Mason looked at her, amusement darkening his eyes. “Yeah, I’m taking charge.”
She grinned. “Just asking.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
He started for the path. Once there, he broke into a slow jog. After a couple of minutes, Harlow glanced at her brother.
“You hear from Dad?”
“No. You?”
“No. I talked to Enid this morning, and she pointed out I could get in touch with him. I’m not sure I’m ready to be that mature.” She didn’t mention Enid saying he claimed to miss her, knowing that might hurt Austin’s feelings.
“You should make up with him,” her brother said. “You’re going back to work with him. It’s what you’ve always wanted.”
“I did. Now I’m less sure.” She looked at Mason. “Did you hear what happened with my dad?”
“Some.”
She filled him in on the low points of finding out he hadn’t ever planned to buy the business.
“I’m not sure what to do with all that,” she admitted. “I feel played, which is yucky, but it’s more than that. I was so entitled. It’s not a comfortable feeling.”
“You didn’t like being entitled?” he asked as he increased his pace.
“Everyone likes being entitled,” Austin said. “Knowing the world will do your bidding is great. It’s finding out that you’re selfish and thoughtless that sucks.”
Harlow winced. “Is that how you see me?”
“No. That’s how you see yourself.”
She groaned. “It’s early. Don’t be insightful. I just wish I knew what to do with my life.”
“You’d never want a job with another company,” her brother told her. “You love the business.”
She did, but did that make it the right place for her? “I’ve never worked anywhere else. I wouldn’t know what that was like.”
“Maybe that’s the problem,” Mason said. “You lack perspective. And maybe a little courage. New things can be threatening. What do you want?”
“To not be stupid.” She glanced out at the water. The sun had barely cleared the mountains and was starting to shimmer on the water. “To be proud of what I do in a day. To offer something of value.”
“Those are all on you. Where you work doesn’t matter. If you want to be proud of yourself, then take pride in your job and how you do it. If you don’t want to be stupid, stop making boneheaded decisions.”
“You make it sound easy.”
He looked at her. “It is. Do the right thing or don’t. Live with the consequences.”
“You ever screw up?”
He surprised her by smiling. “All the damn time.”
“I’m going to San Diego,” Austin said. “To check out the university and poke around a little. I’ll let Mom know, then head out. Want to come?”
Harlow shook her head. “There’s a lot going on here, and Mom shouldn’t have to handle it all herself.”
Mason’s expression turned approving. “See, there you go, making the right decision.”
She smiled. “Why do I feel what you’re really thinking is something along the lines of what people say to their dogs? ‘Good girl, Harlow. Good sit.’”
Mason chuckled. He glanced at Austin. “Going to check out the ROTC office?”
“It’s on the list.”
“You’re really considering joining the navy?” Harlow asked. “For real?”
“Yeah. I think I’ll do well there. I can handle the discipline, and I’ve always enjoyed being on the water. I want to serve. It feels right.”
“It’s a way of life,” Mason told him. “And a lot more than a job.”
“That’s what I want.”
“When you talk to your mother, make sure she knows where you’re going and why,” Mason said firmly. “Clear?”
Austin looked at Harlow. “Do you believe this guy?”
“He’s not wrong. Tell Mom. She can handle it.”
She liked that Mason was looking out for her mom, and that he was honest. Right now telling the truth seemed to be in short supply.
“I’ll tell her I’m looking at UC San Diego,” Austin said. “But I’m not telling her about ROTC until I know that’s what I want. She’s got enough going on without me stressing her. If I do it, there will be time for her to deal.”
Harlow grinned at him. “Okay, little brother. You’ll have twenty-four hours after your return to cough it up. Otherwise, I’m going to let Mason rip you a new one.”
Austin glanced in his direction. “Fair enough. I’m pretty sure he could take me.”
Mason chuckled. “Damned straight I could.”
They finished their run and took a few minutes to stretch before getting in the car. Back at the house, Harlow went to her mother’s room. She knocked once and waited for the cautious, “Come in,” before entering.
Her mother stepped out of the bathroom and immediately relaxed when she saw Harlow.
“I thought you were Mindy,” she admitted in a low voice. “I was up with her until after midnight.”
“I’m sorry. Not fun.”
“No, but she obviously needs to talk.” Her mom smiled at her. “How was your run?”
“Good. Mason kept us in line.”
Her mom grinned. “How did you react to that?”
“Surprisingly well.” She laughed. “I know this sounds strange, but I really like him.” Her smile faded. “I’m sorry I assumed the worst.”
Her mother hugged her. “Forgotten and behind us. Want to help me with breakfast?”
“Absolutely. But before we go down, I want to say something.”
Her mother waited.
Harlow drew in a breath. “I hope you’re going to sell the house. It’s too big and too expensive, and you’ve never liked it. Keeping it would be ridiculous. You hung on to it so Austin wouldn’t have to move while finishing high school, but there’s no point in hanging on to it now. I’m sorry I pressured you about it. I won’t do that again.”
Her mom smiled. “That’s very sweet. I appreciate your support and that you can see my side of things.”
Harlow hung her head. “You don’t have to be nice to me. I was so awful. My God, selfish much?”
“Let it go, sweetie. I have.” Her mom stepped back. “Where will you hold the wedding?”
Harlow winced. “Yeah, I’m not thinking about the wedding right now. Kip and I have a lot of things to work out before we start planning the ceremony.”
Her mother studied her. “Are you two going to be all right?”
Harlow wanted to confess that she wasn’t sure, that she was scared, mad and confused when it came to Kip. Only everyone else was dumping on her mom right now.
“We’ll be fine,” Harlow said easily. “Let’s go make breakfast for the herd.”
Her mother looked at her. “You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m getting through it,” she said honestly, walking to the door. “And I’ll be stronger for the struggle.”