Free Breaking Clear (Full Hearts Series Book 3) by Mj Summers

nightmare. Can I come by and help?” Harper’s voice was full of concern.
    “My mom just got here. She’s going to watch the kids so I can sleep for a while. But I do need to ask you something. You know how I was going to be taking pictures while you got drunk at the Band on the Bricks event tonight?”
    “Mmhmm. You’re going to need to find someone to cover for you for . . .” Harper stopped mid-sentence. She suddenly had an idea of where this was going, and the thought had butterflies fluttering in her stomach.
    “Yeah. I definitely have to have pictures of tonight’s show for the contract. No way I can miss Hazel Brown. Which brings me to the part where I beg my very best friend in the whole world to go for me.”
    “Oh, Meg, I don’t know. What if I totally fuck it up? Why don’t I call around and find a professional to take them for you? I don’t even mind paying for it.”
    “Honestly, I don’t want to ask anyone else. Some of the photographers in town are like vultures. If I give them the chance, they’ll be snacking on my corpse before sundown. That city gig is sweet—I get to attend everything for free and I’ve made some really great connections. Besides, you’ll do a terrific job. You know how to work a camera, for God’s sake.” Megan paused for a moment.
    “I do, but what if I screw it up?”
    “Not a chance. Seriously, I wouldn’t ask if I thought you couldn’t handle it and if I wasn’t dying.”
    “Okay, since you’re on your deathbed. I’ll swing by in a bit to get your equipment so I can practise for a while first. I’ll call and you just put it out front and shut the door. I don’t want to catch what you’ve got there.”
    Megan let out a sigh, sounding relieved. “Thank you, Harper. Best. Friend. Ever.”
    “What time should I be at the show?”
    “I’m supposed to be there for five o’clock, in time for the beer garden. Head to Pearl Street, the thirteen hundred block. You’ll see the stage; go there and ask for a guy named Guy. He’ll give you all the instructions, the volunteer pass and drink vouchers.”
    “A guy named Guy?”
    “I know. I’d like to think I would have some witty comment about that, but right now I’ve got nothing.”
    “It’s okay, sweetie. You don’t have to entertain me when you’re sick. See you in a couple of hours.”
    *     *     *
    When she pulled up to the house, Harper saw Megan standing in the living room window in her bathrobe. She got out of the car, carrying a grocery bag. Megan opened the door and put the camera bags on the front step before walking back inside, leaving the door open so they could speak from a distance.
    “Thanks, Harper. I owe you one. I’ll add it to the list.”
    “No problem, my friend.” Harper held up the bag. “Chicken noodle soup, saltines, ginger ale, Dramamine, and Freezies. The barfer’s buffet.”
    Megan managed a weak grin, which only made her slightly green face appear even more sickly. “You’re the best. I’m so glad you’re living here now.”
    “I’m glad I can be here to help. I just hope I don’t mess up your contract.”
    “You won’t. Say hi to Hazel for me.”
    “Sure thing.” Harper gave her friend a sympathetic smile. “Feel better, you.”
    *     *     *
    As Harper parked near Pearl Street, she reflected on how nice it was to live close enough to help Megan out. She had been so far away for so many years that she had completely missed out on the opportunity to really be there for her best friend, her brothers and her dad, for that matter. She had offered support over the phone but it wasn’t at all the same as being with them through life’s ups and downs. It felt good to be needed and to be able to take care of those she loved the most, even if it was just for a little while.
    Getting out of the car, she heaved the camera bag over her shoulder and inhaled the clear summer air. A midday downpour had swept through town, leaving behind a