Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 14300 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 72(@200wpm)___ 57(@250wpm)___ 48(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 14300 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 72(@200wpm)___ 57(@250wpm)___ 48(@300wpm)
"Not necessary," the praxiian replies. "Like you said, no damage." He turns and stalks away, heading towards the cantina across the street and leaving his vehicle pressed directly up against mine.
The custodian frowns. He eyes the vehicles again and then looks back at me. "Are you all right, colonist?"
I manage a nod.
He pulls out a data pad. "I'm going to have to record the incident just to keep the appropriate records should he bother you again." He takes a few photos of my sled and then taps on the screen, all the while I hug my arms to my chest. "Do you want me to call him back and have him move his vehicle?"
And see that angry man again? God, no. I shake my head. Even though I hate that his sled is touching mine and he's probably going to mess with it when he comes back, I don't want the confrontation. I can get in and out of it, and that's all that matters. I just want to wrap this up so I can see if my crush is still in the general store or if I've missed her already.
Maybe that makes me a coward, but I don't feel strong or powerful or safe as a human woman alone. Best to just avoid a fuss entirely. "No, it's fine. I really need to get going."
"Very well." He frowns like he disapproves, but he doesn't contradict me. "Let me get a scan of your hand so I can pull up your file."
I obediently hold my hand out, trying not to glance impatiently over at the store.
"Colonist Aliette Laurent, your complaint has been recorded," he says, and I wince at the word “complaint.” "No need to worry about your friend."
"M-my friend?" I stammer, thinking of the woman inside the store. Am I so obvious? Horrifying.
"The praxiian. I'll pull his information from his sled, and I'll also make sure he's not around when you return. And if he ever gives you any more trouble, you just come to the custodial office and ask for Rektar, all right?" His voice is gentle and reassuring.
"Yes," I say quickly. "Great. Perfect. Thank you. I really must be going." I gesture at the store across the street and then all but race there.
"Have a nice day, Aliette," he calls after me, and I feel like the biggest, most awkward goober on the planet. A bolder person would tell him that it's Ali, that only my grandma called me Aliette, and that I'd prefer my records be updated with the correct name, but I don't want to talk to him any longer than I have to.
I want to go see her.
I all but race inside the general store, the door sliding open the moment I step on the hidden panel at the entrance. The moment I enter, everyone turns and stares at me.
"Hello again," the male behind the counter says. It's a younger avian male this time, with downy green feathers and a tall head-plume. I think he's the son of the owner, but I don't know his name. I never ask.
"Hi," I breathe. Part of me wants to smooth my flyaway hair down but that would just be obvious.
Because she's here.
The woman that I fantasize about. Not filthy fantasies—well, mostly not filthy fantasies—but of us spending time together. Of us holding hands, or her arms going around me. Of her just…smiling.
Like she's smiling right now. "Hello there," she says, pulling a stack of noodle packages out of a plastic container and filling the shelf in front of the counter. Her dark eyes, as pretty as a doe, seem to warm as she looks at me. She's dressed as she always is, in the red and pink-racing-striped jumpsuit that is probably a work uniform. It should clash with her deep blue skin, but she just looks vibrant and alive in it…though I'm probably biased. Her thick black hair is pulled into a loose tail at her nape, and her horns are capped with shiny silver in just a hint of a design.
Her face is wide for a mesakkah, with her features broad enough to not be pretty. Her cheekbones are too prominent, her face too square and her mouth too wide. She's tall, but all the mesakkah aliens are tall. She's broader built than most, too, with strong arms from lifting freight.
And maybe she's not anyone's idea of a gorgeous woman, but…I love the sight of her. I love the smile she always wears. I love how strong and capable and self-assured she seems to be. Most of all, I love her bright laughter that rings out in the store every time she's here. I'm addicted to that laughter. It sounds so full of joy.
I don't know who she is—I don't even know her name—but I'm pretty sure I could watch her forever.