Page 67 of I Fell for an Alien Popstar

He reached in front of him and pressed a button. The door slowly shut, and the engine purred to life. The lights on the dashboard blinked, and a cheerful voice chimed, "Welcome to Galaxy Cab 900, where we are just one blip away.”

As the car eased away from the dock, Wyn flicked on the satellite radio and flipped through stations until low-fi music came on, a steady, soothing beat.

A map of the city popped up as a hologram hovering over the front dashboard. It automatically zoomed in on the pin Pia’re had sent me—Jelly Lounge Café.

“You are going to love Minia. I have lived here my whole life, and I am always finding new cool places to check out.” His eyes wandered to the holographic map. “I see you’re headed to the G’yor food district. They have amazing restaurants with tasty food. There are also some stellar little shops with clothing, accessories, and all that stuff.”

He waved his hand lightly.

“I’ll have to check it all out. We’re going to a place called the Jelly Lounge? It sounds so exotic.”

I folded my hands in my lap and looked out the tinted window, watching the scenery change from loading bays and freight cranes to the hustle and bustle of the city.

Giant glass buildings arched over us as we drove up a hill into the shopping district. Clothing racks and tables lined the sidewalks, full of fabrics that caught the light and shimmered. Little trinkets, like slow-moving snow globes with lazy blobs bouncing around inside them, sat on display stands. Giant fabric bolts were stacked neatly next to one another, columns of color rising like candy-striped pillars.

When we came to a stoplight, Wyn let out a happy sigh.

“Ah, now that place is high-frequency,” he said, looking to his right and pointing.

I followed his finger and gasped.

A giant chrome-colored building was wedged between two smaller shops. The entire façade rippled with projected sugar swirls and glittery comets. The massive sign above the door read The Sweet Server in a looping script.

“I’m going to guess they sell candy?” I said.

“Candy?” He tilted his head. “Oh, I’m not sure, but they sell a lot of sweet food there. Comet Razlers are my favorite. Sticky, sweet, and a bit sour on the last bite.”

He licked his lips and continued driving as the light changed.

I let out a laugh.

“Humans call that candy. I’m definitely checking it out if I can.”

“You should try the Comet Razlers. Any flavor, because they’re all good. Oh! Also, try the Lux Lollies. Brizzleberry is the best,” he said, gripping the wheel.

The car slowed and pulled off to the side.

“But enjoy your lunch. You are in for a treat. That’s a phenomenal café.”

He winked and pressed the button in front of him again. The engine softened, and the seat belt unclicked and slid away.

I looked out the window as the door opened. He had dropped me right at the entrance of the Jelly Lounge Café, tucked down a pedestrian alley off the main food district.

Pia’re was already there, standing outside and scrolling through her phone with a large Neptune Academy shopping bag hanging from her arm.

I waited until the seat belt fully retracted, then stepped out.

“Thanks for the ride, Wyn!”

“Catch you in orbit!” he called, flashing the same bright smile as before as the cab lifted and glided back into traffic.

Just as the cab took off, Pia’re looked up from her phone and squealed.

“Ah! Vada! Oh my stars! I thought I recognized your voice! I cannot believe you’re actually here, in Tessara!”

She ran over and pulled me into a deep hug.

I smiled and wrapped my arms around her, squeezing.