Chapter Five
Charity changed from the casual clothes she’d worn to shop in Sunrise. She selected a pretty blue dress she hoped wouldn’t be too upscale for Bar, Bowl, and Barrel. Once she was satisfied by her appearance, she stepped from her bedroom to find Sara and Groteg waiting for her in the hall.
She groaned inwardly. A flash of her usual stubbornness and angst eagerly rose to the occasion of questioning authority. She quashed it, determined to do the right thing for a change.
She beamed at her hosts. “Let me guess. I’m failing to play disgraced college student Jennifer Seng as I should be. No night out in the company of the cutie waiting for me downstairs.”
To her great relief, Sara waved off her concerns. “On the contrary. I think a rebel would be determined to escape her sentence, so it’ll look perfectly normal for you to go out.”
“Thank you.” Charity tried to contain the rush of exuberance, but she caught herself wiggling in anticipation.
Sara chuckled. “By all means, be young and foolish while you can. You and Ilid have fun tonight. Responsibility will come calling soon enough.”
“Don’t be too foolish,” Groteg countered. Despite the warning, his expression was as gentle as his fierce features allowed. “A resident member of the Kalquorian spy division here on Haven commed me earlier today.”
“Dolgra, right?” She’d heard his name mentioned by her warders on Alpha Space Station. She had yet to meet him.
Groteg’s features tightened, as if she wasn’t supposed to know the spy’s identity, but he made no mention of it. “There were a couple of transmissions to Mercy this afternoon from the area.”
“You think Earthtiques found me? Already?” An unpleasant jolt shot through her system.
“Probably not. Plenty of our residents have relatives on Mercy. They’re constantly trying to check on them since the issues that planet’s had. Damned few transmissions get through since the rebels against the government have seized so many com stations, but occasionally, they get lucky.”
“The coms could be something or nothing, in other words.” Charity managed to keep sarcasm from her tone. Don’t be a bitch. Let the man do his job.
“Keep an eye on your surroundings. Com me if anything looks odd. I’ll be there in a couple of minutes.”
“Okay. I’ll have Ilid on hand until you come riding to the rescue. Maybe Detodev too. He told me he likes to go to Bar, Bowl, and Barrel on occasion.”
Groteg exchanged a glance with Sara, who crooked a brow. The Nobek sighed. “Sure. Keep close to your friends and you’ll be fine.”
She gave the pair her best smile. “Thanks for everything. You know, your kids are lucky to have you guys for parents.”
“Remind them of it every opportunity you get,” Sara chuckled. “Have a good time.”
As Charity bounced down the stairs, she thought even if Haven were Planet Farm Hell, it had its decent points. Clan Amgar was at the top of the list.
* * * *
An hour after arriving at Bar, Bowl, and Barrel, Charity was less enthused about her night out. In fact, she was thinking of heading back to the farm early.
It wasn’t because the place was awful. The club portion was little more than a shitkicker bar full of fieldhands taking the edge off a long day of farming, cleaning stalls, riding the range, and whatever else farm types did. It was far nicer than the Roadhouse. It had an actual floor, no sawdust, and a blessed lack of urine scent. It boasted a few pool tables, a vid-game room, and a few spaces between tables big enough to allow Earther couples to dance if they were able or rock in each other’s arms if they weren’t so light-footed.
The attached bowling alley was decent, but Charity’s dress was hardly the right outfit for playing a few frames. The lanes were crowded to capacity anyway, full of serious teams and fun-seeking families.
The fight pit at the back of the building, reserved strictly for Nobeks who wanted to spar, gave Charity a moment’s pause. Her nerves settled…a little…after she read the warning signs. One declared no Nobek who’d had more than ten bottles of kloq, five of bohut, or eight shots of whiskey would be allowed to participate. Another sign proclaimed intent to do serious bodily harm would result in offenders being arrested and permanently banned from the premises.
A civilized shitkicker bar, Charity surmised. Fair enough.
Bar, Bowl, and Barrel was fine. Her problem was Ilid. The young man had displayed uneasiness upon entering the bar, and it hadn’t diminished despite the laidback atmosphere. She couldn’t figure out what his problem was. There were plenty of his fellow Kalquorians present. The Earthers mixed easily among them. There was no sign of speciesism to be seen as the two races laughed and conversed together like the longtime friendly acquaintances they apparently were. Earther women and a couple human men who were obviously in romantic relationships with Kalquorians in singles and multiples, weren’t looked at twice except when someone hailed them in affable recognition.
Despite the congenial atmosphere, Charity noted Ilid was damned near ill from discomfort. He tried to hide it behind a front of warm conversation. He paid plenty of attention to her. However, his gaze darted here and there, as if searching for trouble…or an enemy. He jumped at sudden bursts of laughter. When someone dropped a bottle, which shattered on the floor, he’d nearly flown from his tall stool at their small table, his eyes on the exit and hand reaching for her arm. It was as if he’d been prompted to escape and take her with him. His embarrassed laughter and fumbling apology for being startled couldn’t hide how he refused to meet her gaze…or the flash of sickened shame in his expression.
Maybe he’s ill. He’d tried his first pizza at her suggestion. He’d declared it delicious. There’d been a few families, including Kalquorians, in the restaurant they’d gone to before the bar. The aliens had been having pizza for dinner too, tucking in as if they’d eaten it a gazillion times before. Still, Ilid wasn’t used to Earther food. Maybe it hadn’t agreed with him, though he’d said he was fine when she’d asked.
Charity had no idea why Ilid wasn’t having fun. The thought it might be her fault was unpleasant to consider. She cast about in her head what she might have said or done to upset him. Her desperate chatter fell silent as she ran out of things to say.
“We have a couple of guys coming our way, looking right at us,” Ilid noted following a couple of seconds of silence, during which he’d continued to scan the dimly lit environs. “They appear to be a Nobek and an Imdiko.”
Charity turned, relieved for any distraction. Her gaze lit on the most charming smile she’d ever encountered. It came from a sweet-faced man who was definitely of the nurturing Imdiko breed. Next to him brooded the reluctant expression of Nobek Detodev, whom the cheerful fellow pulled along by the wrist.
“The Nobek is the effervescent fieldhand I mentioned to you. Doesn’t he look thrilled and ready to party?” she bubbled to Ilid, loud so the nearing pair could hear her teasing. “Hi, Detodev! So nice to see your smiling face. Who’s your friend?”
The Imdiko sketched a quick bow before charging forward to offer his hand for her to shake. “Imdiko Mitag, Matara Jennifer. Detodev told me you’re staying at Clan Amgar’s farm. So nice to meet you.”
Relief warred against delight for supremacy. Mitag was full of energetic personality. The night might be saved. “And to meet you. This is my friend, Dramok Ilid. His family’s thinking of buying the bakery in town. He’ll manage it if they do.”
The three Kalquorians exchanged bows. Mitag fairly danced in excitement. “I’m glad I ignored the urge for an early night to come out. I was hoping to run into Detodev, which I obviously did. Now I get to make new friends. Dramok Ilid, welcome to Haven. When did you arrive? How do you like it so far?”
“It’s beautiful.” Ilid’s worried expression eased slightly under the barrage of Mitag’s enthusiasm. “So much wide-open space.”
“It has that, all right,” the Imdiko chuckled. “Did you two come to the planet together?”
“By accident.” Charity warmed to his friendliness. She ogled his gorgeous features, far more delicate and sharper than Ilid’s or Detodev’s. His tousled black hair, which grew past his shoulders, was messy in the most stylish manner possible. He was dressed in a simple but well-cut shirt and trousers, making Charity glad she’d slipped on the sheath dress and heels despite the bar’s decidedly un-fancy environment. His admiring regard bolstered her confidence.
“We were brought here on the same ship and struck up a friendship.” Ilid’s smile grew as he glanced at Charity an instant before his scrutiny skittered at their surroundings.
Okay, so it isn’t me bothering him. She knew it was selfish, but Charity was too relieved to worry overmuch about what was stealing Ilid’s ease of mind.
She directed her attention to the silent Nobek who stood slightly apart from them. His sharp stare was intent, particularly on Ilid. “Hey, quit hogging the spotlight, Detodev. It isn’t all about you.”
Mitag laughed. “He’s definitely the strong, silent type. If it weren’t for me, he’d lack any manners. Say hello, Detodev. The night just got interesting.”
“Interesting is what you call it?” The brooding figure stepped closer. “Hello again, Jennifer. A pleasure to meet you, Dramok Ilid.”
For a moment, Ilid avoided his regard, though he gazed in his direction. He seemed to peer over the larger man’s shoulder. Then he nodded to the Nobek. “And you, Detodev. Jennifer told me you recommended this bar.”
“You don’t seem particularly enthused by it. Or you’re searching for someone whom you’d rather not run into.”
His bland assessment caught Charity by surprise. Detodev wasn’t familiar with Ilid, but he’d quickly caught on to his discomfort. Ilid was similarly taken aback.
“You Nobeks never miss a clue. I suppose I’m somewhat claustrophobic. A lot of people, and the lighting makes it feel smaller than it is. Lots of shadows…” he scanned the room nervously, much as he had since he and Charity had arrived.
“Why didn’t you say so?” Charity laid a hand on his arm and noticed how tension thrummed through it. “We can leave.”
“I hate to ruin your night. I can handle it.” He waved the arm she wasn’t touching, as if to brush off her concern.
“The bar has a huge open deck in the rear,” Mitag offered grandly. “We can go there. Come on; I’ll buy the next round in honor of new friends, and we’ll enjoy this beautiful night under the stars.”
Charity noted Ilid appeared ashamed of his phobia. She hung onto him to show she wasn’t bothered by it, tugging him toward the door Mitag had indicated led to the deck. He went along.
Mitag nudged Detodev, who looked as if he might remain where he stood for eternity. “I said I’m buying. You haven’t turned down a free drink in the past, you big freeloader, even if it does mean being sociable.” He winked at Charity. “I’m trying to wear this cranky ronka down by being his sugar daddy.”
She laughed. “Are you rich?”
“No, but I’m better off than he is. I don’t mind letting him know it in hopes of buying his friendship. I have a terrible weakness for anyone who plays hard to get.”
Detodev scowled but said nothing.
Mitag scored their drinks, and the foursome went outdoors to the well-lit deck. The recorded music playing indoors was piped to the exterior. A few couples were taking advantage of it by dancing in the spacious surroundings. Only a quarter of the rustic wood tables and bench seats were occupied. Ilid visibly relaxed as he glanced around.
“The deck is rarely crowded. Is this all right, Ilid?” Mitag led them to a table no one else sat next to.
“Yeah. This is okay.” He grimaced as he glanced at the Imdiko and Detodev. “Some Dramok, huh?”
“My cousin who helped me move here from Kalquor hates snakes. He’s a Dramok, and he actually screamed when he saw a poor little rat snake in a bush. He was halfway up a tree before I realized what had set him off. You have no reason to feel bad.” Mitag chuckled.
Detodev snorted at the story. Charity gazed at him in pretended shock. “Did you just laugh? Do you possibly possess a sense of humor under those inscrutable but handsome features?”
“No.” A ghost of a smile remained, however. Charity thought it might be because she’d called him handsome, which he most definitely was.
“He laughs. Usually at me when I do something asinine,” Mitag sighed.
“If that were the case, I’d never stop laughing.” Detodev swallowed a gulp of bohut, his eyes glinting at the Imdiko.
Charity and a more relaxed Ilid snickered, particularly at Mitag’s pretended outraged attempt to take back the drink he’d bought the Nobek. Detodev easily fended him off, then regarded Ilid.
“There are far worse quirks than an intense dislike of enclosed spaces. I doubt it makes you less than the natural leader your designation claims you are.”
“Same,” Mitag sang out. “So how are things on Kalquor? I heard the virus is being brought under control. They let you on Haven, so it can’t be too bad.”
“A lot of areas are still quarantined, but overall, it hasn’t been as devastating as what the Earthers are dealing with.”
“I was lucky to be nowhere near the Dark Death outbreak sites,” Charity said. “Haven’s fortunate to have escaped it so far.”
“The Darks supposedly unleashed both viruses,” Detodev said. She noted his voice was deep, almost ponderous, as if it carried weight. They weren’t touching, but she swore it trembled her bones. “The Imperial Clan and Royal Council have been adamant the empire will defeat the Darks, but I get a sense it isn’t going as well as they’d have everyone believe.”
“Have you been tested for sensitivity? Can you see them?” Ilid asked.
“All Kalquorians on Haven were tested. My brain doesn’t have the necessary configuration, apparently.”
“Mine either, and I’m no meditator,” Mitag said carelessly. “Thank goodness for the Earther women who can hear those things.” He grinned charmingly at Charity.
“Haven’s head of security has stationed Kalquorians who can detect Darks by sight where they’re needed most,” Detodev asserted. “Nobek Groteg told me if anyone ridden by those entities tries to sneak past the security cordon, or in the unlikely event they actually make it on the planet, he’ll know.”
“Maybe he sees them,” Charity guessed.
“Could be. I feel pretty secure having him in charge.” Detodev glanced at their glasses. “I guess Ilid’s the man to keep up with when it comes to drinking. Contrary to what the rich event planner Mitag says, I can afford the next round. Drink up.”
“Event planner?” Charity smirked at Mitag. “Here? Do you run rodeos, square dances, or potlucks?”
He made a face at her. “We have clanning ceremonies and wedding receptions and all sorts of parties. Since I’m the best in the area when it comes to putting on a grand function—”
“He’s one of three in the district. The other two are so bad, he might as well be the only event planner,” Detodev observed in his dry tone. “In Sunrise, if you bring a bottle of wine and the dishes are clean, you’re an event planner.”
Mitag’s expression was so hurt, Charity forgot herself and gave the Nobek a shove. When he failed to budge an inch, she shoved him again. “You’re mean.”
“What? I didn’t say he isn’t talented at what he does. I’m only saying he has no competition.”
“I’m very talented at what I do,” Mitag informed him loftily. He turned pointedly from Detodev and spoke only to Charity and Ilid. “I’m booked solid for the next nine months, and my services aren’t cheap. My clients do get their money’s worth, however.”
“The Earther governor’s birthday party was a hit,” Detodev muttered. He acted as if as if he tried to restore himself to Mitag’s good graces but was embarrassed to do so.
“Damn right it was. Haven’s news bureau…the planet’s, not the local Sunrise hacks…called it the social gathering of the year.” Mitag kept his back to the Nobek, apparently unwilling to forgive so soon.
“I wonder how I can score an invite to one of your galas,” Charity mused.
“I could always use an extremely beautiful server.” He leaned closer while wearing a charming grin, blatantly flirting.
“Excuse me, Imdiko. She and I came here as dates. She’s leaving with me.” Ilid appeared more amused than offended.
“Maybe I can join you when you go?” Mitag looked Charity over with the air of lechery, but his tone teased.
“Mitag has no shame. I like him,” she told Ilid.
“You don’t mind multiple men?” Detodev stepped forward to be included.
Charity imagined his regard was less aloof. I should keep shoving him. Or perhaps a punch would make him happy. He is a Nobek. Rough is their drug of choice.
She met his eyes. “Honey, there are far worse sins I could and have committed. If it’s what gets my engine purring, I don’t need someone’s blessing. Don’t tell me you’re interested too?”
This time, his smile went beyond the hint of a presence. His lips actually curled upward. “Only in those who don’t run off when I’m giving every signal they should.”
“You must absolutely adore me then,” Mitag guffawed.
“Just keep the drinks coming, Imdiko, and I’ll let you hang around for a few minutes more.”
“You’re such a bastard.” Mitag grinned.
Charity and Ilid chuckled at the pair. The young woman guessed Detodev liked Mitag despite himself. She wondered why the Nobek was so determined to keep his distance. Trust issues?
Join the club, big boy. She suppressed a sigh and concentrated on having fun in the company of the three handsome men.
Despite her flirting, Charity had no intention of getting too crazy with all three. At least, not so soon. She’d enjoyed her share of intimate partners. There’d even been a couple of one-night stands in her earliest days in college. She was aware Kalquorians held sex in casual regard. It was normal for them to indulge in sleeping together on a first…or only date. As natural as meeting up for drinks.
She’d treated herself to bouts of heavy petting when she and Ilid had managed to get alone on the shuttle ride to Haven. He’d made her feel good…incredible, in fact. She held no doubt she found him sexually attractive. Mitag was also a delicious temptation. Detodev too, once he’d had several drinks and allowed his reserve to ease a touch.
However, it wasn’t her typical modus operandi to jump in bed with two virtual strangers and a third she’d met days ago all at once. Maybe it was having been brought up in a dangerous environment where extramarital sex, if discovered, led to a death sentence via torture. Maybe it was her better sense coming forth for a change…not that she discerned any trouble where her companions were concerned. They teased and flirted as the night went on, but they didn’t cross the line into disrespect once.
Her veer into caution came from the feeling she should uncover the mysteries lurking beneath the inviting surfaces. Ilid’s anxiety was improved on the deck outdoors, but he continued to be excessively watchful of the quiet pastoral environment. She was certain Detodev’s distance, despite his thawing, was a defensive tactic. Mitag was his opposite, at times appearing desperate to get close to them and her.
Then there’s me. Hunted by fanatics, playing someone I’m not…they don’t know what I really look like, much less who I am.
The situation felt weird in spite of her being attracted to the trio. Too weird. As the hour grew late, Charity made it clear she’d be returning to Clan Amgar’s farm for sleep rather than accompanying anyone elsewhere.
“Really?” Mitag gave her a forlorn expression, but he made no protest. “Then allow me to see you safely to your door.”
“Is he deaf or dense?” Ilid asked Detodev. The Dramok had reminded Mitag several times that “Jennifer” was officially his date.
“He’s stubborn. And relentless.” Detodev eyed Mitag. Charity would have sworn his regard for the Imdiko contained amused affection. “He does have his good points, but don’t tell him I said so.”
“I’m right here, you big ronka. Hearing every word you say, so you can’t take it back.” Mitag grinned brightly.
“It’s the bohut and whiskey. They’re doing my talking for me.” The Nobek had drunk quite a bit, but his words weren’t slurred. He moved with shocking grace for someone so big and muscled.
“Ilid?” Charity pointedly gazed toward the flat expanse where far fewer shuttles were parked than a mere hour earlier. She could clearly see the Dramok’s rented vessel though it sat in a far corner.
“Nobek, Imdiko, it’s been a pleasure.” Ilid bowed to the men, real warmth lighting his handsome features.
“You’re new to Sunrise,” Mitag wheedled. “You might get lost. Let us join you to guarantee Matara Jennifer is safely delivered to her doorstep. Detodev, as a protective Nobek, you must want to ensure our new friends get where they need to be.”
“Of course. I’m at least capable of helping you get home,” came the gruff reply.
Charity thought it was an odd statement to make.
There was continued back and forth until Charity stood and stared at the Dramok who laughingly protested he was perfectly capable of finding the Amgar farm, then his own rented quarters.
“Ilid.”
Uttering nothing else, she left the deck and headed for his shuttle.
Her eyes rolled but she grinned when she heard all three men following her, still debating whether Mitag and Detodev would chaperone her and Ilid.
In the end, the Imdiko and Nobek piled in the small craft, continuing to make their arguments though Ilid had closed the hatch behind them. He was already in the pilot’s seat readying to lift off. Charity sat next to him.
“Enough!” Ilid pretended to protest. “We’re on our way, so give it a rest.”
Barely five minutes later, he set the shuttle on the Amgar front lawn. The three men spilled from it and proceeded to jostle for the right to hold Charity’s hand in gentlemanly support as she descended the ramp.
“Check them, Groteg,” a woman’s voice called from the porch. “They seem giddy for flying this evening.”
Charity was grateful for the semi-darkness. Her hot cheeks warned she was blushing as Sara, Groteg, and Utber rose from rocking chairs to greet the group of young people.
“I hope you weren’t waiting up for me,” she groaned. “If I’d known, I’d have returned earlier.”
“We came out to enjoy the air and got wrapped up talking. It’s later than I realized,” Sara noted as she leaned on the porch railing. “You seem fine, Jennifer. Did you pilot?”
“I did.” Ilid stepped forward and bowed. He followed up by fishing out what appeared to be a paper strip from his pocket. He held it up. “I tested as I left the bar. I’m within legal range to fly.”
“Let me see.” Groteg held out his hand, wearing a severe and very paternal frown.
“Poor Tori and her future dates,” Charity teased.
“She isn’t dating. Ever.” Groteg looked at the alcohol level strip and its timestamp. He nodded and returned it to Ilid. His gaze swung to Detodev, whom he eyed in silence for a couple beats. He turned his attention to Mitag. “You’re the man who throws the parties around here.”
“He does an amazing job,” Utber said, coming down the porch steps to talk to his fellow Imdiko. They exchanged bows. “It’s good to see you again, Mitag.”
“And you, Imdiko Utber. What I wouldn’t do to have you cater my functions!”
“The Kalquorian governor keeps me far too busy but thank you. I attended Governor Grisweld’s birthday party and was impressed by your work. You have a great future ahead of you.”
“I had fun,” Ilid whispered to Charity. “I hope I wasn’t too depressing due to my…claustrophobia.”
“You were fine.” She considered him for an instant before going on her toes to give him a quick, chaste peck on the lips. “So fine, I demand you see me again. Will you?”
“You’d have to swing a stick at me to keep me away. Even then, I might take my chances on a cracked skull.”
She laughed. “I think you’re safe. If I decide I’ve had enough of you, I’ll send Groteg out to tell you to leave.”
“Yikes.” Ilid tried to use her as cover to hide from the narrow-eyed Nobek behind her, making her laugh harder.
* * * *
“I have to take you back to the bar to get your shuttles, don’t I?” Ilid said as he lifted off. The window vid showed Jennifer waving goodbye from the farmhouse’s front steps, and he smiled.
“She’s amazing,” Mitag said. “So much energy. So willing to laugh and have fun.”
“Smart too, though she doesn’t make a big deal of showing it off,” Ilid agreed.
Detodev said nothing, but his gaze was riveted on the young woman as she turned and followed Clan Amgar into their home.
Since Detodev had taken the copilot’s seat, Mitag hung over them both. His arms propped on their backrests. “I walked from my house, which isn’t far from Bar, Bowl, and Barrel. I bet Detodev walked too.”
“I did. You can drop me off at my place, if you don’t mind, Dramok. It’s on the way.”
“Or we could continue this lovely night at my home. I’d like to hear everything you know about Matara Jennifer. I bet you have plenty of delicious details to share,” Mitag invited, grinning naughtily.
“You have no shame.” Despite his pretended irritability at the Imdiko’s mischief, Ilid was tempted. It would be nice to make friends since he was certain he was sold on staying on Haven.
Perhaps he would have gone for it if it had been only Detodev. The Nobek seemed aloof when he hadn’t had plenty of liquor. Not one for getting overly close companion-wise. A potential drinking buddy for the future.
Mitag, in contrast, acted as if he were actively on the hunt for clanmates. The fact he’d been attempting to pal around Detodev for more than a year despite the Nobek’s taciturn nature spoke volumes about his intentions.
A good guy, Mitag. Sweet, funny, and vibrant like Jennifer. He has all the makings of a terrific clanmate.
Too bad Ilid couldn’t say the same for himself.
“I told my parents to expect me home tonight,” he apologized. “It’s too late to com them I’m not coming in. My mother and Imdiko father will worry if they wake up in the morning and I’m nowhere to be found. The trials of being under twenty-five.” He tried to make it sound as if he joked.
“I love that you’re younger than me. It makes me feel so experienced and wise.” Mitag chuckled.
“You aren’t twenty-five either,” Detodev reminded him.
“I will be in a few months. And I don’t live with my parents.” Mitag winced and quickly added, “I’m not saying anything is lacking about you doing so, Dramok. Please don’t take my statement wrong. Based on tonight, I think you’re a terrific person. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t invite you over.”
“Thanks. I took no offense. I was on my own less than a year ago. On this trip, it made sense to rent a place as a family while we evaluate owning a bakery on Haven.” It wasn’t quite a lie. Ilid felt ashamed to hide the entire truth, however.
It was clear he had no business encouraging Mitag for anything beyond a casual… very casual…acquaintanceship.
“If you have parents who want you close, you should take every advantage of it,” Detodev said, his gaze distant.
It was on the tip of Ilid’s tongue to ask if the Nobek’s past troubles, which had led him to be put in Clan Amgar’s care during his youth, had estranged him from his parent clan.
Detodev spoke before he had the chance to pose the question. “You can drop me off at Mitag’s, Ilid. Thanks.”
Mitag beamed, as if the Nobek had granted his every wish. “Glorious! I’m glad the party’s not over. Meanwhile, give me your com frequency, Ilid. We’ll figure out when we can get together, at which time you can make your excuses to those loving elders of yours.”
Ilid thought he heard a slight catch in Mitag’s voice. When he glanced at him, the Imdiko was smiling at him, his com at the ready to record his contact information.
“I don’t know how much time I’ll have to spare for recreation,” Ilid said. “We’re meeting the sellers tomorrow. I’ll be contacting suppliers and computing cost analyses—”
“Ugh, don’t tell me you’re as unsociable as Detodev,” Mitag groaned. “Why are you guys so reluctant to enjoy life? To hang out with me, the life of the party? Do I smell bad or what?”
“I told him to drop me off at your place,” Detodev scowled. “Am I being unsociable?”
“You know what I keep stocked in my bar and that you’ll be well rewarded for emerging from behind your impenetrable wall. Frequency, Ilid? Please?”
Since Ilid couldn’t conjure a reason not to give it to him and avoid being insulting, he caved. I’ll think of a reason to put him off when he coms. He’ll eventually understand he can do better when it comes to prospective Dramoks.