Page 50 of Alien Burn

“Then something before you go. Surely you have time for a drink.”

“Perhaps another day.”

Roemary took another step, placing herself beside him. Sereya knew where she was supposed to stand now. A little behind. Close enough to be useful, too far away to be part of the conversation.

She stayed by the bench.

She wanted to step in front of Roemary. Close the distance between her and Dhomhes. Not let Roemary's interruption separate them.

She stayed still.

Roemary's gaze cut to Sereya, like she expected her to move.

Sereya stayed where she was.

Dhomhes turned toward her.

“Do you have a comm I can reach?”

Roemary's head moved a fraction.

Sereya nearly said no.

The visitor comm was in her pocket. She had been checking survivor notices on it since it arrived that morning.

“They lent me one.” She took it out.

He held his wrist near the small device and waited for her to accept the contact. His name appeared beneath the request.

Dhomhes.

There was a title too, but she scarcely saw it.

“If you're busy when I ask, say so,” he said.

“She's rarely busy,” Roemary said lightly. “I seem to do all the rushing about for both of us.”

Sereya's thumb hovered above the screen.

Dhomhes looked at her. “Would you like me to call?”

Roemary stood close enough that Sereya could smell her perfume. Dhomhes kept his eyes on Sereya.

She touched the screen.

“There.”

His name settled into her contacts.

“Thank you for the company, Sereya.”

“You're welcome.”

“And the warning about the tea.”

She smiled before she remembered not to.

Roemary watched the smile. Then she put a hand on Dhomhes's arm.