Do I? I told her I would, and I don’t generally go back on my word. It’s just, every reminder of that day and of my dad, well, it’s hard. “Sure. That’d be good.”
“Great. How about meeting at the planetarium this Saturday? I’ve been promising the girls we’d go again.”
“I’ve never been.”
“Seriously? It’s one of my favorite places. Adler is the bomb.” She laughs.
“Adler Planetarium.” I’m not sure why I repeated the name, but I think I need to know, “Um. Is that owned by Hudson’s family?”
“No.” She laughs. “It’s owned by the city.”
Phew. That’s a relief.
“It’s named after Hudson’s great-great grandfather.” She pauses. “Or was it his great-great-great grandfather? Anyway, he gave all the money to build the place, plus he was really interested in the technology.”
“I see.”
“But they don’t own it, per se.”
“Good to know.” I’m not sure why I’m relieved to hear that, but I am.
* * *
“This is amazing.”My voice is husky with emotion.
We’re sitting in Adler Planetarium’s Observatory, watching their sky show in seats that recline so that we’re looking up at a giant concave screen filled with the planets, stars, and the universe. It’s breathtaking and emotional.
Sonia has leaned over to whisper since the other people in room are silent as the music plays softly around us. “I’m glad you like it.”
I do like it, but there’s more to it. I feel so small, insignificant in this illusion of vastness. And I can’t help wondering…Is my dad up there? If he is, is he proud of me? Is he watching over me?
No, he’s probably busy watching over Mom. She needs him more than me right now.
I didn’t realize I was crying. Not until the lights slowly come to life at the end of the show and Sonia sees me.
“Oh, no. Are you all right, Willa?”
Her eldest daughter, Kylie, who sat to my right, leans over the arm of my chair. “Are you sad, Willa?”
“No, I’m not sad.” Looking over at Sonia, I smile. “I’m fine. It was a visceral experience, that’s all. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“I understand.” She reaches out and places her hand on my arm. “Honestly, I get it. It causes us to look at life differently. I feel that way every time we come here.”
I nod and stand, ready to get out of here and go home to Barney. I need a good book and cuddle time with my favorite yellow fella. As we exit the observatory, Kylie takes my hand. “Don’t be sad, Willa.”
I’ve only known these little girls for a couple of hours, and I already adore them. They’re beautiful, for sure, with their shiny dark hair and big brown eyes, but that’s not why I like them. I recognize they’re inquisitive minds. I used to be like that. Not only that, they’re kind and listen to every word from their mom because she’s concerned about safety.Extraconcerned. “Oh, sweetie, I’m not sa––.”
I don’t get to finish because Kylie yanks her hand from mine and yells, “Brooklyn!”
Kylie takes off running toward a pretty woman with long reddish auburn hair. She’s wearing a bright blue tee with the Adler Planetarium logo on the front like all the other employees I’ve seen so far. She’s not alone though. She’s with––”
“Willa?”
It’s Hudson. She’s with Hudson Adler. Or more importantly, he’s with her.
He’s beaming with his perfect smile. “What are you doing here?” He glances at Sonia. “Oh, hey, Sonia.” His eyes are back at me. “You here together?”
“I invited Willa to join us. I wanted her to meet the girls.”
