Chapter 27
Harrison
“I think this is all going to work out perfectly,” Braxton says, dropping a hand on my shoulder. “I know this has been a lot to take on. But you’ve really come through for us. The timing to complete these projects is going to be challenging, but we believe the word of mouth will spread like wildfire on social media once they open, and we’d love to have coming soon plans posted for other locations so we don’t lose out on the momentum.”
Ah. It makes a lot more sense now. I kept wondering why they were in such a hurry. I mean, wouldn’t they want to test drive the first one before they sink a ton of money into additional restaurants? But I admit, I have little knowledge on the power of social media. Especially when it comes to business.
I don’t have a ton of downtime. When I do, I typically catch up with my brother, Charlene, or spend the evening with Mom. Not on social media apps. I’m definitely not the average thirty-one-year-old. I’d prefer hanging out with my mom, even if it’s just a walk on the beach or quietly sharing the same space while I read a book.
It’s become more and more evident my days with her are numbered. The thought of a future without her is daunting. She’s my only true connection to family besides Matthew. And he hightailed it out of here so fast after he turned eighteen, you would’ve thought he was running from the law.
“Thanks for staying over tonight so we could review the plans. I know you typically like to head out on Friday evenings, but I couldn’t make it back here until late. My granddaughter was graduating from her preschool program today in preparation for kindergarten, and I didn’t want to miss it.”
This makes me smile. Braxton is a good man. He seems to have his priorities straight. “Family is the most important thing in the world. I get it. I would’ve done the same.”
Braxton grins. “I’m certain you would. I’m surprised I’ve never asked before. Guess we’re always too busy talking shop. Are you married? Have any kids of your own?”
“No, sir. I’ve had my hands so full with the business and my mother, there hasn’t been much time for anything else.”
“Harrison, I think what you’re doing is commendable. But don’t let your focus be so tied to work and your mother that you forget to build a life for yourself.”
I run my palm down my face, the acknowledgment almost too painful to admit. “Yeah. I’m starting to see that more clearly. I’m not complaining. I’m thrilled my business is thriving at my age. But the only downtime I have to manage it better is spent getting back and forth to my mother.”
“Do you date?”
“Not a lot. I used to, but I’m afraid I’m not focused on the same things they are. My life is too complicated for afterhours socializing, parties, and traveling.” My face falls when I think of Harlow. She never pressured me for any of those things. Just the opposite. She was fine spending the day at the beach or the ballfield. All of the things I loved. And she blended in with Mom and Joyce like she’d always been there. How had I screwed this up so badly. “There was one girl… but, I think I’ve let her down enough there’s little chance of winning her back.”
“I doubt that. I made a terrible decision when I was your age. I’d been dating the love of my life for years during college. We’d both planned to get married after we graduated. I was going to go to graduate school, and she was planning to start her own baking business. Then during an internship I’d accepted, I was given the opportunity to study abroad.”
“Uh oh.”
“Yeah. Uh oh is right. I couldn’t see past my good fortune. I knew she’d drop everything to go with me. It was a two-year commitment. What’s two years?”
“But she didn’t.”
“Nope. I was crushed.”
“Not crushed enough to stay, though, right?”
“Right. I called, messaged, wrote postcards, letters, emails. But I taught her what my priorities were. And she was confident enough to walk away.”
I lean back in my chair, scratching the back of my neck as I gaze out the large office window. Are the dark clouds an omen of where this story is going? “If this is supposed to be a confidence booster that it’s not too late with Harlow, you need to stick with your day job. Because motivational speaking is probably not your gig.”
Braxton chuckles. “You’re probably right. But I thought all hope was lost too. I spoke with my fellowship director at the London office, explained my situation, and made a trip back home. At first, she didn’t want to see me. I was worried she may have moved on and started dating someone else. But I finally wore her down and explained what a big mistake I’d made. That if I needed to resign from the fellowship, I would.”
“Please tell me you’re married to her now. Because I’m not sure I’ll ever attempt dating again if you tell me otherwise.”
Braxton lifted his left hand, wiggling the platinum band. “What I’m so poorly trying to say, is that it takes communication. If you finally find someone that matters, even if things are complicated, communicate with one another. I bet she’ll stick by you if she knows how much you care about her and want to make her a priority. Even if there isn’t much room in your life. A good woman will stand by you. If you treat her like an equal.”
Hope fills my chest. It’s so alien after the hollow ache I’ve felt for so long. Maybe he’s right, and it’s not too late.
God. I fucking miss her.
“Thanks, Braxton. Maybe I was wrong. You might have a little more Tony Robbins in you after all.”
We stand to head out for the night and shake hands. “Safe travels back home tomorrow. I hope the weather doesn’t cause you any trouble.”
“What do you mean?”
“Haven’t you heard? There’s a storm headed this way. The last I saw the news the direction had shifted slightly.” I notice the slightest telltale grimace. It’s clear he’s trying to suppress it, but I’ve spent enough time with him lately to catch it.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“I think the impact is more likely to hit The Keys than Miami. But you know how off those trackers can be.”
Off or not, I better get Gavin on the horn and see if we can get the flight moved up. I’m not feeling good about this all of a sudden.
9:42 p.m.
Harrison
I miss you.
There. I did it. I’d gone back and forth all night about how to approach Harlow after Braxton’s motivational speech. He’s right. I don’t know whether it was purely having too much on my plate, or fear that’s prevented me from going all in with her. But I want to plead my case in person. This is a doorway, if you will. Hopefully, she’ll respond, and I can ask to speak with her.
Because if she’s moved on and doesn’t want to talk to me again, I think I’d rather she message me than have to hear it loud and clear.
There was no doubt we were perfect together. The physical chemistry was nothing on how I felt just spending time with her. Hell, I’d given myself heat stroke just for a glimpse of her. And that was before I discovered what an incredible woman she was. She’d been raising those boys, essentially on her own, based on the conversations we’d had about her exes. And after meeting them firsthand, they seemed liked decent guys, but still had a long way to go in the dad department. But given mine had chosen to walk away, I think I’ve been more forgiving than most. Hell, I gave them credit for simply sticking around.
Yet there’s no doubt who does all of the heavy lifting with raising them. Not to mention juggling working full time and her job with the National Guard. She’d said her mother helped. Their situation seemed a lot like mine had been growing up. I hope those boys realize how incredible she is.
Jeez, there’s that ache again. Maybe I should stay away from spicy food. I didn’t even have any alcohol with dinner.
Staring back down at my phone, I check the messages again. Like I’m willing her to answer me. It took me weeks to reach out to her. It’s not like she’s going to answer me right away. The night she arrived at my house with pizzas and two boys in tow, I knew she hadn’t had plans that night when I asked her for a non-date. She was showing me how rude I’d been, thinking I could call her, expecting she’d drop everything for me. Hell, I think I fell a little harder for her because of it.
Bzzz. Bzzz.
Yes! But as I peer down at the screen, it’s not Harlow messaging me back, but Gavin calling.
“Hello?”
“Harrison, I know you’ve been patient, but I just don’t think there’s any way we can head in that direction. It’s too risky. I filed the flight plan, but they aren’t allowing anything in or out of that little airport right now. I’m sorry, man.”
Dammit. If I’d only left hours ago when Braxton first gave me the heads up about this storm. Normally, I’m so good about staying up to date on the weather, but I haven’t been able to get my head clear enough to stay focused lately. “It’s not your fault, Gavin. You have to do what’s safe and sound here. I’m only anxious to get back. I guess I’ll give the car rental company the heads up I’m going to be driving home.”
“Hell, Harry. Be careful. That’s not going to be an easy commute. I’m sure the wind and rain are going to make it tough, especially if you’re driving back in the dark.”
Hadn’t really even thought about that. Just the fact I don’t want to get trapped here and not be able to get home. We have a generator, but it doesn’t power the whole house. And we haven’t lost power long enough to see what impact that might have on Mom.
Pacing about the room, I grapple with whether I should attempt to get some shuteye before I go. I rose with the sun this morning. While I might be fueled by adrenalin right now, I’m not ignorant of how storms affect the roads in southern Florida. I could be sitting in traffic for hours and don’t want to fall asleep at the wheel.
Deciding to give Joyce a call to ease my mind enough so I might be able to get a hot shower and a few hours of sleep, I grab the phone and dial her number. Placing the phone down onto the nightstand, I set the speakerphone on, plug it into the charger, and set my alarm for 3:00 a.m. That should give me four solid hours of sleep after my shower. Hopefully, I’ll make it there before Mom and Joyce are up.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Joyce. I’m sorry to call so late, but I heard about the storm heading toward Candy Cane Key and wanted to check on you guys.”
“Oh, we’re fine. Just a little wind and rain, but nothing we aren’t used to here.”
I can feel my shoulders drop, both at the reassuring news and her ever calming tone. “I’m afraid air traffic control doesn’t agree with you. I wanted to fly out tonight to beat the storm, but the pilot said everything is on lockdown. So, I’m going to drive back. I should be there early tomorrow.”
“Okay, Harry. Whatever you think is best. Just be careful, son.”
“I will. How’s she doing?”
“She seemed really tired today. Didn’t feel much like eating and wasn’t interested in getting up.”
“Was she in pain?”
“I don’t think so. It’s been weeks since she’s needed pain killers. If it keeps up, I might take her to the doctor and make sure there isn’t anything going on. But it’s hard to tell. She seems to have these days so often. Then the next she’s up, following me from room to room like a duckling.” She laughs.
“Okay. Well, thanks for taking such good care of her. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Harrison.”
I head for the shower, worry beginning to course through my veins. I need to let this go. There’s nothing I can do this far away. Hell, Joyce is there with her, and she’s more capable than I am. It’s merely the nature of the beast when they can’t communicate if they’re okay.
Deciding to focus on something else so I can relax enough to get a few hours of sleep, I picture the one thing that I know will work. I move under the steamy spray, picture Harlow in those mesh panties, and soap up my rapidly growing dick.
Rolling over, I stretch my arms overhead. I’m feeling remarkably alert for only a few hours’ sleep. Reaching for my phone, I pat the nightstand and come up empty.
What the hell?
The room is still pitch black, so I feel around for the lamp and flick the switch. As my eyes adjust to the light, I notice my phone on the floor. Bringing it to my lap, I discover it’s dead. Jeez. Had I knocked it off in my sleep? Or when I got into bed? I admit that shower did the trick. I fell asleep faster than I expected.
Turning to the other nightstand, the red digital alarm clock reads 5:05. Holy shit. No wonder I feel alert. I often get up earlier than this at home to get to the job site on time. When, I got to the job site on time, I should say. When I was there waiting for Harlow.
No time to think about that now. Hell, I’ll probably be in the car for the next five hours. I can think about it then.
Rushing about the room, I gather up my things. I’d packed what I needed last night so I could head out the door quickly. At 3:00 a.m., you moron. Throwing on some clothes, I reach for my phone and mutter to myself. “I can charge it in the car at least.”
As I head out, I’m tempted to grab coffee in the lobby, but it appears that service hasn’t begun yet. No bother. I’m sure I’ll have to stop for gas at some point. I’ll get a cup then.
The sliding doors open, and I practically hear the rain before I see it. I’d almost forgotten that’s why I’m driving back instead of taking a plane. I shield my face as the wind occasionally thrusts the downpour almost perpendicular. The sting of the harsh pellets washing away any remaining drowsiness.
Dropping into the driver’s seat, I toss my overnight bag into the back and start the engine. Hell, I may have to stop sooner than I planned. The gas register notes it’s barely reaching a quarter of a tank. Retrieving my phone and charger, I plug them into the dash and start the trek south.
I search for a news channel as I drive, but the announcer’s voice is nearly drowned out by the torrential downpour and the wipers sloshing fast enough to see a few feet in front of me.
Hell, this is going to be a long drive.
About forty-five minutes later, I pull into a gas station to fuel up. While I could’ve driven further, it’s apparent the phone either suffered a terminal blow when it hit the floor, or the charger did, as it’s refusing to power up. The first station I stopped at had gas, but no electronics. So, I kept driving. I hate the thought of being out in this mess without some mode of communication. At least Joyce knows I’m headed their direction.
Thankfully, the next fuel station I find is similar to Salty Jo’s. It may not look like much, but it has gas, charging cables, and hot coffee. I don’t even care if the coffee tastes as bad as Jo’s.
Moments later, I’m back on the Florida Scenic Highway south, relieved when I see the little white apple light up my screen. “Thank you, Jesus.” That’s one less thing to worry about. Now if I could only make it over forty miles per hour. But this wind and rain are only getting worse with time. And as much as I want to be there already, crashing this car would solve nothing. I need to focus on something else.
Keeping my eyes trained on the road ahead of me, my mind wanders back to my text to Harlow last night. Had she seen it? Hell, I haven’t checked since my phone’s been down. Had she replied? There’s no use looking now. It’s too dangerous. Not to mention, the last thing I need riding in the passenger seat is the regret I’d feel if she responded that my meager attempt was too little, too late.
Hours later, I pull into the drive and drop my head against the steering wheel. It’s almost noon. A drive I can usually do in under four hours took nearly twice as long. I can’t wait to get inside, take a long, hot shower, and get a nap.
It isn’t until I try to open the garage door, I realize something isn’t right. Reaching into the back seat for my bag, I exit and make a mad dash for the front door, keys in hand. It appears the power is out, as I can hear the generator humming in the distance. We don’t use it often, but it was a great investment for when we do need it. If nothing else, for peace of mind.
Dropping my bag by the door, I shake my head and walk into the den. As I approach, I notice Joyce is leaning on the kitchen island.
“Hey, I’m here. You okay?” I forget Joyce isn’t a spring chicken. She’s likely got ten years on Mom.
As she turns to look at me, my heart starts to race.
Hell, is she having a heart attack?
“What’s going on? Do I need to call some—?”
“She’s gone, Harry.”
My steps halt, trying to change gears at her words, bile rising to my throat. “Have you called the police?” I try to remain calm. This isn’t the first time this has happened. I’d nearly forgotten that. Matt had come to stay, not realizing just how bad things had gotten with Mom’s cognition. He’d fallen asleep and assumed she was tucked away in her bed, only to find her missing the following morning.
We were very fortunate that day. Joyce managed to find her not too far away from home. But it illuminated the potential safety risks of keeping her here. We came up with as many security measures as we could find to keep it from happening again. And between the alarm on her bed, which signaled if she got up, and the security system in place on the house, we could breathe a sigh of relief.
Yet, I’d never considered whether either of those received power from the generator. And Mom has never been a fan of Florida’s storms, even when she was clear minded.
“How long has she been missing?” I don’t blame Joyce for not going out in this weather to look for her. But is someone out there trying to find her? The blood is starting to pulse in my ears so loudly, I can barely make out her next words.
“No, Harrison. Honey, your mother isn’t lost.” The tears I hadn’t noticed in her eyes moments ago begin to trickle down her face, and I just know.
From this day forward, my life will never be the same.
The tattered look about this otherwise polished woman now makes sense. Darting to Mom’s bedroom, I barely make it five steps before I hear her behind me.
“She’s not there.”
My knees buckle, and I grab ahold of the wall, attempting to ease myself to the floor. “What do you mean? Where is she?” I cry out. She can’t be gone. She just can’t.
“Harry, we tried to call you. First, the calls went to voicemail. Then we lost cell service here, and we couldn’t call out at all.”
I’m trying to wrap my head around this. Nothing makes sense. There’s no way this is really happening. And here I was worried about this storm.
Had this been what Jo meant when he said a storm’s a coming? Why hadn’t I checked my phone? Shit. That would’ve been worse.
“I don’t understand. If you didn’t have cell service, how did you call anyone? How is she not here?”
Joyce slowly walks over to where I’m crouched on the floor and lowers herself down beside me. “I can’t explain it, Harrison. But I had a feeling something was wrong and woke up at about 4:00. When I checked on her, she was already gone. She wasn’t breathing.” She lets out a sniffle, then a forceable inhale, before pushing on with her story. “Her skin was cold. I knew she was gone, but I wanted to assure you I’d done all I could, so I called 911. We still had power at that point. They arrived and confirmed there was nothing more that could be done. The paramedics said they suspected she may have died from a blood clot, due to her appearance. But there was no way to know for sure.”
She drops her hand over mine, takes an audibly shaky inhale, and continues. “I debated whether to call you, given you were driving here. I called a few times before we lost cell service, telling myself you’d want to know. But there was no answer. Tom had noticed the ambulance in the drive and came by for a while. Until… well, I’ve only been alone here for a few hours.”
I look up at this saint of a woman, my heart breaking for her as well as myself. There was nothing more she could’ve done. And it’s probably best I wasn’t driving with this news in my head. I can barely breathe sitting here on the floor. How would I have managed a vehicle?
“Where is she?”
“I think she’s with the medical examiner.”
I nod, still too in shock to carry on a reasonable conversation. “Does Matt know?”
“No. Harrison, I didn’t feel it was right anyone else knew until you arrived. I’m happy to call him, so you don’t have to do it. But I needed to tell you first.”
My water logged eyes connect with hers, and a torrent of tears fall. Joyce pulls me to her side, and I lose myself for countless moments. I know she’s been paid to be here, but she’s the closest thing to family I have left now. And soon, there will be no reason for her to stay. I knew this day would eventually come. I just wasn’t ready.
I’m all alone. My one tie to family gone. Matthew has Ellie. I have no one. How does anyone move on from this?