STS-1, the inaugural mission of the space shuttle program, was about to launch. Almost all of the astronauts had been assigned some role that day, like flying chase or search and rescue. Others had been made available for interviews with TV and radio news anchors. But Joan and the majority of the Group 9 ASCANs were there just to observe.

There were so many people at Cape Canaveral that morning that the surrounding beaches were packed. The launch was being broadcast on multiple channels.

It felt as if the whole world were watching.

Frances would be watching on TV, too. And Joan kept thinking of her as she looked over at the Columbia shuttle: a monumental bright white symbol of progress. The orbiter was positioned with its nose in the air, twin solid rocket boosters, one on either side of the external tank. Any minute now, the main engines would ignite, and everyone would watch liftoff.

If Joan had thought Barbara would listen to her, she would have told her not to let Frances watch.

“Joan, I’m nervous,” Vanessa said.

Joan looked around, to see if any of the many astronauts, ASCANs, NASA officials, or admins on that rooftop with them were listening.

“It’s going to be fine,” Joan said.

Vanessa looked at her. “You’re not nervous?”

“I didn’t say that. I just said it is going to be fine.”

Vanessa lightened up slightly.

“Goodwin,” Griff said as he approached Joan, not seeing Vanessa on the other side of her. “Want to grab breakfast after this?”

Joan’s stomach churned. “Yes, sure.”

Griff nodded and walked away.

“He’s got a thing for you,” Vanessa said.

“Stop it. People don’t understand that men and women can be friends,” Joan said.

“Or maybe you don’t understand when someone is giving you signals that they’re interested.”

Joan looked at Vanessa. “You are nervous about the launch, and it’s making you edgy,” she said. “Shake it out.”

“Shake it out?” Vanessa said, smiling out of the corner of her mouth.

“Yeah,” Joan said. Joan shimmied her shoulders, shook her hands and arms.

“You look ridiculous.”

“Well, the tightness is gone from my shoulders, and I’m feeling better about this launch already, but if you’re too cool for it, be my guest. That is kind of your thing.”

“You think I’m cool?”

Joan squinted at her. “Now you’re pretending you don’t try to act cool?”

“I just didn’t know you thought I was cool.”

Joan rolled her eyes. “Stop fishing for compliments.”

Vanessa smiled just as the crowd quieted and a low buzz overtook Joan’s body.

“T minus five minutes and counting,” the flight controller said.