Page 29 of Loving the Alien Spy

I experience a flash of guilt for being so judgmental. Zerim has always been polite to us when we’ve eaten here.

“Welcome, lovely females,” Erik calls as he steps out from the kitchen with his arms spread wide in greeting. He’s the only person Olivia gives a pass to for calling us females and not by our names. “The usual?”

“Of course,” Olivia calls back. “Thank you.”

We sit at our regular table with Devon and me on one side and Olivia and Quinn on the other.

“Greetings,” Zerim says as he arrives at our table.

“What’s up, Z?” For a newly minted princess, Olivia is still very much Olivia.

“I am well, Your Highness.”

She grins broadly. “That’s why you’re my favorite, Zerim. You’re the only one who cares to address me by my appropriate title.”

The Njeri bares his sharp, pointy teeth in a semblance of a smile. If I weren’t used to his attempts, I might be freaked out by the display. It’s nice to see him happy, though. According to Quinn, the first time they met him, he seemed quiet and withdrawn. Leave it to Liv to bring the guy out of his shell.

After he takes our drink orders, he disappears into the kitchen. Everyone’s attention turns to me.

“So…” Quinn draws out. “How are things going with Bannik? Horek said your man was a closed book and wouldn’t tell him anything.”

“I’m sure we have better things to talk about than Bannik and me.” This—whatever it is—is too fresh and new, and I’m not sure I’m ready to talk about it.

“Do we?” Olivia asks and glances around the table with a practiced innocence.

Devon clears her throat. “Actually, I’m considering enrolling in one of the vocational programs.”

“Oh my god, that’s so exciting,” Quinn exclaims.

“What made you decide this?” Olivia asks with what appears to be genuine interest.

I reach over and squeeze Devon’s hand, because the idea is one she and I have talked about on a number of occasions. We also share a look of appreciation. Her, because I truly am happy for her. Me, because she took the attention off me.

“I hated working at the sanitation facility. The hours were long. The credits were shit. And let’s be real. It was fucking disgusting.” Devon shudders, as do the rest of us. “But I also realize I’m not cut out for idleness. Not having to worry about food or credits has been great. But, also, I’m bored.”

I haven’t wanted to admit it, but I am as well.

“Have you thought about what you want to do?” Quinn asks.

“Well, I was talking to Johnna about what she used to do on the terraforming crew she worked for, and it actually sounded really cool. Even though she’s now basically working with Vornak in the medical facility, she offered to help me if I needed anything. I think working in communications would be fun and interesting.” Devon shrugs. “If I hate it or decide it’s not for me, I can easily try something else. My options are endless, really.”

“That’s great news,” Quinn says. “I might get bored eventually as well, but for now, I’m enjoying spending time with my mom and Horek.”

We were all shocked and ecstatic for Quinn when Horek arranged for Cora to move to Bohna. Mother and daughter are close, and Quinn missed her mom so much. If there’s one thing I envy about my friend, it’s her relationship with Cora.

“I’m most definitely not bored,” Olivia says with a laugh. “In fact, I sometimes wish I were. The queen has my sympathies for many reasons, but dealing with some of this royal crap is ridiculous.”

“Oh, to have those royal problems,” Devon teases.

Olivia groans. “All right. You guys have my express permission to knock me down however many pegs I need to be knocked down if I ever sound so pompous and stuffy again. Promise me.”

“Trust me,” Quinn says. “You have our word to knock you down whenever.”

Zerim approaches with our food, and we spend the rest of our time enjoying the meal. For a while, I think maybe I’ve gotten off the hook for talking about Bannik. I should have known Olivia wouldn’t let the topic go. She pushes away her empty plate and rests her elbows on the table.

“Okay, spill.”

To anyone outside of our circle, they’d think Olivia is being way too pushy. Before I got to know her over the last however many months, I’d have said the same thing. But I know—without any doubt or hesitation—that if I firmly told her to lay off, she would. It’s nice to have friends to talk to about this with, though. Even if they have to almost drag it out of me.