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That’s my point, Angry Betsy said. Who’s going to believe us over him? He’s always going to get the better of us.

It’s different now, Hayley said.

I don’t know, Julie64 said. What if it blows up in our faces? We could look like a bunch of bitter old flames that he turned down and are seeking revenge.

Frustration flooded through Hayley. A part of her didn’t disagree with Julie64. It was the reason she’d never reported Raymond. She’d been so ashamed and humiliated, convinced no one would listen to a naïve teenager who got things messed up. Things were different now. She was older and more confident and was sick of being pushed around by people in positions of authority.

We should try.

I’ve got little to lose. I’ll ask around the other groups, Julie64 said. If there’s enough of us, it’s worth a shot.

Hayley glanced up as the office door slid open. Diadora walked in. She was not alone. Professor Grenville was with her.

Do that. I’ll be in touch. Got to go. Jerk alert. Hayley cut communication and closed the screen.

“I’m glad you’re here, Hayley.” Diadora strode to her desk, Raymond by her side. “Professor Grenville has extended an invitation to lunch.”

“That’s right,” Raymond said. “I’d like to discuss my match in further detail.”

Hayley would rather gouge out her own eyes than spend an afternoon with him. “That’s a lovely offer, but I have a lot of work on today. Perhaps another time. Or we can run through the details here.” Where she had back up if Raymond got too much of a problem.

“Absolutely not,” Diadora said. “Professor Grenville needs your undivided attention, all the information, and every question he has answered. Your work here can wait. The others can take up the slack.”

Hayley glanced at Sinead and Kendra, who were wise enough not to make eye contact with Diadora. “If you’re sure. I know we have our targets to meet. I don’t want to let the side down.”

“You’ll meet your targets. Dealing with our important client is a priority.” Diadora nodded at Professor Grenville. “We must make sure it goes smoothly.”

Hayley felt backed into a corner. She didn’t dare disobey Diadora’s orders but didn’t want to spend any more time than she had to with Raymond. “I will be happy to assist the Professor.”

He smiled. “You know my first name. Please, use it.”

Hayley nodded as she stood, trying to morph her grimace into a smile. “The food in the dining hall is good.” She didn’t want to make this anything like a date. They could eat salad and sandwiches and discuss his match, but that would be it.

“No, this is my treat. I want to experience everything on board the station while I’m here. There are nicer places to eat than the communal dining hall.” Raymond’s smile was infuriatingly smug.

“That’s a generous offer,” Diadora said. “Hayley is happy to accept.” She glared at Hayley, who had no choice but to go along with it. She couldn’t afford to get on the wrong side of Diadora and have her attention focused on her.

Hayley pretended not to notice as Raymond extended his elbow for her to take and walked out of the office ahead of him. This was business, nothing more. She would keep her game face on and deal with this in a professional manner.

Raymond hurried to join her. “How has your day been so far?”

“The same as always.”

“I have had a most stimulating morning. I spent three hours studying alien genitalia. It is intriguing and quite different from human female genitals. Do you know, Retar females tuck everything away? You can’t even see the opening.”

Hayley glanced around to see if anyone was listening to this bizarre conversation. “Some of them do have unusual anatomy. I’m sure a man with your experience will get to grips with it.”

Raymond chuckled. “I’ve no doubt. I was certainly able to get to grips with yours and open you up with ease.”

Hayley inched away from him as disgust and shame flooded over her. “I’m surprised you remember; it was so long ago.”

“I never forget my favorite girls. You were particularly charming. I remember those adorable dimples. You were always so eager to please. I hope that hasn’t changed.” He stopped outside the Peking Vine restaurant. It was the most expensive restaurant on the station. “I trust this will do?” He gestured Hayley to go in first.

She hurried in, her cheeks flaming and her pulse racing. How dare he? After everything he’d done, he still thought this was just some fun. Hayley blew out a breath. She had to keep things professional. She couldn’t afford to lose her cool, or she’d start shouting. This match was important to get right. If Hayley lost control of her emotions and ruined it, it would be the end of her job at My Single Alien and the end of her helping her sister. That’s what she had to focus on; play it cool and think of Sally.

She forced herself to remain still as Raymond’s hand rested on her lower back. They walked behind the server and sat at a table for two.

Hayley hid behind the menu for several minutes, not certain she’d be able to eat anything because of her churning stomach.