Page 35 of Tis the Season for Tentacles
Given even the small tidbits he’s shared, I’m beginning to understand why Najar doesn’t trust outsiders and has a lot of emotional walls up.
My answering smile to his question is tinged with sadness. “No. I don’t know who my biological father is, or if he’s even still alive. He never stuck around and has never tried to search me out. As for my mom, I haven’t seen or spoken to her in years. I’m honestly not even sure if she’s still alive, either.” I sigh. “She was never the responsible type and tended to run from her problems. Gemma and I were left in her parents’ care when we were really young, so for all intents and purposes, my grandparents were my parents.” I look away, feeling tears come to my eyes. “Unfortunately, they both passed away a few years ago. That’s why Gemma and I only have each other now.”
“I’m very sorry for your loss. Your grandparents sound like they were wonderful people. They raised you well.”
I blink away my tears and smile at Najar. “I was incredibly lucky. In all likelihood, I probably wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them.” I chuckle. “My nana would be so excited to know I’m on an adventure with extraterrestrial beings. She was big on alien conspiracy theories and used to watch lots of those investigative shows on Roswell and stuff.”
Finally, it’s our turn in line to rent our ice gliders, as they call them.
Luna takes one look at them up close and deftly steps aside, shaking her head vigorously. “I’m gonna sit this one out, friends. It seems like it would be a good idea to make sure one member of our crew doesn’t sustain any potential injuries while we’re here.”
“Oh, ye of little faith,” Sasha chastises with a grin.
“Trying to glide around on ice with sharp metal blades attached to my feet sounds like a recipe for disaster. Hard pass, thanks.” Luna gives us two thumbs up. “But you all have fun and try not to incur any serious head trauma out there.”
When Najar is handed his pair of ice gliders, he regards them with a furrowed brow. “I believe Luna had the right idea. I will just return?—”
“Ahem.” I put my hands on my hips and stare Najar down. “No more bailing on ice skating allowed. Besides, this will be fun. Just try it.”
He purses his lips as he studies the ice gliders. My peer pressure tactic seems to be having little sway.
Sitting on an empty bench nearby, I pat the seat beside me. “Come join me, and I’ll help you get them on.”
He grimaces but does what I say.
I fit my ice gliders to my boots quite easily. I’m not sure what material they’re made from, but it molds to the size and shape of my boot almost organically and then locks in place nice and tight. I marvel at the technology.
To test things outs, I stomp each of my feet and am relieved to see the gliders are quite secure and stable.
Najar continues to look skeptically at his gliders as he puts them on with obvious reluctance. I decide to goad him a little bit.
After all, fair is fair, right?
“Don’t tell me the big, mighty Dravethian warrior is scared to try ice skating?”
He fixes me with an irritable glare. “I amnotfrightened. I simply do not see the point of this activity.”
Okay, maybe Luna was right about the whole stick-up-the-ass side of Najar’s personality. He might be sexy as all get out, but he also needs to lighten up a bit.
But my sensible brain reminds me that, given his upbringing, he probably never had a chance to indulge in fun just for the sake of fun. It’s a sad thought and one that immediately makes me want to help Najar get in touch with his inner child.
“You told me this planet is safe. You’re not on duty, so why not live a little? There’s a festival going on, so let’s befestive.”
Khephren hears that and waddles over to us on his gliders, his tentacles in their coat sleeves waving all over the place and his eyes bright. “Yes! Felix is right, my bestie. We must indulge in the fun around us. When on Glacius Major, do as the Glacians do!”
Sasha leans into his side. “Skating is actually fun. Give it a chance, Najar.”
Najar folds like a deck of cards under our joint attack.
“Fine. I yield. I shall try the… ice skating.”
Sasha takes hold of his husband’s hand. “Let me teach you, Tentacle Boy.”
“I can’t wait, my love!” Khephren replies giddily, hearts in his eyes as Sasha leads him toward the rink.
They are ridiculously cute together. I can’t help but feel a pang of envy.
Najar gets to his feet a little unsteadily, and, deciding to be bold, I reach out and take hold of one of his gloved hands. “Come on. I can teach you too.”
