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“Would you like the same sort of relationship that your sister has?” she asked.
“Sure. Laya is thoughtful and always looks out for others. Since she’s had her daughter, she’s found a different level of happiness. I’d welcome that into my life. Laya always makes time for her daughter, encouraging her and praising her, even though she’s so young. She’s an amazing mother and is with a kind partner.”
Sinead stifled her jealousy. That kind of family sounded amazing. To have a mom who was always there for you, always looking out for you and inspiring you to be better. She’d have liked that, for her mom to ask how she was doing and if she was happy. She’d had gloomy days but hadn’t been allowed to show them. Sinead was the happy one, the one who was never a problem and didn’t mind being left home alone when her mom went out. She’d learned quickly never to complain. It made life so much easier.
She studied Talyn discreetly. There was a decent guy hidden under those layers of grumpy blankness. And his lack of flirting was refreshing. Most guys were quick to latch onto her cleavage or full mouth and think they could have a fun night together. They’d drop a few lines and spend some money and assume Sinead was easy because of the way she looked and behaved.
And, if he was cute enough and nice enough, she didn’t play hard to get, but Sinead had her standards.
Talyn hadn’t once glanced at her chest. In fact, he’d barely made eye contact. It was good to have a conversation with a guy who wasn’t trying to crack onto her. Sinead smiled to herself as she imagined what her mom would have said about Talyn. Nice guys finish last. Don’t waste your time on them.
There was a lot going on behind that closed expression, and she’d like to know more.
“What about your friends?” Sinead asked. “Are they happily partnered?”
Talyn snorted a laugh. “I don’t have many friends. I do have Booby.”
Sinead wondered if she’d misunderstood. “Your friend’s name is Bobby?”
“Booby,” Talyn repeated.
Sinead rubbed her forehead. She must still be tipsy. Why would anyone be called Booby? “Is this friend male or female?”
“Well, she currently has a female voice, but I can change it. Why is that important?”
This was getting weirder. “It’s an unusual name.”
“There’s nothing unusual about it. It’s an appropriate name.”
“I’m confused. Who exactly is Booby?”
“My ship.”
“Oh! Of course.” Lillips had sentient ships with unique personalities. “Calling your ship Booby is a bit odd.”
“No, it’s not. I did my research. I discovered this magnificent black-and-white bird you have on Earth. It’s the same color as my ship. Booby has black-and-white lines painted on her sides. I decided it was an appropriate name, given the similarity in color.”
Sinead laughed. “You’re right, Booby is an Earth bird. You do know it’s also the name for...” she waved her hand in front of her chest, “a woman’s assets.”
Talyn shrugged. “It didn’t seem important. I like the name, as does my ship.”
“I’d love to meet Booby.” Sinead found sentient ships fascinating. They interacted closely with their owner and picked up emotions the same as Lillips. And if she got an invitation to see Booby, she might also gain access to more of Talyn’s quieting skills.
“You want to see my ship?”
“Sure.”
Talyn shuffled his feet. “If I show you, is there any way we can speed up my time here?”
“To do what?”
“I don’t need a week on Prodigy to find a mate.”
Sinead tilted her head. “You might. Unless you’re a fan of insta love, it takes time to find the right person.”
“I’ve found what I’m looking for. I’ll do a deal with you. I’ll show you around Booby if you push through my application quickly.”
Sinead rubbed the back of her neck. She wouldn’t be breaking many rules if she hurried through his application. They already had a list of mates suitable for Talyn, and she could see how unsettled he was being on Prodigy.
