Free Covering Home by Heidi McCahan Page A

caught signing autographs, too, so—”
    “He’s signing autographs?” Caleb surveyed the crowd still coming out of the Dome.
    “What did you expect when you asked your twin brother to impersonate you?”
    He shook his head. “It seemed like a good idea this afternoon. It helped me get out of the stadium, but I didn’t account for aggressive Hollywood celebrities.”
    “Are you and Lane friends?” Britt’s tone was light and casual, but he looked at her and their eyes met. Was she seeking clarification?
    “No. She and Amanda went way back. Boarding school roommates and all that.” He waved his hand to dismiss the thought. “It doesn’t matter now.”
    The mention of Amanda’s name hung heavy in the air between them.
    Britt stopped walking and faced him. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
    A strand of hair blew across her face and he balled his hand into a fist so he wouldn’t tuck it back into place. “Thank you. She was a wonderful woman—larger than life. I still don’t get it.”
    “Don’t get what? Why it happened?”
    Caleb nodded. “So many things went wrong that night. If I could rewind the proverbial tape, I’d give anything to do it all differently.”
    They worked their way through the crowd, headed for the popular golden arches a few blocks away. Did she really want a cheeseburger and french fries? Did she even eat that stuff?
    “I think everybody has a situation or a circumstance where they wish they could call a Mulligan.” Britt cast a furtive glance his way, the corners of her mouth twitched in a playful smile. “Do you pitchers comprehend golf analogies?”
    “Very funny. Yes, I get it. A do-over. What’s yours?”
    “My what?”
    “Your do-over. What’s the one thing in life you’d like to go back and edit?”
    “Besides that ridiculous comment I made last night about you donating to a certain charitable cause?”
    He chuckled. “I think we both said things we regret last night. Let’s strike that portion of the evening from the record, shall we?”
    She nodded. “Fair enough.”
    They walked in comfortable silence. The night life of Tokyo bloomed around them. Taxis honked, jostling for position on the crowded streets. The trains moved predictably along the tracks and everything was bathed in the neon glow of signs from shops and restaurants.
    “So let’s hear it.” He nudged her with his elbow. “Prior to yesterday, what’s an event in your life that you’d re-write if you could?”
    “I would find a way to bring my mother back.”
    Caleb’s stomach clenched. Oh no. “When did she die?”
    “Twenty-six years ago, giving birth to me.”
    His heart ached for her. “I’m sorry.”
    She tried to smile, but faint lines still creased her brow. “Thanks. I don’t know what it’s like to lose the person you hoped to marry.” She pressed her fist to her heart. “But I know what it’s like to try and fill the gaping hole that lives right here.”
    He racked his brain for something to say, apart from those clichC)s people fell back on in moments like these. He’d grown to detest those empty phrases. “I don’t think it can ever be filled. I’m hoping it shrinks over time.”
    “Yeah, me too.” She cast a glance his way. “Wow, listen to us. A couple of Debbie Downers tonight, aren’t we?”
    Caleb laughed. “We are kind of pathetic. C’mon. You can collect on that burger and fries I allegedly owe you.”
    Britt followed him toward the restaurant. “Don’t mind if I do.”

Chapter Nine
    Britt dipped her last french fry into the tiny pool of ketchup and popped it into her mouth. She chewed slowly, savoring the perfect combination of salty and sweet. “This is so good.”
    “I’m surprised you eat fast food.” Caleb closed his empty Quarter Pounder carton and set it aside.
    “I try to avoid it, but tonight I felt like eating familiar food. Makes it easier to be so far from home.”
    He nodded. “I know what you mean. If I didn’t think it would destroy