The Road Home

Chapter 15

Harper felt a sense of accomplishment now that she could finally find her way to Neva's without having to consult her GPS. As she pulled in and got out of the car, she grabbed her cell phone and noticed the time. It was nearly nine. She still couldn't figure out what was going on with the photographers. She had gotten to the end of the lot road this morning and sat spellbound. There wasn't a van in sight. She decided not to waste too much time thinking about it and just be thankful.

"Wondered when you'd get here," Neva called with a smile. She wore a navy fanny pack and Harper could see the trowel and pruner sticking out from the top. "I've been shopping. Got us some gloves."

"Great!"

"I tell you what, dear; I can feel yesterday every time I move."

Harper sympathized while putting her gloves on. She hadn't realized it, but she was a bit sore, too.

"I'm just glad you're helping. I'd be in the hospital if I was doing this by myself." Neva chuckled. "Where do you want to start?"

"Wherever you say, I'll follow you."

The two worked until lunchtime. They sat around the kitchen table, both exhausted.

"I saw Em and Gloria last night at the funeral home," Neva said as they were eating.

"Were they shocked?"

"Didn't tell them. Figured you would."

Harper smiled. "I told Ben. He'll probably tell his mother."

"I read in the paper he was helping with that movie," Neva said. "We just saw him last fall at the reservation. I think Gloria was working that night for her daughter and couldn't come. He sure has been through a lot hasn't he?"

Harper nodded.

"Bless his heart. There were some nights John would go with Em over to visit him. They'd take dinner and and sit with him for hours. John said it was heartbreaking to see him so upset." Neva sighed and picked up her plate. She went to the sink. "Well, I can't believe that we got those bushes planted. I'm plumb worn out."

Harper sat quietly as the thought of Ben and what he had gone through captured her every thought. He was strong and stable. She couldn't imagine him being otherwise but just the thought of him hurting so much was heartbreaking. Her cell phone ring started her. "Excuse me." She went to the living room and was surprised to see his name flashing on the screen.

"Hey, how are you?"

"Good. I'm having lunch with Neva." Harper walked to the front door.

"Tell her I said hello."

"I will. How's school?"

"Fine, I'm at home right now," he said as something clanged in the background.

"What was that?"

"That was my microwave. I'm on lunch break." Ben talked quickly as if he were trying to keep from talking himself out of something. "Hey. Listen. Um, what are you doing tonight?"

"Nothing, why?" He sounded unsure and hesitant. 

"Do you want to come here? I could make dinner."

Harper smiled. She started to tease him about his cooking or this being a date then changed her mind. She took an excited breath then finally, she asked, "What can I bring?"

"Nothing. Can you be here about seven?"

"Okay. Text me your address."

"Alright, I'll see you then."