He slid his backpack over one shoulder. “I have a science study group after school.”
I examined Luke for a moment. I hated that I wasn’t sure if he was lying or not. “With who?”
“Someone in my science class.”
“Who?” I pressed.
Luke’s jaw clenched. “Violet Hooper. I’ll get a ride home after.”
It could’ve been a lie, but I knew the girl’s name. She was the daughter of a local pastor and not exactly a part of Luke’s usual crew.
“I can pick you up after the study group,” Hallie offered. “It’s no problem.”
Luke just scowled at her and headed for the door. “Whatever.”
The door slammed behind him, and Hallie winced. “I’m sorry he’s not my biggest fan.”
Worry lined Hallie’s features, and she tied her fingers into intricate knots.
I gently touched her shoulder. “It’s not you.”
She tugged on her bottom lip with her teeth. “Seems like it might be.”
“He’s not happy with anyone these days,” I admitted.
Hallie’s expression gentled. “I’m sorry, Lawson. I know that must be hard to see.”
A burn lit along my sternum at her kind understanding. “It hasn’t been the easiest lately.”
“I’m ready!” Charlie called as he hurried down the hallway, Drew following behind. He grinned at Hallie. “You’re gonna meet Cady. She’s my bestest friend. Do you like ballet? Ballet’s her favorite, and she’s really good. But she also likes animals like me. She has a bazillion of them. Even an emu.”
I clamped a hand on Charlie’s shoulder. “Let’s fill Hallie in on the way. How about that?”
She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. “I am quite curious about this emu.”
Charlie chattered the entire way to the high school, telling Hallie all about Cady and Aspen’s makeshift animal rescue. Luke didn’t say a word as he slid out of my department SUV and headed for school, but I didn’t push.
Charlie kept right on talking as we headed for the middle school to drop off Drew, who at least had a wave for Hallie and me. By the time we reached the elementary school, I was pretty sure we’d covered every animal on Aspen’s property. Well, I guessed it was Aspen and Roan’s now that they were married and combining their adjacent homes.
Hallie twisted in her seat as I pulled to a stop in front of the elementary school. “That sounds incredible. I’d say you lucked out when it comes to best friends.”
Charlie bobbed his head in a nod. “I’m the luckiest.”
I shut off the engine. “Better hurry. I see your bestie over there.”
Charlie’s face lit up as he saw Cady, and he unhooked his booster seat. “Can I get out? Please, Dad?”
I nodded, and he quickly hopped out next to the sidewalk.
“He’s amazing,” Hallie said softly.
“A ball of energy, that’s for sure. Come on. He’ll want you to meet Cady.”
We climbed out of the SUV and headed in their direction as they talked rapid-fire.
Aspen stood next to them and lifted a hand in a wave. “You’d think they’d been apart for a month instead of two days.”
I chuckled. “I can’t believe you’re back to drop-off duty the day after your wedding weekend.”
