“We can get a few of the guys to unload your car and put everything in your room?” Lindsey said.
“Okay. Everything is in my aunt’s Honda that I drove here. I don’t have a lot,” Harley said.
“Hey, Bear,” Tara yelled in the backyard.
“What do you need, Mama?” Bear asked.
“Can you and a few guys take Harley’s things from the Honda up to her room?”
Harley saw the surprise on the guys’ faces. She thought they’d be happy to see her, but they looked apprehensive.
“Hi, guys. Thank you for your help,” Harley said.
“No problem. We’re glad your back,” Ax said.
“Thanks. I’m glad to be back. I missed you all.”
“Let’s go meet the other girls,” Amelia said.
The store Amelia told her about was mostly finished. It needed a few details done, but otherwise looked great.
“I can’t believe how much you got done in the few months I was gone,” Harley said.
“The guys had an incentive, so they worked harder and faster.” Zoe laughed. “Beer, booze, and pizza within walking distance and without driving into town.”
Harley laughed.
As they walked by, a few of the guys were unloading a delivery truck. She waved to them. They seemed stunned.
Harley stopped Tara. “Are there some guys that didn’t want me back? Their expressions aren’t happy.” God, if she had to leave, she had no idea what she would do.
“No, it’s not that at all. We’ll talk about it later, but it’s not you, I swear.”
Harley relaxed. “Good. The last thing I want to do is rock the boat.”
“Everyone will be glad you’re back. Girls, I want you to meet Harley,” Amelia said.
Chelsea grinned and set down the box before walking over to them. “It’s about time I met you. I’ve heard all about you.”
Harley chuckled when the woman hugged her tightly. “I’m glad to be back.”
Tara pointed to the other three women. “That’s Kyra, Lina, and Jada. They run this place.”
“That’s cool.” Harley raised her hand. “It’s nice to meet you guys. Amelia has told me about you.”
They brought her around the store. Harley glanced around as the women showed her things. At one point, she felt like she was being watched, and a shiver raced up her spine. She turned to see who was there. She saw a few of the guys but no one that would have given her that creepy sensation. Maybe one of them didn’t want her around and was pissed she was back.
“Look at this,” Zoe said. She pulled her over to the counter where a pizza maker, fancy coffeepot, and other things sat.
“You guys thought of everything.”
“We tried,” Lindsey said.
“How late is this open?” Harley asked.
“The store is open from noon to 8:00. We take turns staying that late,” Kyra said.
“I can help. I worked in a coffee shop once,” Harley said.