Chapter 5
5
A s Zhoel followed Lila up the stairs to a long hallway, he could barely contain his elation. He was about to stay in a human’s home. The IDA would never offer such an immersive experience.
Lila stopped and gestured to a doorway. “This is the guest room.” She pointed out another door farther down and cleared her throat. “I’m just down the hall. If you need anything, just come get me, okay?”
His heart skipped a beat. Was that an invitation? No . And even if it was, he couldn’t indulge himself. He had only three days here before his visa expired. Getting side tracked by a romantic fling wasn’t an option.
He smiled and dipped his head in gratitude. “Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
She smiled back. “Have a good night.”
Stepping into the room, he closed the door and turned to examine the warm wooden furniture and a bed with an intricately patterned quilt. Fascinating . Running a hand along the wooden dresser, he marveled at the rich grain beneath his fingertips.
When he moved to examine the quilt, a low growl made him pause. From the darkness under the bedframe, a pair of green eyes glared up at him.
An orange furred body emerged, back arched and long tail twitching. The creature bared its pointed teeth, ears laid back against its skull. Hostile . He’d encountered vermin several times during his travels, some more dangerous than others. He opened his Iki’i, projecting what he hoped would be interpreted as dominance, preparing to defend himself, when he spotted the collar around its neck.
“Ah.” He relaxed. “You must be a family pet.” Crouching down, he extended a hand. “I mean you no harm, small creature.”
The creature gave him a haughty look, then stalked to the door and stood glaring at him, obviously demanding to be let out. At least that’s clear . Zhoel opened the door a crack. The animal circled his ankle once, rubbing its sleek fur against him in gratitude before disappearing into the hallway.
Closing the door again, Zhoel sighed. If only he understood humans half as well. Stripping off his pants and shirt, he retired to the bed and fell into a restless slumber.
He wakened to a gentle knock at the door and sat bolt upright, reorienting himself to his surroundings. Morning sunlight streamed through the window, and a digital clock near the bed read eight thirteen.
“Zhoel?” Lila called softly. “Are you awake?”
He rose and smoothed down his midnight blue hair before opening the door. Lila stood there dressed in jeans and a thick boat neck sweater that showed off the delicate line of her collarbone. Her chestnut hair fell in luscious waves about her shoulders, making his fingers yearn to touch the silky locks. She stared at his bare chest and legs, throat moving visibly with a swallow before she dragged her attention up to his face.
“I hope you don’t mind an early start,” she said. “I thought we could grab coffee at a place nearby and talk without my family overhearing.”
“Let me get dressed, then I’m at your disposal,” he said. After dressing quickly, he followed her down the stairs to the front door.
She eyed his peacoat hanging on a nearby hook. “The cafe isn’t far. I thought we’d walk. Is that your only jacket?”
“Yes. I did not anticipate extended exposure to weather.”
“I think your shoulders are too big for any of Dad’s coats.” She dug in a basket near the door and produced a black fleece hat and gloves. Then she rummaged in the closet and pulled out a pair of heavy boots. “Here. See if these fit.”
“Thank you.” He secured the hat on his head and slid his feet into the boots, adjusting his appendages to better fit the contours. Lila put on a yellow knit hat and wrapped a matching checkered scarf around her delicate throat.
Outside, a pristine layer of snow glittered in the morning sun. The air was crisp, making him doubly glad for the gloves and hat. A neighbor across the way was pushing a loud machine that threw snow in a high arc, clearing a trail from the house to the street. During the night, the road and sidewalk had also been cleared, leaving a perfectly cut trail along the fronts of the houses. He’d never visited a location where the precipitation remained frozen before, and found the humans’ maintenance of it delightful.
They walked side-by-side a few blocks until they reached a squat brick building with steamed-up windows. An elderly man exited, trailing a rich, slightly bitter aroma from the doorway. He stumbled, eyes going wide at the sight of Zhoel, then hurried to a car parked nearby.
Lila watched him with a frown, then leaned close to Zhoel. “Sorry. I didn’t realize things might be awkward.”
He shrugged. “It’s normal. I’m an alien in a small town. I’ve had worse reactions on other planets.”
She raised her eyebrows. “I’d love to hear more of your stories sometime.”
Warming at the request, he nodded. “Of course.”
Inside the cafe, people sat scattered among weathered wooden tables. Near the back wall, a glass counter full of pastries separated the seating area from the kitchen. A large brick fireplace against the wall exuded waves of heat, and the sweet scent of baked goods intermingled with the bitter, yet tantalizing aroma Zhoel had detected outside. The patrons’ lively chatter dwindled to a halt as Lila looped her arm through his and marched up to the counter.
A perky barista stared openly at Zhoel, mouth open in shock. After a moment, she said, “Uh, what would you like to drink?”
He scanned the board above the counter with confusion. Americano, Latte, Cappuccino, Frappe… Turning to Lila he said, “Whatever you’re having,” making a mental note to figure out the differences later for his clients.
Lila quickly ordered two mochas and handed him a plate of pastries before leading him to a tiny round table near the front. She set down two steaming mugs of a creamy brown beverage before taking a seat. Most people had returned to their conversations, though the glances in his direction told him many of those conversations were likely about him.
Lila wrapped her fingers around her mug and leaned forward over the table. “I’ve been thinking about your proposal and have some great ideas for local vacation packages we could put together. The real problem is that Mom insists on reviewing all our contracts, and she’s not only adamant about not discussing business over the holidays, she’s not great about thinking outside the box. We need to make the concept irresistible to her.”
“I see,” Zhoel said, taking a small sip of the scalding, bitter-sweet mocha as he contemplated ways they might win Diane over. “You said your father drives short routes. Is the rest of your family involved as well?”
“Everyone but Sara. I handle the bookkeeping. My brother Tom’s our mechanic, keeps the trucks in top shape. Uncle Rich and cousin Jake drive the long hauls. “
“Perhaps if we get the rest of your family in agreement, they can help convince your mother.”
Lila nodded thoughtfully and picked up a pastry. “Worth a try. But we can’t let Mom know we’re discussing business behind her back.”
Zhoel picked up the other pastry and took a bite. The soft texture melted against his tongue with a rich sweetness he wasn’t certain he enjoyed. He set it back on the plate. “Then we have a plan. Who do you suggest we talk to first?”
Before she could answer, a short woman wearing glasses approached their table. “Excuse me, but could I get a picture with you?” she asked Zhoel.
He stood. This was a custom he’d read about; humans liked to use visual documentation to share their experiences collectively with other humans. “It would be my pleasure.”
The woman handed a small flat device to a companion and stood next to Zhoel, beaming up at him.
Zhoel grinned and slipped an arm around her shoulders in a friendly gesture, mimicking what he had seen in human interactions. His pose elicited a chorus of “awws” from nearby tables.
Apparently emboldened, a petite woman with curly blonde hair approached. “Hey, Lila. Who’s your friend?” She held a small bundle of green leaves and white berries tied with a red ribbon above her head. Giving him a playful grin, she asked, “Can I ask him to stand under the mistletoe with me?”
Lila’s expression darkened, and Zhoel’s Iki’i flickered with a wave of emotions from her—something sharp, almost like… jealousy?
“Not now, Ann,” Lila said. “Can’t you see we’re busy?”
Curious about a new custom, Zhoel asked, “What is the significance of this mistletoe?”
“It’s a holiday tradition.” The blonde leaned forward until she was looking directly into his eyes, arm still overhead. “When two people stand under it, they’re supposed to kiss. It’s considered good luck.”
He glanced at Lila in alarm. A public display of affection with a stranger? If he was going to kiss anyone, he wanted it to be Lila. He quickly rose, taking himself out of range of the mistletoe in her outstretched hand. “Thank you for the offer, but I’m only here to observe.”
The woman’s cheeks flushed. “Well, can’t blame a girl for trying.” She flicked the mistletoe onto the table, shrugged, and flounced back to her table.
He turned to Lila. “Did I handle that correctly?”
“You handled it perfectly. Ann thinks every man in Bloomington is in love with her.” She rose, draining the last of her mocha with a satisfied sigh. “Are you done? We should get going.”
He nodded and put on his hat. Before following her out, he picked up the mistletoe and tucked it into his pocket. He needed all the luck he could get.
They exited into the brisk air and walked down Main Street toward the sound of tinny music. Soon, a row of colorful booths came into view with a sign proclaiming “Bloomington Christmas Carnival” hanging overhead.
A booming voice called out from ahead, and a portly man in a bright red suit emerged from the crowd. “Ho ho ho!”
Lila leaned in close, her breath warm against Zhoel’s ear. “Uh oh. Brace yourself. Mayor Gunderson is playing Santa again.”
“Welcome to Bloomington! I heard we had an extraterrestrial visitor in the area!” The man took Zhoel’s hand and enthusiastically pumped it up and down. What appeared to be artificial white facial hair obscured his mouth and chin. “What brings an interstellar traveler like yourself to our humble town?”
Zhoel hesitated, his eyes darting to Lila. Should they maintain the ruse of their “date,” or reveal their true intentions? He didn’t want to jeopardize their budding partnership, but lying to a government official seemed unwise.
Lila came to his rescue, her voice steady. “Zhoel is looking for ways to bring more alien visitors to Bloomington.”
The mayor’s eyes lit up. “Here?”
Zhoel nodded. “Yes, we believe Bloomington has much to offer visitors from across the galaxy.”
“Yes, yes!” The mayor clasped his hands together in delight. “We’d be honored to host friends from far away. Oh, that could be our slogan! Friends from far away. What an exciting opportunity! We simply must discuss our options.”
Zhoel nodded. Lila rolled her eyes good-naturedly, a smile playing at the corners of her lips.
“We’ve been talking about logistics and ground transportation,” she said. “It would be great if the city could form a tourism committee.”
A sudden thought struck Zhoel, and he clasped the mayor’s shoulder in a friendly grip. “Perhaps you could discuss ideas with Lila’s mother? I hear she reviews the contracts for the family business, and I’m sure she’d be interested in your input.”
“Capital idea!” The mayor beamed. “I’ll give her a call. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a pie-eating contest to judge!”
As the mayor bustled away, Zhoel grinned at Lila. “Do you think the mayor’s enthusiasm might help convince your mother?”
Lila’s hazel eyes sparkled with laughter. “Perhaps. Though he can be a bit of a flake.” Her gaze lingered on him for a moment before she took his hand and tugged him toward the heart of the bustling activity. “Let’s go see some of that human culture you’ve been dying to experience.”
Despite the cold, Zhoel felt a giddy warmth infuse him with her touch. Following her between the booths, the dazzling colors, spicy sweet smells, and milling people celebrating the holiday almost overwhelmed his senses. Lila bought them both spiced hot cider that warmed his hands and delighted his tongue as they went from booth to booth. They tried on ridiculous holiday hats at one stall, and Lila insisted on purchasing a festive red hat with a fluffy white pom-pom for him. He played several interesting games of skill and chance, winning a game of ring toss.
Zhoel examined the prize curiously. It was a soft, fluffy creature with large, round eyes and floppy ears. “What is this supposed to be?”
“It’s a stuffed rabbit,” Lila explained, rubbing the soft ears and smiling. “You know, like the animal?”
“Ah, I see.” Zhoel held it out to her. “Would you like it?”
Lila’s cheeks flushed pink. “Oh, um, sure.” She accepted the rabbit, hugging it to her chest and laughing softly. “You’re the first guy to win a carnival prize for me. Thanks.” Then she pointed to a towering upright wheel with seats attached to its outer rim. “Want to ride the Ferris wheel?”
Zhoel hesitated. “Is it safe?”
Lila laughed, a warm sound that made Zhoel’s skin tingle. “You just flew here in a spaceship and you’re worried about a carnival ride?” She grabbed his hand. “Come on, this’ll be fun.”
They settled into a swinging seat and waited patiently for the car to ascend. He stared upward at the machinery and gears. Several lights along the struts appeared to be burned out, and the scent of oil drifted to him through the crisp winter air.
The Ferris wheel carried them to the top, and the carriage paused, swaying gently in the breeze. The town below was a winter wonderland, a patchwork of twinkling lights and snow-dusted rooftops, but Zhoel found it difficult to tear his gaze away from Lila. She shivered, gripping the stuffed animal tightly.
“Are you cold?” Zhoel raised an arm, offering his warmth.
“Thank you,” she murmured and scooted closer.
His Iki’i thrilled at her nearness. It might be his imagination, but he felt as if his power was stronger, more confident around her.
She lifted her chin, looking up at him, her body full of nervous energy. Does she want me to kiss her? He thought about the mistletoe in his pocket and almost reached for it. But something held him back, a fear that his Iki’i was wrong, that one faulty move might shatter the connection growing between them. Then the Ferris wheel jolted into motion again, ending the moment.
When they finally stepped off the ride, Lila moved ahead through the crowd, and Zhoel felt a pang of disappointment, as if something important had just slipped through his fingers.
Suddenly, a man in a black coat and baseball cap surged forward, reaching out as if to grab Lila. Zhoel’s instincts roared to life, and he blocked the man’s arm, ready to defend her.
“Whoa there,” the man said, jerking his hand back and scowling. He glared at Zhoel.
Lila turned. “Tom!”
“I talked to Sara this morning, and she told me about last night,” Tom said, speaking to Lila but looking at Zhoel. “You’re really dating an alien?”
A pretty woman standing next to the man elbowed him sharply. “Tom! Don’t be rude.” She turned to Zhoel with a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you. My name’s Simone. Welcome to Bloomington.”
Lila sighed. “Zhoel, this is my brother Tom and his girlfriend. This is Zhoel, you two. And yes, he’s my date.”
Brother . Tom was Lila’s brother. Zhoel relaxed, determined to make a good impression.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” he said. “Lila has told me so much about your family. I feel like I know you already. I understand you’re the mechanic who keeps the Carson fleet running smoothly?”
Tom’s scowl relaxed, but his shoulders remained rigid. “Yeah, that’s right.”
“I find Earth’s ground transportation fascinating, especially the use of combustion engines. Perhaps you could tell me more about it sometime?” Zhoel asked, trying to open an opportunity for additional discussion.
Tom shrugged noncommittally. “If you’re interested.”
“Tom and I were heading to the skating pond,” said Simone. “You should join us.”
Lila looped her arm through Zhoel’s. “You up for a real cultural immersion?”
Zhoel smiled, the prospect of another new experience—and more time with Lila—making his heart race. “I’d like nothing better.”
A muscle in Tom’s jaw twitched, his gaze on their looped arms. It seemed he was about to say something, but Lila shot her brother a warning look and he turned and stalked away. As they followed, Zhoel couldn’t shake the feeling that winning over Lila and her family might be more challenging than he’d anticipated.