Dirty Working Hero (Hard Working Hero 2)

“Trust your gut feeling. You'll just know.”

“Kelsie, that seems like way too easy of an explanation. We're talking about a person here, not dinner.”

“He was dinner for you last night.” She flashes me a big grin and waggles her brows. Her words are drawn out and high pitched.

Arching a brow, I start to giggle. “You're such a jerk.” I turn away from her and pick more green beans. “I wish you understood my parents. They don't think like you or me or any other normal person on this earth.”

“Well,” she says, pulling the gloves off her hands, and grabbing the hose at her side, “you got your degree now, you don't have to be under their thumb too much longer. Don't you have an interview coming up?”

“Ugh,” I sigh, hanging my head. “That's just it, my plan is down the tube now. My parents are making me work at the firm.”

“Wait—what?” She jerks her head around, glaring at me with complete shock in her eyes. “You're not serious? Tell me you're joking.”

“I wish I was. I start Monday. My father says it's what I'm supposed to do, and that all of this is just meaningless.”

“Wow.” Kelsie sits back on her heels and sets her hands on her lap. Her eyes dance around mine, her lips pursing to one side. “You know they can't actually force you, right? You can say no.”

“I did say no.”

“No, you didn't. You said the word, but it means nothing if you don't stand by your decision.”

Holding up my hand, I chuckle. “It's not that easy.”

“Yes it is.” She stands up, wiping her hands on her thighs. “Look, you have your life, and they have theirs. You're twenty-two, they can't make you do anything. I think that if you want something, you go for it. If it's working on a farm, you do it. If it's Hardin, you do him.”

“My parents will never go for it. They'll make my life a living hell.” I shake my head, giving her a defeated smile.

Kelsie sighs loudly as she bends down and picks up the full basket of vegetables at her side. “They only rule your life because you let them. Maybe it's time you stop pleasing them and start pleasing yourself.”

She's right. You know she's right.

Kelsie is spot on. I've always just given in to my parents because it's easier than the alternative. I want to make it on my own, but there's a fear that I won't. The thought of losing everything scares me to death.

But when do I start living my own life? When do I start smiling for me and not them?

She clutches the basket against her hip and nods her head toward the parking lot. “Come on, let's get these to the shelter so they can have them for dinner tonight.”

We load the baskets into the back of her car, and she drives us to homeless shelter, parking around the back. Both of us grab a basket and carry it inside. We bring them to the kitchen, leaving them on the counter for the chef.

“All right, Nev, here's today's harvest from the garden.”

“Thanks, Millie. Thanks, Kelsie. Everyone loves when you guys bring fresh vegetables, they'll all be happy tonight.”

“No problem,” I say. I take a step backwards, turning to leave when I hit a brick wall.

“Oh, sorry,” a man says, latching onto my arms and keeping me from stumbling backwards.

“No, it's my—” I look up, my jaw falling open as I stare in surprise. “Hardin?”

6

Hardin

“Millie,” I say with a smile. “What are you doing here?”

“What are you doing here?” she asks back quickly.

Another girl steps in between us and waves. “Hi, I'm Kelsie, Millie's friend. We almost met the other night, but you both ran off in such a hurry.”

“Kel!” Millie snaps.

Her friend giggles, turning to look at Millie over her shoulder. “What?”

Millie jerks her head toward the door, and flashes wide eyes.

Kelsie grins as she turns back to me. “It was very nice to meet you, Hardin. Millie, I'll be in the car when you're ready to go.”

“You know what, I'll drive her. Is that okay with you, Millie?”

“Of course it's all right with her. Right. Millie?” her friend asks.

Millie gives her a look, and shakes her head lightly, forcing loose strands of hair to fall from her ponytail and frame her face. “Yeah, it’s fine. I'll just see you later, Kelsie.”

Her friend's smile grows wide and playful. “All right, just give me a call if you're not coming back.”

“I'm coming back,” Millie says.

“Mm hmm,” Kelsie mumbles as she pushes the door open and heads outside.

“Your friend seems nice. She's the one you were meeting the other night?”

“Yeah, that's Kelsie.” Millie tucks her hands in her back pockets and looks at the ground. “So, what are you doing here?” she asks again.

I smirk and laugh as I say, “What? Did you think all I do is pour cement? Like I don't have a life outside of that?”