She nodded.
Logan glanced across the yard at the man and woman. They were watching him and Jupiter with soft smiles. They were attractive and their clothes looked neat and clean, though not expensive.
“Are they nice?” Logan asked.
“Very nice,” Jupiter asserted.
“That’s good,” Logan said gruffly. “I wouldn’t want ’em to be mean to you or anything.”
“Me neither.”
“They got any other kids?”
Jupiter shook her head.
“So you won’t have to share a room with anyone.” Logan smiled. “You’re lucky.”
“I know.” Jupiter hesitated like she wanted to say more but couldn’t find the right words. He felt the same way.
Finally she mumbled, “Well…bye, Lunkhead.”
He swallowed hard at the nickname. “See ya, Jupiter.”
She turned to Mr. T and stuck her hand out. “Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Meadow.” He smiled warmly as he shook her hand. “If you’re ever in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello.”
She nodded and smiled shyly, then looked at Logan one more time before turning and walking away.
Logan had the strongest urge to run after her. Which was stupid. He didn’t even like her all that much. She was just a silly little girl.
So why did he feel sad about her leaving?
He watched her climb into the backseat of the black car. She immediately turned around and looked out the rear window, staring at Logan.
He stared back.
After the longest moment, she lifted her hand in a small wave.
Logan swallowed again and waved back. Then he stood watching as the car pulled away from the curb and drove off down the street, taking Jupiter out of his life.
Mr. T clapped him gently on the shoulder. “You know, a lot of girls go crazy over hockey players.”
Logan looked up at him. “They do?”
“Oh, yeah. Most definitely.” He gave Logan a conspiratorial smile. “Become a big hockey star and maybe Meadow will find you again someday.”
Chapter One
MEADOW
Present Day
March 21
Las Vegas, Nevada
“Denver?” harris ryan repeated, brow furrowed in disbelief. “You have a job interview in Denver?”