Fly Away Girl

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

Tyler

***

When I head upstairs after breakfast, I'm surprised to find my bedroom door locked.

"Harper!" I pound on my door. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Looking for my shoes! The orange suede and cork pumps? Where'd you hide them?"

"Why would I want your tacky shoes? Get out or I'm getting Dad!

Harper opens the door a crack and I force my way inside my newly ransacked bedroom.

"Bitch," I mutter as I push past her.

"I'm telling Daddy! And I was just trying to make sure you didn't take my heels."

"Why would I want your stupid shoes?"

"They are not stupid! And I don't know, you do some pretty dumb things! Just to make sure: burnt orange, suede, Gucci peep toe pumps with a cork heel. You haven't seen them?"

I slam the door in her face.

I know I should probably get together my suit for dinner tonight, but I can't concentrate.

I go down to the kitchen, where Heidi is aggressively working on lunch.

"Hi, there," she says when she spots me.

"Hi."

"You okay?"

"I'm fine."

Heidi smiles. "You sure? A new mom is a pretty big deal."

"I know, Heidi. I just hope she isn't like Mom."

Heidi chuckles softly and I continue.

"I mean, how old is this lady? Dad said she's thirty nine. Don't you think that's a little young for a forty five year old? And how do we know she isn't just marrying him for his money? And does Dad really love her, or is he marrying her because of the baby?"

"Tyler," Heidi warns.

"I know, be happy for him. I am. I just don't want her to take advantage of him."

"She isn't like that, dear. She's got a wonderful personality. And she's beautiful!"

"When did you meet her?"

"A few weeks ago."

"What the hell? Why didn't we meet her then?"

"Language," she says sharply. "And you were at school."

Heidi offers me a sub sandwich and I take it.

"I'm sure you'll love her. And she's picked out the most wonderful name for the baby."

"Is it a boy or girl?" I ask around my mouthful.

"They don't know yet. But they have a variety of names to choose from."

"I'm not sharing a room with the kid," I warn.

"Don't worry. There's plenty of room for everyone."

I finish my sandwich.

"Where's Dad?" I ask.

"He had to go see a patient. He wanted me to tell you to please take your sister to the mall."

I groan. "Why can't she walk?"

Heidi glares at me and I sigh.

"Harper!" I yell. "Let's go!"