Page 53 of Finding Us

“It was a late lunch. You need help taking your stuff inside?”

“We already unpacked everything. Come sit down.” She drags me to her deck, turning back to yell at Garret. “Sean wants to surf if you’re up for it.”

“Sure,” Garret says. “Send him over whenever he’s ready.”

“Wait here,” Harper says to me, pointing to the table. “I’ll grab you a soda.”

Garret comes over while she’s inside. “You okay?”

“Not really. I feel kind of sick.”

He sits down, moving his chair so it’s facing mine. “Let’s just tell those guys we’re busy and we’ll see them tomorrow.”

“Harper wants to talk about her trip. I have to talk to her for at least a little while or she’ll know something’s up. Just go surfing with Sean. I’ll tell Harper we want some alone time tonight. She’ll understand. Besides, I’m sure those guys are tired from the trip and want to get to bed early.”

“I’ll only stay out there an hour, okay?” He reaches over and his hand skims my face, his thumb gently rubbing my cheek.

I nod.

He kisses my forehead. “I love you.”

I smile. “I know.”

“I swear, you guys are way too in love,” Harper says as she sets our sodas on the table.

Garret keeps his eyes on mine, and slowly lowers his hand. I nod again, letting him know I’m okay. He stands up, putting his chair back in its place.

“I leave Jade alone for one second and you’re already over here kissing her,” Harper says to Garret. “You two are just like my parents. Always kissing each other, touching each other.”

“Ready to get out there?” Sean appears in his wetsuit.

Garret looks surprised. “Oh, I didn’t know we were going right this minute. Let me change quick. I’ll be right out.” He heads back to our place.

Sean gives Harper a kiss that makes me turn my head. He usually just gives her a peck on the mouth but this is a longer, more intimate kiss.

They finally break apart.

“We won’t be long,” Sean says, taking off toward the beach.

“Have fun!” She waves goodbye.

“So how was the trip?” I ask her.

“Amazing,” she says dreamily. “San Francisco is so romantic. I feel like Sean and I totally reconnected. I feel so much better about our relationship now.”

“That’s great! See? You two just needed to get away for a few days without Garret and me bugging you.”

“Don’t be crazy. We love you guys.” She bobs her straw up and down in her soda. “But it was good to get away from Sean’s work and the wedding stuff.”

“Wedding stuff? Harper, you should’ve said something. I would’ve helped out more. You always act like everything’s taken care of.”

“It is. Everything’s good. I didn’t mean to say that. I just stress myself out because I want your wedding to be perfect.”

“It doesn’t need to be perfect, so stop stressing about it. I’m the bride and I’m not stressing about it.” Actually, I’m a nervous wreck after what happened at lunch, but I can’t tell Harper that.

“Yeah. I know. Everything will be fine. Plus, my mom will be here to help with any last minute details so that’s good.”

“So your parents are coming here on Tuesday?”

---