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“Faron is doing this as a favor to me. I can easily tell him that I don’t want to have this ridiculous breakfast. We can end this now, which would end your publicity. I bet Diadora won’t be happy about that.”
Ivy waved a hand in the air. “Fine, I can organize the breakfast. Where do you want it?”
Kendra looked back at Faron. He needed down time, away from prying eyes. “We’ll take it in his room.”
“You move fast.” Ivy smirked. “Going back to his room already.”
Kendra scowled at her. “Don’t start.”
“We will still film you,” Ivy said.
“One camera bot only. You don’t want to rub Faron the wrong way, and he is not a fan of bots.”
“Everything rubs him the wrong way. Your alien has a sensitive side.”
“And don’t you forget it.” Kendra hurried back to Faron. “It’s all on. I thought we could have breakfast in your quarters, and you can show me where you live.”
“My room is suitable to eat in.” He glanced away before turning and heading along the corridor toward the living quarters. “It is perhaps not what you will be used to.”
“I expect you have a fancy bachelor pad.” Kendra hurried to keep up with Faron, his long strides making her speed walk.
“It is home to a single male if that is what you mean.”
Kendra needed to lighten the mood. “Am I going to find lots of dirty socks and unwashed pants on the floor?”
“No. I do not wear either of those items of clothing.”
Kendra bit her bottom lip. She decided to let Faron lead the conversation. They walked the rest of the way in silence until they reached his room.
He unlocked the door, and it slid open. Faron walked in and stood in the middle of the room, seeming uncertain as to what to do next.
Kendra’s eyes widened as she took in her surroundings. There was barely anything in the room. There was a single chair, a fitted cupboard, a small table, and that was it. No personal effects or anything to make the room comfortable. She was tempted to peek into his bedroom but was worried she’d find nothing but a threadbare blanket on the ground. This guy knew how to live a simple life.
“Breakfast won’t be long,” she said brightly.
“That is good. I keep no food here.”
“Or furniture,” Kendra said. “I’m guessing you don’t spend much time here.”
Faron looked around as if noticing the lack of furnishings for the first time. “I work a lot. I need little. Material things tie you down.”
Kendra nodded. She knew what he meant. There were times when she’d had to leave a foster home without any notice. She’d grabbed what she could, stuffed it in a black sack, and left everything she’d known behind. After that had happened a few times, she’d gotten used to not being attached to things. You could never take them with you. It looked like Faron was the same.
Faron slid a glance her way. “I expect your room is different.”
“It’s about the same size as yours,” Kendra said. “I have a few more things.”
Faron gestured at the only chair. “You may sit.”
“Where will you sit if I take the chair?”
“The floor. We take most of our meals sitting on the floor.”
“Oh! Then we’ll both sit on the floor.” Kendra moved to the low table and settled cross-legged on the floor. After a few seconds of staring, Faron joined her.
He continued to watch as she tried to find a comfortable position. “Are you sure you don’t want the chair?”
Kendra stopped shifting around and accepted the likelihood of getting a numb butt. “I’m fine. So, what’s going on with your family? You said they are being difficult.”
