Chapter 12

When he had everything under control, Alex turned to him with a tight smile. “Hungry? I might try one of those burro things you had this morning now that it’s well past midday. I’m kind of traditional about breakfast, but after that, I’m game to experiment.”

Manuel’s stomach had still not settled enough to relish food, but he figured he’d have to eat sooner or later. Maybe it would help—something familiar and ordinary, a meal that for him would be comfort food. He shrugged. “Sure, if you want to. Let’s just walk across the street.”

Alex opened the door and then fell into step beside him. A strange awareness shot through Manuel as they matched strides, walking side by side across the dust-filmed pavement.

Partners. Friends. Companions. Not just today, but into the future. Maybe sometimes flying together…He jerked his thoughts up short, jolted by even imagining such things. No! I don’t know enough to even start in that direction!