Page 77 of Elias

“But it won’t be because anything kinky is going on,” Vegas said. “I’ll be an exhausted, stressed out new mom. He won’t find that sexy.”

“Solan will find you sexy if you wear a sack cloth and a bag over your head,” Nell said.

The laughter died as the door slid open. Diadora strode through. “A word, Hayley.”

Hayley’s happiness died as she saw the stern expression on Diadora’s face. She nodded goodbye to the rest of the group and followed Diadora along the corridor and into her private office.

Diadora sat behind her desk and stared at Hayley. “You do understand why I fired you. I cannot have people working for me that I do not trust.”

Hayley gulped and nodded. “Of course. I regret deceiving you, but I would do it again if I had to.”

Diadora raised a hand to stop her from speaking. “I understand that, as well. I have heard about your sister’s predicament from the others. That is unfortunate. Although your actions cannot be condoned, I have a certain degree of sympathy for you.”

Hayley’s eyes widened. She’d never heard Diadora cut anybody any slack before. “I appreciate that.”

“Of course you do.” Diadora turned to her port screen and opened a new window. “You might be interested in this.” She passed the screen to Hayley.

Hayley stared at the information, excitement bubbling inside her as she read down the screen. “An apprenticeship position?”

“I heard about your previous interest in paleontology. I even attended one of your talks. You speak capably. I was only bored some of the time.”

Hayley suppressed a smile at the comment. “I had no idea you knew about that.”

“There are a lot of things you don’t know about me,” Diadora said. “That apprenticeship is fully funded. It is not on the same scale of income you received working here but should help. You’ll have a small salary and free accommodation. Any credit you obtain will go toward the college course you were unable to complete at your selected place of learning.”

Hayley’s mouth dropped open. “You know about the issues with my college?”

“I have my sources. They have informed me of the problems you had with Professor Grenville. I was initially surprised, but upon further investigation, it seems he is not the most reliable of individuals. You did not deserve to lose your college place because a man cannot keep his low hanging fruit inside his underpants.”

Hayley nodded. “I’m glad the truth has come out. I hated lying to everyone.”

“As you’ve found out, lies always get uncovered, especially if you lie to me.”

Hayley bit her lip. “What do I need to do to get this apprenticeship?” The competition for such a position would be fierce. As Hayley continued to read, she saw she would be traveling to different planets, not just Earth, and going through the wormhole to investigate ancient species. It was a dream opportunity, and she knew Elias would be delighted for her. He could turn his engineering skills to any job, so he could come with her. Or he could start up his antique watch repairs and sales business as he’d talked about. It was more than Hayley could ever hope for.

“You need to do nothing. I have pulled some strings. If you want the position, it’s yours.”

Hayley was so surprised she almost dropped the port screen. “It’s already mine?”

“It is. You need to make a decision within the next twenty-four hours if you wish to take up the offer.”

“Wow! Of course. Yes, absolutely, I want this. Where do I sign?”

A smirk drifted across Diadora’s face. “I will comm you the information. Sign the paperwork and give them your details. The position begins in two weeks, so you have an opportunity to finish things here before you make your travel plans.”

“Diadora, I don’t know what to say.” She wanted to hug her, but the fierce look on Diadora’s face and her spiky vibe suggested a hug would be suicide.

Hayley would complete her studies, go back to doing what she was passionate about, and could still help her sister. With the money Elias made and her apprenticeship funding, Sally would be safe.

She let out a contented sigh. Sally could get treated and stable and even join her on this adventure. She would love to see space. This was a perfect opportunity for them all.

“You don’t know what this means to me.” Her voice was thick with emotion as she blinked happy tears from her eyes.

“I think I do. Your work here was not terrible, and some good came out of your lies. Enjoy your adventure.” Diadora gestured for the port screen, and Hayley handed it back. “You may leave.”

Hayley grinned and pressed her lips together to stop from shouting with joy. She turned and ran out of Diadora’s room, practically skipping along the corridor.

She saw Elias standing outside the door to My Single Alien and broke into a run, throwing herself into his arms and kissing him on the mouth.

He laughed as he wrapped his arms around her. “Are we celebrating something?”

“You are not going to believe this.” She kissed him again and again, happiness racing through her. She had the love of her life in her arms, a way to help her sister, and a new life in the stars doing what she dreamed of.

“I’m going to like what you’re about to tell me if it makes you this happy,” Elias said.

She grinned up at him. “We are just getting started on our adventure together.”

“What’s going on?” Vegas waddled out of the room, Nell, Sinead, and Kendra following her.

Hayley couldn’t stop smiling as she gathered the love of her life and her friends around her to share the news. A space adventure beckoned. A new start in the stars. The promise of something incredible was within her reach.

As Hayley clasped Elias’s hand and felt his solid, warm presence beside her, she squeezed his fingers tightly. She was never letting go of this.