Page 38 of Malliko
Placing her head in her hands she shook it before she sighed and met my eyes. “I just scrolled through at least a hundred photos of men and not a single one caught my interest. I think I’m the shallowest person in the world.”
Stroking her back, I comforted her. “It’s okay to be picky. I am too.”
She made guttural sounds and covered her eyes. “It doesn’t help that you’re sitting right next to me. If I compare the men to you, I’ll never find a date.”
Her words made me smile. “You think I’mthatattractive?” I wasn’t used to women paying much interest to me at home and so even though Clara was a human I still soaked up her compliment.
Finishing her drink, she looked at the empty glass before talking like she was making a statement. “You are thehandsomest man I’ve ever met in real life. The gods favored you in a way that’s very rare. The worst part is that you seem oblivious to the way both men and women watch you when we walk together.”
“People are friendly. They smile,” I said.
“Yes, but that’s the thing, Malliko. Here in Los Angeles, people don’t smile at strangers the way everyone smiles at you. Most mind their own business and go about their day.”
“I see many beautiful people here, you included.”
Clara waved her hand as if she didn’t want to hear it. “There’s no need for that. I wasn’t coming on to you but simply sharing an observation.” Getting up from her seat, she said, “Thank you for doing this with me, Malliko. I survived my first date in seventeen years and even though the guy wasn’t what I had hoped, I’m proud that I got over myself and took a step out of my comfort zone.”
“My pleasure, I’m happy to help.” Standing up as well, I walked with her outside the bar.
“My car is parked at Go2Match,” Clara said and pointed down the street. “I’ll just see you tomorrow.”
“Let me walk you to your car.”
“You don’t have to.”
I arched an eyebrow. “I enjoy your company, Clara.”
Her skeptical look was followed by a small smile. “In that case, I’ll be happy to have you as a bodyguard.”
We didn’t talk much as we walked down the busy streets of downtown Los Angeles. As always, I soaked up the sights and sounds of the city. Despite its being late afternoon, the sun was still shining brightly, and I could feel the energy of the city buzzing around us as we passed by high-rise buildings, street vendors, and a variety of restaurants and shops.
When we reached the parking lot behind Go2Match, Clara’s car waited for her. It was easy to see that it was an older andworn model, which made me think that she wasn’t financially privileged like so many others in this town.
“Where do you live?” I asked her.
“About forty minutes outside of town. What about you?”
“I have a temporary apartment ten minutes from here on foot.”
“Really?” Her eyes widened. “That sounds expensive.”
I shrugged. “I’m fortunate that my family takes care of my expenses while I’m here.”
“About that, Malliko.” Clara slowed her steps and looked up at me. “How long are you staying?”
“The plan is to stay for three Earth months and then I go to Europe.”
“What?” Narrowing her eyes, she shook her head and then she grinned. “Why would you say it like that? What other months would it be? Moon months?”
I realized my mistake and tried to cover my error. “I’m sorry. A matter of misplaced humor, I’m afraid.”
Clara had the kindest smile and it hit me how pretty she was now that she had relaxed around me.
“You’re incredibly quirky, Malliko. You know that, right?”
“What does that mean?”
“Just that you do and say weird things, and act in unusual ways.”
