Page 31 of Uprooted
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
“That explains why you were at the treaty signing.”
“Can I be honest? I noticed you that night and waited for you to come over and introduce yourself,” he says.
“I felt a little out of my element with all the politicians and dignitaries and university presidents.”
“They all seemed pretty impressed with you,” he says.
“Then I guess I have them fooled.”
The way he smiles at me is a problem. Actually, the way my body reacts when he smiles at me is the problem.
18
Aro
My head snaps to the door every time it slides open. I’m disappointed when someone other than Elowen walks in. I’ve had her bowl of spicy noodles ready for a while. I came in early in case she decided to get lunch before the rush.
The broth is starting to thicken in a very unappealing way. There is no way I can give Elowen these noodles now. I dump the bowl into the sani-unit and grab a fresh one. After returning to my spot, I remake her lunch, taking care to add enough seasoning without making it too spicy. I slide the bowl across the table and turn it a few times. I want it to look just right for when she gets here.
I watch the door impatiently and swirl my own food without taking a bite. I want to wait until she gets here so we can eat together.
I check the time again. She’s late—later than usual. The tables around me start to clear. Lunch break is about over, and she still hasn’t shown up.
I look ridiculous sitting here with two bowls of noodles, clearly waiting for someone who isn’t coming. I grab both bowls, dump them, and go back to the security hub.
* * *
Dinner finally comes after an agonizingly slow day. I do the same thing I did for lunch. I replace her cold noodles three times before I give up and call it a night.
She’s avoiding me.
* * *
It’s been days since I saw her. I’ve managed to grow more irritable. Today I have a pounding headache from my perpetually clenched jaw. I told myself I would be patient and wait her out. That resolution has proved to be more difficult than I was prepared for. Every day I go through my routine hoping she will appear. I lurk in the mess hall and rec room, hoping she’ll walk through the doors and put me out of my misery.
19
Elowen
Bri and I are opposites in most ways, but we share a disdain for early mornings. The synth-coffee only makes matters worse. I’ve given up on it, but Bri drinks the stuff hoping one day it will taste like the real thing.
I should be mad at Andi for scheduling the All Staff this early, but the good news she announces makes up for the ungodly hour. She happily tells us all teams are making great progress and sends us off with news that our initial findings will be sent off by the end of the week.
“So, where’s the boyfriend today?” Bri asks me while she zips up her steri-suit.
“Not my boyfriend.” I plonk down on the bench and pull up the thick suit I’ll be stuck in all day.
“I’ve been seeing Aro at the mess hall with two bowls of noodles, growling at anyone who tries to sit down with him. It’s pathetic,” Bri says while we step through the airlock and enter the lab. She says it the way you would talk about a sick puppy. The ones with the oversized watery eyes.
“How much longer are you going to torture this poor guy? Hasn’t he passed the test yet?” Bri asks.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not testing anybody.”
“Please. Don’t play innocent. You’re avoiding him to see if he will track you down. I get it—make sure he’s truly interested before going any farther. I think that he’s proven himself by now,” Bri says.
“I have been avoiding him, but not to test his interest in me. I’ve been avoiding him because I want to keep my job, and that means not getting distracted by the first hot alien that smiles at me.”
