Page 22 of A Sky Full Of Stars

“Thank you. We need more kind souls in this world.” She pats my shoulder and heads off, her eyes glued to the cinema door as she walks past.

“I happen to agree with her,” Lainey says as she approaches. “We need more kind souls in this world.”

“That we do.” I laugh, grabbing her arm to guide her out of the path of a kid pushing a stroller. “I see you caught me almost running over an innocent grandma.”

Lainey giggles as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes flashing to the kid as he rushes by, a frantic parent carrying a crying baby behind him. “How do you know she’s a grandma?” she asks with raised eyebrows.

“That’s easy. Her necklace was one of those hologram photo things. I could see three kids.”

Her eyes widen but she shakes her head to hide it. “Very observant of you.”

“What can I say? I pay attention.”At least I did before noticing you.

“I can’t argue with you there. Are you seeing a movie?”

“I am. With my sister.” I smile. “What about you?”

“No, I’m just grabbing some lunch in between reading.”

“School work?”

“A Walk To Remember.”

“Interesting choice.” I bite back a grin, intently watching her expression for any clues on her feelings.

“It is an interesting choice. Not one I would have chosen for myself, but I’m enjoying it. I only stopped because I can feel the heartbreak coming and I’m not ready.”

“Yeah, it hurts—I’m not going to lie.” I laugh until Lainey’s expression turns serious, her piercing gaze locking with mine.

“Thank you for the present,” she says softly, her eyes full of warmth. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know. But everyone should experience that pain once in their life.” I play it off as a joke, but seeing her smile makes my chest tight. Luke or no Luke, I’m glad I gave it to her because somewhere along the way, seeing her happy became important to me.

The door to the cinema opens again, giving me a clear view of Summer pacing in the foyer. “Shit.” I laugh, breaking our moment. “I have to go.”I don’t want to but I have to.“My sister will kill me if we miss the trailers.”

“Of course.” Lainey laughs. “Go. I’d be the same with Luke.”

“Thanks. It was good seeing you again.”

“You too, Thomas. And thank you.”

I smile as I grab my wallet from my truck before making it inside with only a minute to spare.

“What happened? Did you run into Len-o-ra?” Summer teases when we sit down, and I almost spit out the sip of water I’d taken.

“No.” I laugh as I choke. “I ran into an old lady. Literally. I had to wait with her for a minute.”

“Jesus. I’m surprised she’s still walking. Someone bulked up a little since going to college.”

I laugh even louder, drawing the attention of those sitting around us. “You’ve noticed?” I say skeptically.

“Nope. Logan did. He thinks one day you’re going to deck him.”

“Why would I want to deck him?” I mean, I do…but I’m curious as to why he thinks I would.

“Just the looks you give him. But don’t worry. I keep telling him you’re just jealous of our friendship.”

“Yeah. Okay. That’s it.” I give Summer a gentle nudge, and when she starts to sass me again, I cut her off. “Shhh. The movie’s starting.”

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