Page 19 of Five

“I’m dead fucking serious. I’ve been offered a position over in China with a private corporation. We’re sending more robots to Mars.”

“There are no real private space organizations in China, Aston. Stop bullshitting. They’re all under the thumb of the government.”

I shrug. “What do I care? It’s a fucking job, right?”

Jack takes this personally, I can tell. “We told you why you should care.”

“But you didn’t tell me why I should join.”

“No?” Jack asks. “Country?”

“We’re not even from the same country, Jack. So why don’t you stop all the circle talk and just get to the point?”

“It’s a way of life, Aston. The upper echelon rules the world and you’re part of it, whether you like it not. You’re expected to rise to the occasion.”

“Is that the kind of bullshit your father filled your head with growing up? Because mine wasn’t like that. He’s an outsider, Jack. And I’m a chip right off his block.”

“Yeah,” he sneers. “I’ve heard a lot about your father.” He shakes his head. “Don’t make the same mistake he did, Aston. Don’t waste your life making TV shows and looking over your shoulder.”

I stand and button my coat. “I told you three years ago my answer was no and nothing has changed. I’m not a joiner, Jack. Maybe you need something like this”—I wave my hand in the direction of the party tent—“to make you feel… special. But I’ve been special my whole life and there’s nothing I want less.”

“A Chinese Mars mission will just put you in the hands of other men,” Jack calls out as I walk away. “Come on, Aston. Grow the fuck up.”

I don’t bother answering. I find my way out of the party, then the house, then the property, and when I get back in my rental car, I’m on autopilot.

Start it up. Get out of this neighborhood. Find the freeway. Head north.

Jack Joseph has no idea who I am. Or my father, if he really thinks Ford Aston considered for a second taking up with the likes of him and his cronies. Jack sees my money. The seven companies I’ve sold over the past several years. My successful apps, my software, my robots from school and beyond.

But it’s only half the picture. The public picture.

The private one is altogether different.

I am going to China, but it’s got nothing to do with robots and I’m only going because I can’t find a way out. Why the hell would I go live in China when everything I love is here? Everything I want is here.

I’ve been gone long enough. I need to come home. And this trip was exactly what I needed to clarify my goals.

But… these people. They’re serious about what they do. And just getting this invitation is enough to put me on their radar.

China might not be a bad place to disappear. And I’m thinking disappearing might be the way to go. Get these pretentious fuckers off my back a little longer. I have no doubt they’re playing a long game with me, but I can buy myself some time, at least.

The late-night traffic in Denver wanes as I reach the outer limits of the city. And by the time I’m cruising up towards Fort Collins, it’s practically nonexistent.

That’s when Rory comes to mind.

She makes me smile. I didn’t plan on seeing her yet. Not this summer. Not until I had my shit together. Plus, she’s got another year at Princeton. She deserves to make the most of that year and not be tied to a guy who lives and breathes secrets. I can give her that one gift. Because next year, if she accepts my offer, her life will be radically different.

The boring boyfriend is no threat. I’m not worried about him. I’ve already decided to stay the weekend, so I’ve got two whole days before I have to make a decision about what comes next. Two whole days to spend with my princess. Two whole days to make her remember why she loves me. Two whole days to enjoy her before I have to let her go for another year.

I’m gonna make the most of those days.

My house is dark when I pull into the driveway and for a second, I wonder if I should just go over to Sparrow’s house and see if Rory is staying there. I know Kate is at Sparrow’s. She texted me earlier. And Rory won’t be out at the farm, not when everyone else is gone. That place is kinda creepy if there’s not a dozen people milling around to keep it lively. It’s in the middle of nowhere. A river on one side and miles between the neighbors.

So she might be at Sparrow’s. But… Oliver will definitely be at Sparrow’s house and I can do without all his questions.

I get out of the car and walk up the front stoop. Thinking of Rory leaves an ache in my chest that will just grow stronger the longer this goes on. We’re so close, yet so far apart at the same time.

Tomorrow, Five. Tonight, you have another job to do.