“Until you father was murdered.” I squeeze her hand a little tighter, reminding her that I’m here and won’t let her fall. “I’m sure it’s hard, and I can’t begin to understand what you went through, but one day when you feel it’s the right time, I’d like to know about your father. Because the way I look at it, people make mistakes, and he paid the ultimate price. But I’m sure he was a good man before that, because there is no way you grew up to be this strong, beautiful, and awesome without some of your dad inside you.” Letting that sink in a little, it’s time to help her move past this thought.

“Okay, I have one other question that has nothing to do with the game, but I have been dying to know. What the fuck were you listening to the other morning that was talking about avocado lube?”

Harper just looks at me and can’t help but start laughing.

We both start laughing so hard, and she hasn’t even realized that I still have her hand in mine.

“Oh, that wasn’t even the worst. I just can’t even, I mean, the things that people do and say are just so crazy.”

We then spend the next hour talking and laughing at things that have been on that podcast. No wonder it rates so well, because no matter how stupid something is, it still gets you laughing, and right now, that feels good for both of us.

Grabbing my phone, I order some Thai food to be delivered, and we spend the next few hours playing all my machines. And I didn’t even hesitate to eat in the playroom which is so not like me. I’m so fastidious about keeping the machines in pristine condition, but tonight, I couldn’t care less. Harper makes me reckless in the best possible way, making me stop living by my own stupid rules. It’s the most fun I have had in a very long time. Especially with Harper being so competitive, which meant more bets being made, but we agreed no more hard questions tonight.

When we are finally at the point it’s tied games between us, Harper’s yawn tells me it’s time for both of us to pack up and head to bed. The night has gotten away from me, and although I know I should be finishing the work I ran out and left this afternoon, for the first time, I don’t want to. Going to sleep with tonight’s memories sounds like a far better idea.

After cleaning up our takeout containers, we head down the hallway together, stopping at her door.

“Thanks for tonight, I had fun.” Her hand on the doorknob, she twists it and pushes it open, stepping one foot into the room as I reply, “Me too.” I really mean it.