Page 28 of Bridge to Home

“It feels so weird,” Harlow whispered back. “I can’t remember the last time I was out in public without bodyguards.”

“This is Northern Michigan, not Malibu,” David said. “Now, isn’t this much better than being followed and harassed?”

“One hundred percent.”

A server approached their table, glasses of water in hand. “Welcome to Bridge View Café.” She rattled off the specials while Harlow, with her head down, perused the menu.

Her stomach grumbled. Everything sounded good. Although it was still technically breakfast, the restaurant, decorated more like a diner than a café, offered everything on the menu no matter what the hour.

Homemade chicken noodle soup, omelets, even big juicy cheeseburgers, something Robert would never allow her to eat because she was constantly counting calories.

In fact, not a day went by when she wasn’t counting calories. Which meant, in honor of her absent husband, she was going to eat whatever she wanted. “I’ll have the quarter pound burger with two slices of sharp cheddar cheese and a side of onion rings.”

“Got it. What about drinks?”

“Vernors ginger ale.” Robert would be throwing a fit if he was there. Greasy cheeseburger with equally greasy onion rings and a sugary soda to wash it all down? The thought of how he would disapprove made her smile.

“I’m in the mood for lunch, too. I’ll have what she’s having. Your onion rings are the best.” Eryn smacked her lips.

“World famous, or at least Michigan famous.”

David placed his order and waited for the server to walk away. “When’s the last time you had a hamburger, Harlow?”

She thought about it. “It’s been so long I can’t remember. Robert is constantly reminding me to count my calories.” She patted her stomach. “I’m always…alwayswatching my weight.”

Her father muttered something unpleasant about her husband under his breath and began talking about something else.

The food arrived hot and fresh. While they ate and chatted, Harlow could feel herself relax. She removed her ball cap and set it in her lap, freeing her ponytail and running her fingers through her hair. It felt odd eating a meal without people staring at her, whispering as they walked by,furtively snapping photos with their cell phones when they thought she wasn’t looking.

Had she been in Malibu, Harlow would need two security guards with her. Fans had tried scaling their privacy fence. Reporters climbed the trees outside their property. Using high-powered camera lenses, they snapped photos of the couple and then sold them to unscrupulous tabloids for ridiculous sums of money.

The leisurely lunch ended and Harlow discovered she’d devoured every single bite of her burger. “This is the best meal I’ve had in a long time.”

“Me too,” Eryn said. “Those onion rings are the bomb.”

“The fish and chips weren’t too shabby, either.” David reached for the check. Harlow quickly snatched it off the table. “Nope. My treat.”

The server returned to collect the payment and did a double take. Harlow knew the exact momentthe woman recognized her…when she nearly dropped the stack of dishes she was holding. Her jaw dropped. “I…”

Harlow held a finger to her lips. “Shhh.”

The woman silently nodded. She ran to the back and returned with two more employees. They huddled off to the side, watching as their server dropped Harlow’s credit card and receipt off.

“I-I’m sorry, Ms. Wynn, but I…me and my friends—we were wondering if we could get your autograph and maybe a picture with you,” the woman stammered.

Harlow smiled. “Of course.” Slipping back into “movie star mode,” she motioned for the other two to join them.

Eryn snapped a few photos with their cell phones. Afterwards, Harlow signed a trio of paper dinner napkins.

“Thank you.” The server pressed the napkin to her chest. “You are as sweet and nice as you are inthe movies. I heard you were in town, but never in my wildest dreams did I think you would show up here.”

“You’re welcome.” Harlow reached for her ball cap and placed it back on top of her head.

“Perhaps we’ll see you around again.”

Her father shoved his chair back and hurried around the table, quickly helping his daughter into her wheelchair. “I already called for the car.” They still had time to escape before the diners inside the small café realized who she was. “I see it pulling up now.”

Eryn gathered up their things and began making her way toward the exit. She abruptly stopped in her tracks. “It’s too late.”

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