Lasting Damage by Isabelle Aren Page A

you’re interested. The
royalty scheme sucks but the exposure helps sell tickets.”
    Jane took another long drag from her cigarette and remained
silent.
    “You’re not going to talk to me, are you?”
    “I haven’t decided yet.” Jane responded, she set the iPad down on
the table beside her so she could stand up. “I was leaning in the direction of
forgetting you ever existed, and then I was thinking that if you made some kind
of grand gesture I might reconsider ignoring you.”
    “Grand gesture?” Harper stuffed her hands into her pockets. She
was nervous and expected the worst but seeing as how Jane hadn’t called the cops
or thrown anything sharp at her she figured things were headed in a good
direction. “What kind of grand gesture are we talking about?”
     Jane stubbed out her cigarette. “I bought a dress today.”
    “And you want me to wear it?” She knew her sad attempt at being
cute had failed miserably by the irritated grimace Jane gave her.
    “No.”   
    “You want me to pay for it?” Harper decided to try the cute thing
one more time and was rewarded with a small smile from Jane.
    “No.”
    “Well,” Harper began. “Why don’t you tell me how to connect the
grand gesture to the dress so I can agree to do whatever you tell me to do?”
    “I have to go to a party.” Jane picked up the pack of cigarettes,
pulled another out and promptly lit it. “It’s a housewarming party for my
ex-girlfriend from high school and the girl who stole her from me.”
    “Doesn’t sound like much of a party,” Harper said.
    “I was thinking about going alone, but I don’t want to go alone.” Jane
stared off into space for a second before taking a breath and snapping back to
reality. “Having people hate me is something I’m perfectly comfortable with,
it’s when they think I’m pathetic that I begin to get itchy.”
    “I doubt anyone who spent ten seconds talking to you would think
you were pathetic.”
    “That is very sweet of you to say.” Jane took another drink from
her red cup and let out a small, self-deprecating laugh. “But, you haven’t met
Robin and Sarah. They are practically perfect in every way.”
    “Did you just throw me a Mary Poppins reference?” Harper couldn’t
help but laugh.
    “I’ve had a few drinks.” Jane took another drag and exhaled. “And
a few pills. Nothing I’m saying should be taken seriously.”
    “So, when is this party and what would you like me to wear?”
    “Friday night,” answered Jane. “And, for the record, you’re not
allowed to be cute and flirt with me until after I grant you my forgiveness.”
     “I know you’re pissed.”
    “Don’t bother trying to state the obvious,” she said, staring down
into her cup. “It’s a waste of time.”
     “What if I told you that I was an idiot?”
    “It’s a start.” Jane looked up; her eyes were cool and assessing. “But
I’ll need a real explanation.”
    “I don’t know that I have one.” Harper confessed.
    Jane crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her gaze.
    Harper opened her mouth and closed it again without saying
anything. “I can’t figure out what I want to say,” she said, her voice shaking
with anxiety.
    “If you don’t know what you want to say how can you expect me to
help you?” Jane subbed the half smoked cigarette out and took another drink. “And
when you don’t talk it forces me to make assumptions.”
     “I panicked. I knew who you were and I knew you kept as far away
from industry people as possible.” Harper let the words form without thinking. “I
didn’t want you to think I was hanging around for any other reason than liking
you. I was wrong and I’m sorry.”
    “I find that to be an acceptable explanation.” She nodded
thoughtfully. “Now, you show up here on Friday night looking slick and
expensive and things will be better.”
     “You should’ve held out a few more minutes.” Harper teased. “I
make a really good macaroni and cheese.