Page 32 of Help Wanted: Wife

“No.”

“Did they leave together?” he guessed.

“Yes.” The light spun faster.

“Is Krogan in the apartment at the present time?” He’d met the man once when Hope had brought him by the cozi. It was presumptuous to seek an audience with the governor-general, but desperate times called for desperate measures. He had to see Prudence as soon as possible so he could fix things.

“No.”

“When Prudence returns, will you give—”

“You are the Larth who fractured Prudence McKenna’s heart.” The spinning light turned red, and the android stepped toward him in a manner that almost seemed menacing.

Warily, he inched back. “I came to fix her heart!” He hoped he could. What if she wouldn’t forgive him? He’d been so blind.

“Only chocolate can fix a fractured heart.” The android backed into the penthouse and shut the door in his face.

* * * *

Prudence and Hope returned to the penthouse just before dinner. Her friend had taken her around the city to show her the local attractions.

“Thank you so much for dragging me out of the apartment.” Pru grinned. “I didn’t want to go, but it got my mind off Larth, and I enjoyed seeing more of the planet. I’ve been so busy I haven’t been able to break away and see anything. The historical monuments were impressive.”

“I figured you might enjoy it,” Hope said.

Don Juan entered the living room. “Would you care for a beverage?”

“Yes, please. We’re parched.” Hope sank onto the sofa and looked at Pru. “What would you like? Tea? Juice? Don Juan can fix you a drink. He’s gotten to be quite the bartender. He shakes up a mean Cosmic Mate.”

She plopped onto the couch next to her friend. “There’s really a drink called that?”

“There is now.” She grinned. “Before I got pregnant, I experimented with Caradonian liquors and juices to come up with a cocktail I liked. I named it Cosmic Mate. You care to try one?” Hope’s face lit up, and Pru could tell she really wanted her to taste the concoction she’d created.

“Sure. I’ll give it a try.”

“Don Juan, bring me an iced tea and bring Prudence a Cosmic Mate.”

She couldn’t have the Cosmic Mate she’d really yearned for. Without the distractions of the bustling city, her mood sank. “I wish I hadn’t forgotten my tech-tab. Maybe Larth would have tried to contact me,” she said glumly.

Hope’s brow drew together in sympathy. “I’m so sorry for what happened.”

Don Juan returned with the drink and a tray of brownies. Pru took a hesitant sip. The fruity, sweetcocktail went down smooth before delivering a spicy kick.That’s how I feel. Like I’ve been kicked.“Very good.” She nodded at Hope and the android.Appropriate.

His light brightened.

“Did Krogan send a hologram saying when he’d be home for dinner?” Hope asked.

“Yes. He said he will be home on time.”

Hope glanced at her and then at the android. “Were there any other holograms? A message from Larth for Prudence?”

Don Juan’s headlight flashed. “No.” He pivoted and left the room.

Chapter Sixteen

Two days later

I can do this. I can do this.The vaporator opened on the third floor of the cloudtopper. With a gulp, Prudence exited. This was the moment of truth—the grand opening. She’d arrived an hour early in hopes they could hash things out before the customers started to arrive—ifthe customers arrived. What if nobody showed up? It would be devastating.

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