I sighed. “What’s going on with your job search?” I needed a change of topic, so I didn’t grit my teeth and cause my headache to worsen.
“I called my former professor who’s been working on the rover mission. You know, the one they sent to Mars.”
“I’ve watched every video clip.”
“You would.” I heard the smile in her voice. “Well, he’s talked to his team, and they’re interested in meeting me.”
“That’s fantastic, Hana! Really great news.”
“I know. I’m pretty excited about the possibility.”
“I’ll be rooting for you every step of the way,” I said. “You know, I’m working with the Johnson Space Center. Working to build awareness of the need for physical fitness to take on some of these aerospace tasks like astronauts do.”
“I didn’t know that, but it’s a good fit for you.”
“If hockey hadn’t worked out, I was definitely planning that direction,” I said.
“I remember.” Hana’s voice was soft. “I promised to design your rocket so you’d be safe.”
“I kind of wish that had worked out for us.”
“Well, you get to simulate zero gravity, right?” she asked.
“Maybe. I’m not sure what they’ll have me do. I’m bringing in a group of kids today—well, I was supposed to, but I can’t because of my black eyes and the concussion protocol. Mira—that’s my contact at the Space Center—is rescheduling the visit. I’ll find out more soon.”
Hana gasped. “Oh! I have to go! Dr. Gerenstein is calling me.”
“Let me know how that goes,” I said.
But Hana had already hung up. I tapped my phone against my palm, a thought forming. Would Gunnar involve himselfthisdeeply in my love life? Was that the call he’d said he’d make?
Chapter12
Hana
Nerves licked up my spine, causing my nose to twitch and my palms to itch. The need to win over this group of engineers and scientists pushed hard against my sternum. I pressed my hand there as I exited the rideshare and stared at the low-slung, unassuming building tucked into the lush greenery of Clear Lake, a suburb of Houston’s sprawling metro area.
The pale-gray building was dotted with darker windows, and the thick asphalt parking lot overflowed with vehicles from the tiny Smart to enormous pickups. I was definitely not in the Bay Area anymore.
I headed toward the building, my breath shocked from my lungs as a blast of frigid air hit me when I stepped through the sliding glass doors. My leg brace dug into my thigh as I struggled to walk normally. I hated people to see my limp because it made some of them think my mind was also imperfect.
“Hi, I’m Hana Sato, here to see?—”
“Hana?”
I whirled too quickly at the sound of Paxton’s voice and winced as my leg muscles screamed in protest. I bit my lip to hold in the whimper, but I couldn’t stop my eyes from filling with tears.
“Are you okay?” Paxton stepped closer, clearly concern. He cupped my elbow, fingers gentle.
His eyes looked better, yet both were still encircled with fading bruises. I wanted to touch the battered skin. “Y-yes,” I managed.
He studied me for a moment, and I luxuriated in the warmth of his skin seeping through my cardigan and into my own. I’d missed his touch, his closeness. My leg pulsed with another throb, stopping me from melting against him.
I eased out of his grip, determined to stand alone. I’d been doing so for a few years now. Reconnecting with Paxton, even if we did eventually see where our connection took us, didn’t mean I was willing to give up the autonomy I’d cultivated. “What are you doing here?” I asked.
He gestured toward the passel of small kids behind him, many of whom looked at me with expressions ranging from boredom to suspicion. “I’m leading this team of explorers on a space mission,” he said.
The kids puffed up their chests, giggled…and remained bored.Huh. I remembered every one of those reactions from my own field trips. I’d always been giddy with delight because it meant more time with Paxton.
