Page 58 of Seeing Harper

Harper sat there looking at Summer. Her head canted to the right a little, then she reached out and laid a hand on Summer’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. You said you wanted to come over because you were lonely, and I fell asleep. I’m so sorry, Summer. I’m always here for you.”

“Oh, it’s not a big deal,” Summer said, waving her off. “We don’t always talk when we’re together anyway. I just needed to be with a friend, you know?”

“I do. And you can sleep over every night if you want to.”

“You might want to hold off for a couple weeks if it’s Harper you’d be wanting to spend time with,” Travis said, from his place at the head of the table where he’d already served his plate.

“Why’s that?” Harper asked.

“You’re going on a trip,” Travis said. “You’ll be gone about a week, then home for a few days, and I’ve made arrangements for a consultant, a friend in the industry, actually, to come take a look at our operation and give some pointers after those few days home. I want you to work with us.”

“Why me? You know what you’re looking for from him.”

“Because you’ll know him by the time he gets here. You’re going to attend a trade show for us, representing our farm. I’m just not feeling up to it, so I volunteered you. You’ll meet him there and mix and mingle with others in the industry, and hopefully learn a few things that’ll be new to me, too. You’ll be friends by the time he arrives back here.”

Harper sat there blinking at him as his words sank in. Finally, she seized on the words that had made no sense to her. “There’s a Christmas Tree industry?”

“Actually there is, but I was referring to the botanical industry. We’re a farm just like any other that raises plants and flowers for sale both commercially and in a retail setting.”

“Dad…” she started.

“Are you telling me that you can’t even take a trip to a trade show out in Utah so that I don’t have to board a plane and make the trip with my leg? It’s a free vacation with a few hours of commitment during the day, Harper.”

“No! Of course, I’m not saying that. It’s just coming at me out of nowhere.”

“I’ve been to them multiple times over the years. I always bring back updated ideas and methods that have improved our planting and growth processes. You know that.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Or are you just still angry and don’t want to help?”

“Dad, you know I’ll always help you. It’s just a surprise, that’s all.”

“Maybe you can try to see it as a pleasant surprise.”

“It’s fine, Dad. I’ll attend.”

“Good! Because Joel’s already expecting you and added seats at the business dinners and occasions he’s got planned so you can join them. I didn’t want you to be alone while you’re there.”

“Thanks?” Harper said.

“You’re welcome,” Travis said, ignoring her questionable offer of thanks. “Tell you what, why don’t you go ahead and take the day off.” He lifted up off his chair a little and dug his wallet out of his pocket. He took his American Express card out of it and lightly tossed it her way. “Go shopping. Buy yourself some new outfits and shoes or whatever so you’ll be all set with new outfits and all for the trade show.”

Harper looked at the credit card sitting a few inches from her plate, then up at her father. She shook her head. “That’s okay. I don’t need to do that.”

“Sure you do. Make it fun,” Travis said.

Summer reached out and picked up the American Express. “Let’s go get you some new outfits for your trip.”

Harper opened her mouth to refuse, but her mother cut her off as she walked into the room.

“What trip? Where you going, honey?” Libby asked.

“I’m going to the trade show Dad goes to every couple of years. He’s not feeling up to it this year.”

“Oh?!” Libby asked. “I didn’t know you were having trouble,” she said, looking over at her mate.

Travis nodded. “I’ve been thinking about it for a few days. I’m just not feeling up to all the walking and the business meetings. I sent a message to Joel and he’s already replied. He’s expecting Harper and will take care of her while she’s out there.”