by Alexia Purdy
“You have a visitor.”
I stopped fiddling and paused, flicking my eyes over to meet Fran’s.
“Who?”
“Commander Everlee.”
I jumped up. “He’s here? Now?”
Fran nodded. “Should I tell him you’re indisposed?”
A moment passed as the shock settled, and I was able to speak again. I shook my head, groaning. “No. It’s fine. Just tell him I’ll be down in a few minutes.”
Fran nodded and closed the door softly behind her. I stared at the back of the door like it was going to burst into a portal to hell. Everlee… it’d been months since I’d returned to the Glass Sky City, and he hadn’t come around, not once. He’d saved me from Farlan and dumped me off in the infirmary. No goodbye, no telling me where he was going. No explanation that Gigi would be there too. The memory of not finding him when I recovered from our journey tasted bitter on my tongue, even though I knew he had things to attend to. Our journey hadn’t exactly gone as planned, but he’d gotten us out somehow.
There was still some explaining he had to do. Why he never asked if I’d been okay or come around to check on me? It was probably a selfish need to expect such attention, but not seeing him again made me feel like he hadn’t even been real.
I detoured to the bathroom in the hall, listening for a moment as Everlee’s voice echoed up the stairs as he laughed. The words he’d told me in the prison cell under Farlan’s mansion ran through my head and dried my mouth. I shook it off as his laughter sent a shiver down my spine. Relieving myself and then brushing my teeth, I stared at my reflection in the mirror.
I was thinner than I used to be. Without the makeup I’d constantly worn in the globe prison, I looked younger. Vulnerable, yet fatigued. My eyes still shined, but I could have sworn they used to be brighter. I closed them as I snatched the brush and raked it through my long auburn hair. I hadn’t cut it since before the coupling ball, and it hung below the small of my back. Quickly, I tied it back in a low ponytail and straightened.
It was as good as it was going to get. I looked a bit pale, probably in need of some skin routine and sunlight, but there was little time for that. I blew out a centering breath and exited the bathroom, still pondering what Everlee wanted with me.
He was in civilian clothes, something I’d never seen him wear. Even the black outfit he’d worn when we escaped had been military issue. His short black hair had grown out some but remained messy, and his beard had been shaven clean off. His dark brown eyes crinkled at the edges as he continued to chuckle at Fran’s conversation. Out of his everyday element, he looked like a different person entirely.
I stepped down the stairs as quietly as I could, observing his demeanor. Somehow, my senses heightened with every moment that passed. His easy banter with Fran made him look far more relaxed than before. I wondered if he knew Fran was an android. If he did, he didn’t seem to mind at all and never pointed it out. His eyes were kind and animated, shining under the one overhead light. I could have watched them chatting forever, and I felt a flutter in my chest as he laughed again. I hated to admit that I was more than relieved to see that he was okay.
I slid down one more step, and the wood sighed. I’d forgotten about the one step which creaked every time it was stepped on. I held my breath as they both turned their heads toward me. The horror of being caught staring at him flooded my cheeks with red.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in. I didn’t know I could still make a damsel blush.” Everlee winked.
I straightened, frowning at his comment. “I’m not blushing.”
He smirked. “Suite yourself. I know what I saw.”
“You’re absolutely insufferable, do you know that?” I crossed my arms, throwing him a glare before turning to Fran. “Oh, have you heard anything from Gigi?” I asked as I continued the rest of the way down the stairs and plopped down onto one of the reading chairs.
“She’s at another safe house for the night. She said she’s going to stay there for a few days.” Fran glanced between me and Everlee and cleared her throat. “I’ll be in the other room if you need me.”
I watched her as she mumbled her excuses, letting her leave. It was just as well. I didn’t want anyone listening in on our conversation.
“What are you doing here, Commander?” I inquired, turning my attention back to Everlee. My mood had dampened from the events of the day, and I was hungry. My stomach grumbled as I squirmed in the chair, hoping Everlee wouldn’t hear its complaints.
“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by. I heard you and Gigi attended Farlan’s rally today. I heard there was a small commotion?”
“Commotion? That’s one way of putting it.”
“Sounds like it was a nasty business. But I’m relieved you and Gigi got out all right. That place was crawling with soldiers.”
“How did you know we were there?”
His eyes glinted with a mischievous spark. “I have my ways. Did you think I don’t inquire about your safety?”
The room grew hot as I fidgeted. “No, I didn’t think you cared to find me again.”
“Well, you’re wrong about that.”
My face felt warm, and I cleared my throat. “Someone killed a person next to me. I knew him. He used to work with my father.”
“I’m sorry you had to see that.”
He continued to observe me, and I wished I could pull my eyes away from his. I could tell that Gigi had shared her suspicions with him. Was he trying to see if it was true? At last, his gaze softened as though he’d decided I was innocent.
“Again, I’m relieved you and Gigi made it out of there safely, Star-girl.”
“Stop calling me that,” I snapped.
“Calling you what?” He lifted a brow, amused at my outburst.
I threw him an incredulous look. “Star-girl. I’m just Star.”
He leaned forward from the sofa. His dark eyes gleamed as he rubbed his freshly shaven face. The subtle scent of his cologne filled the room, and I held my breath, afraid to admit to myself that it smelled amazing. Had he freshened up before coming? Why would he do that?
“All right. I’ll call you Star if you call me Everlee. None of this ‘Commander’ crap,” he replied, his voice lowering as he spoke, husky and gruff. My chest felt like it was about to seize. I couldn’t hold my breath anymore and took in a deep breath filled with his scent.
I flinched. It was intoxicating.
“Fine,” I groaned. I didn’t want him to know that I missed his company and how much it’d hurt when he hadn’t visited me in the infirmary. Or that I thought he was handsome, especially since he treated me far differently now than when we’d first met. It could still be an act, but I hoped it wasn’t. I exhaled, wiping my emotions away. “Well, we’re all okay here. You can go now, Commander.”
Right on cue, my stomach decided to choose that moment to roar out a grotesque growl. Everlee’s eyes crinkled as he grinned. It was gentle, so unlike his dark persona from before. I wondered if maybe this was really Everlee’s twin brother, but that was impossible.
He chuckled. “Listen, I was heading to a small hole-in-the-wall pub where they make the best dinner specials in town. I’d prefer to not eat alone on a busy night and stopped by here hoping you’d join me.”
I stared at him in disbelief. Was he asking me out on a date?
“Go out to eat… with you? Like a dinner date?” I stumbled over my words, exasperated.
“You don’t have to call it a date, but you can. You’re hungry, right? You should try their chicken. It’s mouthwatering.”
“Um….” I didn’t know what to say. “Just dinner. Not a date.” I pointed at him. “Let me tell Fran. I’m sure she’ll want to eat too.”
I stood up, rushing toward the kitchen, but he hooked his hand on my arm, holding me back.
“Fran doesn’t need to eat. Trust me, it’s all for show. Cogs hate cleaning out their inside tanks afterward. I’ve seen it. It’s not pret
ty.”
Stunned, I looked up to find Fran at the doorway. He knew she was a robot. How did he know that? I blinked at her. She’d obviously heard him. I opened my mouth and tried to ease the situation.
“Do you want to come eat with us, Fran?” I begged her to say yes with my eyes, but she shook her head before she even noticed.
“Oh, no. He’s right. Cleaning my food tank gets a bit tedious. You guys go right ahead. I haven’t started dinner yet. Go on, enjoy yourselves!” She waved me along, snatching my coat from the coatrack and holding it out to me.
I glared at her. Unbelievable. She was leaving me all alone with this guy. What, had no one inputted girl-code into these androids? She had no clue I didn’t want to go.
“Yeah, let’s go. Don’t want to fight for a table now, do we?” Everlee snatched up the coat, shook it out, and held it out for me to put it on. “You’re already dressed. Come on, get your coat and boots on.”
I reddened as I slid my arms into the coat, letting him place it over my shoulders. I tugged my boots on, grumbling to myself. He had a point. I was already dressed and freshened up as though I’d intended to go out. I couldn’t get out of this one if I tried, even though I didn’t really want to. I groaned internally.
“All right, but just for some food because I’m starving. It’s. Not. A. Date.” Making it clear to him that it wasn’t a date didn’t appear to affect him at all. His smile grew wider, and his eyes shined. I swallowed back my apprehension as he held the door open.
“Ladies first, Star-girl.”
“I told you to call me Star,” I mumbled as I walked through the door. He closed it behind us and stepped in front of me. I gasped as he pressed closer to me on the stoop, a devious sparkle in his eyes and a far more serious look on his face now that we were alone. He reached up, cupping my chin, his eyes darkening.
“But I like it.”
“I—I,” I stammered, trying my best to pull away, but he held me tightly in his embrace. “Let me go,” I demanded.
“Pardon me. I didn’t want you to fall. You’re shaking and not entirely stable on your feet.”
The heat of his breath on my cheek reminded me how close he was to me. He just had to lean but an inch, and his mouth would be on mine. I turned away, shoving at his chest. No matter how much my body protested, I had to get away immediately.
“Where is this amazing pub you speak of? I’m starving.”
I straightened my jacket as his amused eyes watched me. He hadn’t moved from his place on the steps, so I walked down them, holding on to the railing for dear life. It annoyed me to say he was right; my legs were weak and shaking, and I didn’t trust myself walking down steps. Once on the ground and facing away from him, I breathed in sharply, clearing my head.
“It’s this way, Star-girl.” He was next to me in a second and holding out his arm for me to hook mine through. I didn’t correct him as I stared at it for a long moment before flicking my gaze back up to his face.
“No, thank you. I’m fine.” I turned in the direction he’d pointed and began walking.
“Suit yourself, Star-girl.”
He annoyed me more than anything at that moment. More so because I wished it were Clyde taking me out to eat and not Everlee.
Chapter Fifteen
Star
The pub wasn’t too far from the townhouse, in the center of the urban neighborhood. It was bustling with people. The crowd was obnoxiously loud, full of groups of friends and couples laughing together as though the city had never been invaded by Insurgents. I wasn’t sure if I belonged in a place like that.
I felt Everlee’s hand slip into mine. He’d removed his gloves and clasped my hand with his, giving it a gentle tug.
“Come on. We don’t want to get separated in this mess. I’ll never find you again.” He chuckled, and my cheeks burned. I wasn’t sure if it was from embarrassment or the rise in temperature inside the pub from all the bodies. He led me to a secluded, unoccupied corner booth near the rear of the pub where we could watch people play pool or darts and stay out of earshot.
I slipped onto the leather seat, and it groaned beneath my weight. The round epoxy table shined to perfection, with a napkin holder and condiments sitting atop it. It’d been a long time since I’d gone out to eat; it felt like going to a foreign country. I shifted in my seat as I watched Everlee scoot in close.
“There are so many people here.” I pushed back a lock of hair dangling in my face, slipping it behind my ear. “I should’ve worn a wig.” I pulled my ponytail back over my shoulder to hide the telltale red hair. I’d forgotten to go incognito. How foolish could I be?
“It’s all right. These people won’t bother us. No one is looking for you here.”
“How do you know that?” I asked, darting my eyes around the room. Anyone could be a spy for Farlan.
“Isn’t it obvious? This is a rebellion pub. We have our safe places too. Not everyone agrees with the current regime. Most folks don’t care for President Farlan.”
I pressed my hand to his mouth, shushing him. When he didn’t pull away, I again realized how close he was. I yanked my arm back, feeling awkward and confused. Clearing my throat, I scooted away in the seat.
“You shouldn’t talk like that in public,” I remarked. “You’ll get us both killed.”
“It’s all right, Star-girl. You’re safe with me.”
I was about to snap at him about my name when waitress showed up with the menus, smacking her gum and asking for our drink orders. She smiled and winked at Everlee before sashaying her way back to the bar to grab our drinks.
“Do you know her?” I cringed, realizing how it sounded. “I mean, it seems like she knows you.”
“I’ve seen her here before but couldn’t tell you her name.” Everlee wasn’t even looking at the menu; his eyes were glued to me. I picked up the laminated folder just to put something between us.
“What’s good here?” I asked, trying to avoid looking at him at all costs. There was something about the way he gazed at me. It made me feel like I either wanted to run away or inch even closer to him. Neither were options.
“Their stacked nacho plate or their chicken quesadillas are amazing. Plus, you should try the spinach and artichoke dip. Melts in your mouth.”
I looked up from the menu, feeling the heat of his stare still on me. “What? Do I have something stuck to my face?” I asked.
He shook his head. “No.”
“Then why are you staring at me like that?”
He perked up at this and smirked. “Like what?” His eyes never wavered, and I felt the fire inside them burning me like the sun. His usually carefully constructed front was missing, and seeing him without the filter was unnerving, but not in a bad way.
“Like… that.” I drew in a breath as he moved closer, turning to face me. I looked away, back at the menu.
“You’re beautiful, Star-girl. Has anyone ever told you that?” His voice came out gruff and deeper than before, sending shivers down my spine. My mouth went dry. At that moment, I prayed for the waitress to return with our drinks to break his hold on me. I could barely croak out a quick answer.
“No,” I whispered. My hands were still on the menu, gripping it until the lamination nearly bent under my sustained grip. Why did he affect me so? I blinked as my heart sped up.
“Well, you are. Anyone who disagrees is a fool.”
“Can you please not sit so close to me, Commander?” My voice quivered as I tried my best to not turn his way. Everything I was feeling felt like my body betraying me in every way possible. I hated it for that. Why was this man so alluring when I had sworn off men since Clyde had ripped my heart out? I hated to think I could fall for someone like him. Why was it so hard to hate him? Wasn’t it not that long ago that I’d despised him and his unconventional methods? He’d rescued me from my prison and had slipped weapons to me when he could have left me in Farlan’s prison forever. But he hadn’t left me. Which was more than I could say about Cly
de. I feared Everlee for what he was capable of taking from me. He was a dilemma I hadn’t prepared for.
“Are you ready to order?” The waitress laid down napkins before placing our drinks in front of us. Her smile told me she’d seen us close and knew something was up. I wished she’d interrupted sooner.
“Um… yeah.” I cleared my throat again, grabbing my drink and taking a quick swig of it before my vocal cords seized up on me. “I’ll take the chicken quesadilla.”
“Oh, good choice! And you, sir?” She leaned forward, waiting to take Everlee’s order. He handed her the menu and gave her a smile. It wasn’t anywhere near as warm as the ones he’d been giving me. It was courteous and polite, like his professional mask had slipped back on without skipping a beat. Something about that unnerved me yet calmed my inner turmoil as well.
“I’ll have the tri-tip sandwich. Extra au jus.”
The waitress’s cheeks were blushing as she snapped up the menus. Now I was rolling my eyes to see that Everlee had that effect on all women. Figured.
“Any appetizers today?”
“Sure. One spinach and artichoke dip,” he added. The waitress jotted down the order, and to my relief, she moved away after briefly glancing in my direction.
“Now, where were we?” He turned his attention back to me, and I felt myself stiffen all over again.
I cleared my throat. “I asked you if you could please not sit so close to me.”
He tilted his head as he studied my face, but he didn’t move. His eyes lingered on my mouth far too long, sliding across it as though every millimeter had to be studied. “Why? You don’t like it when I’m close to you?”
“I… it makes me uncomfortable.”
“I make you uncomfortable?” His eyes remained on my lips, and I felt myself subconsciously lick them. The gesture caused his eyelids to widen momentarily before resuming their dreamy stare.
“No, I mean… it’s just— when you sit so close, I feel like I—” I threw my hands up and inched a little away from him. “I don’t know. You make me feel off.”
