Page 12 of Starfall

“And yet, sweaty Emery is adorable and is a smell I have committed to memory.”

She blinked as she buckled up. “That’s... I am unsure of how to think about that.”

He chuckled and put the car in gear, backing down her driveway. “Why do you live out here instead of in a more expensive area?”

“Well, first, this place is paid for. So, no worries there. Second, I like to put my money back into my businesses and keep expanding my eclectic empire.”

“You don’t stick to one business model?”

“Oh, hell no. The world is changing, and any business can lose popularity at any moment. So, I keep my focus on the type of shops that can enrich the local population. Small grocery shops that are not distant from bus stops, animal shelters, cafés that sell food at reasonable prices. When folks have full bellies, they are calmer and can make better decisions. When they can go to a free clinic for small issues before they become big ones, they get better faster and can keep their savings. Stuff like that.”

He smiled. “So, you have humanitarian businesses.”

“If you say so. I just feel that everyone is happier if the basics can be taken care of.” She shrugged. “Time in group homes showed me that once the basics are good, other things can be reasoned out. If you are desperate, you panic, and some folks get violent.”

He nodded. “The fight-or-flight response.”

“Yes, well, if you are small and shaped like prey when the larger prey is panicking, they will trample or attack the smaller prey to preserve resources.”

“What you are saying is that one of your guardians attacked you.”

“They tried. They were human and just thought I had gonecrazy. They couldn’t believe the changes, so they didn’t. But I stayed up and watched over the other kids from that day onward.”

“So, you don’t sleep much.”

“I do now, mostly. But not during school. That was different, but it helped me burn off some of that initial rage. When I was fostered and got adopted finally, it was great. No more back and forth to the group home when my file was sent to court and the adoption petition was denied. I had to remain there until the court settled on their no, and then, it was months before I was back at my foster home.”

“Shit.”

“That sums it up. I learned what was a friend and what wasn’t and how strong I could be without changing my face. That was important. Now, I am stuck for a while, and going out into public like this feels strange.” She looked down at her arms. “Oh fuck. Go back. I have to change my shirt.”

“Why?”

“The cut marks. Some people know what they are on sight and make sure to comment on it.”

“What do you normally do?”

“Go on a rant about survival and minding their own fucking business. I am alive and have made it to adulthood and into my thirties, but those morons obviously have suffered some kind of brain damage and never had to learn from their mistakes.”

“So, if it happens, do that.”

“It won’t bother you?”

“Nope.” He chuckled.

Emery rubbed at her arms. “I can hide them for a while, but I really like eating, so my glamour slips.”

“If it bothers you, cover them with barbeque sauce. I will help you lick it off later.” Rowen grinned.

“Isn’t it a little high in carbs for you?”

“I will work to burn them off later. You could join me?” He glanced at her. “We have spare workout gear at the gym.”

“You want me to work out after lunch?”

“Do you ever get full?”

She blinked. “Oh, no. Well, you have been quick with your research.”

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