Lukas walked along the darkened sidewalk, Star trailing a couple paces behind him. He felt like it should have been the other way around. He behind her, to watch her back, but she seemed perfectly at ease in the transitional neighborhood. Transitional was a kind word. He couldn’t quite believe the rough area with the car horns blaring, the dark shadows skulking around every corner, passing them on the sidewalk, the run down, boarded up houses and cars with smashed out windows, was the neighborhood that Star called home.

“You aren’t afraid to walk here at night?” Lukas turned but didn’t stop walking. He slowed his pace to let Star catch up with him.

“Nope.” Her beautiful emerald eyes flashed even though the night was dark and most of the streetlights were burned out. “I grew up here. In fact, the house I lived in is just up ahead.”

“So you never left?” 

She hesitated, as though she’d already divulged too much. Her face, which had been open and expressive at the kitchen a mere half an hour ago, was little more than a hard mask now. He wasn’t sure what it was about him that was so distrustful. The fact that he was a lawyer? Maybe Star didn’t like them. It seemed like she’d gone out of her way to avoid him.

Unfortunately, he wished she hadn’t. Ever since that day she’d stormed into the kitchen and lectured him on breaking dishes, her face had haunted him.

He couldn’t exactly peg why he hadn’t been able to banish her from his mind. Generally, when it came to women, Lukas got what he wanted. He was almost ashamed to admit how many he’d had. He hadn’t met a woman he’d considered unattainable until he met Star. She was a spitfire. She answered to no man and he had a feeling she wanted to keep it that way, especially where he was concerned.

Silence stretched on between them. A car alarm blared a few blocks over and was eventually silenced. A deep, male shout of anger punctuated the night. Star didn’t drop back. She fell into stride beside Lukas.

“What’s your dad’s name?” He finally asked.

“Oh- uh…” Star trailed off.

Lukas glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. Even in the dark he could tell she looked flustered, as though he’d asked some deep, personal question. “He does have a name, doesn’t he?”

Twin spots of pink blossomed on Star’s beautiful, creamy cheeks. Her full lips parted slightly in indignation before she finally answered in a breathy voice. “Andrew. Andrew Schellen.”

“And this house you used to live in? Is it coming up?”

“We passed it.”

Lukas nearly stopped. He stuffed his hands in his jeans to cover his discomfiture. Why had she said nothing? She clearly didn’t trust him. Why? It was the question that plagued him. Generally, he knew the other sex well enough that he could read what they were feeling. At least, he thought so. Since he’d done nothing to offend her, hadn’t caused trouble at the kitchen and had hardly said two words to her, it could only be that she either didn’t trust members of his profession or that she’d looked into his background.

Given that they were on their way to talk to her father about legal matters, he figured it was the latter. He nearly winced when he imagined what she’d find if she did so much as a quick online search. Sure he was San Diego’s golden boy, a successful lawyer who hadn’t lost a case in eight years, but he’d also chewed through a string of women a mile long. No, probably far longer than a mile. Three DUI’s didn’t exactly paint a rosy picture of his personal life either.

“This is it.”

Star stopped so abruptly that Lukas nearly tripped over his feet. He stood facing a non-descript building. It was little more than a sprawling house with a sagging roof. The only thing that gave it away as a care home was the ramp in front.

“Oh.”

“It doesn’t look like much, I know, but it’s nice inside. The staff are great. Most importantly, it’s close to my own place, and the kitchen. I wanted to be able to visit dad every day.”

“Even though he…” Lukas bit off the rest of his sentence, realizing too late how tactless it sounded.

“Even though he what? Doesn’t know me?” Star asked defensively. The one working streetlight on the whole block illuminated the sudden anger that shadowed her eyes.

“I guess so.”

“He’s still my dad. Even though he doesn’t recognize me most days it doesn’t matter. I recognize him. I know if I come or not.”

“Surely you’re running yourself ragged. Looking after the kitchen and your dad… that was all I meant. When do you take time for yourself?”

A ghost of a smile actually played over her sensual mouth. “This is my time. The kitchen is also my time. Every single minute I spend there is a minute for myself. It’s what I was called to do; serve others.”

“Seems like we have the same calling then, just in a different arena.” He could have slapped himself, the words sounded so stupid. Where was all his effortless charm when he needed it most?

Star just shook her head. “Keep dreaming, Millar.” She turned and walked quickly to the front door of the care home, leaving Lukas standing in the middle of the sidewalk.

He actually felt his face heat up. Not with anger but embarrassment. Star was a spitfire alright but instead of it turning him off like she obviously wanted it to, her attitude only served to heat up his blood. His heart pumped rapidly and his body grew uncomfortably stiff in all the wrong places.

He quickly adjusted himself and hurried after Star. She’d let herself into the care home and was removing her runners. He followed suit, kicking off his own leather shoes.

“Star!” An older woman, round and motherly with chubby cheeks, grey hair and a huge, radiant smile waved them in the minute they walked through the door.

“Lucinda.” Star threw her arms around the short woman’s neck and embraced her gently. “How’s dad today?”

“Better. He’s doing better. Took some broth today. He seems happy and his breathing isn’t as laboured.”

Star looked so relieved it actually hurt something inside Lukas’ chest. He wasn’t used to feeling that way, like he had a pain in his lungs that wasn’t at all physical.

“And who is this handsome man? Have you been keeping him a secret all this while?” Lucinda eyed Lukas up, clearing approving. Star whipped around. Her murderous look told him exactly what she thought of him.

“Nope. Certainly not. You know that I’m married to the kitchen. This is Lukas Millar. He’s a solicitor. I just wanted to make sure that dad has everything in order. I hope he has lots of time left but this really made me realize that I don’t have anything taken care of. I was worried sick.”

Lucinda nodded sympathetically. She took Star’s dainty hand and caressed it gently. “I know exactly what you mean dear. I’ve seen too many of them go and the families are left struggling to make sense of everything. I think it’s a wise decision, to be prepared. It will help put your mind at ease, but also your father’s. He’ll want to know you’re taken care of if the worst should happen.”

Star smiled gently. It was a genuine smile, soft and full of love. Lukas felt that pain again, squeezing his lungs. He didn’t like the knifing in his stomach or the sudden way he yearned to see her smile at him like that.

He was a fool. He damn well knew that. Women like Star didn’t smile at men like him. They were too smart. They saw right through him and steered clear.

“I’ll let you be on your way then. Can I warm that up for you?” Lucinda spotted the package in Star’s hand.

“Yes. Please.” Star treated the woman to another radiant smile and passed the soup over. “Cassie had Connie make it just for dad and I. I really am spoiled you know.”

“Ha! We both know you work as hard as ten people combined.” Lucinda eyed Lukas. “You’re probably worth at least five of him.”

Star made no effort to smother her snort of laughter. For once Lukas didn’t mind being the butt of the joke. He had an urge to laugh himself.

Star took off, making quick work of threading her way through the home and down a long hallway lined with plain white doors. Lukas barely kept up. He didn’t miss the way Star squared her shoulders and took a breath before pushing open the fourth door on the left.

The small room was dark but a lamp lit on the bedside table shed enough light on the room that nearly everything was illuminated. It looked like any other bedroom. A double sized bed, wood nightstand, a small dresser. Things were piled neatly here and there. Puzzles, crosswords, books and novels.

Andrew Schellen sat upright as soon as he saw Star enter. He set aside the word search book he’d been working on. His eyes lit on Lukas right away. “Steven!” He rasped out. He pushed back the blankets and struggled to get out of bed but Lukas quickly stepped forward.

“No, dad this is-” Star tried to intercept him but he took a quick step to the side and walked right up to the bed.

“Andrew!” He stuck out his hand in greeting. The answering handshake didn’t hold much strength. He was reminded again that Andrew was quite ill or he wouldn’t be needed here. On closer inspection, Andrew’s skin was quite pale. He had dark circles under his eyes. He was older than Lukas would have thought, given that he pegged Star to be in her late twenties. He was thin and probably tall, though Lukas couldn’t be sure since Andrew was only half propped up in the bed. He had probably once been a strapping man in his prime but age and infirmity had reduced him to a shell of his former self.

“What are you doing here man? I thought you were gone off north, set off with that girl…”

Lukas shrugged. “Oh. Well, you know me. Always here and there. I’m back in town for a while. Though I would drop in and say hi.”

“I’m glad you did.” Andrew looked like he wanted to say more but a raspy cough stopped him. He bent nearly double before gasping to catch his breath. Star rushed forward and took her father’s hand, easing him back against the pillows. She shot Lukas a murderous glare like everything was his fault. “As you can see,” Andrew rasped. “I haven’t been well. Not well at all.”

“I’m sure you’ll be right in no time,” Lukas assured him. His eyes searched the room and lit on a small chair in the corner. He grabbed it, hauled it over beside the bed and hunched his large frame over the tiny piece of wooden furniture. “Don’t you remember, back in the day when we got into all that trouble? Tell me one of those stories.” He was just guessing that whoever Andrew thought he was, it was some old school chum. He was willing to bet there were a good number of great stories locked away in the elderly man’s mind.

Andrew’s eyes lit up. “Do you remember when we got back at Old Mr. Johnson for making us stay after school and write lines?”

Lukas’ grin wasn’t forced. “Of course. Tell me again though. You always were a better story teller.”

Andrew grinned before he launched into a slow rendition of the tale. He had to stop to take a breath here and there and his voice was raspy but he seemed truly happy. It made Lukas feel better to know that for even a minute, he’d actually done something useful for someone else. He supposed that’s what he did at the shelter all day. He was a little shocked to find he didn’t hate it nearly as much as he did when he’d first started. Not that he enjoyed it but even the people, the volunteers and those who used the kitchen alike, didn’t bother him. He almost saw the point of it all.

His attention snapped back to the story Andrew was still telling when Star moved up beside him. He’d nearly forgotten she was even there until she placed a steaming bowl of chicken soup down on her father’s nightstand.

“You should eat,” she prompted gently. “Connie made this just for us.”

“Eh? Connie who?” Andrew stared blankly at his daughter.

“Never mind,” Star whispered. “Go on, finish telling your story, then eat.”

“Alright, alright.” Andrew waved Star away like she was a pesky gnat. Lukas didn’t miss the sheen of hurt in her eyes or the way she translated that hurt into anger when she briefly stared at him before turning away.

Lukas decided to steer the conversation in the direction he needed it to end up. He had come to figure out Andrew’s affairs. Or at least, help Star with it. Even though she had power of attorney and the capability to make all decisions regarding her father, Lukas sensed she was reluctant to do anything without his blessing. Oddly enough, she felt guilty about assigning her father’s assets to herself though it appeared she was the only heir.

“Andrew, you remember Darla, that girl I lit out of here with?”

Andrew paused. “I thought her name was Wilma. You do get around, don’t you?”

“Guilty as charged.” Lukas normally would have grinned at how true to the mark that statement hit but with Star hovering in the background it really didn’t feel right. He actually felt a new emotion. Something no one had ever been able to make him feel before. Shame. “Anyway, I’m thinking of settling down finally. Have a couple of kids maybe. I know it’s premature to start thinking about it but I want to make sure she’s taken care of should anything happen to me.”

Andrew scoffed.

“I know we’re both young,” Lukas rushed on. “But you just never know. Look at the state of the world.” Finally, Andrew nodded and Lukas knew he was getting somewhere. “Anyway, we were thinking of going to a lawyer’s office and figuring out a will. I know we don’t have much now but one day, if we have kids, I want to be sure they’re provided for. If we have a house, a car, money- that kind of thing.”

“Yes, makes sense,” Andrew agreed. He nodded thoughtfully.

Lukas realized that Andrew’s eyes were brown. Not at all like his daughter’s. He wondered where Star had inherited those beautiful emerald orbs of hers. Andrew’s hair was thinning and grey. Had Star taken her wonderful, thick, dark hair from her father or had that been a gift from a mother Lukas knew nothing about? Why did it even matter? He felt a little lost before he remembered what it was he was supposed to be saying.

“If you had kids one day, a wife and all that, what would you want to leave them? Would you want a will? Would you need to know they’re taken care of?”

Andrew nodded emphatically. “You know, I never really thought about it but it does make sense. Of course I would want to see them cared for. I would save some money just for them. Kids and grandkids. It’s hard to think of but I suppose it will happen. I can only hope that I have a whole houseful of screaming grandchildren to spoil one day.”

Behind Lukas, Star made a sound at the back of her throat that was perilously close to a sob. Lukas turned. She didn’t even make an effort to hide the sorrow that was so blatantly displayed on her face.

Andrew glanced at Star as well. “My parents...” he mumbled. His eyes searched the room wildly. “Where is father? Why hasn’t he come to pick me up yet?”

“I’m sure he’s coming,” Lukas whispered but his softly spoken statement went unheeded.

Star edged over to the bed. He moved out of the way and let her speak with her father. He stepped back, oddly moved at the sight of Star bending over the bed to comfort her father.

“Dad, you’re an old man,” Star whispered. “You’re seventy-seven. Your father… he died before I was even born.”

Andrew’s eyes flitted from Lukas’ face back to Star’s. It was only a second before his features imploded and huge tears rolled down his cheeks.

“Dad! Dad,” Star pleaded. She tried to comfort her father but he was inconsolable.

Lukas did the only thing he could. He grabbed a tissue out of the box on the night stand and passed it over to Andrew. He gently placed his hand on the frail shoulder. “Don’t worry Andrew. No matter what happens, everything is going to work out.”

Andrew stared at Lukas like he wasn’t sure if he knew him or not. “You’re here with my daughter,” he finally whispered. “Star is going to be taken care of. You’ll be sure of that won’t you?”

Star made a strangled sound and Lukas nearly choked. He wasn’t sure exactly in what capacity Andrew meant. He didn’t hesitate. “Yes. I’ll be sure Star is looked after. I promise. I’ll make sure you’re both looked after.”

Andrew blinked large, misty eyes his way. Star sighed and Lukas backed up a step. To his surprise she didn’t turn on him in anger. Instead she just reached out and took her father’s hand. “Get some rest dad. I’ll be back to see you tomorrow evening.” She smiled gently, leaned forward and kissed her dad on the forehead.

Andrew stared at them blankly, like he wasn’t sure what was going on. He let Star pull up the covers. His untouched bowl of soup sat on the nightstand.

Lukas felt like an intruder, staring at the intimate scene. It was at times like this that he wondered what having a family would have been like. He didn’t know and he never would. All the sadness, hope, poignant, touching moments weren’t lost on him but they hit him somewhere else. Something that was closer to what watching a movie felt like than looking into one’s own life.

He retreated to the hallway. He wondered if he should leave. Just as he was contemplating the wisdom of that decision, Star slipped out and closed the door gently behind her.

Her eyes were filled with love and sadness. When she looked at him, all of the usual anger was gone. She looked utterly deflated. Exhausted. Completely and utterly gorgeous even at her worst.

“Can I walk you home?” It was the dumbest thing on earth he could have possibly said and he knew it. Lukas braced himself for a stinging rejection. Instead he was shocked by Star’s silent nod. She turned and walked down the hall in the direction they had come. Lukas watched her go before he unglued his feet from the floor and trailed in her wake. He wasn’t sure if he had accomplished anything at all other than deepening the sadness of a woman who certainly didn’t deserve an ounce of it.