Page 60

Holly smoothed a hand over her hair. “I’m not much of a looker, but it would be nice to have someone who desires me for more than what I serve them at the table.”

Sinead’s gaze ran over Holly. She had a cute, round face and an adorable button nose. Holly was also warm and friendly with a generous set of curves. And, no matter how busy she was in the kitchen, she always had time to talk.

“You’re too hard on yourself,” Sinead said. “If you’re serious about finding love, I can fix you up through My Single Alien.”

Holly glanced at her and looked away. “I don’t know. These aliens take some getting used to. Last week, I had a Sachrin sneak a tentacle through the hatch and steal a whole pie.”

“You should take that as a compliment. Anyone who steals your food must think it’s great.”

“He didn’t think it was so great when I slapped his tentacle with the back of a metal spoon.” Holly laughed. “Maybe it’s time I found someone. A woman can only get so much comfort from the cupcakes she takes home after work.”

“You take home spare cupcakes?” Sinead’s eyes glistened. “I love your cupcakes.”

Holly shook her head and grinned. “You’re as bad as the guys. You only like me for my food.”

Sinead hugged her. “It’s so true.”

“Come by at closing time tomorrow. I’ll hook you up.” Holly pulled back from the hug. “But why do you need cupcakes? I saw you give that Forka the brush-off. You can’t have any problems when it comes to your love life.”

“Love is difficult,” Sinead said. “I shouldn’t say that, given the work I do. I never have problems matching other people.”

“It’s not so easy when it comes to your own love life?”

Sinead took a sip of her soda water. “I’m a disaster. Everyone sees me as a good-time girl.”

“Well, you are.” Holly studied Sinead for a second. “And there’s nothing wrong with that. Everyone likes to party.”

“I never used to think it was a problem. I guess I’ve changed.”

“Is there any reason for you changing?”

Sinead studied the condensation on her glass. Holly was always happy to listen, and Sinead trusted her. “There was a reason. I don’t know now. I made a mistake, but I was beginning to think it was actually a blessing in disguise. When I tried to put the mistake right, I lost my chance.”

“You’re talking about a guy?”

Sinead nodded. “I liked him a lot. He was good for me. I have trouble switching off, and he helped me with that. He made me see I could be something different if I wanted to.”

“That scared you?”

“It terrified me. But we spent a great day together, and I’ve never felt so good about myself. Then I got freaked out and ran. I made out I didn’t like him and didn’t want him in my life. When I went back to say I was sorry and that I wanted to fix things, he’d gone. He’s left Prodigy, and he’s not coming back.” Tears blurred her vision. What was wrong with her? She couldn’t care that much about Talyn, could she?

“Are you certain that he’s gone for good? Have you spoken to this guy? Or have you made an assumption that he’s deserted you?”

Sinead twisted her mouth to the side. “I’ve seen for myself that he’s gone.”

“That doesn’t mean he’s not coming back.”

Sinead pressed her lips together. “He was so sincere and sweet. He didn’t see me as a fun time to be forgotten the next day. I felt like he cared and wanted me in his life for a long time. In fact, maybe forever.”

“It sounds like you’re really into him. Don’t give up so easily. You have to talk to him and find out what’s going on. He could be confused. You did say you ran off. He might need time out to think. You won’t be the only one hurting if his feelings are genuine.”

Sinead stirred her drink with a straw. “How do I know if they’re genuine?”

“What does your gut tell you?”

“I feel sick. Like I’ve had too much to drink and need to lie down in a darkened room and pass out for a few hours.”

“Which suggests you’re hurting, and you don’t want to do that.” Holly touched her elbow. “Send him a message and find out what’s going on. You don’t want to end up like my sister.”