My mouth falls open because she never curses. “No one calls me chickenshit.”

“Then prove you aren’t,” she challenges, and everyone chuckles.

Did my grandma just dare me and call me a chickenshit?

Christ.

“Fine, I will.” Grabbing my plate, I put it in the dishpan, then make my way out the door. My blood is pumping at the prospect of what I’m doing as I go to Harper’s house. She’s the only one who’ll know where Hadleigh is.

Ethan answers the door with a smug grin. “Somehow, I knew you’d show up.”

“Can I talk to Harper?” I ask, and he moves aside, letting me in.

Harper’s packaging soaps at the kitchen table and bursts into laughter when she sees me.

“I’m glad I didn’t bet you,” she tells Ethan. “Would’ve lost that one.”

“What were you betting?” I narrow my eyes at Ethan.

“That if you showed up asking about Hadleigh’s date, we’d do butt stuff,” he says.

“Dude.” I shake my head. “Don’t tell me that shit. Anyway…” I turn to a snickering Harper. “Where do I find her?”

She lifts a brow. “That’s gonna cost ya.”

I throw out my arms in frustration. “Oh, come on! Grandma called me out at dinner, so now I gotta prove her wrong,” I explain. “And on top of it, she fucking dared me. Sweet old lady, my ass.” I grunt.

Ethan snorts. “Why does none of this surprise me?”

“Fine, but you better not fuck it up again,” she emphasizes the last word as she grabs her phone. “She’s been texting me all night. “They’re at the theater right now but should be leaving any minute. They’re getting drinks and dinner at the Ale House. Apparently, she’s been bored out of her mind, but she’s too nice to bail.”

“She’s not having a good time?” I ask.

“No, she’s totally not into him,” Harper says. “He’s from work, so she didn’t want to be rude when he asked her.”

Hearing that makes me grin because I thought she was moving on, but if she’s not even having fun, then I still have a chance.

“Guess that means you need to go get your woman.” Ethan smirks. “Rescue your damsel in distress.”

I laugh under my breath. “Hadleigh’s the last person to be called a damsel, but you’re right. What’s the place called again?”

Harper confirms the location, and my face cracks into a smile. “I owe ya one.”

“Oh don’t worry, I’ll think of something!” Harper calls out as Ethan pats my back and walks me outside.

I get in my truck and make my way onto the country road.