Ignite (Wildwood 1)

That could totally end up biting her in the butt.

“You’re just what?” her grandma asked, interrupting her panic-induced thoughts.

“I’m just . . . ” Harper shrugged. “Quietly freaking out over my life choices?”

“Oh dear.” Grandma settled heavily on the edge of the mattress, wearing a frown of concern. “What exactly are you talking about?”

Taking a deep breath, Harper decided to just go for it. She unloaded completely on her gr

andmother, from her worry over breaking up with Roger to seeing West a few times—though she left out the sex details—to her fear that she was working a nowhere job—no offense, Grandma—and she felt like she was making one major mistake after the next.

“See, that’s the beauty of it all,” Grandma said when she finally stopped rambling. “You’re young. You’re allowed to make mistakes. They’re a part of life.”

“But I’m twenty-six,” Harper reminded her. “Aren’t I too old for this sort of thing?” She worried that she was. Her mom and dad had been married by the time they were twenty-six. And Harper had been on the marriage track with Roger . . . until she wasn’t. Now she had a sometimes-boyfriend who kissed like a dream but was a total commitment-phobe.

“You’re never too old to make a mistake. Trust me.” Grandma laughed and shook her head. “I still make mistakes all the time.”

“You do?” Harper could hardly believe it. She knew it was silly, but her grandma had always been pretty much perfect in her eyes.

“Oh yes, constantly. I date the wrong sort of men. I’ve made a mess of my business filing and organization and now my granddaughter has to work extra hard to set me straight.”

Harper smiled a little at that.

“I worry about the diner. Should I sell it? Should I keep it open? Is it worth the hassle? I worry about money. Do I have enough? I worry about my friends. I get mad when that old broad Martha Burlingame makes those snide remarks and tries to tear me down. I despise that woman.” She shook her head. “I still miss your grandpa, though I don’t like to say that out loud. My son—your father—makes me crazy, but I know he means well. Yes, I make mistakes, but I’m a grown woman, a human being, and I’m allowed. Just like you, dear.”

Harper nodded, dropping her gaze to the comforter. She plucked at an imaginary string, taking in what her grandma said. “I feel like I should have it all together.”

“No one has it all together. Not really. Just because they act perfect or have the perfect job or the perfect-looking boyfriend or husband or whatever, no one is perfect. We’re all struggling, all trying to live our lives as best we can. Just make sure you’re having fun, because if we’re not having any fun, then what’s the point?” Grandma smiled. “Now. That nice boy you’ve been seeing is coming over tonight. I saw him earlier at the diner and told him to come pick you up and take you out.”

“Wait, what?” Harper sat up straighter in bed, running her hand over her tangled hair. “Who are you talking about?” She knew exactly who Grandma was talking about, but she needed to hear her say his name.

“Why, Weston Gallagher of course. He came by earlier this morning for a second breakfast after they released him at the station. Was hoping he’d see you, but I told him you were home resting.”

He came by the BFD to see her? Never before had Harper been tempted to hit her grandma. Until now. “You told him that?” she squeaked. Her grandma should’ve called her immediately to let her know West stopped by.

“Well, yes. Every girl needs her beauty sleep before she goes on a date with her handsome boyfriend. And that Weston is drop-dead gorgeous, dear, especially in that uniform he wears. You sure know how to pick ’em.” Grandma fanned herself with her hand.

Harper burst out laughing. “He is pretty cute, huh?” Oh, he was so cute. And sweet. And sexy. And funny.

She could go on and on.

“That’s putting it mildly. Now. Go. Get ready. He’ll be here in an hour.”

“You really arranged a time for him to come by and everything?” Harper gaped at her.

“Of course, I did. I told him not to disturb you during the day, so that’s why you never heard from him. Poor boy is probably champing at the bit to see you. Which truly, that’s the ideal situation.” The smile on her grandma’s face was downright naughty.

Harper leaned forward and pulled her grandma into her arms, squeezing her tight. “Thank you,” she murmured. “For the pep talk. And for arranging my date tonight.”

“Anytime, dear. Though you really should consider looking for a new place to live eventually. Or else I’m afraid we’ll start cramping each other’s style,” Grandma said with a laugh.

Chapter Sixteen

THE DOORBELL RANG, and Harper counted to ten before answering it, as per her grandma’s instructions.

“Anticipation is key, darling,” she’d trilled as she left the house to go on her own date for the evening. “And don’t expect me back until tomorrow morning!”

Harper could’ve done without that little detail.