“Cherry?” My name is soft, but it seems like they whispered it in my ear. When I turn back, they say, “Tell me who you were worried he was.”
“My best friend’s brother.”
“Agan… he is a client here. Should I restrict him?”
I hesitate. I don’t know if it’s a decision that should be solely up to me. But if the people who work here don’t deserve to be treated the way I think he might…
“Yes.”
CHAPTER 1
Iswear toGodAgan’s friends have some kind of tracker on Kita. It’s the only explanation for why they keep showing up.
“They don’t evencometo Klkx.” Kita asks with an irritated breath. “Why is he here?”
Markoban pulls a chair over to join us without asking. “I thought Agan would be here already.”
“That’s strange,” Kita says, pulling up the check and paying. “Since neither he, nor you were invited, there’s no reason for him—or you—to be here.”
Markoban tips his head to the side, looking at her like he’s trying to find the joke in her words.
“This is where we were supposed to meet.” He glances at me like that “we” doesn’t include me. “Didn’t you get that message?”
“No, we didn’t. And honestly, I think we’re done here.” She looks at me. “What do you think?”
I couldn’t agree more. “I’ve already asked for a box.”
The requested container appears in front of me and I thank the Sovian woman who brought it as Kita leans closer to Markoban.
“Why do you put up with my brother?” she asks.
Markoban chokes instead of answering.
“He’s an absolute asshole to you.”
Coughing uncomfortably, he says, “That’s just how he is.”
“I know.” She takes the box from me—clearly, I wasn’t moving quickly enough. “I don’t understand why you haven’t figured out that it’s not a funny joke. That’swhohe is.”
Even with Kita’s intervention, I close the box a moment too late.
Jesha and Pru and Agan come into the restaurant, their conversation too loud for the space and I look at Kita, cringing.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t you dare apologize to me.”
“Think we can make it out the back?" I ask.
She shakes her head and shares a scowl that I know isn’t meant for me, but I still feel guilty for some reason.
I don’t want to be around these people right now.
I just want to spend time with my best friend and then go to work.
Everytime I see Agan, I remember those ugly words.
The space station has started to feel too small. And of course he comes too close.
