Page 24 of Surrendering the Skies

Geneva grinned. “Good idea. I’m starving.”

Chapter Twelve

When the hovercar dropped her off at the sidewalk in front of Marcus’s house, Geneva spotted a familiar figure leaning against the illuminated lamp post at the corner. A wide grin spread across her face as Ash met her at the end of the walkway. “I hope you haven’t been waiting for too long,” she said as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

“Nope. I just teleported a few minutes ago.” He swiped his lips across hers in a quick kiss and returned the smile. “Your parents’ driver is very punctual. Maybe he was former military, too.”

“No one here is former anything yet.” She crossed her arms and feigned annoyance. “If this is your way of subtly inquiring as to whether I’ve made any life-altering decisions since I saw you last, it’s not going to work.”

“When have I ever been subtle?” he said, laughing. “Likewise, I know if there’s anything you want to tell me, I know you won’t hold back.”

She relaxed her stance and nodded toward their destination. “I’m glad we can have this kind of conversation before we go in there and talk about the weather, or whatever scintillating topic they come up with.”

“Last time wasn’t so bad, right?” A rare serious expression washed over his face. “Have you spoken to Marcus since…you know…”

“Since I yelled at him and hung up on him?” Geneva crinkled her nose. “No. Which is why I’m glad you were able to pop down here and help ease some of the awkwardness.”

“From what you told me of your lunch with Adele, I don’t think things can get much more awkward than that.”

“Let’s not tempt fate.” Taking his hand, she laced her fingers through his. “Come on, I’m sure they’re waiting for us.”

The first stars peeked through the dusky sky and twinkled overhead as they made their way to the front door. Both Marcus and Adele answered when they knocked. “Hi! Come on in!” Adele said, waving them inside. “Ash, it’s so nice to see you again. How is your family doing?”

Geneva lingered near the threshold as he followed her inside. Marcus stood to the side of the door, his dark eyes focused on her. Chin lifted, she met his gaze. Though tempted to see if he would back down first, deep in her heart, she knew she didn’t want to further risk whatever relationship remained between them. Sighing, she leaned against the doorframe. “I’m sorry,” she said.

“I’m sorry, too.” His head drooped. “And we all know you were right, but I didn’t want to hear you gloat about it yet.”

She snorted. “Don’t worry, I won’t hold it over your head or do a victory lap around your foyer.”

He closed the door behind her when she entered. “Thanks ever so much.”

Orange flames danced behind the grate of the fireplace in the living room. Geneva took her place next to Ash on the love seat he’d claimed while Marcus uncorked a bottle of wine. Adele passed out glasses, which he filled, and they sat on the opposite sofa, the light flickering on the ornate rug between them. Swirling the dark-red liquid around, Geneva waited for the usual exchange of pleasantries to continue.

Marcus propped one foot up on his knee and rested his arm on the back of the cushions. “So, what’s the news from the ship? Anything exciting going on or planned for the future?”

“Nah, not really,” Ash said. “We’re on our usual patrols for the time being, and keeping up with our training and research while we scoot around between the various systems.”

Geneva took a sip from her wineglass. “It’s going to come up eventually, so I might as well say it now—I’ve been considering either transferring or leaving altogether, hence this trip home to try to get some space and figure out what I want to do.”

One of Marcus’s eyebrows flicked upward. “Is that so?”

Crossing her ankles in front of her, she shrugged. “I haven’t made any final decisions yet. But yes, as my mother suggested I frame it, retiring earlier than expected is a possibility.”

Adele’s knuckles whitened around the stem of her glass, her eyes wide. “Will you be returning home to Pasurea full-time, or are you looking for more of a fresh start elsewhere?” she asked, an edge present in her usually cheery tone.

She chose not to acknowledge her discomfort. “Oh, I have no idea. Like I said, there’s a lot I have to think about.”

Marcus drummed his fingers on the back of the couch. “Well, I’m sure there’s plenty of work in the private sector for someone as accomplished as you, regardless of where you end up.” He smirked. “Unless you’re planning on following in your mother’s footsteps and doing nothing but flitting about to all the prestigious social events disguised as philanthropy.”

Geneva rolled her eyes. “Believe it or not, her favorite activities are not high on my list of potential ideas.”

“I don’t know if there’s a big market for the ability to fire a grenade launcher in suboptimal conditions,” Ash said, “but I’d like to think some of our skills are transferrable in case we want to do something following the conclusion of our military careers. Law enforcement comes to mind, or private security, or stuff like that.” Grinning, he gave her a playful nudge. “Unless you want to go in a completely different direction, like teaching preschoolers or taking up tap dancing.”

She stuck her tongue out at him, but Adele, who had recovered from her moment of discomposure, spoke first. “We have a lot of high-profile clients who are often looking to hire reliable employees for their security teams. Considering you’re no stranger to arming yourself and protecting people, it’s an avenue to consider, even if it’s temporary while you decide what you really want to pursue.”

“Sounds perfect to me.” Ash kissed the side of Geneva’s head. “I think you could pull off the intimidating look without even having to draw your weapon, and threaten anyone who got too close.”

“Maybe I should practice on you,” she retorted, elbowing him in return.

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