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“Hey.” I touch Nova’s arm, pulling her to a stop. “Sorry if I was an ass earlier.”
Mom must spot us because she stands, so I rush my explanation, wanting to have this out before we officially begin our trip. “Honestly, I can be a bit of a grump, and I like poking the bear.”Among other things. Things I can’t process, let alone admit.“It’s best you know that now.”
Nova squints up at me. “As long as we’re admitting our faults. I can admit to being quick-tempered and having a tendency to over-plan.”
Quick-tempered.You don’t say?I bite the snarky reply down.
Willa was confident Nova and I would get along, and my sister knows me better than anyone. Having no reason to disbelieve her, I offer Nova my hand. Clean slate.
“You must be Nova Pratt.” My fingers wrap around her dainty ones when she sets them in my palm. “I’m Devin Hawthorne, your travel buddy for the next two thousand miles. Whatcha say we grab my bags and hit the road for one hell of an adventure?”
two | nova
“Nova,I’m so happy we’re finally meeting.” Sharon Hawthorne wraps me in her arms like this isn’t our first time getting acquainted. “Willa says nothing but good things about you and your family. I feel like I already know you.”
I pull away with a smile. “We love Willa. She’s like the big sister I never had.”
Sharon beams, then glances at Devin. “And I’m sure she views you like the little sister she always wanted.”
“Hey.” He scoffs.
She winks and tugs her son into her side. “So, your first stop is Chicago. I’m glad you’re not going too far today. Gives you two a chance to get a good night’s rest for a full day tomorrow. Devin said you have tickets to a show? Which one?”
“The Devil Wears Prada. This is the premiere run before they move to New York.” Having tickets and being some of the first people to see a show come to life is a big deal.
“Oh, how exciting. Willa and I love that movie.” Sharon elbows Devin in the ribs when he grunts. “This will be his first Broadway show. In a house with two women, he was subject to a lot of romantic comedies, but not many musicals.”
Fluttering my lashes, I flash a cheeky grin. “I can’t wait to give him an introduction.”
“And on that note, let’s get moving.” Devin nudges Sharon toward the parking lot.
“Can’t wait to be rid of your mom, huh?” She laughs, swatting her son. “Are we not doing lunch?”
I thought we were, but Devin shakes his head. “We’ve got a tight schedule, Mom. I don’t want Nova to have to speed. We’ll pick something up when we stop for gas.”
Sharon nods, though her smile stiffens. “Okay, I’m sure you can find something.” Her gaze slides my way. “Devin doesn’t eat fast food.”
No fast food? Like, at all? I’ll have to ask him to clarify that later.
“I guess I’m going to run back to the bookstore, refill this coffee, and make a pitstop. You two want something?”
As rejuvenating as an iced coffee would be, my bladder won’t make it to Chicago if I drink one now. “I’m good, thank you.”
Declining a coffee, Devin holds out his hands. “Toss me the keys, and we’ll move my suitcases while we wait.”
Telling Sharon we’ll see her in a few minutes, Devin leads the way to the parking lot.
I can’t help asking, “Why no lunch?”
Scratching his neck, Devin stops. “She’s struggling with the idea of my leaving. She misses Will and Clem, and now my being gone? I don’t want to draw our goodbye out.”
Mom and Dad were wrecks when I pulled away the other day, and my sister and brothers are still at home. I can’t imagine what it’s like to watch your children leave home, especially when you’re a single parent, and an empty nester.
“And, the no fast food?”
“She’s exaggerating. I prefer real food, but as long as there’s chicken, I’ll stop wherever. I don’t do burgers, though.”
“You don’t eat red meat?”
