I fought the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Or the subway?”
She breathed a sharp intake of breath when there was a hard knock on the door.
I sat back onto my heels as well. “Seriously. Everyone I know is still asleep. Who in the world could it be?” I asked the ceiling.
I climbed off the sofa and walked to the door, forgetting I didn’t have a shirt on. I swung open the door and there sat Sam, her eyes grazing every inch of my chest and stomach. I tried to cover myself up which only made her laugh out loud.
“What are you doing here?”
“I came to open up Charlie’s house. Clean it up a bit before he came home tonight.”
“That’s bull, Sam,” I said, calling her out. “You knew we were here while he was away.”
“Alright, fine, but...Wait, we?”
“Yes. We, as in Harper and I.”
“Did Charlie know you let some stranger stay in his apartment?” She practically yelled, knowing full well Harper was within hearing range.
“Um, yes, he did, not that it’s any of your business.”
“Shit, Callum. I’m his freaking girlfriend!”
“No, you’re not and you know it. Charlie was never exclusive with you. You said so yourself.” She tried to open her mouth but I interrupted her, “What’s the real reason you’re here, Sam?”
She made a motion to come inside but I placed my hand on the door jamb, blocking her way.
“Fine,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Are you coming to the show Saturday night?”
“You knew I would be.”
“Are you bringing her?”
“Who?” I played dumb.
“Harley.”
“Harper!” Harper corrected from the living room.
I wanted so badly to howl in laughter.
Sam crossed her arms and slowly tapped her foot. “Well?”
“Yes, I’m bringing Harper. I want her to meet Charlie.”
Her face brightened with realization.
“Yeah, I want Charlie to meet Carper, too,” she said, barely stifling her glee.
“Harper.”
“Yes, I’m sure Charlie will find her as delightful as you do,” she challenged, voicing the very fear I was so terrified of.
o;But I was wrong. I’d fallen asleep after babysitting him for a few hours. I woke up early, around five or so, to a sleeping Alan, or at least I thought he was sleeping.
“Oh, God. No,” Harper said, brining her hand to mouth.
“I tried to shake him awake but he wouldn’t,” I choked out. “I beat the hell out of his chest, begging him to wake but he wouldn’t. My foster parents came into my room and tried to revive him but there was no use. He’d been dead for hours.