12: Zariah
I can’t get the guard off of my mind or the memory of chocolate on my tongue. I also have never taken such a long hot shower or had so many sweets in my entire life. And other than a mild stomach ache, I wake to the rising sun feeling better than I have in years.
All night, I dreamt of the guard. I wish he’d given me his name.Maybe I can get it out of him today.
Quickly getting dressed in a fresh race uniform, I hustle to the door and check the screen. There’s a shadow of someone in black tactical gear outside. “Is that my guard?”
“It is.”
My stomach cramps again, and it makes me grunt.
“May I suggest a breakfast to help you process all that sugar you ate last night?”
“Yes, please.”
“Lots of water first. Then choose something high in lean protein with fibrous vegetables.”
“Thanks.”
I open the door and peer out at my guard. He’s in the same black ball cap from the day before. After a brief glance, he looks away. I don’t even get to see his eyes, but I know he’s not as well as he was last night by the stiff way he moves.
“You look like me this morning. Got a stomach ache, too?”
“My capabilities are not hindered. Please proceed with your day,” he rasps.
Something has happened. He stays a step behind me like before and follows me into the lunch hall. He stands behind me while I eat. Having someone look out for me feels strange whenI’ve always had to look over my shoulder. I check out of habit, anyway.
“You are safe, Miss Zariah. I won’t let anyone hurt you. Please eat.”
I return to my food, feeling better already.
Someone I vaguely recognize walks up to me. It’s the Vinym that helped me up during the races.
“Are you waiting on anyone?” he asks.
“No.” I motion for him to sit.
His scaly skin flushes from green to orange. “How are you after yesterday?”
“Survived it. You? Where’s the girl you picked up?”
He shrugs. “Hit and miss with this race. That was a miss. She’s interested in another species. I don’t believe in forcing what isn’t mutual. Ginarigons are very pushy.”
“Unfortunately.” I slide my plate aside. “Are you looking for a date?”
He blushes darker. “Just a friend, although you are gorgeous. I can see why they fought over you.”
I hear the guard behind me grumble a note, so I scan the room, looking for whatever he’s seen. But I find no Ginarigons or scuffles of any kind.
“They gave you a private security guard?” the Vinym asks.
“I didn’t mean to be a problem, but I guess familial reputation followed me across the galaxy.” I motion out to the ropes course, where everyone has started to gather. “You any good at that?”
“Me?” He scrubs his scaled head with a hand. “Not really. I’m in business. I made a lot from some AI programs that run industrial systems. But work takes precedence. Thought maybe a crash course in courting would help. Few, however, seem to find me interesting.”
“Maybe they don’t feel like you want them,” I offer, getting up from my seat to head for the race grounds.
“What do you mean?” He follows me. My guard stays close.
