“Tuesday donuts always are. It’s science.” Luke’s tone was perfectly serious. “Something about the barometric pressure.”
Despite herself, Stella’s mouth twitched. “That’s not how science works.”
“Marine biology science is different. Very specialized.”
Stella grabbed a maple bar, took a bite, then seemed to remember she was supposed to be sullen. “Whatever.”
“So,” Tyler said, watching his daughter devour the donut, “about last night’s sleeping arrangements...”
Stella paused mid-chew. “What about them?” “The couch isn’t exactly built for someone my height. My back is killing me.”
“Oh.” Stella looked guilty. “Oh, bloody hell.”
“Language,” Tyler said automatically.
“You just said the same thing yesterday,” Stella pointed out.
“Fair point.”
“I can move out,” Meg offered quickly.
“No,” Tyler said, the word coming out sharper than intended. “Please don’t. I need—we need—” He looked helplessly atMeg. “Please stay.”
“Okay, but where does everyone sleep?” Stella asked.
“We’ll figure it out,” Tyler said. “I can take the couch?—”
“You’re like eight feet tall,” Stella interrupted. “You’ll be a pretzel.”
“Six-two, and I’ll manage.”
“This is stupid,” Stella announced. “I’ll take the couch. I’m the shortest.”
“You’re not sleeping on the couch,” Tyler and Meg said in unison.
“Then what?”
Luke cleared his throat. “What about the office? Could we convert it?”
Tyler hesitated. “That’s where I work. All my equipment?—”
“We could move it to your room,” Luke suggested. “Set up the futon properly for Stella, make it an actual bedroom.”
“Move where I’ve been working for five years,” Tyler said slowly.
“It has a door,” Meg pointed out. “A window. Privacy for a teenager.”
“I don’t need special treatment,” Stella said, but her voice lacked conviction.
“It’s not special treatment,” Tyler decided. “It’s... practical. Luke, would you help me move the desk?”
“Of course.”
“I can help too,” Stella offered, surprising everyone including herself.
They dispersed into action. Tyler and Luke tackled the desk while Meg started clearing surfaces, packing loose papers and organizing equipment. Stella carried boxes, making observations.
“Why do you have so many external hard drives?” she asked.
