Free Opposites Distract by Judi Lynn

“I don’t have any kids, wouldn’t know where to start.”
    Aiden frowned. “But you were a kid once. You have to remember.”
    â€œNot so much. Besides, I was a rotten kid. Got in trouble a lot.”
    â€œReally?” He studied her. She must not look like a troublemaker to him. “For what?”
    Harmony shrugged. “Couldn’t concentrate in school. My mind was always wandering off. My teachers got sick of me. I spent a lot of time writing words from the dictionary in the principal’s office.”
    Bailey laughed. “I get all As at school.”
    â€œThat’s because you’re a smart, little girl. Your mom’s probably really proud of you.”
    Aiden was still curious. “Did you have any brothers and sisters?”
    â€œOne brother, older than me. He didn’t like me all that much. It was mutual.”
    Aiden stared. “But you were his little sister.” He put an arm around Bailey.
    Harmony shrugged. “We didn’t have anything common.” She pointed at the clock. “Five forty. Again.”
    Aiden grabbed Bailey’s hand, who grabbed Brody’s hand, and they set off.
    â€œSee you in a minute,” Brody called back to her.
    She nodded and hustled into the bathroom. Her blush had melted. She looked washed out. She always did in January. By February, her complexion would look like a sallow zombie’s and she’d wince every time she saw her own reflection. She smeared on some foundation and dabbed on more blush.
    Brody was sitting in the SUV, waiting for her, when she reached the foyer. She scurried out and got in. Once again, they crept down the treacherous road to Tessa’s house. Surely someday, the county would salt and sand this street? In her city, mayors won and lost elections on how well streets were cleared in winters.
    Brody’s frown turned fierce as he drove. Maybe tomorrow, he’d call and complain to some county official. But then he surprised her by saying, “I can’t believe no one’s ever told Aiden to shut up when he’s around adults. I didn’t think the kid would ever stop asking questions while you read.”
    Harmony whipped her head to see him better. Her hands curled into fists. “I encouraged him to talk about the story. I like how much he questions things. Only really smart kids . . .”
    Her words died on her lips. A huge, gotcha grin had spread across Brody’s face. “You like kids more than you let on.”
    Chin up, voice chilly, she said, “It’s not nice to play devil’s advocate. Didn’t your mother teach you that?”
    â€œShe might have mentioned it.”
    She let out an exasperated sigh. “No wonder your sisters gave you a hard time.”
    â€œThey’d have given me a hard time no matter what I did. Wait till you meet them.”
    Harmony pressed a hand to her chest. She did everything humanly possible to avoid family get-togethers. They brought back too many bad memories. The annual, summer reunion her parents dragged them to always started with laughing and drinking and ended with shouting and recriminations. “Are they coming to visit Ian, too?”
    â€œNo, no, I didn’t mean to startle you. I just meant, if you ever meet them. You’re one of Tessa’s best friends. I suppose it’s possible in the future.”
    â€œNot if I can help it.” She saw his expression—a little offended. “That didn’t come out right, but I try to avoid big groups. Any big groups. I enjoy having a few friends over instead.”
    â€œYou survive conferences.”
    â€œThat’s different.” How could she explain? “I’m on panels. We talk business, writing. It’s things I’m comfortable with.”
    â€œAnd you don’t think you’d be comfortable with my sisters?”
    She frowned at him. They were inching down the highway. They’d be late for sure.