Page 20 of Uprooted
“I am. Bri’s right though—I’m a workaholic,” I say, trying to keep some distance between us. I try to get a bite without flinging broth everywhere. I’m mostly successful.
That should set him straight. Literally minutes ago, I was telling Andi that I am free of all distractions. This alien is trying to make me a liar.
“I still don’t think you’re a workaholic, and I’m going to give you the opportunity to prove it,” Aro says.
“That should be easy enough. I’ll prove it right now. I’m heading back to work,” I say with a smile and set my chopsticks back down.
“So easy to walk away? I was hoping you’d be fascinated with me by now.”
I wish I could say his arrogance was misplaced.
“I find all local organisms fascinating. Especially Lumbricidae…” I can’t resist the urge to tease him and insinuate he as at the same level as an Earthworm.
"Did you just compare me to a worm? I think I'm alittlemore interesting than a worm." His defensive words are undercut by the broad smile across his face. He's probably never been compared to something so humble before, and I'm thrilled I get to be the one to do it. If I've offended him, he's not showing it. In fact, he looks like he's enjoying the challenge. He also gets bonus points for getting the reference right away.
“Worms are a very important part of the ecosystem.”
“So, you’re saying I’m important… I’ll take it. Even though I think there are more accurate analogies you could make.”
Andi and Dr. Lee clear away their empty bowls. Damn—I’m missing my chance. I shove one last bite of noodles into my mouth and stand up. I’m going to try and catch them in the hallway. I brush by Aro, quickly dispose of my used dishes and head toward the door.
“I’m sure you’ll think of a more fitting metaphor,” I throw over my shoulder toward him. Before leaving, I take one more look at Aro. He’s sitting there laughing.
“I’m sure I will.”
Leaving him there in the mess hall feels like a power move, one that is only going to raise the stakes with a guy like Aro.
I’m sure a little harmless flirting here and there over a bowl of noodles is fine. He is sorely mistaken if he thinks I’d jeopardize my place in this program by taking it any further. My rational brain is listing all the reasons why I should avoid him completely.
* * *
1303 Incoming message from Aro pt’Burosa
Aro: I need some advice.
Elowen: Unless you want to talk about botany, you’re coming to the wrong person.
Aro: Not botany. I’m still racking my brain to find something fun for us to do.
Elowen: Don’t you have more important things to do with your time?
Aro: Absolutely not. This is my top priority.
Elowen: That’s concerning. You may need to reevaluate.
Aro: I’d like to give you an opportunity to act on all of those dirty things you were thinking about during our date.
Elowen: Our date?! In the mess hall? What makes you think I was thinking dirty thoughts?
Aro: So you do remember it.
Elowen: I think we have very different interpretations of what happened.
Aro: We should probably meet up and get our stories straight.
Elowen: Creative way to ask me out.
Aro: I am a creative thinker.
