Page 110 of Lavender Lake
“What are you doing out here?” Hadley asked.
“Looking for you,” I said. “Morning, Stella.”
“Hi, Salem,” Harlan’s mother greeted. “Can I get you a cup of tea?”
“No thanks, I’m good.” I looked at Hadley. “Can we talk?”
“Sure, you want to drive me back?”
“Tea with Stella . . . are you two friends?” I asked after I parked in front of the cabin.
She opened the side-by-side door and Tempest immediately jumped down. “Her daughter lives in Waco and she misses her. Plus, she’s surrounded by testosterone day in and day out.”
“Ah.” I nodded and climbed out.
She peered at me as we walked toward the porch. “You disappeared yesterday.”
I nodded.
“And then Bowman left.”
I took a deep breath. “Yeah, I heard. Any idea where he went?”
“He told Declan he was going for a motorcycle ride and would be back in a bit. No idea how longa bitis. He told Declan he just needed to clear his head.”
“I see.”
We both sat down on the porch steps next to one another.
“Are you okay?” Hadley asked.
“I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine,” she said.
“How do I look?” I asked in exasperation.
“Tired.”
“Thanks,” I muttered.
“Just being honest.”
“I didn’t sleep well last night,” I admitted. “I’m having lunch with Jane today.”
“No way.”
“Way.”
Her brows rose. “Are you going to be nice?”
“Yes, I’m going to be nice.Iaskedherto lunch.”
“And what are you two going to talk about?”
“I don’t know. I suppose I’m gonna try to get to know her.”
“And maybe apologize?”
