Page 96 of Sins of the Father

“They shouldn’t be saying anything about him and should be ashamed of themselves.”

“Yeah, they should, which is why he’s probably so infatuated. You have class and would never hurt him like that. He’s dated some real witches.”

Silence.

Anna fastens Hope’s onesie and sets her on her belly. “So, are you going to make him feel like crap for saving your ass?”

“What?”

“A nice thank you, maybe with a blowjob would be a better way to express your gratitude.”

“Anna!” I swat her arm. “Hope’s ears are in front of you.”

“Please. I’m sure she’s heard a lot more from you two the past few days.”

Heat burns in my face. I look at the ground, and my phone is lit up with messages. Steven sent three within the last hour.

I tap his name. “Sorry I’m late. Here’s my selfie.” A picture of him making a silly face pops up. I laugh. The next message reads, “Kiss Hope for me, and I’ll text you later about dinner tonight. Btw, you’re allowed to be human, too. XOXO.”

“What are you laughing at?” Anna asks.

“Nothing,” I mumble.

She picks up the diamond earrings and holds them out. “Put them back in your ears, where they belong.”

I blink hard, staring at them. They are the only material thing I have that I value. And it isn’t because of their worth. Wearing them makes me feel like my grandmother is still with me. She was a strong woman, and I always feel like she gives me courage when I need it.

You’re allowed to be human, too,she used to tell me all the time.

And now Steven said it, too.

I take the earrings and put them on.

“Feel more like yourself now?” Anna asks.

I take a deep breath. “Yeah.”

She smiles. “Good. Are you going to mess up whatever mojo you have going on with Mr. Stud or do the right thing and be gracious?”

Silence.

“He doesn’t deserve any backlash from your ego over this, Harper.”

She’s right.

I pull out the card Shira gave me. Her cell is on it. I text her, “It’s Harper. Thanks for delivering the package. Is Steven in meetings all day, or is there any break between them?”

“He has an open slot between one thirty and two.”

“Great. Can you keep it open for me but don’t tell him I’m coming? I just need to talk to him.”

“Sure. Do I need to push his two back?”

“No. Don’t do that. The half-hour slot is fine, but can you hold his calls and make sure we aren’t interrupted? I have something important I need to discuss.”

“Done.”

“Thanks.”

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