Page 31 of Wynns of Change
Harlow was already mentally preparing for a battle somewhere along the line. The fact he would still manage her career lingered in the back of her mind. It was going to be one very long year. Would he try sabotaging her career by making bad deals?
She immediately dismissed the idea. Robert might be tempted to try to harm her, but he was no dummy. Making a bad deal would affect the bottom line for him, and her soon-to-be-ex was all about the money.
Harlow called it a night and headed to her room. Despite being tuckered out, she tossed and turned. Mort, who was in his usual spot next to her bed, finally got up and planted his chin on the side of the mattress, his way of checking to make sure she was all right.
“I’m sorry if I’m keeping you awake too.” She patted his head. “I’m not looking forward to seeing Robert tomorrow. I hate to admit it, but I’m getting an uneasy feeling something is up.”
Mort flopped his paw on her arm.
“Don’t worry. It’s going to be okay.”
The pup settled down while she flipped over on her back, staring sightlessly at the ceiling. “One day at a time, Harlow. All you need to focus on is taking it one day at a time.”
*****
Harlow rolled out of bed early the next morning and stumbled to the bathroom to splash cold water on her face. She stood at the sink, peering at her reflection in the mirror, noticing the dark circles under her eyes. “I guess staying awake half the night didn’t help things,” she sighed.
After showering, she felt more like herself, ready to face the day…ready to face Robert.
She wandered into the kitchen, only to find it quiet and empty. Her father had left a note on the counter, letting her know he was down by the harbor working on his fishing boat. “I’m surprised you didn’t go with Dad to work on the fishing boat,” she told Mort.
The pup’s ears perked up at the word “fish.”
“Maybe we should check on him.” Harlow grabbed a banana and a handful of treats for her faithful companion before filling her travel mug with coffee and heading out.
Despite the early hour, dark clouds gathered overhead. Harlow had checked the forecast, something she was once again getting into the habit of. She’d never worried about it before, but back in Michigan, the weather could turn on a dime. During the changing seasons, it wasn’t uncommon to see snow, sunshine, wind and rain all in the same day.
They made a beeline for the bay first. Aunt Birdie was home. She must’ve seen Harlow coming because she called her name and dashed out.
“How did it go last night?” Harlow asked.
“How did what go?”
“Did you tell Dad about buying Petoskey Point?”
“Oh. That. Yes, I did.”
“And? Was he happy?”
“I’m not sure I would describe him as jumping for joy. It was more like…” Her aunt tipped her hand back and forth. “I think he’s on the fence.”
“Don’t let him fool you. A hundred bucks says he’s more excited than he’s letting on.” Harlow told her about Lighthouse Lane.
“You like it?”
“It would be perfect,” Harlow beamed. “I don’t want to get too excited. A whole lot of issues need to be wrapped up before I do anything.”
“True. So, I guess this means you’re not interested in me splitting off a chunk of land for you to build a home.”
“No, but I appreciate the offer. The good news is, if I buy the property, I’ll only be a hop, skip and a jump away from you.”
“True. Have you told your father?”
“No. I don’t want to get his hopes up.”
Aunt Birdie placed her hands on her hips. “I can guarantee one thing. He’ll be a lot more excited about you moving here.”
Harlow playfully nudged her. “That’s not true. Dad loves you as much as he does me. Speaking of Dad, have you seen him this morning?”
