Page 41 of What Makes an Alien a Dad?

The more he repeated the word “coincidence” the less I believed it had been. I wouldn’t put it past him not to come up here specifically to find me.

“We’re all following your progress with bated breaths,” Egus continued. “You’re a true celebrity in our circles, Maya. It’s such an honor to finally meet you in person. I can’t wait to brag about it at our next assembly.”

“When is the next assembly?”

“In about four weeks.” Professor Egus perked up as if at an idea entering his mind. “If you’re interested in attending, I’ll be honored to bring you as my guest.”

“No!” Professor Thormus’s voice came out a little too high and a little too loud for the situation.

“I beg your pardon, Professor, but that is up to Maya to decide.” Egus turned to me. “Would you like to attend with me?”

“She wouldn’t,” Professor Thormus replied for me quickly.

But Egus kept looking at me, waiting for my answer.

I lifted a shoulder, uncertain. “Well, I’m not sure I’ll fit in... I’m not a scientist.”

“The formal presentation can be boring sometimes,” Egus agreed. “But it’s fairly short. It’s followed by a gala with a nice dinner and dance. It’ll be fun.”

It did sound fun. The introvert in me wished to stay in the familiar safety of the hospital. However, the somewhat more outgoing part of me welcomed the idea of going out. I hadn’t been to a party in years. A chance to attend one on Neron before I returned to Earth at the end of the study was just too tempting.

“I—”

The right eye of Professor Thormus ticked as he must’ve already guessed my answer.

“She’ll come with me,” he said gruffly.

Professor Egus made a face. “But I invited her first.”

“She was invited by the assembly. And she will be attending it. With me.”

The stormy eyes of Professor Thormus held an equally intense stare of Professor Egus. If glares could spark a fire, we’d be sitting in the middle of an inferno right now. Unsure whether to feel flattered or disturbed by the men fighting over me, I couldn’t deny the excitement sparkling inside me.

I turned to Professor Thormus. “Will you really let me go to the gala?”

“If everything is well in four weeks, yes. I will take you to the assembly,” he promised.

I was going to a party!

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