Page 26 of Time for Change

“I’ll be right back with it,” she states before heading back to the kitchen area.

“So,” Stevie starts, placing her elbows on the pub table and leaning forward. “You have two kids and own your own business. What else should I know about you?”

“What do you want to know?” I inquire, mimicking her position.

“Well, what’s your last name?” she asks with a chuckle.

“Harper.” When she nods, I continue, “I think I mentioned I was born and raised here. The only time I left was when I went to school to become an electrician. My partner is my good friend. We were friends in high school and decided we both wanted togo into a trade. We did some research on what was needed in our area, and even though we could have picked anything, we settled on electrician. There were two companies locally, and both owners were nearing retirement age. We met with both of them and found out one was wanting to simply retire, close his business, and move to Florida, while the other was going to hang around for a while. He was willing to take both Caden and me on as apprentices and help us get established with all of the certifications we would need. Once we got that, we bought the business from him and his wife.”

“That’s cool,” she tells me, taking a sip of her cola. “I’m in college now, taking online courses.”

“Yeah? What for?”

“Marketing and communications. I’m not sure where I want to end up once I’m done, but I figured it would be fairly easy to secure a job once my degree is complete.”

I nod. “You’re probably right. Especially since so much of a business is social media marketing and online. We’re not really on either, but a big part of our business is word of mouth. Well, that and the fact we’re the only electrician company in Stewart Grove. We get a pretty good chunk of business from that alone.”

“I’m sure.”

Taking my own drink, I set my cup on the table and ask, “So, you recently moved here. Where are you from?”

“I grew up in Roberts,” she informs me.

“I’ve heard of it. About two hours away?”

Nodding, she confirms, “Yeah. It’s quite a bit bigger than here. I moved around a lot when I was growing up. My parents weren’t very attentive. We’d move into a place and stay until we were evicted, and then we’d move on to the next sucker who’d rent them a house, apartment, or trailer.”

My heart stutters in my chest. “I’m sorry. That must have been tough.”

She shrugs, as if it doesn’t bother her, but honestly, how can it not? “It is what it is. I know my apartment isn’t much now, but I’m making the best of it. My bills are paid and I have a warm place to sleep at night. Once I’ve completed school and can work full time, I’m hoping to find a better place.”

I reach over and squeeze her hand, silently showing support. I’m sure it was hard growing up the way she did, and even though I don’t know her very well, I’m proud of her for making the most of her situation and trying to better herself. “Good for you. Most of us start at the bottom and work our way up.”

Stevie nods in agreement. “So, two kids. Does that mean you’re divorced? Widowed?” I can tell by the hesitation in her eyes, she’s worried about overstepping.

“Divorced. Mya, my ex-wife, and I met about ten years ago. We had sort of a fast relationship and got married quickly. We stuck it out until right after my son was born, but we were both unhappy. We weren’t right for each other, and although we gave it our best shot, we were better off apart, despite having two very young kids. She has since remarried to a guy I don’t hate, who treats our kids well. That’s all I ask for.”

“Very mature of you. Most people I know would hate the person their ex is with for spite.”

I lift a shoulder. “What would that get me? I don’t want Mya unhappy, because if she’s unhappy then chances are my kids will be too. I got lucky her husband is a good guy. They work at the hospital together. Mya’s a surgical nurse and works weekends, so I have the kids Friday after work through Tuesday morning. She has them tonight though, since she’s off. Her husband, Cort, is a paramedic and works with her. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not always easy, but we do what we can to remain a team for the kids.”

“That’s a hell of a lot better than the opposite. My parents never married. When my dad left when I was about six, my mom trashed him up one side and down the other. My dad did too to an extent, mostly because he knew what kind of a person my mom was. He married pretty quickly after they called it quits, and my stepmom wasn’t much better. There was always something better to do than stay home and raise a child. Even though I was always alone, his house was a step up from my mom’s, so I enjoyed going there.”

I can’t believe what she went through, and I’m certain there’s more she’s not telling me. Even though she’s friendly and open, I can tell she’s somewhat guarded, which makes sense, considering how she grew up. I’m sure trust doesn’t come easy.

When I glance at my watch, I realize it’s later than anticipated. We’ve been sitting here, talking, for almost two hours, and knowing she worked today and was on her feet, I realize our time together is coming to an end. “Are you ready to head out?” I ask, even though I’d rather sit here and talk to her for another hour.

“Yeah,” she replies, looking at her phone. “Wow, I didn’t realize it was getting this late.”

“Me either. I’ve had a great time.” I really have. Dating has never felt this comfortable in the past, and I’m surprised to be sitting here, hoping she feels the same way.

“I have too,” she confirms. The twinkle in her eyes lets me know she’s not blowing smoke up my ass for the sake of being polite.

“Come on,” I say, standing up and helping her put on her coat. I catch subtle whiffs of her perfume and try to ignore the ache in my balls it causes. Once my own jacket is on, I grab the leftover pizza with my left hand and extend my right for her to take.

Stevie slips her smaller, soft hand inside mine and walks beside me through the restaurant. I spot a handful of people I recognize, and nod to the few who wave. I know everyone will be talking tomorrow, wondering who I was with. That’s the downside of living in a small town. Everyone noses right into your business, usually uninvited.

The arcade area only has a few people in it, mostly kids enjoying the last few minutes of fun before curfew calls. I know I spent a lot of my high school nights here, playing games and chasing girls. It was the thing to do on Friday and Saturday nights.

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