…count me in! I’ll bring the wine and a buttload of paperwork with me.
Sawyer: I have a meeting with a br
ide and groom tonight. Sorry guys.
Annabelle: I have a date tonight too. Can I get ready with you?
Harper: Sawyer, that sucks, but fine. Annie, of course! So exciting!
Sawyer: Trust me, this one reeks of bridezilla. I would much rather hang with y’all but I have bills to pay.
Caroline: Adulting sucks. Good luck, Sawyer. See the rest of you at Harper’s in a bit.
Harper: See you guys soon.
I went on with the rest of my day routinely, just biding my time until I could head home. After making sure the video of Dahlia’s fight was saved for backup ammo, I closed my laptop and shoved it into my bag.
“Have a good night, Susie,” I called over as I locked my office door.
“You too, Miss Collins,” she sang out with a cheeky smile.
“One of these days I am going to break you of that filthy habit,” I pestered for the hundredth time.
She laughed. “I feel my resolve for defiance weakening already.”
“Good.” I gave her a little grin before making my way to the parking lot.
I made it back to my apartment just as Caroline and Annabelle were getting out of their cars, and I greeted them with a smile.
Striding over to me, they followed as I opened my front door.
“Yay for girls’ night! I am so jealous you guys have dates and I am going to be alone all night correcting the abysmal spelling of these first graders,” Caroline complained as she roped us into a group hug.
“All in due time, Caroline. You’ll find someone,” I comforted. “What about that sexy new teacher who works down the hall from you?”
She pulled a huge binder out of her purse, setting it on the table. “I don’t think Mr. Grey’s husband would be too keen on me dating him.”
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry.” I popped open the first bottle of wine, pouring them glasses.
“So, Harper, who’s the guy tonight?” Annabelle asked, throwing her duffle bag of clothes and makeup onto my couch.
I pulled out my phone and let them huddle around as I showed them Harvey’s dating profile.
Gin & Tonic: A Romantic Comedy Standalone (The Happy Hour Series Book 2) Page 2
