Page 12 of My Brother's Alien Match
“It is for charity?” I asked, surprised.
“Yes! It meant a lot to be involved in something that can make a difference like this,” he said and smiled up at me.
He directed me through the doors as we reached the restaurant he’d suggested.
I watched his every move as we were directed to a table on the patio. As always, I drew stares. Taylor did not seem to mind. On the contrary, he seemed to like it, smiling almost pridefully whenever he caught someone's eye.
I felt like I was going through the Earth's turbulent atmosphere all over again. Like I was being rattled and shaken.
This human man wasn't what I had expected today. He wasn't my Sul. He wasn't someone I wouldwantto be my Sul. Although there was nothing wrong with him. I felt simultaneously like I was being tricked and used and I could not understand either feeling, only that they rang true to my base instincts.
“Tell me, Taylor,” I said, interrupting whatever he had been about to say. “Honestly, why have you sought out my company?”
He looked at me. Finally, whatever coy act he had been attempting faltered from his expression. His shoulders sagged imperceptibly.
“Honestly?” he asked. At my nod, he sighed and suddenly, I wasn't looking at a mask, but the real man. Someone vulnerable and frustrated andreal.
“Me and my boyfriend broke up. He'll be at the ball with his new guy, and I don't want to show up there without a date or I'll look like a complete loser.”
My brows rose.
“So, you would like me to be your date.”
“My fake one, hopefully... No offense but I—I still love him.”
My heart softened at the proclamation.
“Then there is no need to pretend to be in love with me,” I said. “I will be a guest at the ball regardless. We will go together, and you will not be alone while he is with someone else.”
Instead of smiling, his blue eyes filled with tears. His hands clenched on the table, and he took a shuddering breath.
“Did I say something wrong?” I asked.
He shook his head.
“No. I'm just really grateful and...” he swallowed. “I'm not ready to see that. But I have to be there.”
Moved, I reached out and placed my hand over his.
The connection as our skin touched, amplifying my cognition, immediately filled me with joy for him.
“I think you will be happy to see him at the ball,” I said, knowingly.
He shook his head.
“No. I really don't want to.”
I nodded but did not argue. It was just a feeling, but a Nisank's feelings were never wrong.
Although, I couldn't quite say that anymore, could I? I had been certain that Taylor was my match. Now I knew otherwise.
After so much time seeking my Sul, I was tired. I wanted to give up, to lay down and let the dream of finding the one go. But I couldn't. My search would have to continue.
Chapter Seven
ROBIN
“How was it?”
