Rowan conceded with a teasing smile. “If that’s what works for you.”
“Hasn’t failed me yet at least,” Beckett clapped her shoulder.
“Hey, can I ask you a question?”
“Shoot.”
“I’m assuming this place, these people weren’t so accepting when you were younger either.” Beckett nodded in acknowledgement. “What made you decide to come back and stay? After all that you’d done in your career and everywhere you’d traveled?”
“It’s where I’m from. I might have needed a break, but I always knew this is where I’d end up. Coming back home doesn’t mean you can’t ever leave. I take a few vacations a year to experience new things again.”
Rowan considered that for a few moments in silence. It was true. She and Juniper were about to go to New York City to work on their shared passion. She’d support Juniper doing something on her own. She’d also take Juniper anywhere. A vacation with Juniper sounded absolutely amazing. She filed that away for when their work would hit a natural lull at the end of summer.
Beckett continued, “As an adult living in the communityagain, I have the power to change things and make them better for us all. I’m not a sentimental person by any means, but I do find hope in that.”
“I find hope in that too.”
Chapter 22
Rowan used the bench in front of her to lace up her high tops after getting through airport security. “You ok?”
“Yeah, why?” Juniper answered quietly from her spot slumped on the same bench.
“You’re… staring at the wall.”
Juniper sighed out a laugh. “Just tired.”
Rowan furrowed her brows. Even though Sam had stepped up to run the food truck at an event that week so that Juniper could travel to the conference, Juniper had still stayed up late into the night helping him prep the food for service. Even though Rowan had offered to help, it was still 50/50 on whether Juniper would accept help from others.
Rowan dropped her foot to the ground, prompting Juniper to stand. Rowan smoothed her thumb over Juniper’s cheekbone.
“You can’t keep pulling double duty, you know?”
Juniper nodded and caught Rowan’s hand in her own, weaving their fingers together.
“Sam and I are figuring out a plan.”
“Hmm, okay. It’s a short flight, but try to sleep on the plane?”
“That’s my goal.” Juniper smiled. “I’m going to have more energy by the time we get there, I promise.”
“I don’t want to overwhelm you with things to do.” Rowan glanced at her as they leisurely made their way to their flight’s gate.
“No,” Juniper whined. “I want to see the city the way you saw it.”
“I was thinking we could get checked into the hotel, then make our way to Brooklyn. My best friend Manny is very excited to meet you. He’s been begging me to join their pick-up game this afternoon.”
“Pick-up game?”
“We played basketball together. Geeks in Sneaks was our team. We played at the gym in our neighborhood.” Rowan’s face turned contemplative. “I told him that would probably be boring for you, and we have limited time, so–”
“No, I’d love to do that.”
“Are you sure? I told him maybe we should get dinner together instead.”
“Why not both? Game then food.”
Rowan pulled her in closer and kissed her temple. “I love you. And you’re gonna love Manny.”
