Joan could not look at him. “No, I don’t think so.”

“Well, it’s like a bad cold: it’s miserable and then, one day, it’s gone.”

Joan laughed.

“All I’m saying is, let’s put it behind us.”

“Put what behind us?” Joan said, smiling.

Griff laughed. “Thank you.”

“You really are the best guy I’ve ever known,” Joan said.

“Well, let’s not start with that,” Griff said.

“No, I just mean…” Joan said. “There aren’t many men in my life, really. Aside from my father and the rest of…these guys. But you are good. You’re a good one.”

“Well, I try to be.”

“I know you do. And I’m honored to be your friend. I really mean that. I’m honored to work with you.”

“I feel the same.”

“So can we go back to walking over to JSC together?”

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

“And we can get dinner?”

Griff raised his palm up. “One thing at a time, Goodwin.”

Joan smiled when she heard him call her that. But she did recognize that something had been lost between them that would never come back.

They walked on, farther from the campsite, before eventually heading back.

“Can I say one more thing?” Griff asked, just before they approached the camp. “That is not my place to say?”

“Of course.”

“I’m not going to pretend to know what’s in your heart. But you’ve said a few things, here and there, and I’ve…sensed a few things, maybe…and…”

He stopped and turned toward her. “If you do have feelings for someone—if that’s something that’s on your mind…I worry that you’re in a tough spot. Because as wrong as I think their position is, there are some things NASA doesn’t officially condone for astronauts. From what I’ve heard.”

Joan couldn’t breathe for a full second, her body forgetting how to let the air out of her lungs.

“You okay?” he said.

She nodded. “Thank you, Griff. For looking out. But I…I’m not sure what any of that has to do with me.”

“Okay,” he said. “I just…I will go to bat for you. If you need it. I just wanted you to know that. Regardless of you completely decimating my ego back in New Orleans…” he added, laughing.

“Would you stop?”

He kept laughing. “I’m just saying…my wounded pride wouldn’t affect what I believe to be right. Everyone should be free to live their lives, love anyone they choose. I’ve got your back, Goodwin. Okay? That’s what I’m trying to say.”

“Thank you, Griff, really,” Joan said. “But I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

—