Page 84 of Aviatrix

“She’s not just an old friend, is she?” Aunt Lise chuckles.

There’s a soft exhale. “No.”

“I didn’t think so,” she replies gently. “You’ve always been a vault when it comes to your emotions, Eli, but when you look at her, it’s as clear as the sky.”

My hand rises to my chest, as if I can calm the thundering of my heart.

“It’s a long story,” he admits.

“The best ones usually are,” she says.

“We’re leaving early tomorrow morning.”

She sighs. “I know.”

“I don’t know if…” he trails off.

“Whatever happens,” Aunt Lise sniffs, “I’m glad you came home. And I’m glad I met her.”

My chest tightens as I hold my breath. I know I’ve intruded on something rare, but I’m thankful I did.

Eli’s always been hard to read for most people. But I always saw him. I saw right through him. What I didn’t see was why he left. Why he broke my heart. Why he showed up, years apart, always at the worst—or maybe the best—times.

I used to think he did it to annoy me. Now, maybe he did it because he wanted to make sure I was okay.

I swallow hard and push off the wall, striding into the kitchen like I didn’t just eavesdrop on a life-altering conversation.

“Good morning,” I say casually as I reach for the coffee pot.

“You clean up nice,” Aunt Lise says with a smile full of quiet pride.

“Thanks for the dress.” I sip my coffee. It scalds going down.

Then, I see Eli sitting at the table, his long legs stretched out in front of him. Black dress slacks. Baby blue button-down. His dark hair slicked back.

I’ve seen him in uniform, handsome and well-groomed. But this is different. This is… I don’t even have the words.

He lifts his cup, hides a smile behind it, and takes a slow sip. His eyes never leave mine.

“Would you like breakfast?” Aunt Lise asks.

I nod. “Sure.”

She hands me a plate stacked with pancakes, crisp bacon, and a small bowl of berries—blue, red, and ruby.

I hesitate. Do I sit next to Eli or across from him?

Uncle Rod limps in wearing a suit that looks like it’s seen more funerals than weddings and takes the seat across from him.

Guess that settles that.

I slide into the chair beside Eli and take a steadying breath. He shifts toward me, his whole body angling closer.

“How’d you sleep?” he asks, low.

“Good,” I lie.

I didn’t sleep. Not after the aliens contacted us again last night.