Gemma:You all sexy and sweaty while you make that engine your bitch? Fuck yeah, I have.
Luna:You are giving me ALL kinds of naughty ideas…
Gemma:That was kind of the point. *grinning face emoji*
—Sent via FLIRTT (Frequency Link for Interstellar Real-Time Transmission)
Luna
After dinner, Gemma goes off with Felix for some brother-sister talk time and I head to the ship’s lounge room to do some thinking too. Gemma’s been quiet and contemplative ever since Felix announced his animal rescue operation plans going forward, so I know she’s got a lot on her mind. Agreeing to join us on the Sleigh Belle was a sudden decision, one that didn’t give her a lot of time to consider all the details. Gemma simply followed her big, beautiful heart—wanting to be with her brother and, of course, me.
Sweet Goddess Thekmis, she’s so fucking awesome. I know how monumental and life-altering that choice was. But I also don’t want Gemma to feel pressured about deciding what to do with her life now. Hopefully, Felix is reinforcing what I told her.
I always anticipated Gemma would want to discover her own new purpose aboard our ship. From the very earliest of our FLIRTT system communications, I knew she would never be satisfied simply tagging along for the ride. I’m confident she’ll figure this all out, but I wish there was more I could do to ease any worries she might have.
I’m startled out of my reverie when Sasha joins me to stare out at the universe from the room’s panoramic window.
He flops down in the armchair beside me. “That view never ceases to amaze me. Not even in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine this is where I’d end up one day.”
“Any regrets?” I can’t help but ask.
He grins. “Fuck no. I mean, I do miss this great little taco truck I used to hit up on my way home from work a lot, but I’m managing to hold it together.”
I roll my eyes. “Dude, I’m being serious.”
“So the fuck am I. Tacos are life.” His hazel eyes squint at me. “Let me guess. You’re having a freak-out moment and worrying that Gemma regrets joining us?”
I squirm guiltily in my chair.
He facepalms. “Luna, she’s barely been here a full day! It’s too early to have regrets. Besides, she seems to be fitting in well. I haven’t gotten any vibe of dissatisfaction from her.”
“Neither have I. For all kinds of stupid and illogical reasons, I’m anxious and uncertain. I want her to love it here.”
Fuck, I want her to loveme. Aye, there’s the rub.
He quirks a perceptive eyebrow at me, and I have the distinct impression he can read me like a fucking ship’s manual.
“Anyway,” I hurry on to say, “I’m trying to give her some space to think through everything that’s happened so far.”
Sasha nods. “It can be a lot to process. Although she wasn’t abducted the way that I was and knowingly chose to join our ship so that probably makes it a bit easier. Nonetheless, the adjustment to life away from Earth can take time. She’s holding up well from what I’ve seen so far.”
I smile proudly. “Right? She’s so freaking awesome.”
Sasha’s lips twitch. “I do hope you aren’t harboring any illusions that you’re playing it cool right now. You’re a lot like Khephren—your face shows exactly what you’re feeling.”
“Shut the fuck up,” I grumble.
He flippantly gestures toward me. “You’ve got cartoon hearts in your eyes, sweetie. Even your droid could probably figure out that you’re already head over heels for Gemma. Congrats, by the way.”
I bury my face in my hands and groan. “Is it really that obvious?”
“Yep. I will say that I don’t think Gemma’s realized the truth yet. Maybe she’s not ready to. Your relationship’s progressed awfully fast.”
I uncover my face and roll my eyes at him. “Like you’re one to talk. You and Kheph got together in a hot minute.”
Sasha leans back in his chair with a smug grin. “Well, I am pretty fucking irresistible. Poor sweet Khephren couldn’t help himself.”
One of my tentacles darts over and pokes him in his side, where I know he’s ticklish. “You were a grumpy SOB who hated Christmas. It was a mercy mission on Kheph’s part.”
