Other guys had been scared off, or treated her differently. They were too careful, too concerned, too unable to cope. Kip had listened, then pulled her close and made love to her. He never monitored her health or asked if she was too tired. He trusted her to take care of herself, and that made her love him more. With him, she could imagine forever—and there was no better feeling than that.
five
I’m sorry we fought.
ROBYN STARED AT the text, not sure what it meant. Jase saying he was sorry they fought wasn’t the same as apologizing for what he said or the way he’d walked out. Just as troubling, she’d been unable to let go of her irritation. He’d been all over Austin for no reason. Early on in their relationship, they’d agreed they didn’t get involved in each other’s children’s lives. She never offered advice about his girls, and he was supposed to stay quiet about her kids. Only he was forever making comments about their choices.
She was also concerned about Austin’s statement that Jase didn’t approve of him. Had Jase said something to Austin?
A question she was going to have to ask her boyfriend directly, she thought, quickly texting a noncommittal Me, too, before shoving her phone back in her purse. She got out of her car and looked around Austin’s apartment complex. Seconds later, Harlow appeared, pushing a flatbed cart across the parking lot.
Robyn had offered to fill Austin’s refrigerator as a housewarming gift, and Harlow had come by on her day off to help.
“How much food do you think I bought?” Robyn asked with a laugh. “Maybe we won’t need that.”
“I know you, Mom. You bought out the store.”
“I’ll admit it. I totally did.”
She watched her daughter approach, enjoying her easy stride and how healthy she looked. Harlow was about her height—nearly five-eight—with long blond hair and blue eyes. They looked enough alike that no one could question their relationship.
Robyn popped open the trunk and stared at the grocery bags she’d crammed into the back of her SUV. Harlow stopped beside her.
“Jeez, Mom, they’re going to have to restock every department.”
“I don’t want Austin going hungry.”
Together they loaded the bags onto the cart, then made their way to Austin’s new apartment. He’d left the key under the mat, as promised.
The apartment was big and airy, with a view of the community pool. A big black leather sofa faced the eighty-inch TV from her media room. The sad little rejected TV sat on the floor. On the coffee table were game controllers, soda cans and the remains of Mexican takeout.
“My brother is a pig,” Harlow said with a laugh. “At least Kip now hangs up his towels and puts his dirty clothes into the basket.”
“Austin will learn.”
Robyn checked out the bedroom and bathroom before returning to the kitchen. Harlow had already started setting food on the counter.
“Is there a pantry?” Robyn asked, holding a loaf of bread and a box of cereal.
“There.” Harlow pointed to a tall cabinet next to the refrigerator.
Robyn opened the doors and saw a bag of M&M’s and a box of Ritz crackers on a shelf and absolutely nothing else.
“That boy,” she murmured. “I taught him better than this. He’s going to get scurvy.”
“Can you get that in a summer?”
“I hope not.”
They continued to empty grocery bags. Robyn had gone with easy-to-prepare foods like frozen pizza and bagged salad. She’d bought all his favorite fruits, thinking at least then he would be getting some vitamins. As they worked, they talked about how Harlow was doing, working for her dad, living with Kip.
Her daughter’s upbeat tone made Robyn think that Cord had yet to tell her about dating Zafina. Which was just like him—always put off sharing bad news.
“The lawyer sent over the preliminary offer,” Harlow said, folding an empty bag. “For the kayaking business.”
A couple of years ago, Harlow had come up with the idea of Cord buying a local kayak rental company. They had a great year-round clientele. She’d created a business plan and projections, some on her own and some for class projects as she finished her business degree.
Robyn had wanted to warn Harlow that Cord was unlikely to buy the business—expansion wasn’t his thing. Except when it came to women, he didn’t enjoy change. But Harlow had been determined. She wanted to learn from the ground up, then eventually transition to running the family charter company. Cord had surprised Robyn by agreeing.
“How does the offer look?” Robyn asked.
“Good.” Harlow made a face. “Dad is dragging his feet at reading the paperwork. I know legal documents aren’t fun, but he has to review them before we can move forward.”
“Good luck with that.”
Harlow reached for another bag. “This is your way of telling me you won’t get involved?”
“It is.”
“He listens to you.”
Robyn thought about how Cord had yet to say anything about Zafina. “Less than you’d think.”
They put away the rest of the groceries.
“You don’t mind that Austin’s only renting this place for the summer?” Harlow asked.
“I think he’s too young to be on his own. It’ll be good practice, and then he can figure out what he wants to do with his life.”
Harlow shook her head. “Mom, let it go. He’s not interested in college. I know you’re disappointed, but just because you regret not going doesn’t mean college is right for everyone.”
“I had an opportunity to go,” Robyn said. “I should have taken it. Austin’s going to have regrets, too.”
“You don’t know that. Maybe he’ll have a great life.”
Working for his father? Robyn doubted that. She couldn’t help feeling he had dreams that needed fulfilling.
“I just want you two happy and settled,” she said.
“I will be after I marry Kip.” Harlow reached for her phone. “Oh, I was on Pinterest and I saw some great decorating ideas for the backyard. You’ll have to tell me what you think.”
“For my backyard?”
“For the wedding, Mom. Sheesh.” Harlow studied her. “What?”
Robyn did her best to keep her expression neutral. “I have no idea what you’re asking.”
“You made a face. Are you going to go off on your rant about how Kip and I are too young and don’t know each other well enough to get married? We’re engaged.”