Page 70 of The Way We Collide

“Is that so? Hurricanes?”

“Yes. They’re also powerful and destructive, but you know they’re coming. They give you plenty of time to prepare and get out of the way.” His expression remains doubtful, but I continue. “They’re what got me interested in the field.”

Leaning against the table, he crosses his arms. “You love hurricanes?”

“That’s not really the right word.” I look down, feeling self-conscious. “Did you know the first major hurricane to make landfall in the US was Hurricane Alma in 1966? It was only a Cat 3, but ninety people were killed.” My lips turn down. “Today, that number could’ve been zero with all we know and our capabilities. I love saving lives.”

Wilt studies me, nodding slowly. “You might be all right, Gale.”

“Don’t grab my ass.” I point my finger at him, giving him a threatening glare. “I’d like to learn from you, but I won’t put up with any nonsense. I’m a mother.”

That makes him laugh, and he sticks out his hand. “Deal. Here, I’ll show you how the traffic cams work.”

“How’s it going back here?” Star breezes into the room. “Getting a feel for things?”

I’m pretty sure she’s checking on me, and I appreciate her concern.

“Going good, actually. Wilt was just about to tell me about this traffic situation. I’ve never been a traffic reporter before.”

“You’re going to love this.” Star steps up beside us. “You’ll be an expert at getting anywhere in a city with a notorious traffic problem. It’s like a perk.”

“Are you saying no salary but great benefits?” I tease.

Her nose wrinkles, and she tilts her head in Wilt’s direction. “I hope so?”

My phone lights up, and I glance over to see a photo of Haddy on the screen.

Star notices as well, and gasps. “Is this your little girl? Can I see her?” I tilt the phone so she can see Haddy. “Wow, she looks just like Hendrix… She’s so cute!”

That gets Wilt’s attention. “Hendrix Bradford?”

“Yeah, he’s Raven’s… partner?” Star frowns at me. “You never said.”

“Something like that,” I demure.

“Hendrix Bradford is one of the best tight ends I’ve seen in a long time. I expect he’ll get a championship ring this year.”

“Really?” My brows rise. “I knew he was popular…”

“That’s putting it mildly,” Wilt huffs. “Are you going to the game Sunday?”

My lips part, and I don’t know what to say. “I don’t know. I didn’t get a ticket…”

“I’m sure he’ll take care of everything for you.” Wilt almost seems annoyed. “Those box seats are ridiculously priced.”

“We haven’t really talked about it.”

“I’ll tell our guys to look out for you if you’re there.” Star breaks in, nodding at my phone. “What’s her name?”

“Hayden Lucille Bradford.” Saying her full name puts an unexpected twist in my stomach.

It’s not the first time I’ve said her name, but it’s the first time I’ve said it where it feels like she really is his daughter, too. TheBradfordpart has real meaning now.

“Who is she named for?” Star asks, and I smile, thinking of our earlier conversation.

“I just liked the name Hayden. We call her Haddy for short, but Lucille was Hendrix’s mother’s name.”

“That’s so sweet,” she coos. “You’ll have to get her one of those baby jerseys with Hendrix’s number on it. Can you imagine how cute that’ll be?”

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