Page 81 of Irreplaceable
“Yeah?” She paused at the top of the stairs, and the sight of her stole my breath.
“This conversation isn’t over.”
She rolled her eyes and shook her head before heading down the stairs.
* * *
The driveto downtown Alondra was beautiful. We passed by a number of wineries, and I smiled, thinking of my grandparents. I’d told Harper about them, about the winery they’d owned and the summers I’d spent there. Those were some of my favorite memories.
As she drove down Main Street, I recognized a number of places she’d mentioned. The town seemed so cozy and welcoming, and another piece of the puzzle that was Harper Allen fell into place.
It was clear why she enjoyed coming home so much; it was easy to fall in love with the place and the people who lived here. Everyone had been so welcoming and authentic. I’d felt free to be myself without concern for my career. About someone filming me. About anything, really.
I liked Harper’s family—I could see a bit of her in each of them, and vice versa. The common expressions. The manner of speaking or gesturing. And flowing through it all was the love and respect they had for one another.
“You can stay in the car if you want,” Harper said after she’d parked in front of a row of shops.
“Would you rather I stay in the car?” I asked, sensing apprehension.
“I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”
I laughed. “Harper, this is my life. I’ve been in the spotlight for many years. I’m more concerned about how it’s going to impact you.”
“I’m fine.” She sliced a hand through the air.
Before we could discuss it further, I climbed out of the car and waited for her on the sidewalk. As we walked down the street, she pointed out some of her favorite places—Lick Ice Cream, a florist, and then we came to Bibliolater. A cloth of stars and moons hung behind an elaborate display of books, each of which appeared to be flying.
I held the door open for her, a bell chiming its hello.
“Can I help you?” someone called from within.
I checked out some of the books on display while Harper chatted with the woman at the counter. She made her purchase, and we were headed back to the car when a man’s voice called out, “Harper? Is that you?”
She pulled her lips back into a huge smile. “Liam! It’s so good to see you.”
He hugged her, and I clenched my fists, trying to tamp down the surge of possessiveness currently making it difficult to think.
“Liam, this is Enzo. Enzo, this is Liam. I used to babysit him as a kid.” It struck me that Harper had introduced me as Enzo, not Lorenzo. Whether she’d intended to or not, she was giving me freedom in anonymity.
He held out his hand, and we shook, Liam treating me as if I were anyone else. “Nice to meet you.”
They caught up for a minute, and then we said our goodbyes. We’d almost made it to the car when someone else stopped us. “Wow. Has anyone ever told you that you look exactly like the soccer player Lorenzo Mancini?”
“Oh.” Harper laughed, giving my shoulder a gentle shove. “He gets that all the time. Don’t you, baby?”
I delighted in the clever way she’d handled the situation. I grinned and nodded, playing along. And we were soon on our way once more.
We stopped in Lick, and she got an ice cream before heading toward a bench. I watched a couple from behind my sunglasses as they walked down the sidewalk. They were laughing and kissing as they pushed a baby stroller, and I realized I wanted that. I wanted what they had—family. Love. Connectedness. And I wanted it with Harper.
“Do you know why I liked you so much when we met?” I asked, tempted to kiss her as she licked the cream from her lips.
She shook her head, then proceeded to drive me insane. Watching her enjoy her ice cream cone was making me hard.
“You had no idea who I was. For once, I wasn’t defined by soccer or fame or money. You liked me for me.”
She peered into my eyes, the emerald shining in the sunlight. “I would’ve liked you for you, even if you’d told me.”
I hung my head, full of remorse. “I know.” And I did. “I think I didn’t realize how hardened and jaded I’ve become. How angry I was. Sometimes this life can be exhausting.”