Page 74 of Seeing Harper

“It’s not fair to keep you out there blowing in the wind for when I might come home or might be available, but you should know that I think about you. I find myself missing you.”

“Then it’s enough,” she said.

“Missing you?” he asked.

“Yes. I feel the same way, minus the being so busy that I don’t have free time. Well, that’s not completely true. I don’t have a lot of free time but that’s because I work all the time, it’s not like you trying to make a difference in the world, I’m just paying the bills. But I like knowing that you think of me, too.”

“If you don’t mind weird hours, whenever I have a few minutes maybe I can call you sometime,” Cruz said.

“Well, we both seem to have early mornings free,” Julia said.

“Breakfast tomorrow?” he asked.

“I’ll be ready with my coffee and toast.”

“And I’ll be ready with my Frosted Flakes.”

“Frosted Flakes?” she asked with a chuckle.

“I confess. I’m addicted to sugary kids’ cereals. This week it’s Frosted Flakes.”

“Remember Sugar Pops? I love those things!”

“Yes! They call them Corn Pops now, still so good.”

“I’ll pick some up so we can have cereal together the next time you get some time.”

“It’s a plan. Looking forward to it.”

“Me, too. Have a good day, Cruz. And thank you.”

“For?”

“Taking the time to look my way even when you don’t have time to look my way.”

Cruz laughed. “I don’t think I’d be very happy if I looked away. Take care of you, Julia. Talk to you soon.”

~~~

Clay was halfway across campus when his phone started ringing. He dug it out of his pocket as he continued walking to his first class. “Hello?” he asked hopefully.

“Mr. Vega?”

“This is he,” Clay said.

“This is Oliver Gant. I own Hephaestus. I was told you’re interested in buying him.”

Clay stopped walking to better concentrate on the call. “Yes, sir. That’s right. How much do you want for him?”

The man laughed. “You haven’t asked what condition he’s in, if he can be ridden, or any other pertinent questions.”

“As long as he’s alive and can withstand the trip without worsening any condition he’s in, that’s all I’m concerned about.”

“What are you going to use him for?”

“He’s to be an engagement gift for my girlfriend. She fell in love with him when she was a young kid, and still talks about him. He’ll live out his life pampered and doing pretty much whatever he wants.”

“Where are you located?”