Page 118 of Dream Mates
“Oooh. That’s pretty amazing. I’d love to see both of them.” I wasn’t quite sure what either of them were specifically–or where these places were.
She nodded. “Both are really exciting concepts, though the idea is to make themsmallerand safer, not bigger and more dangerous.”
“Someone’s overcompensating?” I laughed, still curious as to what they used that made them so much more dangerous here.
Dr. Harlowe burst into giggles. “You said it, I didn’t.”
We rejoined everyone for some refreshments in one of their meeting rooms. The young woman who’d been watching me was there, as were a bunch of other young people.
“They’re curious,” Dr. Harlowe told us. “It’s not every day that Compass BioTek comes to PIIP. Before Dr. Terik’s research, we didn’t even know that you were working in any of these fields.”
Narif, Dr. Terik, was swarmed with eager young people, as was Spencer.
“Again, thank you for arranging a private tour and demonstration for us,” I said. “I’m so excited to be here.”
She smiled. “I look forward to one day coming to tour your facility and see what you are all up to.”
“Anytime.” I meant it. I wanted to keep a friendship with her and PIIP, especially if we hoped to actually make our simulator.
The young woman who’d been watching me came over, holding a paper cup and a bashful expression. She was younger than me, very graceful, and only a little taller, with golden skin and really long, dark hair.
She held the cup out. “I brought you some tea. There’s more if you want it.”
“Oh, thank you.” I took the cup, and she smiled and darted off. It tasted like the stuff Evan kept feeding me. I didn’t like it much, but I drank it.
“Inara’s one of our research fellows. She’s presenting Wednesday as part of the student forum,” Dr. Harlowe said softly. “While her research doesn’t dovetail with yours, she’d probably appreciate your support if you have the time.”
Got it. She was an omega. That’s why she’d been watching me and brought me tea.
“I’ll definitely try to attend.” I’d planned to attend the student forum anyway, to invite students to apply to the intern program.
When I went to get snacks, I looked for her, but she wasn’t there.
Finally, we finished, and our group assembled outside of PIIP to wait for the called cars. PIIP was in the idyllic Southern coastal town that was home to cute shops, beautiful beaches, and a number of research facilities and universities.
The May air was warm and sticky, and we were all dressed accordingly in more summery business clothes. Except for Spencer, who still wore a dark suit.
And looked delicious in it.
“We’ll see you later,” Spencer said, as he and I got in a different car. Everyone else was staying at the hotel the symposium was at. We were all having dinner together later.
As we rode, I held Spencer’s hand, looking out the window. The two of us had come straight to PIIP from the airport. Most of our team had arrived yesterday.
The water came into view as we drove to the resort the two of us were staying at.
“Ocean,” I’d breathed. I’d gotten a glimpse as we flew.
“We will take you to see as many oceans and beaches as you wish.” He squeezed my hand.
The car stopped in front of averyfancy hotel. The kind you’d see in movies with lush landscaping, uniformed bellhops, and brass carts. Spencer took my arm and led me into the lobby. Ourthings had already been brought here from the plane, which was mind blowing in itself. Money did seem to have its privileges.
One wall of the lobby was all windows. There was a cafe to one side, and doors opening out to a patio, beyond that was a bar area, a pool…
…and the ocean.
Letting go of Spencer, I went right out those doors into the gleaming sand. Ocean waves lapped on the sandy beach, as families built sand castles and children frolicked in the waves.
Spencer’s arms wrapped around me. “The water’s warmer down here than where you went with Wes. Tonight, we’re having dinner on a boat.”
