The Summer Getaway: A Novel(88)

Austin glanced in his direction. “Fair enough. I’m pretty sure he could take me.”

Mason chuckled. “Damned straight I could.”

They finished their run and took a few minutes to stretch before getting in the car. Back at the house, Harlow went to her mother’s room. She knocked once and waited for the cautious, “Come in,” before entering.

Her mother stepped out of the bathroom and immediately relaxed when she saw Harlow.

“I thought you were Mindy,” she admitted in a low voice. “I was up with her until after midnight.”

“I’m sorry. Not fun.”

“No, but she obviously needs to talk.” Her mom smiled at her. “How was your run?”

“Good. Mason kept us in line.”

Her mom grinned. “How did you react to that?”

“Surprisingly well.” She laughed. “I know this sounds strange, but I really like him.” Her smile faded. “I’m sorry I assumed the worst.”

Her mother hugged her. “Forgotten and behind us. Want to help me with breakfast?”

“Absolutely. But before we go down, I want to say something.”

Her mother waited.

Harlow drew in a breath. “I hope you’re going to sell the house. It’s too big and too expensive, and you’ve never liked it. Keeping it would be ridiculous. You hung on to it so Austin wouldn’t have to move while finishing high school, but there’s no point in hanging on to it now. I’m sorry I pressured you about it. I won’t do that again.”

Her mom smiled. “That’s very sweet. I appreciate your support and that you can see my side of things.”

Harlow hung her head. “You don’t have to be nice to me. I was so awful. My God, selfish much?”

“Let it go, sweetie. I have.” Her mom stepped back. “Where will you hold the wedding?”

Harlow winced. “Yeah, I’m not thinking about the wedding right now. Kip and I have a lot of things to work out before we start planning the ceremony.”

Her mother studied her. “Are you two going to be all right?”

Harlow wanted to confess that she wasn’t sure, that she was scared, mad and confused when it came to Kip. Only everyone else was dumping on her mom right now.

“We’ll be fine,” Harlow said easily. “Let’s go make breakfast for the herd.”

Her mother looked at her. “You sure you’re okay?”

“I’m getting through it,” she said honestly, walking to the door. “And I’ll be stronger for the struggle.”



* * *



Robyn would have thought that eventually Mindy would run out of fluids. Who knew a person could cry that much for that long? But after three days of rehashing the same material over and over again, Robyn was losing her patience.

“He was so angry and hurt,” Mindy said, sobbing into a tissue. “The look on his face.”

Robyn patted her friend’s knee, then stood. “Okay, don’t take this wrong, but I need a break. Why don’t you shower and meet me downstairs? We’ll go for a walk or something, to clear our heads.”

Mindy blinked at her, obviously not sure if she should be offended or obedient. Fortunately, instead of shrieking or throwing something, she nodded slowly.

“I would like to take a shower.”

Robyn fled the bedroom before Mindy could change her mind. She raced to the main floor and ducked into the kitchen for more coffee and possibly an escape route.

Harlow was at the big kitchen table, working on her laptop. She looked up as her mom entered.

“What’s wrong? You look... I don’t know. Upset maybe?”

“More afraid,” Robyn admitted, pouring coffee into a mug. “I’m not sure how much longer I can listen to Mindy have the same stupid conversation.” Robyn crossed to the table and took a seat. “What are you working on?”

“Trying to figure out what to do with my life.”

Robyn laughed as she settled across from her daughter. “Gee, I’ve been doing the same thing. Want to compare notes?”

Harlow nodded. “Absolutely. You’re going to open an antique store, right?”

“That’s the long-term plan. Hopefully very long-term.”

“Are you going to move back to Naples?”

The question surprised Robyn. “Why would you ask that?”

Harlow closed her laptop. “I don’t know. You like it here. Austin’s down in San Diego, looking at going to college there. I’m an adult. I wasn’t sure you wanted to go back to your old life. I mean, Mason’s here.”

“I’m not moving anywhere because of a man,” Robyn said firmly. “I did too much I didn’t want to do when I was married.”

She paused, wishing she’d phrased that statement a little differently. “What I mean is—”

Harlow touched the back of her hand. “I know what you mean, Mom. It’s everything from not going to college to agreeing to live in the house Dad bought.” She hesitated. “You gave him more chances than he deserved, and in the end he cheated again.”

Their eyes met. “I wish we weren’t having this conversation,” Robyn admitted. “Mostly because I wish you didn’t know what happened.” She was pretty sure her daughter only had broad strokes, but they were enough. “What happened between your father and me is our rock to carry. Not yours. I don’t want this to be an added stress.”