“Vivian?”
“What?”
Ida held out a handful of coins in front of me. I blinked a few times, centering myself. Had she been standing there long? “Could you go grab us something to eat from that café down the street? I was drooling when we passed it earlier.”
“Oh, sure.”
“I can go, Viv,” Theo offered, all four hands in the middle of unpacking a heavy trunk.
“No, I only have half as many arms as you for moving furniture and unboxing.” I was already on my way to the door, hoping I could run from the thoughts I’d been festering in. “Any special requests?”
“I’m not picky.” Theo’s expression was stoic, observant. He’d been trying to read through the lines of my curt responses and feigned smiles all day.
“You know what I like. Thank you, dear!” Ida waved, already back to mulling over where to put her things.
It was nice out—not stormy or blazingly hot for once. A subtle reminder that winter was four days away. I didn’t think it was possible to dislike the snow more than last star cycle, but I truly fucking resented it now. I’d be trapped. An ironic thoughtsince I’d be “trapped” in my home with my cat, exactly where I’d always wanted to be. I’d entertained moving in with Ida for a moment but couldn’t stomach the idea of losing the very thing I’d always wanted. Nowayhad Theo gotten me so in my own feelings that I suddenly wanted companionship more than a home.
We all benefitted from this plan. I got a place to call mine and a sense of security. Ida got community and empowerment.Theo paid his stupid fucking imaginary debt to make up for killing too many people who probably deserved it anyways. Yay for us! Bitterness still nipped at me as I kicked a stone down the street.
The café was cute, small. Quaint in a pleasant way, with just enough room to stand and order in front of the counter. The warm, welcoming scents of baked goods and savory herbs surrounded me.
I avoided eye contact with the Quadmos taking my order.Of course it had to be another Quadmos.God forbid I have a break from thinking about Theo for five seconds.
“It’ll be a few minutes,” they smiled.
“No rush. Thank you.”
I stepped out of the way for other customers and stared down at my feet. Now would be a great time to have my busted-up smart phone for scrolling. Fuck, maybe I’d download a dating app for the first time in my life. Set my location to “top of the fucking mountain, but worth the trip”. I snorted at my own inner monologue.
“What’s funny?” a voice asked.
“Sorry, nothing,” I grimaced sheepishly, hoping the man waiting at the unattended counter didn’t think I was laughing at him.
He hummed. “Have we met?”
I looked at the seafoam-streaked Mercurian. It wasn’t so much that I recognizedhim, as much as I remembered how he stood out from everyone else I saw in Drifael. He dressed nicer, a little more modern. Honestly, he looked like someone I might see walking around New York. Something about him was more human than other person I’d met on this planet. I stole a glance at the ear holes of his species.Not human.
“Wait, don’t tell me. It started with a ‘V’ right?” he grinned, his well-groomed scruff dimpling.
“Vivian,” I confirmed.
“I knew it! I recognized your necklace.” He gestured to the collar around my throat.
Memories of our meeting trickled back. “Right. Did your sister like the tool you got?” What was it? Scissors… or something?
“Wow, you remember that! Yeah, it was the right one. That feels like a lifetime ago, what a busy summer.”
“You’re telling me,” I muttered.
“Order for Vivian!” The store clerk reappeared and set a large paper bag down on the counter.
“Good to see you again.” I smiled at the man politely.
I grabbed the hefty, grease-soaked bag and turned for the doorway.
“What’s the name?” the Quadmos asked.
“Cassius. I’d like to order a…”
