Page 111 of Alien Haven

“Itwasa quick change. I was surrounded by those who were determined to separate our species by force. I never saw myself dating a Kalquorian, much less a clan. It was just recently I considered your people an option,” Charity allowed.

Ilid looked relieved. “The business of civil war over whether Earthers should be welcome in the empire was where my family drew the line. When Dramok Maf set our people against each other, it became clear we’d taken the wrong side. Overnight, my mother started baking and selling cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies alongside suod wafers and tasi biscuits.”

“Chocolate chip cookies,” Charity breathed. “All is forgiven if I’m allowed to have a sample.”

He chuckled. “The first batch from the new bakery is yours. How did you overcome your reluctance to date Kalquorians?”

Charity’s face warmed, but embarrassment only made her blunt. “Lust.”

Ilid’s eyes widened. He slapped a hand over his mouth to keep from bellowing fresh laughter.

Prophets, she loved seeing him grin and loved hearing his amusement after seeing his lapses into gloom during their trip to Haven.

As much as she wished to continue to amuse him, she was determined to be as truthful with Ilid as her situation allowed. “Actually, the stunning members of the empire helped me get past the real reason I kept my distance.”

“Which was?”

Charity felt the bitterness in her smile. “I warn you…it’s totally childish. You might lose whatever respect you have for me if I admit the depth of my resentment.”

His brows rose. “I doubt it. Do tell, Miss Behavior.”

“My older sister ran off and joined a clan. It felt as if she abandoned me. She didn’t really. There was no help for us beingseparated, but it put distance between us. I was hurt. Still am. Whatever she does, my knee-jerk reaction is to do the opposite.”

Ilid’s hand covered hers. “That’s rough. You and she were close at one point?”

“Long ago. Following our mother’s death, she took care of me. She was my rock, as hard as I made it for her.” Charity considered how she’d taken out her grief, masking as snarky angst, on Hope every chance she got. “Man, what a pain in the ass I was, especially considering she’d have laid her life on the line for me. I’d have done the same for her, but she probably wouldn’t believe it. I was the worst.”

“I’ve always wished for brothers and sisters,” Ilid said. “Being a Dramok, I’d have probably bossed them around horribly. I bet it’s for the best I’m an only child.”

“You’d be amazed at how forgiving siblings would have been. My sister…she still hasn’t given up on me. When she gets the guts to face my attitude, she’s as encouraging and supportive as ever. She does add a generous sprinkling of ‘give the insolence a rest.’” Charity laughed and noted how sad it sounded. It had been weeks since she’d heard from her sister, who at last report, had gone deep in enemy territory to spy on the Darks.

She shook the moroseness free. “Enough of this tragic story. We need to lighten up and have some fun.”

“I’m all for it.” Ilid raised his coffee cup to her. “We can make discovering a worthwhile venue for shenanigans our main objective.”

“Shenanigans. There’s the word for the day. I may have a lead on the location to indulge, thanks to the most standoffish Nobek I’ve ever met.”

Charity told him of the local drinking spot Detodev had mentioned. “He’s right about avoiding the other bar. I peeked in. It smells of man sweat, animals, and anger. I think I also caught a hint of piss.”

Ilid snickered. “Oh no. Tell me you’re kidding.”

“It has no floor. Sawdust covers the ground. I bet it’s to soak up the aforementioned urine and blood from the murderous fights Detodev mentioned. Very Old Earth-Old West degenerate.”

“I’d protect you, fair damsel,” Ilid teased. “No need to fear.”

“Oh, I’m not afraid of the jerks who no doubt make up the clientele at night. This morning, I only saw an old man snoring at a table littered by beer and kloq bottles and shattered dreams. What terrifies me is what your mother would do to me if I let you anywhere near the place. Even if the grumpy Nobek I spoke to was with us.”

“You’re a wise woman.” His smile was everything, drawing her from her half-made-up description of the Roadhouse bar.

“We should meet up at the respectable club. Tonight.”

“Meet up? You mean with the Nobek from the Amgar farm?”

“I was referring to you and me, Ilid.”

“You don’t want to go out right after shopping? Maybe have dinner?”

She cocked a brow. “I’m self-absorbed, and I fully believe the universe revolves around me, but I have no intention of my constant presence smothering you all day today.”

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