Lucky Break (Lucky 3)

Jason and Lauren settled in his car and buckled their seat belts. He started the engine, but before putting the gears in reverse, he stretched his arm over the top of the seat and turned to Lauren.

“You look beautiful,” he said, unable to hold back the honest words.

She treated him to the first wide smile he’d seen in too long. “Thanks. You look pretty handsome yourself.”

“Thanks.” He accepted the compliment with a grin. “I appreciate you coming tonight. Especially with everything going on. It means a lot to Derek and Gabrielle. And to me.”

She nodded. “I’m honestly looking forward to it!”

“Great. Then let’s get going.” He backed out of the long driveway.

They drove past the residential neighborhood and reached the turn into town. He was halfway down Main Street when Lauren started to frantically paw through her purse and mutter softly.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“I forgot my cell phone.”

He slowed the car. “Want to go back?”

She nodded. “I’m sorry, but in case there’s news about my sister, I need to have my phone.”

He glanced at the clock on the dashboard. “No problem. It’s still early.” He managed a three-point turn and was about to drive off whe

n someone waved at them.

“It’s Uncle Hank,” Jason said, rolling down his window.

“Where are you two off to? Oh, I know. Gabrielle’s book signing.” He barely paused for a breath. “Even your father is going, but am I allowed? Oh no.”

“Why not?” Lauren asked.

“I’ve been banned!” Hank rolled his eyes. “Isn’t that the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard?”

Jason grinned. “Not really. Remember the signing at the local library a few months ago?” Jason hadn’t been in town but he’d heard all about it.

“Extenuating circumstances,” his uncle muttered.

“Ever since, Derek hasn’t trusted him to behave,” Jason explained to Lauren.

“My own son. Isn’t that an insult?” his uncle asked. “Besides, I had my reason. She was disputin’ the Corwin Curse when everyone in this town knows how we Corwins suffered because of those dang Perkins!”

Jason stiffened and hit the window button as Hank began his familiar rant. “Goodbye, Uncle Hank,” he said, cutting off the older man’s words.

Jason glanced at Lauren.

“I’m fine,” she assured him before he could ask.

But her set jaw told another story.

“I should be used to it by now,” she said.

But it was clearly a blow. And he knew better than to start any conversation that would lead to an argument, so he let the subject go.

Heading home, he pulled into the driveway. “Want me to go in for you?”

She shook her head. “I think I know where I left the phone. I’ll be right back.”

She jumped out of the car.