Page 9 of Conquering the Skies

Nothing could diminish Renae’s genial mood. “Don’t sell yourself short. How many officers served under your command over the years? A lot more than employees in this office, I’m sure.”

“That’s different,” she said. “They didn’t have much of a choice, both in being assigned to my unit and following whatever orders I gave out.”

“You wouldn’t have gotten where you were if people didn’t respect and admire you.” She rotated her chair back and forth behind her desk. “So, you’d make a few tweaks to kindly boss civilians around.”

“More than a few, I’d think.” Geneva pursed her lips. “I may have some good qualities, but I came to terms long ago with the fact I’m not always a fun person to be around. I sometimes have a short temper, I take everything too seriously, and my sense of humor is sorely lacking.”

Renae let out another hearty guffaw. “Now I know you’re just trying to argue with me.” She gradually stopped twirling in the chair. “There’s no pressure either way. I did want to float the idea by you, but it’s one of many, many possibilities I’ve considered.”

“Got it.” She nodded. “I…I’ll think about it.”

“Very good.” She waved her off with one hand. “Now, I don’t want other people thinking you’re monopolizing all my time while they’re waiting for their turn to shower me with praise and gratitude. Besides, don’t you have the boyfriend to go home to these days?”

Heat flooded her cheeks, but she couldn’t prevent the corners of her mouth from turning up. “Yes. As of two weeks ago, he is no longer a member of the Terran military, and he is a permanent resident of my—ourapartment.”

“Wonderful. I’m glad to hear it.” She gestured toward the door again. “Go have fun. I mean it.”

A whirlwind of thoughts jumbled together in Geneva’s head as she left Renae’s office. Though flattered by her proposal, she remained unconvinced she was the right person to take over her role. Every time she thought she’d found her footing, either in her personal or her professional life, something happened to wreck the stability she’d achieved, she mused as she returned to her workstation. “You’d think I’d be used to this by now,” she muttered to herself as she retrieved her belongings. “I guess I have even more to think about tonight.”

Chapter Five

Dahlia Greyson set down a large platter of food in the center of the dining room table, the steam rising from its contents doing little to conceal her delight. “Oh, George, it’s so wonderful to have you here!” she said. “I can’t even remember the last time you came for dinner.”

Ash reached for a serving spoon. “Trust me, it’s not by choice.” He scooped a large helping of food onto his plate. “Especially when you make sure to have all my favorite meals ready.”

“It’s the least I can do.” She clasped her hands in front of her. “I know Geneva is so busy with work these days and probably doesn’t have time to cook every night.”

Geneva debated whether her mother’s remarks were intended as thinly veiled criticism, and then decided to let it go. “Yup, I sure am,” she said breezily. “Even though everything’s sort of up in the air with Renae leaving, our workload hasn’t decreased any, which is a good thing.”

Frederick, who was seated across from her, fixed her in an intense stare over his raised fork. “Speaking of which, have you given any more thought to taking over her company?”

She took a long sip of water from her glass and swallowed. “It sounds so antagonistic when you say it that way, ‘taking over.’ It’s not like I’m back on the front lines, fighting with the Terran military again.”

“It’s how life in the private sector works. Certainly on Pasurea anyway.”

The metal tines of her fork scraped against the plate as she pushed her food around. “While I am considering it, I haven’t come to a decision yet.”

“Our offer still stands if you need a little financial assistance,” her mother said. “It may not be the most prestigious profession, but—”

“Dahlia,” Frederick warned.

“Let me finish, please.” Her prim smile never wavered. “Itisone way for you to make a name for yourself. I’ve heard all about the work you and your colleagues do, and the people I know have nothing but good things to say. While it may not be what I envisioned for you when you were younger—not like you cared much in the first place, as evidenced by your enlisting in the military all those years ago—you do provide valuable services to the residents of this planet. Should you take on more of a leadership role, I know you’ll be positively brilliant at it.”

Her hand tightened around the fork. “Thanks. I think,” she muttered.

Ash rubbed her knee beneath the table. “Geneva’s lucky she was able to make such a smooth transition from one career into the next. Me, I’m still struggling with being allowed to pick out my own clothes every morning!”

“I’m sure you’re adjusting just fine, dear.” Dahlia unfolded her napkin and spread it across her lap. “Now, I know you’ve been staying with Geneva for the time being, but haveyougiven any thought to what your next steps will be?”

“Mother!” She bit back a groan. “It’s one thing for you to nag me about—”

“I’m not nagging, darling.” She shot her daughter a piercing look across the table. “I’m merely making polite conversation.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Ash gave her leg another affectionate squeeze, hidden from view.

“But enough about us,” Geneva said, attempting to steer the conversation in a new direction. “Were you planning on attending the symphony next week, when that new conductor everyone’s been raving about will be at the capital? I know you were hoping Ash could come with us sometime soon.”

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