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The single look of horror flashing across her face made me cringe. “You need to be careful. There are many out there who can disguise themselves as your mate.”
“O-kay.” Maybe she was right in that I didn’t want to know. I wasn’t entirely certain how that was possible, at least for humans. Maybe we were more susceptible to mind games than I was aware of. “I’ll be careful.”
“Good girl. But to answer your question, the moment I walked into a room and saw your father, that was it. I was entranced.”
When my mother started to reminisce, I could tell she had something else on her mind. Both she and my father had been highly disappointed when I’d left the aerospace program, deciding weeks before graduation to switch my major to veterinary school. I’d realized I didn’t want to become a starship pilot or engineer, preferring soft, furry creatures to commanding powerful ships cruising the various galaxies. Then they’d done everything in their power to convince me to come to the same Earth Station. I had to shake this craziness. I was just angry with Skyler because he’d rocked my world. There was no other decent explanation.
“That’s why I want you happy, sweet Sunny. You deserve it,” she concluded.
“Mother darling, I am happy. I’ve gotten a chance to do what I love most in the world. Isn’t that what matters the most?”
She still had a strange look on her face, an unreadable expression. “Of course, dear. Your father and I are so happy you took the position.”
Uh-huh. I wasn’t in the mood to get into her pep talk about how I was wasting my life or that I needed to find a suitable husband. That wasn’t in the cards at this point. Obviously. “I’m leaving now, Mommy dearest. Going out with friends tonight.”
Another flash of concern swept across her face. We had our share of crimes here, but the Earth Station was one of the safest places in the world.
“Be careful. There are reports of trespassers everywhere.”
Why was it that I felt as if she knew more than she was telling me? While my father wasn’t supposed to confide confidential business to her, especially those required the highest level of clearance, I’d always suspected he had. “Yes, Mother. I’m always careful.”
“Will you promise to come for Sunday dinner? Your sister managed to get on a transport ship at the last moment. I’m so excited to have you girls in one place.”
My sister was so entirely different that I was shocked she’d bothered to take the time to even see my parents. She hadn’t been to the Earth Station once since they’d moved here years before.
“Sure, Mom. I’ll be here.” My sister and I didn’t really get along, but I wouldn’t disappoint my mother, especially since her birthday was coming up. “Maybe tell her to pick up a shipment of Triander while she’s on her way.” The drug had yet to arrive, and it was desperately needed, other babies at the clinic suffering without the antibiotic. I hated the fact the drugs were so highly controlled, but as with so many things in our world, the bad eggs made it difficult for all of us.
“I’ll let her know, dear. Take care of yourself and don’t set your apartment on fire again. Your father has used up his get out of jail free card.”
I’d heard the expression yet frowned. Sometimes I was certain my mother belonged in a time capsule. “Okay, Mom. Talk to you soon.”
As soon as I was out of her house, I pulled out my communications system, contacting Tory.
“Woo-hoo, baby girl.”
I glared at her. “Don’t call me that.”
“Oops. I’m sorry. I’m just excited. Where are you?”
“Trying to get out of my mother’s house. I need to drop Thor off at the apartment and I’ll be right there.”
“He can come with us. The fabulous place is pet friendly. Maybe he’ll attract a sexy guy or two.”
“Uh, no. I’m not using my dog as bait, thank you very much. I’m also not interested in picking up some hot guy.”
“You know what your mother would say,” Tory said, laughing her ass off. I could barely hear her from the music pumping in the background. The lights pulsing around her were colorful but dizzying, enough so I had to pull the communications device away by several inches. I opened the door of my transport unit, allowing Thor to jump into his regular seat. Then I climbed inside, immediately pressing my index finger against the starter. When it roared to life, I realized I finally felt as if I could take control of my life, which was something I hadn’t been able to do around Skyler.
“When are you coming home?”
“Did you stop and pick up something for dinner?”
“Nah, I’m too tired to go out.”
“Why do you work so many long hours?”
The statements and questions had been the same for the last eight or nine months. Now I knew why at least. He’d been seeing the redhead for a long time instead of working extra hours like he’d told me. No wonder I paid for almost everything. “I’m afraid to ask.” I closed the door and threw the shifter into drive. I’d ordinarily punch in the coordinates for my apartment, allowing the intellectual piece of property, as I’d been reminded it was, to do all the work. Tonight, I felt like driving it myself.
The thrill never got old, the need for speed one of my father’s favorite sayings.
