Page 12 of Lavender Lake
“An AT-AT,” Bowman said again. “You know, those machines fromThe Empire Strikes Back? They’re on Hoth and attack the rebel base?”
The three of us stared at Bowman in silence.
“You’re a Star Wars fan?” I asked slowly.
“Geek,” Declan said. “The word you’re looking for isgeek.”
“Oh, shut up, you Trekkie,” Bowman fired back.
Hadley whipped her head around to stare at her fiancé. “You like Star Trek?”
Declan snapped his spine straight and pinned her with a stare. “Yes. I like Star Trek. So what?”
Hadley attempted to swallow her lips to keep from laughing. She looked at me and mouthed,“Hot nerds.”
“You should’ve told Brock about your love of Star Wars,” I said to Bowman. “Pretty sure he would’ve kissed the ground you walked on.”
“Brock? Who’s Brock?” Hadley asked as she opened the back door. “Bowman, you take the front.”
“No,” Bowman said. “I’ll sit in back.”
“But your legs,” she said.
“Yes, I have them.” Bowman smiled. “Your car, you sit in the front.”
“Good man,” she said.
“While we were waiting for you, a boy recognized Bowman and wanted an autograph,” I said. “Because he’s sooooo famous.”
Declan laughed as he shut the hatch.
“But then he wanted a photo with your sister because she’s sooooo pretty,” Bowman teased.
“Very pretty,” Hadley agreed, her gaze once again bouncing between me and Bowman. She climbed into the passenger side and Bowman closed the door.
Once the four of us were in the car, Declan pulled away from the curb and drove toward the highway.
“So, you guys met on the plane,” Declan said, looking in the rearview mirror. Our eyes met.
“Yep,” I lied.
“And you . . . talked?” Hadley asked.
“Clearly,” I said. “Because we both figured out who the other one was.”
“And does he know . . .” Hadley prompted.
“Yes,” I said, my throat tight. “I told him about Dad.”
Hadley turned in her seat and addressed Bowman. “Sorry your surprise is kind of . . . overshadowed.”
“Hey, I’m just glad I’m here,” Bowman said, his tone sincere. “Whatever you guys need. You let me know.”
“Thanks.” Hadley’s smile wobbled. “We’re going straight to the hospital.”
It wasn’t up for a debate: it was a statement.
My phone chimed with a text.
