“So many,” she said. “That’s the trouble with books. There are always so many things I’m curious about, little pieces of information that aren’t included because how can an author possibly include everything? Such as, before the war, what was your life plan?”
Jack’s lips lifted in one corner. “Going straight for the big ones. I planned to study medicine.”
“I already know that,” Stella said, remembering what one of the Battle of the Bulge survivors from Jack’s unit revealed in his storyline. “Donald Langan said you were brilliant, could have been a successful surgeon. He said you loved talking about science and medicine and that you were always looking out for the guys.”
Jack didn’t respond for a few seconds, but finally asked, “Is this how you felt when I recalled to you what you and Percy had done growing up? A not quite uncomfortable but still peculiar feelingthat someone knows about your personal life when you haven’t told them about it?”
Stella’s smile reflected on Jack’s face. “It’s probably comparable. It’s just that I’ve— Well, to say I’ve read your book a lot doesn’t suffice. It’s probably more accurate to say I’ve almost memorized it, which soundssocreepy when I say it out loud.” She laughed nervously. “Makes me sound obsessed.”
Jack chuckled. “I can’t rag you about that. I’ve been watching you off and on for years. What’s that level of creepy?”
Stella burst out laughing, the sound echoing strangely—but familiarly—in her ears, like a long-lost friend who had finally returned. She pressed her hands to her chest as more flowed out of her. The reappearance of her laughter felt delightful.
“Why were you so curious about Percy and me?” she asked.
Jack paused in thought. “At first because Arnie talked about you two all the time. I felt like I knew you as well. Then later...” Jack’s cheeks darkened and he looked away.
Stella shifted on her feet, sensing the air around them fluctuating, warming. “Later?”
His hazel eyes found hers. “Later you grew up, and when you got closer to my age, I could see you as my peer and someone I would have wanted to ask out on a date. To a neighborhood dance.”
Is this for real? My fictional boyfriend crush has wanted to take me on a date?Before she could stop herself, she blurted, “I’m a terrible dancer.”
Jack stepped closer to her. “Is that a no?”
“No!” she said quickly. “I mean, no, it’snota no, but yes, I’m not someone you’d want to take to a dance.” Was she seriously talking him out of wanting to take her on a date?
“I could show you a few moves,” he said.
Stella’s mouth went dry and then her stomach growled so loudly that it echoed in the foyer. She and Jack both busted out laughing.
“So, food?” he said lightheartedly. “If I remember correctly, you have a deep love for pizza.”
Stella placed her hands on her stomach as another growl sounded. “But you said you don’t get hungry. Is it too weird to eat?”
Jack laughed. “I’m not a ghost, Stella. I can eat and act like a regular man with needs.”
Stella’s eyebrows rose, and laughter rushed out of her again.
Jack cleared his throat. “I meantphysical needslike eating.”
Stella’s giggles continued. A carefree feeling rose up in her, easy and comfortable, and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt that way.
“Sure you did.” She pulled out her cell phone and winced. Several unread texts from Ariel filled the screen. She’d forgotten she hung up on her best friend earlier in the day. With everything that had been going on, she’d completely forgotten to call or text her back. She’d have to do that soon. But first she searched for the local pizza place. “According to yourphysical needs, do you want pepperoni or supreme? That wasn’t in your book.”
“Surprise me,” Jack said.
Stella ordered the pizza and tossed in an order of cheesy bread as a bonus. Then she read Ariel’s texts while guilt bloomed in her chest. “Excuse me for a minute,” she told Jack. “I’m going to call Ariel real quick. Can you keep an eye out?”
He nodded, and Stella walked into the children’s section and dialed Ariel’s number. Her best friend picked up on the first ring.
“Where in heaven’s name have you been? I was just about to drive to the library!”
“I amso sorry,” Stella said sincerely. “It’s been a madhouse today. We had... visitors and so many people. Vicki was shorthanded for a bit because Dan left, and there was a lot to organize. The book club is here tonight, and I lost track of time. I’m sorry to worry you.”
“And Jack?” Ariel asked.
Her question stunned Stella into silence for a few seconds. “Jack? What about him?”
