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I turn around, and the wo in front of me is so out of context here that it takes my brain at least two full seconds to place her

"Harlow? What th--?"

"Surprise!" She throws her arlance over my shoulder to London, confused "Um, is this an ambush of some form?"

"I asked London to lunch," Harlow says "Andthen I suggested we have lunch with you"

I wait, brows lifted in expectation, before I slidefor soives me a tiny smile, a barely perceptible nod

I can only assume that there’s been a conversation I haven’t been privy to, and thatLondon know that this is okay I walk over, still confused and also totally thrilled--I spent nearly every weekend froive her a hug Harlow squeezes et a face full of her auburn hair

"Holy shit, you’re still using that herby shaia

When she steps back, Harlow purses her lips at me "It’s Aveda, you plebeian"

"You ss, unfazed "My husband likes it"

"Or he’s just too terrified of you to say anything"

A delighted giggle escapes her lips "You clearly haven’tover to the picnic table where London is noaiting and has spread out a crazy amount of food: sandwiches, a few deli salads, olives, chips, and sparkling waters

I look up at her, quietly telling her, "This looks aain--sweet Lord, what is up with that?--and then meets my eyes "Good This was sort of Harlow’s idea--"

"I wanted to bring you peanut butter and jelly, but London insisted we stop and pick up soood for you," Harlow says, and I have to restrain ain

I look back and forth between the two of the ?"

"Keep up, Luke If I wanted to rip you a new one I’d have done it already," Harlow says, picking up a sandwich and exaht," I say, and pick up a sandwich oftalk yesterday and London mentioned it was possible that I was a little out of line I thought about it and decided she was right Case closed Nohether you’re actually worthy of Miss All-A toward London "That remains to be seen"

I look over at London, who see she can to avoid eye contact with me Confident that Harlow isn’t here to neuter me, I say, "Harlow, you saith Mia every day for years You already knohether or not I’ an olive into her esture here, Luke I don’t re this slow on the uptake"

I want to volley back with sorateful to Harlow in this rin aiotten, Harlow is a bit of a bulldozer," London explains, s down at the table She pulls the top off a container of salad, and sticks a fork in it "Sorry Already has the dressing on," she jokes under her breath

"I’ll persevere," I answer, intentionally touching her hand when she slides it over to me She went head-to-head with Harlow over this For me I may need a few minutes to process that

As if on instinct, London looks up, widening her eyes in a Be cool gesture before returning to unwrapping her sandwich

Harloatches the exchange with interest "I miss you, Luker We all do"