Page 28 of Breathless Recruiter

This turned awkward. I went from fantasizing about diving headfirst into a pile of candy with Dustin… clothing optional… to drinks with Zaster. The second didn’t compare, not in the least, but I didn’t want to be rude.

“You said you’d check when you were free.”

Zaster stepped close enough that I had to take a step away from Dustin. “It just so happens my plans this evening fell through.”

I wanted Dustin to jump between us and say we had plans. Then he’d take my hand, and we’d fly across the city to thegoodcandy store. Instead, he turned about, nodding and waving to the last few researchers exiting the building.

“I think I’m free.” Unless Dustin dragged me away. When that didn’t happen, Zaster gave a slight nod. I caught the look of disgust as he eyed Dustin. It appeared he didn’t care for the security guard.

“I’ll text you the address.” He didn’t wait for a reply. He brushed by Dustin, bumping into him as he headed to the exit. It wasn’t until he stepped through the revolving door that the hair on my arms laid to rest.

“So, you and Zaster?”

I avoided making eye contact. The uneasy rumblings in my stomach doubled. I wasn’t sure why, but something about this situation made me uncomfortable. If I had Kiki’s home address, I’d rush over to sort it out. Maybe I’d text Drew and Orion for guidance. After that, the feeling of excitement with Dustin turned uncomfortable.

“He wants to grab a drink.”

Dustin smiled, but the sentiment didn’t reach his eyes. “I can’t blame him.” He gave a slight nod and backed away. “I’ll chat with you later.”

Nothing about this felt good. I watched as Dustin walked toward the security office. Something had gone wrong, and I couldn’t unravel the mystery. We were having a good time, and it came crashing down, leaving an icky sensation along my skin. My fantasy had gone poof, replaced by a subpar reality.

I couldn’t even enjoy watching Dustin’s butt.

9

Drew:Don’t get shot.

Orion: That’s where they filmed the fake moon landing.

Drew: Why would they do that?

Orion: To hide the existence of aliens.

Drew: You’re texting an alien now!

Orion: See. It worked.

Drew: SMH. Wyatt, have fun tonight.

They amused me. Texting outside of work meant we were more than work friends. I’d have to ask Kiki if that was true. I never talked to the baristas at Coffee! Coffee! Coffee! And then there was Janet…

Janet: Bring lube AND a camera. I want details.

I shut my phone and slid it into my pocket. The bar reminded me of Zaster, dark and more than a little unnerving. Of all the places he could suggest, I wondered why he chose this one? Outside Haven, a collection of questionable characters hung around agroup of motorcycles. As I approached the door, they all grew silent, staring in my direction.

I waved.

“Mind your own business,” a man with a leather vest grumbled.

Mean. I ignored the comment, pushing through the giant metal swinging door. Deep within Southland, the bar was in a part of Vanguard known for its crime. The villains treated this like their personal hangout, and heroes rarely ventured into this neighborhood. Based on the patron’s gnarly expressions, I doubt they’d want me saving them.

Zaster could have picked any location in Vanguard, and this was his preferred date spot? I wasn’t familiar with courtship customs. Maybe humans started at the worst location, so everything else became a walk in the park? Now that I thought about it, I’d prefer a stroll in Vanguard Park.

The doctor sat in a booth against the wall. With the low light, I had to squint, bumping into a table on the way over. I took a seat opposite him, wedging myself between the table and the bench. He swirled a dark liquid in a glass before taking a sip.

“This is a colorful neighborhood,” I said with a half-laugh.

“I always preferred a hole-in-the-wall pub over the upscale arrogance of a bar downtown. The people here are…” He mulled it over while taking another drink. “…predictable.” I had no idea what he meant, but I’d give it a try. Who knew, maybe Southland didn’t deserve such a harsh reputation?

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