Though she was disappointed that Akemi escorted them both to the dance, she was trying to hide it. Akemi had explained that Dr. Stevenson needed to speak with Zane about something important.
A crystal champagne flute was placed in front of her, and she quickly sipped the bubbly liquid, trying to settle her nerves. She hoped her dress would do what she intended it to do, sweep Zane off his feet. When Aurora returned the champagne glass to the table, she realized it was empty.
She made the mistake of looking at Kaylana, who was dreamily gazing at Akemi. Wanting them to have the date they deserved, she decided to find her father who would surely be around somewhere.
Before she left, Akemi’s whisper to Kaylana reached Aurora. “You look beautiful.”
Kaylana smiled. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself,” she said with a wink, causing Akemi to blush.
Aurora wished that when she blushed it would only turn a light pink like it did on Akemi’s darker skin. She cleared her throat. “I’m going to get another round of drinks and find my dad.”
Kaylana grabbed her purse as if she were going to follow. Aurora waved her down. “Stay here. Have fun.”
Akemi nodded at Aurora. “We’ll come find you if you’re not back in ten minutes. And don’t worry about Zane. He’ll be here soon.”
“Yeah, sure,” Aurora nonchalantly replied, not wanting either of them to know of her growing disappointment. She was truly happy for Kaylana and wanted her to have a good time, but she couldn’t help the knot in her stomach. She searched for her dad and found him surrounded by a group of men in some sort of deep discussion. Even tonight he was working.
She waved when she walked past him, but he didn’t see her, so she continued to the bar. When she got closer, she almost turned around. Hailen sat there alone.
Not wanting to show trepidation, Aurora boldly stepped up to the bar and ordered four glasses of champagne.
Unfortunately, her solo arrival didn’t go unnoticed. “Where’s your date, Aurora?” Hailen’s calculated voice grated on her, causing her to stand as tall as her petite frame and heels would let her.
“Oh, Zane. I’m sure he’s around here somewhere.” She had no choice but to confidently smile and act like she wasn’t concerned with where her date was.
Hailen lost a little of her spark. Apparently Zane, even with his bad-boy looks, was a hard catch. And Aurora would know, but it was funny watching Hailen struggle with the fact that Aurora succeeded in a date with him when she hadn’t. If only Hailen knew the real reasons he’d said yes. Actually, maybe she should be thanking Hailen. It was because of her that Zane said yes in the first place.
“So, where is he?” Hailen craned her neck, looking around.
“He’s on his way,” she muttered. Gah, why did she have to be so honest?
Hailen looked down at her techiwatch, going in for the kill. “He’s a little late, isn’t he?”
Aurora wouldn’t know how late he was exactly. She’d decided not to wear her watch because it didn’t go well with her dress. She needed to play it cool; she rolled her eyes and took a big gulp of champagne. “He’ll be here soon.” She tried to sound confident, but Hailen probably sensed her worry anyway.
“Where’s your date?” Aurora tried to sound bitchy like Hailen, but she wasn’t sure she pulled it off.
“My date is running late too.” Hailen shrugged her shoulders, trying to seem unconcerned, but Aurora recognized her disappointment.
“I’m sorry.” Aurora meant it. “Who is he, anyway?” Maybe for once Hailen would talk to her like a normal person. Aurora hoped she wouldn’t say Rowan Dagan, even if it meant not knowing where the techspiders were coming from. She didn’t want another cadet to be responsible.
Hailen’s eyes snapped to Aurora’s as she gulped down her drink. “He’ll show up sooner or later. He always does when he wants something.” Hailen picked up her purse and sauntered off.
“Okay,” Aurora muttered to herself. That certainly didn’t get her anywhere, but it was obvious Aurora was safe for the night. Rowan Dagan wasn’t anywhere around, and Aurora actually felt a little sorry for Hailen. She picked up the four champagne flutes in front of her.
Balancing the drinks consumed the rest of her thoughts as she tried to make it back to the table without spilling anything. Kaylana and Akemi had their seats pushed very close together and were whispering to each other when Aurora sat back down. The first course for dinner, an endive with goat cheese and walnut appetizer, sat untouched in front of her chair and the chair where Zane was supposed to be sitting.
Aurora huffed and sat down. She handed Kaylana and Akemi their champagne flutes and placed Zane’s glass beside his untouched plate. The appetizer in front of her looked delicious, so she picked it up to take a bite, trying to ignore the fact that she wasn’t the least bit hungry anymore.
It became uncomfortably awkward for her as more time passed without Zane showing up. Aurora felt like she was surrounded by happy couples on dates.
Kaylana and Akemi tried to include her in their conversation, but she was too busy waiting for Zane to be social.
“He’ll show up soon. I’m sure of it.” Akemi’s faith in Zane was indestructible. Aurora couldn’t in good conscience let Akemi and Kaylana continue to sit next to her, afraid to move for leaving her alone. Aurora motioned at Akemi and Kaylana. “You should go dance.” Kaylana shot up out of her seat, and before Aurora realized what she was doing, held her by the arm, dragging her on to the dance floor.
Aurora tried to dig her heels in, but Kaylana only pulled harder. “I didn’t mean me!” Aurora began to panic. Kaylana didn’t possibly think that Aurora would dance alone. Thankfully, the song wasn’t a slow one. Given no other choice, Aurora began to dance awkwardly beside Kaylana and Akemi. She needed to figure out a way to get out of this.
She slowly began distancing herself from the two of them.
Her brief moment of success didn’t last long when someone bumped into her, almost causing her to fall over in her five-inch-stiletto heels. When she steadied herself, she spun around trying to see who had pushed her.
Veronica Harley, in the flesh, stood behind her with a camera in hand.
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to bump you.” She focused the camera on Aurora. “Do you mind if I get a picture? Or are you and your— Wait.” She looked behind Aurora. “Where is your date?”
Aurora swallowed. “Oh, he’s around here somewhere.”
Veronica Harley’s eyes lit in delight. “So tell me, who’s the lucky guy?”
“Oh, who cares about me? Better yet, where’s your date?” Aurora smiled sweetly at Veronica.
“Nice try. I’m here on business.” Veronica rolled her eyes.
The lights chose that moment to dim, and a slow song came on. Everyone around them partnered up with their dates.
The light on Veronica’s camera flashed, and Aurora cringed as every head turned her way.
When her eyes cleared, she pushed her way off the dance floor. She could already picture the headlines. Heiress All Alone or Ms. Popular Loses Date. Hopefully, her dad was still talking to his potential clients and was nowhere around to witness her humiliation.
Aurora didn’t have to see the picture to know that her face was bright red because she felt her cheeks on fire. She wove around couple-filled tables, barely holding the mortified tears in check. She wouldn’t give anyone the satisfaction.
Zane wasn’t going to show up. And she couldn’t even blame him right now. The spotlight she so desperately tried to avoid followed her everywhere. It was no wonder Zane didn’t want to be with her. He’d only decided to go to the dance to keep an eye on Hailen and figure out who this Rowan guy was. And clearly he wasn’t a problem; he was nowhere around.
Aurora was almost to the front doors of the Academy when Kaylana caught up to her and grabbed her shoulder.
“Where are you going?”
Aurora looked at her in disbelief, her eyes wide. “I’ve just been publ
icly embarrassed in front of all my friends, teachers, and the media.” She gestured wildly in the air. “You can’t possibly think I’m going to stick around after that.”
Kaylana squeezed her shoulder. “Akemi said Zane wouldn’t stand you up without a good reason. Just wait a little longer. I’m sure he’ll show up.” Even Kaylana’s usually joyful face looked sober.
Aurora shook her head. “At this point the night is ruined.”
“What about our plan to stay together for your safety?”
Aurora laughed, but it wasn’t a happy sound. “I don’t care about that right now! And quite frankly, I’m tired of worrying about it. Rowan Dagan isn’t here, anyway. Hailen was all alone when I saw her.”
Kaylana turned back toward the party, finding Akemi waiting a few feet away. “Okay.” She looked resigned. “Just let me say goodbye to Akemi.”
Aurora grabbed her arm. “No, Kay. I just want to be alone for a little while.” She tried to give Kaylana the sincere smile she deserved. “Please finish your date. I’ll be fine.”
Kaylana shuffled her feet. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. We’ll talk later.” Aurora turned and pushed her way out into the humid Florida air where she’d finally be alone. She ran out the Apollo Academy’s front door, careful not to trip in her heels, and sat down. Tears streaked down her face. She didn’t have to worry about anyone witnessing her moment of self-pity because everyone else was back inside.
Even if Zane had an excellent reason for not showing up, she decided it was unhealthy placing her hopes on him. He didn’t want attention, and she knew exactly how that felt. And if she could spare him from it, she would.
Aurora heard footsteps coming down the stairs and quickly wiped the tears from her eyes. She didn’t know how long she had been sitting there, but it was time to go before she had to face anyone else. Luckily, the person continued down the steps, paying her huddled figure no attention. She stood and smoothed her dress out, hoping she didn’t look as horrible as she felt.
Head down, she began running up the steps in an attempt to make it to her room without seeing anyone.
Aurora was almost down the hallway and to the elevator when she was knocked off her feet. She sprawled across the floor, completely entangled with someone. Arms and feet were intertwined as they both struggled to right themselves. Strong hands finally managed to pull her back onto her feet, allowing her to meet the concerned blue eyes of the person she’d inadvertently tackled.
“Hey, are you all right?” Sky asked.
She pretended to dust off her dress, looking away from him. There was no way he wouldn’t know she had been crying. Besides, he probably heard about her being stood up.
“Yeah, thanks. Sorry. I guess I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
She tried to push past Sky, but he grabbed her shoulders and stopped her right in front of him. He placed his finger under her chin and gently pushed her face up. She had no choice but to meet his eyes.
“What happened?”
She took a few deep breaths, straightening her shoulders. “Nothing. I just want to get back to my room.”
He swiped a finger under her eye, catching a tear that managed to escape. “Don’t lie,” Sky growled.
He probably just wanted to embarrass her further; he seemed to enjoy publicly humiliating her. She pushed him back and stepped away. “Why do you care?”
Sky looked uncomfortable. “I don’t know, I guess. I don’t like to see you crying.” He seemed puzzled by his response, his clear eyes turning a darker blue.
Aurora was just as confused as he appeared to be by those words, so she ignored them, and changed the subject. “Why aren’t you at the dance?”
Sky took a step away from her. “I leave first thing in the morning for the Lunar Base.”
“Oh.” She forgot that Sky wasn’t a full-time instructor. Aurora made a move to leave, but Sky stopped her with his next words. “Want to go fly?”
“How?”
He shrugged. “I can get us into the SpacePort.”
Flying would definitely clear Aurora’s head, but she was a little hesitant to get back into the XT-101 after her last flight.
Sky must have understood her hesitation because he said, “We can fly together. It’ll be good for you.” Back in instructor mode, he didn’t give her a chance to respond, grabbing her hand and pulling her along.
When they passed a locker room, Aurora had to put all of her weight into stopping Sky. “Let me get a flight suit.”
He let go of her hand. “Oh, right. I’ll be outside.”
Excited, she grabbed her flight suit and met Sky outside. Soon enough they were both in a hovercar on their way to the SpacePort.
“Are you sure we can do this?” She could already feel adrenaline pumping through her body, forcing out any lingering doubt. Flying would be so much better than moping in her room, even if Sky was the one she had to do it with.
“Yeah, I go up whenever I want.”
Aurora wasn’t sure she understood. “But why?”
“It’s training. I have to stay current somehow.”
The Apollo Academy must really trust Sky. Fuel usage was highly regulated. Aurora never had to worry about it because her father could afford any price, but that wasn’t exactly normal.
“So? That doesn’t explain why you’re allowed to take an aircraft out whenever you want.” Aurora rolled her eyes. “You’re not the only Apollo Academy pilot. They couldn’t possibly allow every pilot to take out their airplanes whenever they feel like it.”
Sky shrugged and didn’t bother responding.
Aurora raised an eyebrow. Was he really not going to answer?
As if reading her thoughts, he winked. “Technically, you didn’t ask a question.”
Aurora laughed for the first time that night. This was the Sky that girls fell over themselves for, and it was a side she didn’t see directed toward her very often. When Sky was like this, he was kind of hot, but she so didn’t need to go there. Usually she didn’t have to distract herself from his looks because he was usually doing something to piss her off.
“So why are you allowed to take out a multimillion-dollar aircraft whenever you want?”
His blue eyes twinkled, “Let’s just say there’s a few perks to being me.”
Aurora believed him.
“Humph.” Whatever the reason, she wasn’t going to complain about it. Maybe she should have been concerned that he had such free reign around the Academy, but she had no reason anymore to think he had anything to do with the techspiders. Originally, she thought Sky could have been a suspect, but over the past few weeks that changed. Sky would have lost his job if something fatal happened to her; her father would have made sure of it. Besides, he was the one to help Zane find the first techspider.
Thankfully, before her mind started thinking about Zane, the hovercar stopped in front of the Apollo Alliance SpacePort. At night the geodesic dome and flight line were breathtaking, brilliantly lit in neon blue and green lights, with the occasional shuttle burn lighting the sky behind it. Because of the late hour, the SpacePort was on a skeleton shift, leaving Aurora and Sky free to walk directly to the hangar that housed the Academy’s XT-101s without seeing anyone.
Aurora shivered when she saw, in the far back corner of the hangar, an airplane stripped down to a bunch of parts and metallic pieces.
Sky noticed her stare. “They can’t find anything wrong with it, so they’re hesitant to put it back together.” He pointed at an XT-101 sitting toward the front of the hangar, situated with easy access to the taxiway. “This 101 just completed a maintenance diagnostic test.” He walked toward the airplane. “Besides, we’ll be flying together,” he said over his shoulder.
They both completed a very thorough pre-flight, walking around, verifying that everything was as it should be. Aurora even checked the back of both their HUD units to make sure there were no techspiders lurking inside. Aurora then went to change into her flight suit,
but it wasn’t until she had it zipped up that she realized she didn’t have any other shoes except her high heels. For a moment, she thought about going barefoot, but flying in heels was nothing new. Sky would just have to get over it.
With that decision made, she walked back into the hangar to find Sky already sitting in the right seat of the cockpit. She squeezed by to sit down next to him and before long she was taxing out onto the runway. Sky handled their radio communication. As they waited to take off, she watched the last shuttle for the night depart, probably on its way to the Lunar Moon Base.
“So this is what you’ll be doing tomorrow?” she asked Sky who also watched the shuttle travel straight up, rocketing through the night sky, illuminating everything in an orange glow as it traveled outside of this world. Aurora was jealous; she couldn’t wait until she piloted her own ship.
“Yeah,” he sighed. “We’re cleared for departure.”
Aurora let the change in subject slide. She shoved the engines full throttle and felt the aircraft push her back in her seat as she quickly accelerated. Because of training, she didn’t often have the opportunity to fly freely, but tonight she took all of her frustrations out by pushing the aircraft that much harder. Once she reached Vr, the appropriate rotation speed, she pulled the nose of the aircraft back and began her ascent.
They flew like homesick angels as they tore their way up through the night above them, pressed firmly back in their seats. When she was high enough, she leveled the plane off and couldn’t help but laugh in exhilaration. She looked over at Sky who was grinning back at her. Goosebumps rose on her arms in anticipation; she could tell Sky wasn’t going to have any reprimanding remarks tonight. He was along for the ride, however crazy it might be.
Without warning Sky, she pulled the throttles all the way back and pitched the nose of the aircraft down. As they descended, they felt the effects of zero gravity. The only thing that kept her in her seat was the seatbelt strapped firmly across her. Anything not held down floated around them.
Aurora couldn’t see the ground they were pointed towards, but she already knew what it looked like. Brown. Ruined. She was kind of thankful she didn’t see it. Aurora pulled the nose of the aircraft back up; three Gs forcing her back into her seat.
The Apollo Academy Page 24
