Chapter 18
Chapter
Eighteen
Allie
T he morning air was crisp as I walked Drex along the quiet streets of our small town. It had been a few days since the world-changing revelation about the Drexians, and life had settled into a strange new normal. The rhythmic click of Drex's nails on the sidewalk and the gentle tug of the leash in my hand had become a comforting routine, grounding me in the midst of all the upheaval.
As we rounded the corner, I couldn't help but notice the changes in our once-familiar landscape. Repair crews had been working tirelessly, patching up buildings and clearing debris, but evidence of the invasion lingered everywhere. Potholes pockmarked the streets, some hastily filled while others gaped open like wounds in the asphalt. A fine layer of dust still seemed to coat everything, kicked up by the constant reconstruction efforts and settling on cars, windowsills, and even the leaves of trees.
But the air was filled with more than just dust. Everywhere I went, conversations revolved around the invasion, the Drexians, and the newly formed alliance. People spoke in hushed, excited tones about how the aliens had worked alongside Earth forces to beat back the Kronock threat. Now, it seemed, we had powerful new protectors watching over our planet.
We passed by Marlene's Mementos, the boutique where I worked. The storefront had been repaired, its fresh celadon green paint a stark contrast to the battered buildings around it. Through the window, I caught sight of Marlene herself, her impossibly blonde hair styled in its usual helmet-like perfection. She noticed me and waved, and I returned her wave with a smile.
Despite the semblance of normalcy, my thoughts kept drifting back to Maxxon. It was ridiculous, really. I barely knew him, but the memory of his steady presence in the caverns, the warmth in his eyes, the way he'd made me feel safe even as the world crumbled around us—it all lingered, refusing to fade.
“Get a grip, Allie,” I whispered furiously to myself, causing a woman passing me on the sidewalk to give me a curious look. Then I dropped my voice to a mumble. “It was just sex.”
Really good sex, I reminded myself. Toe-curling, earth-shaking sex.
I groaned and shook my head. So much for getting a grip. He was probably back on his space station, going about his life, not obsessing about me like I was obsessing about him. The idea stung more than it should have.
I power-walked back home so I could drop off Drex before my shift at Marlene’s, grateful for the blast of air-conditioning as I walked back into my apartment and unhooked his leash. Drex scampered to his bowl, eagerly lapping at the water and getting as much on the floor as in his mouth.
I smiled, grateful that he’d adapted so well and that he’d given me a distraction and reason to leave my apartment at least twice a day.
“See you later, Drex,” I called as I grabbed my crossbody purse from the hook by the door. “And you too, Dinah.”
Wherever she was.
I walked the long way back downtown so I could stop by the coffeeshop where Bryce worked. Not only did I need a little boost before my afternoon shift, but my friend also occasionally slipped me day-old pastries or ugly muffins.
I smelled the shop before I even pushed open the glass door, the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and warm, buttery pastries making me moan out loud. The soft whir of the espresso machine and the gentle clinking of cups melded with the coffee shop jazz playing in the background and gave the impression that everything was back to normal.
Main Street Coffee had done an impressive job of repairing its glass storefront and returning the interior to a high polished shine. The wooden floors gleamed, the overstuffed armchairs had been cleaned, and the round tables held petite vases with clusters of fresh Gerbera daises. An enormous chalkboard menu dominated the wall behind the long counter, its surface covered in swirling, colorful script detailing the regular offerings and the day's specials.
"Hey, Allie!" Bryce waved from behind the counter. “Perfect timing. I just messed up a latte. Want it?"
I grinned, grateful for my neighbor's generosity. I worked close to full-time hours when I could get them, but lattes were not getting cheaper, and my hourly pay was not going up fast enough. "You're a lifesaver, Bryce. Thanks!"
As I approached the counter to collect my not-so-perfect latte, I noticed the shop was unusually quiet. Maybe other people weren’t getting back into the swing of things like I thought they were. Either that or people were preoccupied with rebuilding and repairing.
Bryce slid the tall paper cup to me then turned back to his fellow barista, Carla, whose blonde hair was streaked with vibrant pink.
"...and they say the holographic suites can look like anything!" Carla barely blinked as she twirled a strand of her around one finger. "Tropical beaches, luxury ski chalets, you name it!"
Bryce waved me over. "Hey, Allie, have you heard about this?”
I took a sip of my drink, delighted that whatever goof with the latte wasn’t noticeable. “Holographic suites at the Drexian station?” I remembered Maxxon telling me about it. “I heard of them.”
“Not that. Well, kind of that.” Bryce leaned his elbows on the shiny granite counter. “Did you hear about the new tribute bride volunteer program?"
I almost choked on my mouthful of latte. “The what now?"
Bryce's eyebrows shot up and he smiled at me like he did when he knew something salacious, and I didn’t. "You haven't heard? The Drexians are opening up their tribute bride program to volunteers now. It's all over the news!"
"Oh my god, Allie, you have to apply!" Carla bounced on the balls of her feet as she put both hands to her mouth. "Can you imagine living on a high-tech space station with those gorgeous alien warriors?"
“Yes, I can,” Bryce said, nodding his head vigorously.
My mind was still stuck back on the key word. Volunteer.
The Drexians must not be using procurers like Maxxon to find brides anymore. Why would they, when everywhere I went people were gushing about the smoking hot Drexians?
Carla continued, oblivious to my stunned silence. “Did you know that they use some kind of advanced holographic technology to make the fantasy suites look like anything you want? And feel like it too? You can swim in the water and get frostbite from the snow.”
“Sign me up for the tropical villa and not the ski chalet.” Bryce rubbed his arms as if he was freezing. “I do not do ice.”
“And you are not going to get to do Drexians,” Carla shot back, provoking a pout from Bryce.
As Carla rambled on about the wonders of holographic technology and Bryce muttered darkly about the unfairness of life as he furiously wiped the counter, my thoughts raced.
This was it. This was my chance to see Maxxon again. Since his job had been made irrelevant now, he wouldn’t be able to come back down and see me. But with a little luck, I could go to him. I could volunteer as a tribute, get to the space station, and find him.
I didn’t think beyond that. The possibility of seeing him again was too thrilling to bother with logistics. Besides, I’d never been good at planning too far in advance. It killed the spontaneity.
The rest of Carla and Bryce's conversation faded into background noise as I thought of the things I would need to do. I'd have to arrange for someone to look after Drex and Dinah. I'd have to ask Marlene for some time off. I didn’t know how long, but I wasn’t planning on leaving for good. I’d be back. Just as soon as I saw Maxxon and figured out if I was right to miss him so much or if I was imagining our connection. And that was something I had to do in person, even though the practical side of me thought there had to be a simpler way.
"Bryce," I said, interrupting his muttering, "would you mind watching Drex and Dinah for a few days?"
He shrugged. “No problem. I’ve still got your spare key.” Then his mouth quirked to one side. “Should I ask why?”