Sold on Love, page 10
Wait. Why was she sighing? Not over Rusty, that was for sure. She was tired, overworked, and unnerved by Brielle. Oh, and she had to call her mother now. All those things would make anyone let out a heavy-laden sigh.
But that wasn’t the way she’d sighed. And the more she thought about Rusty, the more the warm feeling she’d experienced touching his hand spread to the rest of her.
She drove home, still thinking about Rusty—or more accurately, thinking about how he’d made her feel. As soon as she walked inside the house, her phone rang.
Couldn’t she have a few moments to savor whatever this was she was savoring? Of course not. Grabbing her cell, she barely looked at the screen as she answered it, knowing it had to be Madge again. “Hello?” she snapped.
“Harper? Are you, like, okay?”
“Oh, sorry, Cammi.” She cringed, regretting that she’d snapped at the head of the ALS gala volunteer committee. “I, uh, thought you were someone else.”
“I know it’s weird for me to call you in the evening. Can you talk for a minute?”
“Sure.” She slipped off her shoes and walked over to the living room. She really didn’t want to deal with Cammi right now, but she didn’t want to be rude and put her off. “What’s up?”
“Well, I don’t mean to sound, you know, mean. But we’ve noticed you’ve missed the last three planning meetings for the ALS gala.”
Harper cringed again. The gala had slipped her mind. “I know, and I’m sorry. I promise I’ll be there for the next one. I’ve been so busy.”
“Tell me about it. Like, I can barely keep my head above water right now. You wouldn’t believe how crazy my schedule has been. Brooksy and I haven’t had any time alone lately.”
Harper rolled her eyes, picturing Cammi running her fingers through a lock of her straight brown hair as she complained about being busy as if she had an actual job. Her husband, Brooks, was a partner in his dad’s firm in Hot Springs and made an obnoxious amount of money.
Cammi kept talking. “But we have our yearly trip to Aspen next month, so we’ll get our, you know, alone time.”
Harper put her feet up on the coffee table. “Are you staying at his parents’ condo?”
“No. We bought one last year when we were there. Like I said to Brooksy, we might as well have our own. It’s right next door to that actor who’s in all those, like, superhero movies.”
That narrowed it down to more than a dozen. “That’s awesome, Cammi. I’m sure you and Brooksy, er, Brooks, will enjoy your time there.”
“We always do. Anyway, I need to talk to you about, you know, the bachelor auction.”
She sat up. “We’re doing one this year?”
“Uh, yeah? We decided on it, like, meeting before last. Since then, we found all the bachelors. But one of them dropped out. Could you find a replacement?”
“Um . . .” When was she going to find time to do that?
“All of us on the committee figured you’d want to pitch in somehow.”
Harper didn’t miss the edge in Cammi’s breezy tone. And Cammi was right, she hadn’t been as involved in the ALS gala as she’d been in the past. “Sure. I’m happy to find someone.”
“Awesome!” Cammi said. “Can you let us know, like, asap when you find him? We want to advertise who’s in the auction.”
“Of course. I’ll get right on that.”
“Thanks, Harper. I knew we could count on you. I told everyone else that whoever you found would be, like, super hot.”
“No pressure, then,” she muttered.
“See ya next meeting.” Cammi hung up.
Harper stared at her phone. Great, not only did she have to find a single guy, but he had to be super hot. She glanced through her phone contacts. There was Dylan, her med student friend who had bartended her business cocktail party last year. She grinned, remembering how she had planned to set Anita up with him, only to see that she and Tanner were totally into each other but acting like they weren’t. Dylan was good looking and unattached, but he was also in his last year of residency, and she didn’t want to interrupt that.
Then she thought of Kingston, who would definitely meet Cammi’s standards. She found his number and called him even though there was a fifty-fifty chance of him picking up. He might be the only person who was busier than she was.
“Hey, Harper,” he said when he answered.
“Oh good, I caught you. I have a favor to ask. Remember that ALS gala we went to a couple years ago?” she asked, then explained the bachelor auction. “Could I interest you in going up for bidding?”
“Normally, yes, especially for a good cause.”
“Perfect. I can give you the details—”
“But I have to say no this time.”
“What? Why?”
“I’m going to a pediatric conference that’s been on my calendar for a year. I can’t miss this one. It only meets every four years.”
Well, that was disappointing, but she understood. “No problem, then. Do you have anybody in mind that I could ask? They need to be single,” she added, leaving off the word hot. Who was hot and who was not was a matter of personal perception. Besides, the important thing was that the bachelors were nice and trustworthy.
“Not off the top of my head,” he said. “But if someone comes to mind, I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks. I guess the hunt is still on.”
“Good luck,” he said, then hung up.
She looked back through her contacts again. Most of the names she didn’t recognize right away since they were former clients. She really needed to clean up her list. Then she saw Rusty’s name . . . and paused.
Rusty. Hmm. She tapped her phone against her chin. He was single. He was nice and trustworthy. Was he hot? Eh. Maybe not right now. But could he be?
She sat up and called his number. After two rings he answered. “Hi, Harper. Long time no hear.”
She grinned at the corny joke. “Hey, I know we just saw each other, but an opportunity has come up.”
“Oh? Did you talk to Brielle already?”
“Um, no. This is something completely different. How would you like to be auctioned off for charity?”
Silence. “Uh, what?”
“There’s an ALS gala in two weeks.” She gave him the same spiel she’d given Kingston. “I think you’d be perfect.”
“I don’t know,” he said, speaking even slower than he normally did. “That gala sounds mighty fancy. I don’t fit in with fancy so well.”
She began to tell him it wasn’t that fancy, but that would be a lie. The event was black tie, and while the bachelors didn’t have to wear tuxedos, they at least had to wear suits. Did he even own a suit? Or a tie? She suspected he didn’t have either.
Then she had another idea. “If you agree to being in the auction, I’ll make sure you fit in.”
“How?”
“You’ll have to trust me.”
Another long silence. “All right,” he said. “I trust you, so I’ll do it.”
Harper sat back on the couch, smiling so much her mouth almost hurt. This was going to be great. Not only had she fulfilled her obligation to the planning committee in record time, but she’d also have a chance to do something she loved—giving makeovers. She’d already made over Riley for her first date with Hayden, and Anita when she helped cater her party. Now she would make Rusty look so good every woman in the room would bid on him . . . with the exception of her. No time and no money. And the idea of bidding on Rusty was absurd. She didn’t date her clients, not even for charity.
“Harper? You still there?”
“Yes.”
“I hope I’m doin’ the right thing.”
She smiled again. “You are, Rusty. I promise, you are.”
* * *
Madge sat on her couch and stared at her phone, willing Harper to call her. It had been three hours since she’d talked to her, and she should have known better than to expect her to follow through. She got the message loud and clear: she was no longer part of her daughter’s life.
She looked around the pristine living room at the cold white-and-gray décor. Don was a minimalist, and therefore Madge had been, too, with the exception of their vacation house on Lake Hamilton. Don had been so busy with work—and other things, she now knew—that he hadn’t been available to give his input on the interior design. She didn’t go wild with color, but she’d made sure that home was cozy and inviting, with a mix of textures, warm colors, and plenty of natural materials like wood and granite. After the house was finished, she’d always felt more at home there than here. But Don’s work always took precedence before any leisure, and she hadn’t wanted to spend weekends alone at what was supposed to be a family getaway.
Her heart squeezed in her chest, but she ignored the pain and reached for her phone. Just as she was about to set the device to Do Not Disturb, her landline rang. She jumped, the ring unfamiliar to her. Years ago Don had insisted on keeping the landline in case of emergency, and she rarely received calls from that number. She should ignore it, figuring the call was spam. But for some reason she answered. Out of boredom, or loneliness? Probably both.
“Hello?” she said.
“Is this Madge Wilson?”
She paused at the slick-sounding male voice speaking in her ear. Likely an insurance or warranty salesman, even though it was past nine on a Saturday night. Those cold callers didn’t respect boundaries.
“If it is, I’m looking for Harper,” he said, the words coming out in a rush.
She stilled. “Who is this?”
“My name is Jack Bell. I’m a . . . friend of Harper’s.”
Madge didn’t recognize his name right away. Then again, other than Riley, Anita, and Olivia, she didn’t know Harper’s friends. Wait. Jack Bell . . . “Did you and Harper used to date?”
“Yes,” he said, sounding relieved. “She, um, told you about me, then?”
“Once,” Madge said, realizing that she hadn’t heard Harper mention him after that initial time. Was that two years ago? Three? She couldn’t remember. Not only had Harper mentioned Jack that day, but Don had called Madge right before lunch and said he’d be gone for an extra five days after being gone for two weeks already. She’d been so angry with him for not coming home she was surprised she remembered anything Harper had said.
“I’ve been trying to reach her, but she’s not returning my calls.”
“How did you find me?” she said.
“Harper talked about you when we were dating. Madge isn’t all that common a name.” He paused. “You’re listed in the white pages on the internet.”
She sat up straight. “If my daughter isn’t returning your calls, I’m sure there’s good reason. And I don’t appreciate you looking up my information and calling me late on a Saturday night.”
“I’m sorry,” he said, his tone urgent. “I wouldn’t do this if it wasn’t important. Very important. I tried calling her office, but I didn’t get through. I don’t want to show up there unannounced. She’d probably throw me out. She’d have good reason to.”
Madge frowned. What had gone on between these two? Her protective instincts kicked in. “Don’t call this number again.” She unplugged the phone, then grabbed her cell and quickly dialed Harper’s number. It went straight to voice mail. No surprise there. “Harper, call me as soon as you get this message.” She clicked off the phone. Then her finger hovered over the screen. Should she call Don? She shook her head and shut down the cell in case Jack had somehow found this number too. She was used to handling things alone. As soon as she spoke with Harper, she’d tell her about Jack. But Don didn’t need to know. He didn’t deserve to know.
She stared at the phone again, second-guessing herself. But it didn’t last long. She tossed her cell on the acrylic table. Don had never been interested in being a husband, or a parent, before. It was too late for him to start now.
Chapter 9
“Well, lookee there, if it ain’t the bachelor of the year!”
Rusty rolled his eyes at Senior, then poured himself a bowl of cornflakes. He’d known he would regret telling his grandfather about agreeing to the ALS bachelor auction, and sure enough, he did. When Senior had arrived home Saturday night, it was past eleven, and he’d been so tired he’d gone straight to bed. On Sunday they had gone to church, and Rusty was a little disappointed not to see Harper there. She always sat on the opposite side of the sanctuary with her friends and their spouses. Funny how everyone at church had their unofficial official seats. Even Senior sat in the same spot he always had, in the back next to Jasper, while Rusty sat in his usual spot on the left side, sixth pew back next to Percy and Hank.
On the way home, Senior had asked about the house hunting. Rusty had filled him in, then let it slip about Harper’s request. Big mistake.
“For the last time, it’s just an auction. No ‘bachelor of the year’ stuff.” He added skim milk to the bowl, said a quick prayer of thanks for his breakfast, then proceeded to eat.
Senior filled a mug with Rusty’s Garage printed on the side with black coffee, then sat down opposite Rusty. “I’m just joshin’ ya, Rusty. No need to get so bent out of shape.”
“I’m not bent— Oh, forget it.” He shoveled a huge spoonful of the flakes into his mouth.
His grandfather picked up the mug and took a sip. “Good coffee. You always did make the best.”
“Thanks,” Rusty said, his voice muffled. He swallowed the cereal. “Are you coming to the shop today?”
“Of course. Can’t wait to jaw with my friends, you know.”
“Do you mind workin’ the desk? I’ve got a part comin’ in, and as soon as it arrives I need it.”
“Sure. What’s it for?”
“A Mercedes.” He kept his head down and quickly finished the rest of his breakfast.
Senior frowned. “We don’t work on foreign cars.”
He slurped down the remaining milk, then popped up from his seat. “This is an exception.”
“An exception?”
Rusty set the bowl in the sink and wiped off his mouth with the kitchen towel lying on the counter. “If you’re gonna go to work with me, you better get ready.”
Senior gestured to his red Rusty’s Garage shirt and jeans. “Ready whenever you are, boss.”
They were both quiet on the short ride to the garage. The auction was still on Rusty’s mind. He should have told Harper no. He had zero business or interest in being on stage or whatever and having women bid on him. He’d only said yes for two reasons: he was always happy to help out a charity, and Harper had sounded desperate. Still, he should have refused.
“Does this fancy ball need any more bachelors?” Senior asked as they turned into the garage lot.
“It’s not a ball. It’s a gala.”
“What’s the difference?”
Rusty shrugged. “No idea.” He glanced at his grandfather. “Do you know someone who can take my place?”
“No. But maybe they could auction off an older gentleman. You know, to liven things up.”
Rusty pulled into the space by the garage, put the truck in Park, then turned to his grandfather. “Are you talkin’ about Jasper?”
“Jasper?” Senior laughed. “If I volunteered him for something like that, I’d be drivin’ our fifty-year friendship right into the ditch.” He straightened in his seat and tugged on the collar of his work shirt. “I was referrin’ to myself.”
Now it was Rusty’s turn to laugh. “Good one, Senior.”
His grandfather cast him a side eye. “I’m serious. I’m ready to mingle.”
Rusty’s laughter disappeared. “You are?”
“Yep.”
“But what about G’ma?”
Senior’s eyes grew soft. “I still love her, Rusty. And miss her. She’s always right here.” With two fingers he tapped his heart. “But she wouldn’t want me to be alone. Truth be told, I don’t want to be alone either. I’m not talkin’ about finding true love at a bachelor’s auction. That’s just foolish talk. But I wouldn’t mind spending an evenin’ with a female companion every once in a while.”
Rusty wasn’t sure how he felt about this. He’d never thought about Senior wanting companionship with a woman. But he also understood it because that was something he wanted too. “Do you really want to do this?”
“Yep.”
“Good, you can take my place.”
“Oh no, that’s not goin’ to happen.” Senior folded his hands over his chest, his forearms resting on his slightly rounded belly. “A Jenkins man is a man of his word. Your yes means yes, and you’re not backin’ out.”
“Fine,” Rusty said, blowing out a frustrated breath. “It was worth a shot. All right, I’ll see what I can do.”
“That’ll be dandy, son.” Senior opened the truck door. “Just dandy. Whatever happens, it’s gonna be a lark.”
Rusty stayed back, still stunned that his grandfather wanted to participate in the auction. Then he shook his head and chuckled. Of course Senior would be game for this. He’d have a lot of attention on him, something he never shied away from. Not to mention he already had a good attitude and was geared up for the event to be fun. Rusty wished he had his confidence.
The morning went by at a brisk pace. The part for the Merc showed up an hour after the garage opened, and it didn’t take long for Rusty to get the car up and running. Around eleven he called Harper. When she didn’t answer, he sent her a text.
Your car is ready. Let me know when I can bring it over.
An hour later, while he worked under the hood of Pastor Jared’s Dodge Neon, his cell rang. After wiping his greasy hands on an old rag, he reached into his pants pocket and pulled out the phone. “Hey, Harper,” he answered after seeing her name pop up on the screen.
“Hi, Rusty. My car is running now?”
“Took it for a test drive, and she runs fine. Hopefully this is the last fix she’ll need for a long time.”
“I hope so too. I’m at the office, so you can drop the car off whenever you can. Also, I found two more houses for you to look at. I have some time around noon today if you’re free.”
