Chapter 21

“Maybe you could come out to visit me sometime. Show her just how far LA is,” Noah said lightly, but he wasn’t joking. “We can go to Disneyland, and the beach, or down to San Diego. I’m sure she’d love the zoo.”

“I don’t know…”

“Just think about it, okay?” Noah cut in. “I’d love to have the two of you as my guests.”

“I’ll think about it,” Lucas promised, though Noah didn’t quite believe him.

“Who knows? Maybe you’ll love it here.”

Luke laughed. “I doubt it. It might be a bit too crowded for my tastes.”

“You get used to the people. Eventually. Or so I’ve been told. I haven’t quite adjusted yet.”

“Oh, I don’t believe that. I think you probably fit in like you’ve always lived there. You’ve always been very adaptable.”

Noah sat on the couch and toed off his shoes. This was better. The wary edge was gone from Luke’s voice. “Maybe. It took a few years. You can take the boy out of the small town, but…”