Epilogue- With You
Ch. 4: Epilogue- With You
The next night the family showed up for Jane’s book reading for her first published novel. John had gone all out to make it a success and it was. People were paying attention and buying Jane’s book left and right. The New York Times were already predicting it to be a best seller and although only the first book was out, people were anxious for a sequel.
After the book signing, the family made their way to the movie theater for a late showing of “It’s A Wonderful Life”.
*****
The following night was spent in town, hanging out at a bar. Late into the night, Harper was struggling to get her keys out of her purse. She reminded herself next time she would place them in her pockets if she had any. Abby was in the restroom, so Harper offered to bring the car around. As she pushed open the door from the bar, she stumbled into someone and the two apologized.
Harper looked up and her eyes widened, “Connor,” she said.
“Harper,” Connor said just as surprised to see her as she was of him.
Connor moved back so that Harper could exit the building. The situation was slightly awkward for the both of them.
“Wow,” said Connor, finally breaking the silence. “It’s been what…”
“A year, yeah.”
“Right since the Christmas party last year,” Connor said.
Harper cringed at the memory which she wanted to forget. She had not seen or talked to Connor or any of her other friends since that night. She didn’t feel ready to make up or explain the situation, her life, to them knowing how they were. Maybe they had changed, but Harper was still too scared to find out. Abby understood to some degree and never pushed it.
Connor placed his hands in his pockets. “So how’ve you been?” he said trying to get some form of small talk going.
“Good.” Harper raised her hand. “Just got engaged actually.”
“Engaged, wow. Congratulations. Who’s the lucky guy…” Connor shook his head, “Or girl...woman...sorry. Are you still with…are you still…”
“Still with, Abby, yeah.”
“That’s great.” Connor sighed, “I’m sorry, this is just very awkward and I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t, I’m the one who should apologize. I should have told you the truth a long time ago and I know I should have reached out since that night. I just didn’t know what to say. It was just so complicated, but I’m working through it now. Things are getting better.”
“Looks like it, I mean you’re engaged. And you’re happy, now, right?”
Harper smiled. “I am.”
“Guess that’s what matters.”
“What about you?”
“Me, I’m good. Just busy with work, the usual, you know.”
“Right.”
The two of them stood in an awkward silence for a moment. “Well,” said Connor, “I should probably…” he said as he motioned to the door.
“Right, me too. It was good seeing you, Connor.”
“You too, Harper,” he said. Connor simply nodded to Harper before heading inside.
Once he was gone Harper took a deep breath. Another minute later Abby walked out.
“I saw Connor inside,” Abby said, figuring he was the reason why Harper was waiting outside instead of getting the car like she said she would do. “You okay?”
Harper smiled and held Abby by the waist. “I am now.” Harper leaned down and placed a kiss on Abby’s lips to Abby’s surprise.
“Won’t Connor or someone else you know see?” Abby asked when they pulled apart.
Harper smiled again. “I don’t care. I’m with you, that’s all that matters,” she said as she leaned down for another kiss.
When they pulled apart Abby teased, “You should run into Connor more often.”
Harper laughed, “Shut up,” she said as she wrapped her arm around Abby’s waist, the two of them walking together to the car where they would then make their way back to the Caldwell house and call it a night.