She pats my back. “It’s the least I can do after your heroic, life-saving intervention with my granddaughter. She means the universe to me and her parents, and we will never forget the miracle you performed.”
Eventually, she lets go of me with an apologetic look. “As much as I’d like to continue talking with you both, duty calls and I have several work meetings coming up.”
“We appreciate you fitting us in your busy schedule,” Luna interjects.
“The pleasure was all mine. Stay safe and be well.”
After we leave her office, the receptionist coordinates a guide who can give us a tour of the medical school while we’re here at the space station.
“I still feel like I’m dreaming,” I tell Luna.
She wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me closer as we walk back toward the elevator. “It’s not a dream, gorgeous. It’s that Christmas miracle working its magic again.”
You know what? I’m starting to think she’s right.
CHAPTER 20
Gemma: I know you told me things are complicated between you and your family, but I really hope you all can reconnect in a positive way someday. You never know how long anyone you love has, and I’d hate for you to have regrets.
Luna:I hear that. There are many reasons I love Christmas and holiday movies, but one of the biggest is the way that beautiful family relationships are front and center. Wish fulfillment I suppose.
Gemma:Don’t give up. It could still happen. I’m more than willing to help them get their heads out of their asses.
Luna:We’d say tentacles rather than heads, but point taken. *winky face emoji*
Gemma:Hahahaha! Love that.
Luna:I live to please you, gorgeous.
Gemma:Smooth talker. Not that I mind. *winky face emoji* Now, tell me about a good memory you have with your family.
Luna:I have lots, especially from when I was a kid. One of my favorites was the first time my parents took me swimming. Most Dravethians love the water, and our tentacles make us excellent swimmers. We spent the whole day at the beach, playing together in the water as a family. My father taught me how to hold my breath underwater, and I picked it up quickly. Before I knew it, we were all racing one another. It was a day full of sun, water, and pure happiness.
Gemma:Aww, I love that! Thanks for sharing. I’m relieved to know that your parents were good to you growing up.
Luna:They were. It was once I got to be old enough to be independent and pursue my own goals that we started butting heads. I know their worry came from a place of love and concern, but the way they expressed it still hurt.
Gemma:They’re missing out on an amazing daughter who’s super smart, mega talented, and funny as hell. No lie, I think you’re the coolest!
—Sent via FLIRTT (Frequency Link for Interstellar Real-Time Transmission)
Luna
“Where exactly are we meeting your parents? This space station is massive,” Gemma marvels. “Nothing like what we humans have created.”
I chuckle. “They will someday. It’s all about species evolution paired with scientific and technological advancement.”
Gemma sighs forlornly. “Not gonna happen in my lifetime, though, is it?”
“Probably not, but you’re getting to experience firsthand what few other Earthlings ever will until your species advances centuries or millennia from now.”
She leans closer to where her arm is linked with mine, and I’m giddy like a horny teenager when I feel her full, warm breast press against the side of my arm. So damn sexy.
I steer us toward a part of the space station I haven’t been to yet. When my parents messaged me a little while ago, they told me they wanted us to meet in a place called the Conversation Nook District. And soon, lo-and-behold, I see illuminated signs floating overhead that indicate we’ve arrived. Passing through the entryway, we make our way into what feels like a whole different world.
Softly illuminated floor arrows that change color guide us on a verdant pathway lined with beautiful flora and fauna, as if pointing us through some kind of mystical garden. It’s beautiful, a bit strange, and sort of romantic. Maybe I could take Gemma on a date here before we have to head on in our journey?
Eventually, the glowing arrows lead us toward a massive atrium with dozens of small alcoves carved into the stone wall in hexagonal patterns, not unlike a honeycomb. Each one has a gossamer-like curtain draped over the entrance for privacy that seems to move gently without any breeze.
