Page 40 of Between Earth and Eternity
We search the endless hall for an open seat as little sanitation bots zoom around, clearing tables and trays.
“Attention, Zenith passengers!” Zara’s peppy voice rings out over the intercom system. “Don’t forget to explore all the exciting activities happening around the ship. From recreational interests like yoga under the starlight, gambling in the casino,or dancing in the various clubs and bars aboard, you are sure to find something that fits your mood.”
They certainly thought of everything, and clearly no expense was spared, as proven by the very little of the ship we have seen so far.
“There are so many options. How will we ever decide!” Ori says excitedly. Before I can respond that I’d rather stay in the suite and watch movies, we are interrupted.
“Skyler! Orianna!” Laz waves us over to a table, where he sits with Pace. I take the seat next to Payson and Ori next to Laz. “So, ladies, how’s that first-class suite of yours?” he asks.
Ori smiles shyly, but I urge her to give them all the details. I eat while she fills them in, and goddammit, the food is delicious, but I keep my compliments to myself.
“I’m still trying to get over how you spoke up to Vallen Mannox. Ballsy move,” Laz says.
“It was impressive. I must admit,” Payson agrees, smiling, but then it drops as he goes on, “Probably, best to not do it again though. It’s not in his nature to let things go a second time.”
“You assume?” I ask.
“What?”
“You meanyou assumehe doesn’t let things go. Right?”
Pace appears startled for a moment, like I’ve caught him red-handed. “Of course, yeah. That’s what I meant.” He plops a large helping of mashed potatoes into his mouth.
“They’re all the same. Entitled, selfish assholes,” Laz adds. I catch him eyeing Pace.
Clearly, we’re missing something, but before I can probe them about the weird exchange, I hear “San Fran!”
My stomach drops. Please, no. This is too soon.
Kol approaches our table, and to my horror, Slade Mannox walks beside him. Of course they would be friends. Kol wastelling the truth after all. Like calls to like, especially in their world.
“I was wondering when I’d run into you.”
My friends turn to me, just as startled as I am, my jaw locked tight like concrete.
“Well this certainly feels like deja vu, doesn’t it, San Fran?”
I say nothing, staring down at my pasta, thinking of every possible way this could end without me being humiliated or thrown off this ship.
“And who are you exactly?” Pace glares up at him.
“Well, surely you know my friend.” Kol gestures to Slade, who doesn’t bother to acknowledge us, busy looking at something on his StarComm. “I’m Kol. Skyler and I are long-time friends.”
“We are not friends.” I grit my teeth.
“Oh, that’s right. Your one and only friend is back on Earth, isn’t he? Poor Elliot. I wonder what he would think if he found out you replaced him so quickly,” he says, eyeing Payson.
“Wait, this is the girl you were so obsessed with at E.P.S.?” Slades scoffs, giving me a quick once-over. “She’s pretty enough, I guess.”
“Excuse me.” Payson stands abruptly.
“I’d think twice if I were you, pretty boy,” Slade says, his lips twisting into a wicked grin.
“Pace. Don’t.” Laz shakes his head, the most serious I’ve seen him since we met. Ori opens her mouth, but Laz shoots her look of warning before a word comes out, and she reluctantly closes it but gives Kol and Slade a look of disgust to speak for her.
“Payson. It’s fine.” I pull on his arm to make him sit back down. “I’ve got this.” I stand until my face is just a couple of inches away from Kol’s, and he smiles excitedly, licking his lips.
“I beg to differ,” he says, much too pleased.
