It’s only Alexis.
“Apologies. I didn’t mean to make you jump.” He looks around the space approvingly. “This is good. You and Max better come back upstairs now. I can rationalize you wandering the corridors until ten, but after that, it will take some extra explaining.”
I’m reluctant to let go of Ludo’s hand. “But we can meet again tomorrow night?”
Alexis nods. “In fact, we shouldallmeet tomorrow. Now the tunnels are connected, we can have Bloomhower and Links here as well. I’ve been studying aerial photos of the pink lake and Windward Forest, and I’ve a few ideas. Damn, it’s late. Sorry, but we have to leave.”
—Go, Nymph. I’ll see you tomorrow—
—Yes, OK. But I miss you already—
Maximus heads into his apartment on the second floor, then Alexis walks me up the stairs to 3b. “Are you alright?” he asks softly, then switches to telepathy. —You seem…thoughtful—
—I’m OK, just tired—
I close the door behind me and lean on it heavily. My heart shreds for poor Ludo, but my Lumina is demanding attention in another area.
—Hey, Max?—
—What’s up, Sparkles?—
—I wanted to say…thanks again—
—Of course…are you back in your room? Hold on, I’m going to send you a photo—
A couple of seconds later my phone pings, and I see an image of Donovan, fast asleep, cuddling a bag of chips.
—While we were doing all the work, your boyfriend must have been getting hot and heavy with sour cream and onion Ruffles—
—Sour cream and onion? Eww—I walk into the bathroom and set the shower running. As soon as the room fills with steam, I strip and step under the pounding hot water. —That’s my least favorite chip flavor—
—I thought you called them crisps—
—Well, yeah. But I’m translating to make it easier for you…shit, hold on, I dropped the shampoo—
Max doesn’t speak into my brain as I uncap the bottle and start lathering up. —Are you still there, Max?—
—Sparkles?—
—Yes?—
—Are you in the shower?—
—Er, yes?—
—Naked and wet in the shower?—
My heart skips a beat. There is nothing innocent about me talking to Maximus while stripped and soaking.
—Answer me, Sparkles—
—Yes—
—Yes what?—
—Yes, I’m wet and naked—
A long Maximus-groan sounds in my head.
