The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Chapter 771: LAUREN ON THE WAY

THE Duke did not leave even after Reas started working on the field again. Instead, he found ways to help. He walked alongside the tiller, pulling out any large weeds or stones that Reas uncovered and tossing them into a pile at the edge of the row. When Reas finished a pass, the Duke would move ahead to clear the next section of any obvious debris, making the next run a little smoother.

Reas thought about telling him to stop at first, but then he changed his mind. The Duke seemed like the type of person who would just do what he wanted anyway, whether or not you asked him to. So, instead of wasting his breath, Reas just let him be. It wasn’t like the Duke was getting in his way or causing any trouble.

Besides, during their conversation, he realized he didn’t actually dislike the man. Talking to him was okay, maybe even a little pleasant. Even the quiet moments between them didn’t feel awkward. Reas wasn’t sure if the Duke was just trying hard to be likable or if this was just how he was. Either way, he wasn’t nearly as disagreeable as Reas had first thought.

With the Duke’s help, the work went much faster. They finished the last row just as the sun was reaching its peak, right on time for lunch.

As they walked back toward the house, Reas glanced at the Duke. "Are you going to join us for lunch today?"

The Duke kept his eyes on the path ahead. "I would like to, if that’s fine with you."

Reas just shrugged. He really didn’t have a problem with it. "Sure, I don’t mind."

At his words, the corner of the Duke’s mouth lifted just a little, like he was quietly pleased. They walked the rest of the way to the house in a comfortable silence.

***

Lauren shifted in his seat, unable to sit still as he stared out the window of the land vehicle. The green countryside blurred past. His destination was Astreas Farm, the farm owned by Reas’ family. Why was he going there you asked? Well, his last filming commitment on a neighboring planet had just ended a day early. With his schedule suddenly clear, he’d remembered Reas mentioning he’d be spending his break back home. A thought suddenly had struck him then. Why not surprise him?

So, before he could overthink it, he had already booked a ticket to Delryria. It all happened quickly. Before he knew it, he was in a simple disguise, sitting alone on a commercial spacecraft. He definitely hadn’t told Chris, his agent, about this little side trip. If Chris knew he was making a personal visit with no security or planning, he would have a total fit. So, Lauren had slipped away quietly, telling no one.

But the moment the spacecraft touched down on Delryria, he started to question how smart this decision really was. Still, he had come this far. He rented a land vehicle and let the auto navigation guide it toward Astreas Farm. What else could he do? He was already here. He might as well go through with it now.

Lauren just hoped Reas would not be too upset to see him. Then there was the other problem of meeting his parents. What should he say he was? Just a friend? That’s probably the only safe choice. He could not introduce himself as Reas’ boyfriend. Reas’ parents might not take that well, and he would understand why. He was older than Reas, and to anyone looking in, it would seem like he was the one who seduced the other.

He scratched the back of his head, feeling annoyed with himself for being so impulsive. If he hadn’t suddenly come here, he wouldn’t be dealing with all this anxiety right now. But like he kept telling himself, he was already here. There was no point turning back. So he might as well go all the way instead of just sitting around and regretting his poor decisions.

He glanced at the navigation screen on the dashboard. The signal showed he was getting close to the farm. A few minutes later, he saw it up ahead. There’s a simple archway over the entrance to a long driveway. The words ’Astreas Farm’ were written across it in a nice, flowing script.

He remembered Reas talking about how his parents preferred simple, old fashion things sometimes, like that archway sign instead of a digital one. Of course, they still used modern technology for the important stuff that made daily life easier. The contrast was kind of cute.

The land vehicle came to a smooth stop once it reached the archway. Since Lauren didn’t know the exact address for the family’s house, he had only entered the general location of the farm into the navigation. Now that he’s here, he realized he didn’t know what to do next.

He let out a long sigh. This was exactly what he got for acting without thinking things through first. Him and his impulsiveness.

It was then that he noticed another land vehicle driving toward him from inside the farm. It seemed to be heading out. Lauren quickly opened his door and stepped out, waiting for it to get closer. As it approached, he raised a hand and waved, hoping to get the attention of whoever was inside.

The vehicle slowed and then stopped. The window lowered. A man leaned out from the driver’s side. He had a friendly smile on his face.

"Are you lost, young man?" he asked.

Lauren let out a relieved sigh when the vehicle stopped. He rushed to speak before the man could decide he was too much trouble and drive off.

"Hi! Sorry, sorry to stop you," he began, his words coming out a bit too fast. He gave an awkward smile. "I’m a friend of Reas. Andreas Townsend? I, uh, wanted to surprise him, but I guess I didn’t plan this part very well. I don’t actually know where the house is on the farm. Could you maybe point me in the right direction?"