Author: kharrison

Etta ~Part 2~

Glancing out at the blur of barren landscape passing by her, Etta struggled to make sense of what her rescuer/kidnapper was saying. He kept pointing ahead and saying “Holgen.” 

When it became apparent that she still didn’t understand, Ryk looked as confused as she felt.

“Yi da ultenen?” He asked. “Riesta yi goern?

Etta could tell he was asking her questions but couldn’t guess at the meanings. Shaking her head she fought the urge to cry. “I don’t understand.” She kept shaking her head as he babbled off more incomprehensible questions. 

Looking back, she stared at the billowing sand clouds caused by their rushing speeder. The heat was overwhelming as the suns crept further up into the sky. With no shade, there was no escaping the heat. Even the wind did nothing to cool her.

“Nish yi olnoi Etta. Etta.” 

The repetition of her name drew her attention. Again, she shook her head. “Ryk. I don’t understand what you are saying.” She pointed to her mouth and shook her head.

“Da ultenen?” He nodded. “Da ultenen. Ryk tam yi holgen.”

Etta sighed. They may not know what the other was saying but now at least he wasn’t trying to continue asking questions. By the time they neared the rock he had pointed to earlier, Etta was struggling to breathe. The heat felt like it was searing her throat and nose as she drew in breath.

“Wees holeer.” Ryk’s voice was soft, almost fuzzy. 

She could see him glance over at her but she lacked the strength to do more than breathe shallowly. She couldn’t even manage to choke out the words that she needed water. Her eyes could not summon the moisture to even cry.

“Ta illi holgen. Etta, wees nish holeer.”

With a tiny shake of her head she closed her eyes.

Seconds later a blast of cool air shot into her face and she bolted upright. “Ahhh.” She screamed hoarsely.

Ryk’s arm caught her before she could fall out of the still flying car. “Stul.” His sheepish grin caught her gaze and she was drawn in.

“What was that?” Etta asked in confusion.

“Ta illi holgen.” He repeated. He looked relieved. 

She hadn’t realized how worried he had looked until now, when all the tension was gone. With a jolt, she realized that the overwhelming heat was gone and she was back to breathing normally. Looking around, she could see that the light surrounding her was coming from artificial light and she was completely surrounded by what looked like a gargantuan dome of rock.

Etta plunked down in her seat and gazed up at the gray rock ceiling.

Ryk pointed around him. “Holgen.”

Ryk’s flying car slowed down as they neared what looked like a house shaped like a natural rock formation, except for the door and a hole that could pass for a window.

Stepping out of the car, Ryk hauled her out after him, not even offering his hand first to see if she would come willingly. Etta growled and Ryk looked back at her in surprise. He swooped around and lifted her back off her feet as he had when he caught her.

“Put me down.” She shrieked, she could feel her hysteria bubbling out but couldn’t stop. When he didn’t loosen his hold and continued to walk to the rock house she began to squirm, then wiggled, then outright flailed. Somehow he managed to set her on her feet. 

“Stul.” He commanded with a growl of his own. “Stul hak.”

Whatever he said didn’t matter because she could hear the threat in his tone. She quieted and stood still.

Once again he picked her up and carried her into the house and this time she didn’t protest, aside from quietly grinding her teeth. Once inside, he set her down again. This time however, she practically slid down his body until her feet touched the ground. He held her close, not giving her more than an inch to move. When she pulled back he tightened his grip and she found her face smashed into the fabric of his shirt. 

Doing her best to look around from where she stood plastered to the man holding her, she took in what looked like odd, blue bubble stools.

A tall woman approached them with a bow. “Mylar Ryk. qua de ta?

Back and forth the woman and Ryk talked, speaking faster and faster. It was all noise to Etta as she tried to ease back from Ryk’s strong chest.

“Etta.” Ryk’s voice saying her name once again drew her attention to the pair. “Ta illi Etta. Etta illi Ryk madua.” His voice was stern.

With a long suffering sigh, the woman nodded. “Ti roste Meayan. Coll.”

Etta didn’t move, even though Ryk stepped away.

“Coll.” The woman beckoned. Ryk nudged her toward the woman. They stepped further into the house and into a room filled with ornate dresses. The woman stopped and pointed to Etta.

“Etta.” Then she pointed to herself “Meayan.”

“Meayan? Is that your name? Meayan?” Etta’s focus sharpened. At the woman’s nod, Etta felt relief. If the woman was nodding then she would at least be able to understand when someone was saying yes.

Meayan grabbed a beautiful rust colored dress that almost seemed bright compared to the grey of the rock surrounding them. “Dirfa.” She shook the dress at her. “Dirfa.”

Pointing to the dress, Etta guessed. “This is a dress? Dress? Dirfa?” At Meayan’s delighted nod, Etta felt less on edge. Maybe she would eventually understand enough to figure out where she was and how to get home.

Meayan held the dirfa up against Etta. “Etta marr Ryk. Yi nish Ryk madua.”

“Madua?”

The word seemed important to both Meayan and Ryk but she couldn’t figure out its meaning. After trying on several dirfas, Meayan set one aside and pulled Etta out of the room. Ryk and two other people were standing there, an older man and woman.

Ryk stepped forward. His smile was broad as he opened his arms to her. “Etta. Etta illi madua.”

At that, the older woman did an odd trill with her tongue and rushed forward to hug Etta. When she pulled back, Ryk was looking at the both of them with a pleased smile on his face.

Ryk pointed to the man. “Tamor.” Then he pointed to the woman who had hugged her. “Dansha. Dansha illi Tamor madua.” 

Tamor lifted his hand and Dansha went running back over and snuggled into him. He patted her hip and held her against him.

Ryk repeated slowly to her, commanding Etta’s gaze. “Dansha illi Tamor madua. Etta illi Ryk madua.”

Etta staggered back as Ryk lifted his hand expectantly toward her. He wasn’t telling her that they were a couple, like Dansha and Tamor appeared to be. He couldn’t. Meayan pushed her toward Ryk. Ryk pulled her in close as Tamor had to Dansha. When she didn’t step away Ryk gave her a happy squeeze, patting her hip. 

Ryk gently pulled her over to a large chair and sat her next to him. He nuzzled her and whispered. “Madua.”

She froze.

Paige

“Joey McClure has the formidable reputation of successfully stealing girlfriends and then dumping them as soon as he ‘wins’.” I scoffed at the sight of another sobbing girl desperately clinging to Joey’s tall frame across the school’s large courtyard.

And yet, he simply shrugged the girl off and walked away.

“I’ve heard that guys pay for him to test their girlfriends’ loyalty.” Nina chimed in.

I laughed again. “That’s one way to make a living, I guess. But I doubt he makes many friends in the process, either way.”

Joanna had been silent during the whole conversation, watching Joey walk away. Not for the first time, I wondered if something had happened between the two of them. A month ago I had commented that she seemed starry eyed and she blushed and denied it. A week after that she had steel in her eyes and glares for the infamous Joey McClure.

“No reason to worry about ever dealing with him then.” I crowed. “I refuse to have a boyfriend who would test me like that and I am definitely not the type of girl to start shopping for a new boyfriend while I still have one.”

“Don’t say that too loud.” Nina snarled. “He might take it as a challenge.”

Joanna’s eyes narrowed in on me. I moved closer to her. Maybe she would finally let me in on what was keeping her so silent. The Joanna I knew and loved had been squashed by the always-glaring-at-Joey Joanna. I was sure of it. I missed my friend.

She leaned toward me and whispered, “Prepare yourself to never have a boyfriend. They are all suspicious creeps.”

“What do you mean?” I whispered back.

I watched as she moved away from our circle of oblivious gossipy friends. When she glanced back at me I quickly followed.

“I met a guy.” Joanna said as we slowly walked away. “I thought he was sweet and kind. I fell for him fast.”

Not sure how to respond, I shrugged. “And he made you hate all guys?”

“No. Yes.” She groaned. “Joey came up and said hi to me one day out of nowhere and my almost boyfriend started accusing me of cheating. He even called me a slut. All because stupid Joey McClure said hi to me.”

“And you blame Joey? Is that why you are always glaring at him?”

Joanna stopped and looked over at me. “No, I don’t blame Joey. I blame all guys. I am well aware that it wasn’t Joey’s fault for my new crush being a suspicious jerk.”

Before I could answer her I was pulled away by my arm. I was shocked to see Joey himself connected to that hand on my arm.

“Paige. Just the girl I wanted to see!” Joey declared. And just like that, he used my momentum of being pulled to swing me into his chest and swoop in for a kiss.

To say I was shocked would be a vast understatement. And while I will never ever admit it out loud, especially in Joanna’s hearing, I have to admit it was an amazing kiss. One that lasted way too long and not long enough.

Don’t worry though, with my dignity wrapped around me like a shield, I pulled back and slapped him good and hard.

“Ow.” He chuckled, holding a hand to the cheek I had pinkened.

Stomping around him and back to Joanna I called back to him without looking, “You’re lucky I barely tapped you. Next time you come near me, I’ll make your head spin off your shoulders.”

“What’d I do?”

I shot a glare back at him. “What haven’t you done?”

“I need to talk to you.” He paused. “Paige.”

He caught up to me in seconds, careful to stay far enough away to not touch me, even by accident. Joey glanced over at Joanna before saying in a low voice. “Two minutes.”

“How do you even know my name? I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“Ouch.” Joey stepped back but didn’t go away as I’d hoped. He fell into step beside me. After a minute of semi-awkward silence, Joey looked around me and over at Joanna. “Hey Joanna. I hear that Tanner is a jerk. I’m sorry.”

Joanna stopped walking and faced him. It took him a second to pull back.

“Did you do it on purpose?” She nearly shrieked.

Now Joey really did look ready to flee. Maybe he would learn to listen when a girl said to leave.

“Do what on purpose?”

Joanna spoke slowly. “Did you say hi to me to get Tanner to break up with me?”

I don’t think Joanna saw it but I definitely saw him gulp.

“He didn’t deserve you.” He muttered, looking away, anywhere but at her.

With another shriek and a stomp of her foot Joanna was gone, storming off in the direction of her locker.

“Was that necessary?” I rounded on him, whacking his arm.

He shrugged. “I told the truth, necessary or not. And Tanner is a jerk. She would be screaming at him and not me if she’d heard the way he was talking about her.”

“Do you know what he said about her, to her?” I could feel my ire rising but he didn’t back down. Instead he firmly held my gaze.

“Better she hurts a little now than devastated when he turned on her for some other imagined slight later.” He put his hands up. “I didn’t go in looking to hurt her. I figured that maybe I could help her see that Tanner is a self-centered egotistical jerk and she would break up with him.”

“You could have told me and I could have talked to her.”

He laughed. “Because we are the best of friends, right? You were shocked I even knew your name. And why don’t you have a boyfriend?”

I folded my arms, trying to keep both the irritation and the smile off my face.

“Fine. I wouldn’t have listened. And yes, I’m still shocked you know my name because you seem to only notice the super gorgeous girls who are already in relationships. And I don’t have a boyfriend because I don’t need one and I haven’t found a guy that I could put up with for more than 5 minutes.”

“Valid observations. I have known your name when we had homeroom together freshman year with Mrs. Orville where you sat in the front left desk every morning. And may I point out that you have been talking to me for more than five minutes and are still putting up with me if that hint of a smile is any indication.” He paused while I gaped. He flashed a smile at me that knocked me further into a stunned girly stupor. “Does that mean I get to be your boyfriend?”

To read part 2 of Paige’s story: click here.

Zadie

Zadie plopped down on the sand, gazing out into the darkening ocean. It was at this exact spot 2 years ago that she had sat laughing at Emmett as he goofed off among the crashing waves before he had disappeared beneath those same waves and never resurfaced.

The coast guard had searched but they never found his body. Most people on the island didn’t believe her when she had told them what had happened. Over the months-turned-years Zadie had grown used to the looks and scoffs that followed her in their small town.

When he had first disappeared, the police had taken her witnessing him disappearing into the ocean as a serious, time-sensitive matter but less than an hour after the police had arrived on the scene they found a note in his room addressed to his mom saying that he had decided it was time for him to go explore the world and get to know his dad’s family. And at the very bottom it told her not to look for him.

After that, his mom simply gave up looking, stating that he was gone. And since his mother accepted the note and seemed unworried, the police merely nodded and closed the case, assuming he had run off to finish out high school with his dad. Zadie’s parents accepted that the boy who had almost been like their own son had left. Less than 24 hours after his disappearance and no one but her wondered at his sudden absence. And according to everyone in town, her one parents included, she simply couldn’t let go. That she had lost her touch with reality. Some even speculated that drugs were involved.

But she knew she had seen him die.

And no one believed her.

Somehow this same spot became her refuge from the whispers. Here, she stared at the last spot she had seen him, imagining how different life would be if he hadn’t disappeared. How much less lonely she would be.

Evening turned to night and the moon was her only light reflecting off the water. And still she did not move, staring. 

Blinking tiredly, Zadie continued to gaze at the never-ending rolling of the waves crashing against the shore. She stood and wiped the sand off her jeans. When she heard a decidedly non-ocean sound coming from the ocean’s direction she jolted up straight. She squinted her eyes against the darkness. A shiver shot through her when she spotted a dark outline of what looked like a man rising up out of the ocean.

Unfortunately she tripped when she went to move back another step. Her startled cry seemed to amplify across the sand before being drowned out by another large crashing wave.

As she frantically scampered back to her feet she thought she heard her name called. Yet she saw no one else down the beach.

“Zadie?”

Her eyes fixed solidly on the figure moving toward her as tears sprang to her eyes at the familiar voice she never thought she would hear again. “Emmett?”

“What are you doing here?”

 Zadie froze, unable to move as she watched her lost friend walk toward her. Shaking her head she began to cry. “I can’t hallucinate now. Everyone looks at me weird enough already.”

“Zadie, you aren’t hallucinating. I’m right here.”

She threw her hands up in exasperation. “That’s exactly what a hallucination would say.”

“It would?” His surprised expression gave Zadie a second of hesitation.

Sinking to the ground, Zadie sighed and buried her face in her knees. She felt the sand shift as Emmett sat down next to her. 

Softly, Emmett spoke. “Why do you think I’m a hallucination? Why can’t I be real and get that big Zadie hug I’ve missed so much?”

“You died!” Zadie sobbed, looking up at him through tear filled eyes. “I watched you drown. You never resurfaced.”

When he didn’t respond, Zadie slugged him on instinct, as she had so many times before then gasped as her fist actually connected with his shoulder.

He turned to pull her into a hug but stopped short when he saw her face. “With everything that happened, I forgot that you were on the beach with me that day.”

“Forgot?!” She shrieked. “What could possibly have happened to make you forget that your best friend was standing on the beach when you disappeared into the ocean?”

“This guy grabbed me and pulled me under. I freaked out.”

“You were kidnapped?” Zadie interrupted. “I didn’t see anyone.”

His face softened as he smiled. “No. You wouldn’t have seen him. He was underwater. And yes, I guess you could call it kidnapping, though they said they left a note for my mom.”

“Why didn’t I get a note?”

“I didn’t pick who got notes, Zadie. I was only informed that they had left one for my mom to find. Now, did you want to hear what happened or not?”

“Yes.” She took a deep breath. “I’ll try not to interrupt.”

He chuckled and gave her a side hug. “I know how hard that will be.”

“So they left a note. Who are they?”

“I’m getting to that.” Emmett looked back out at the ocean. “Apparently there is a race of humans that evolved to the point that they could breathe underwater.”

“Mermaids?” Zadie shakily stood. “I’m going home.”

Emmett snatched her hand but didn’t move to stand. “Wait. Let me finish.”

“You just told me that you were taken by mythical fantasy creatures. As if it could be that easy to explain away.”

His soft grip on her hand was firm. “Zadie. I came back to find you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.” He chuckled and gently pulled her back down next to him. “Apparently I have the gene that allows me to learn how to breathe underwater. And no, I don’t have fins. They discovered me on a hunting expedition, to find more people to join their kingdom.  After they took me, I was required to complete my training before I was allowed to choose whether to stay or leave.”

“And you chose to leave?”

He shook his head. “I haven’t decided. All I know is that I had to see you before I made that decision.”

“To join the merpeople.”

With a groan, Emmett pulled himself up. She stood after him and crossed her arms. “Zadie, they call themselves the Vand.”

“And now you can breathe underwater.” Zadie stared out at the water over his shoulder. “I’m going home. In the morning I’ll wake up to discover this was a dream.”

Emmett’s hand on her back stopped her. “I’ll prove it.”

“How? Are you going to go disappear in the ocean again and I can come check back in a few years to see if you come out again for a quick visit?”

“No.” He laughed. “Come with me. I’ll show you.”

Eva

Mother said that one day I would get in trouble because of my thoughtless impulsiveness. She didn’t say that I would be accused of stealing and threatened with jail time. Yet here I was, standing in my childhood home, 50 feet away from my sleeping parents, getting whisper-yelled at about the consequences of taking things that weren’t mine by a man not much older than me who I didn’t know. It wasn’t until he brought up calling the authorities that I felt the need to interrupt.

“Who are you?” I blurted. Maybe not the best first opening line but I couldn’t take it back now. I had already said it.

And judging by how he pulled himself ramrod straight to his full height I knew he just had to be someone important. Now that I think about it, he was probably one of dad’s investors who had been offered the guest room for the night in an attempt to get more time with him. Business over breakfast.

The man crossed his arms and stood a little bit more belligerently. “Was I not an anticipated addition to your theft spree?”

As much as I wanted to shrug off his accusations and go get some sleep, I knew I wouldn’t make it far before he stopped me. Yet words kept coming out. “Can we talk about this in the morning? I’m tired.”

He pulled back, incredulous. “You think I will let you leave and just hope you come back here to answer to the authorities? How gullible do you think I am?”

“Listen, it was a long drive to get here and I am tired. I want to get some sleep before I have to talk to you again.”

I didn’t realize I had actually put motion to my thoughts until a warm, almost hot, hand latched onto my arm and pulled me back. I slapped at his hand but he didn’t let go. In my tiredness I even attempted to pull him towards the stairs, as if that would convince him to let go.

He gave a short growly grunt. “I don’t care how long of a drive it was for you to get here. You aren’t going anywhere now. Maybe you thought your looks would buy you entrance for whatever it is you had planned as a backup plan for when you got caught but I am not falling for it.”

“My looks.” I grinned. I think my lack of sleep was beginning to affect my brain cells. “What do my looks have to do with wanting to sleep?”

His eyes narrowed. “I am not going to sleep with you.”

“Good.” I glared. “I wasn’t planning on sleeping with you. I am not a thief. And I am going to bed. IN MY ROOM.”

Instantly his face lightened and an odd strained smile took the place of his scowling. “Are you lost? Maybe I can assist you in finding the correct house.”

I groaned.

He immediately pulled me into a hug and stroked my hair as if he were trying to sooth me. In a soft low voice he murmured into my ear. “Don’t worry. We’ll sort this out and then you can be home and you can pretend this was all just a scary dream.”

“I’m not lost or mental.” I ground out as I pushed him away from me. “Mother! Are you home?”

Immediately, the man who refused to give me his name clamped his hand over my mouth. I struggled, trying to free myself. His hold finally loosened when I managed to stomp on his foot.

“Are you insane?” I yelled. “Who are you? Are you the thief? Don’t want to get caught?” I moved towards the stairs. “Mother!”

I finally heard soft footsteps on the landing above me. “Eva?”

With a sigh, I stepped further out of the shadows and smiled up at her. “Surprise, Mom. I came home for the weekend.”

“Why are you yelling for me?” Her voice weary with sleep and apparently she was too groggy to notice the man standing behind me.

I laughed and shook my head. “Sorry, Momma. Go back to sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

She nodded but before she turned back to her room she leaned over to whisper. “We have a guest in the guest room so be sure to be quiet.”

I glared at the man who was now eyeing me with wary concern. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to be rude to our guest.”

Seconds later I heard the door to my parent’s room close. I turned to fully face the stranger and strode over to him with my hand held out.

“I’m sorry, sir. I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced. I am Eva Romy Black.” I didn’t try to hide my smug smile. However, I did give him my prissiest fake curtsey.

Eventually he gave me a formal bow before taking my hand in his. “Zane Deveaux, the guest. Please allow me to escort you to your room.”

I whispered up into his ear. “Wouldn’t want me making off with the family china while you aren’t looking.”

“I don’t suppose a mere apology would be acceptable at this point.”

“You accused me of being a thief.”

He nodded.

“And threatened to call the police.”

Again, he nodded.

“You assumed I would sleep with you in order to get a warm bed and escape all my troubles.”

His face flamed.

“You thought I was a lost lunatic.”

His hands went up. “I have no defense for my actions.”

“By the way, if I had been a real thief I probably wouldn’t have stood around arguing with you.” My hands tried to go to my hips but he hooked my arm in his, nudging me back toward the stairs.

“Valid point.” As we climbed the stairs he shot a stunning smile my way. “What brought you home this weekend?”

“My parents have been bugging me the past few weeks to come home for a visit. Apparently I don’t come home often enough.”

“Well, despite my gargantuan misunderstanding, it has been a pleasure to meet you. Your parents truly do love to tell stories about you over dinner.”

“Dinner? Who are you?”

He simply smiled as he gestured to my closed door. “Pleasant dreams, Eva.”

I muttered under my breath. “Breakfast is going to be interesting.” I hadn’t meant for him to overhear but he chuckled.

“Indeed it will.”

Emberlee

I guess now is the time to confess that I haven’t given much thought to Hunter Dawson Hayes since I left for college. In fact, I had made it a point to never ever mention him at all, even in my thoughts. But that is how much I have wanted to forget his entire existence. Sure, he lurks in almost all of my childhood memories as the one always pulling me down, figuratively and sometimes literally.

So why was it that I was able to recognize him the instant he stepped into the party I was currently reveling in?

“No.” I blurted.

A nearby freshman stuttered his apologies and moved away. I was too distracted to take the time to reassure him that I hadn’t been talking to him.

How in the world had he found me? After 3 years of a blissful, Hunter-free life he was not going to ruin this party for me.

Setting down my soda, I stormed over to the front door.

“What are you doing here?” I blocked him from getting any further into the house than he already was.

His slow perusal and equally steady grin burned my insides to the point where I was ready to punch him. And I would have too, if my roommate and best friend, Shay, hadn’t popped up next to me with an overly cheery smile.

He didn’t seem to notice her though as he drawled, “Emberlee Kellmann.”

“You know him?” Shay chimed in eagerly. “Introduce me, Em.”

I couldn’t form the words. He couldn’t come in and insinuate himself into my life as easily as this. Through my silence Shay’s smile didn’t waver as she swooped in front of me, dragging me closer than I preferred to be to him. “Hey there stranger. I’m Shay, Em’s roomie. It is an absolute pleasure to meet you. How do you know Em?”

And as quickly as she had appeared, Shay was pulling him to the back where a table was holding up a vast array of junk food, chatting the whole way over. He only glanced back at me once, with a smirk on his way too handsome face.

I stared. He had to go. There was no way he could stay. 

Realizing that I had lost the battle of keeping him out of the party I again stormed across the room, stepped right in front of him leaving no space between us, and crossed my arms. Yes, I fiercely ignored the shivers shooting through me as I practically threw myself into his ridiculously hard chest. With a gulp, I struggled to scowl.

He didn’t look down at me immediately though his hands found my waist, settling there as if he thought they belonged there. When he did meet my glare it was more like a casual acceptance, as if he had been expecting me to be there, in his space, all along.

“Yes, Emberlee?” His low chuckling voice was at odds with the serious look he gave me as he ignored Shay.

“Get out.” I growled quietly. I stood my ground, even when he smiled his uber-charming smile my way. Even after I felt his hands slide around my waist, pulling me even closer to him. After a lifetime of seeing that smile and its influence I knew I wouldn’t fall under the spell of it. Though maybe I had lost some of my immunity as my knees wobbled slightly.

“Now, why would I leave? I only just got here.”

Shay grabbed at my arm for my attention. “Why would you kick him out when we were just getting to know each other?” She pouted and I had to resist the urge of shaking her off too.

Don’t get me wrong. I love Shay. She is an amazing roommate and an even better friend. She was just way too distracting right now when I needed all of my attention to corral Hunter and keep him out of my current life.

I switched tactics, forcing my voice to go sickly sweet. Shay did a double take beside me. “Maybe we could step outside for a minute and catch up, Hunter. It’s been so long and you have definitely grown since the last time I saw you.”

His chest swelled even as his eyes narrowed on me. “With a request like that, how can a man refuse?”

Gritting my teeth I allowed him to take my hand and slowly lead me out the back door and onto the less crowded patio. We may have weaved through the crowd a little more than necessary but I wasn’t going to blow my chance to get him in a corner and pound some sense into his head.

I don’t know how he managed it but as soon as the door closed he was spinning me into a deep, strong hug. I couldn’t put any distance between us.

“What are you doing here, Hunter?”

Hunter didn’t look up, his arms tight around me. His smile lit up his eyes. “It’s been a long time, Emberlee. You haven’t come home. And there are some things I’ve been waiting quite a while to say to you.”

“Like what? My hair is the wrong length? My shoes look stupid? My face offends you?” I could feel my irritation rising even though he appeared unaffected.

He shook his head. “No.”

“Then what?” I was shaking and I didn’t know why because it wasn’t cold out.

“Now?” He looked a little surprised.

“When else am I ever going to see you again?”

His smile bloomed once again. “Actually I was planning on staying in town for a bit.”

“A bit? How long? Why?”

He leaned in, touching his forehead to mine. I don’t know why on earth I let him do that but I did. “I meant what I said, Emberlee. I want to catch up.”

I resisted the urge to stomp my foot. “You want to catch up? How did you know where I was? What did you come here to say? Why won’t you answer my questions?”

His arms stayed locked firmly around my waist as he pulled back just enough to look firmly into my face. “Emberlee, I’ve been answering your questions. Looking back on the years we spent growing up together I realized I seemed very much like a bully. And I want you to know that I wasn’t out to hurt you or make you feel bad. I liked you. I thought I was protecting you and keeping you safe from other guys. Now I know how wrong I was and I want to apologize. I want you to get to know the real me.”

“You treated me like you did because you liked me?” I could feel the heat fueling my ire begin to subside.

He nodded.

Backing away I shook my head. He was too handsome to be near with that kind of knowledge.

I whispered as I retreated. “And you still like me?”

“I haven’t seen you in a few years but I’d like to venture to say that I do. Give me a chance to show you that I am not the boy you knew.”

“There’s going to be a lot of proving before I believe you are different. We need to become friends if you ever want me to consider more. You made my life miserable.” I warned as I poked him in the chest. “Now I’m going inside, friend. Enjoy the party.”

Sela

Stepping out into the arena Sela rolled her shoulders and slid her sword into the sheath on her back. Twenty five of the potential competitors were already out stretching, sparring, and posturing. A title and an invitation to the annual royal ball was a high prize and large motivation for many. Sela included. Everyone knew the benefits of being able to attend that ball. Deals were struck, alliances forged, and people discovered.

As she strode out over the field to where a large array of weapons were on display, she wished for more of her own gear. They had allowed her the sword but nothing more. Only one personal weapon per competitor.

She scanned the large dirt field, taking note of the several odd shaped mounds off to one side.

More competitors arrived and joined the rest. The first few days of competition would hopefully narrow down the numbers at least a little. It all depended on if the royals were looking to extend and prolong the competition itself or get it over with.

“Sizing them up?” A lithe, fluidly graceful man sauntered up to stand next to her, a born swordsman by the looks of him. And he looked to be no more than five years older than her.

Sela didn’t answer. Why share what she knew with the competition?

“Not much of a talker?” He smiled.

She slowly turned to face him, maintaining a carefully neutral expression. He remained unguarded, not even moving back. Instead, his smile grew. 

“Hello.” 

She fought to not smile back. A horn sounded and echoed through the arena. Immediately the contestants started moving to where the stage was set up at the far end of the field.

The man beside her didn’t move to follow the rest. She paused and looked back at him, trying to figure out what his angle was. He stood still, watching as all the other people passed him without so much as a glance at any of them. A few of them nodded his way, one even bowed respectfully towards him and Sela’s eyes narrowed. His gaze stayed trained on her. When he saw her quizzical stare, he folded his arms. 

Sela didn’t move. Her senses went on high alert and her guard up. She didn’t really want to let someone as casually confident as this man be behind her where she couldn’t see him. His smile widened even further when she didn’t look away.

“You heading over?” He tilted his head to the side.

“Are you?”

“You speak!” The elation on his face had her fighting to keep her concentration on her surroundings.  “That’s wonderful. And your voice is beautiful, almost melodic. Maybe don’t speak while you’re competing because then they might mistake your interaction for a date.”

“My sword coming at their face might give it away that it’s not. And I could be competing against a woman when I chose to speak.” She eyed a large lumbering man who slowed to leer at her. 

He nodded. “Fair point. I still stand by my warning though.”

Soon Sela noticed that there weren’t any people passing them anymore. All the other competitors were behind her but this man. And yet, she was more willing to have all of them behind her, out of sight, than the man standing in front of her now.

“You’ve been left behind.” He pointed behind her.

She gave a slow nod but didn’t look away. Another horn sounded and he gave her a slight bow.

“A pleasure having such a deep and insightful conversation with you. We must do it again sometime.” He turned and began walking away, the opposite way of the rest of the competition.

“Where are you going?” She took a step to follow him.

He didn’t stop walking but looked back at her, striding backward with as much ease as he had walking forward. “I have to go up in the stands. My father is probably freaking out enough as it is.”

“Why would he be freaking out?”

“I really hope you win. I would enjoy talking to you more. However, I doubt I can sneak away again after the competition actually begins. I think my father even made it a rule that you don’t get to talk to anyone outside of the other competitors so you can’t get any outside help.” He flashed another smile her way. “Though maybe I can be an exception. I’ll work something out.”

“You are talking as if you are not competing.”

He nodded cheerily. “I’m not.

“Who are you?”

His delighted grin caught her. “You don’t know me? I thought you knew, since you gave me your full attention.”

Sela shook her head, trying to figure out why she should be able to recognize him by sight. He did look familiar and now that she was truly looking at him and not only sizing him up as competition, she felt that she should know who he was. It didn’t come to her.

“You really don’t?” He smiled and gave her a courtly bow. “I look forward to calling you milady and watching you attempt your first noble curtsey.”

She held back a groan. “You’re a noble.”

“You say it like it’s a bad thing. How many nobles do you know?” He stopped his very slow departure.

It was her turn to smile. “You sir, do not know me either.”

“Indeed?” He started walking back to her. “What is your name?”

“I would need a very good reason to share that with someone who is obviously unwilling to share their own. Besides, the officials might start to consider requiring me to leave and not enter the competition if I take too long.” It was her turn to face away from him, though all her instincts told her not to.

He caught up to her easily enough, walking beside her as if they were on a stroll in a private garden. “You aren’t going to tell me?”

Sela motioned up to where the audience was still cheering. “If all goes to plan, I am going to be announced and you will know who I am. You are going to walk away and there is a likelihood that I would never find out who you are. “

“Fair point.” He took hold of her arms and she fought to not tense. “I guess you will just have to win and get to that ball. If it helps, I am now rooting for you.”

She hesitated a moment, debating, before she flashed him a cheery smile. “I am too.”

Lovisa

Lovisa smoothed the skirt of her dress once more as she sat perched elegantly on the edge of the forest green velvet settee.

Practice is essential for womanly improvement.  Her mother’s voice repeated in her head.

And so she sat, perfectly poised to attract the type of suitor her parents expected of her, in the middle of their empty-except-for-her-mother sitting room.

She fought back a yawn, knowing her mother would immediately spot it and lecture from her very comfortable chair by the fire. Hours of sitting would be followed by unnecessary practice of walking and tilting her head just the right sort of way to be flirtatious without being provocative.

Scandal was not to be tolerated. Gossip was inelegant. Slouching was unladylike.

From the time she turned eight Lovisa had begun training. At first, it had been boring but not intolerable; a little posture improvement here and some style tips there.

Now, as she neared her social debut, her entire day was devoted to training; etiquette, form, elocution, poise, and more. Whatever her mother deemed necessary. Her father had long since disappeared into his study to ‘deal with financial matters’ as he did every day.

“Lovisa.” Lady Treston’s voice was laced with disapproval. “Your attention has wandered and your posture is slumping most inappropriately. You will never catch a proper husband if you do not take the time now.”

“Yes, Mother.” Lovisa quickly corrected her already perfect posture and tried to look as if she were paying attention. She still hadn’t quite figured out how to pay attention when no one was talking and nothing was happening to pay attention to. Yet her mother was adamant she learned. 

Lady Treston had given her quite the set down the last time she had asked why. Apparently it was good practice for when she was in conversation with a man who was a wealthy bore. Her mother hadn’t actually said those words because she would not insult anyone by making such a broad claim but the heavy implication was there.

“As you know, Father has made arrangements for your debut this evening.” Lady Treston stood. “Come. It is time to make you ready to present yourself to society. Such details cannot be left to the last minute.”

Lovisa inwardly wilted, having hoped that they might have a small respite before getting ready for the evening. However, it appeared that food was the lowest priority of the day.

“Yes, Mother.” Lovisa glided across the room to follow her mother.

Hours of poking, primping, hair pulling, and more happened before Lady Treston was satisfied with the results.

“You’ll do.” Was her final compliment to her only daughter.

The pale empire-waisted gown and corset was tight but that was nothing new to Lovisa. In fact, it was slightly looser than her mother usually insisted upon, saying she would need to be able to breathe more when she dancing.

Descending down the stairs, an excited thrill shot through her. Surely she would be able to have some fun tonight. At the bottom of the stairs her father stood there, looking bored.

“Now Lovisa, your mother has assured me that you have memorized the list of men deemed suitable to your station and rank.” Lord Treston addressed his daughter without bothering to do more than nod in greeting.

“Yes, Father.”

 Better to be meek and unassuming than endure a 15 minute tirade while standing in heels and formal wear.

The carriage ride was quick and relatively painful. Lovisa spent the ride making sure her appearance was perfect, her posture did not waver, and her parents did not feel the need to chastise her.

Stepping out of the carriage her mother didn’t give her a chance to arrange her skirts, moving in and immediately setting Lovisa to rights. Once satisfied, she slipped her hand into her husband’s arm and walked up the steps.

Lovisa silently followed.

In mere minutes her mother had not only maneuvered them to a very prominent spot next to the dance floor but had also filled her dance card with the eligible men her father would approve of. Her only empty slots were the waltzes, since Lady Treston considered them far too provocative for a new debutante.

The whispers going on around her hushed suddenly as a man in a spotless black evening coat and starched white necktie casually sauntered their way. He bowed to Lovisa’s mother first.

“Lady Treston. A pleasure to see you here.” His voice sounded bored as his gaze turned to Lovisa.

She dropped her eyes to the floor.

And for the first time in her life she heard her mother giggle. “Oh Lord Wharton. I am stunned to see you here. It has been far too long. May I introduce you to my daughter, Miss Lovisa Treston.”

His bow was elegant and Lovisa struggled to maintain the pleasant and mildly flirtatious smile that had been drilled into her head for years. Anything more would be simply mortifying

“Miss Treston. An honor, to be sure.”

He turned back to Lady Treston. “Is there a dance free for Miss Treston this evening?”

Lovisa watched as her mother coyly shook her head. “I’m afraid not, my Lord.”

“Nothing?” His eyebrow arched. “Surely a vacancy can be found for an old friend.”

“Only a waltz, my Lord.” Again, Lovisa was stunned as she watched her mother give a low curtsey to match his bow before tapping himcoyly on the arm.

He hesitated as he glanced at Lady Treston’s hand. “Indeed. Then I find I must beg you to allow me to claim one of those waltzes.”

At her mother’s nod Lovisa gave a small shocked smile.

With another bow Lord Wharton sauntered off.

Instantly her mother turned to her. “Lord Wharton is to be considered an utmost priority. Your father will be thrilled to hear that you were able to dance with one so prestigious. Usually he is so aloof and distant when at these sort of events. Do not mess this up.” That last part was delivered in an urgent whisper.

“Yes, Mother.” And for the first time she didn’t mind agreeing, for she was intrigued to learn more of this Lord Wharton. After all, he had easily provoked my mother to a fit of giggles.

And he wasn’t even on her much-vaunted list.

Miss Daynes

Space travel itself isn’t very difficult. Especially when you manage to secure a spot on one of the luxury passenger liners that offers deep sleep beds as a complimentary service.

I’d traveled from Atoll 4 to Talos in what felt like only a few hours. True, the actual journey had been a period of 34 days by Hyperlite but since it hadn’t felt like it, I was still the sick and nervous but also excited wreck that I’d been when I left.

“Miss Daynes?” My personal automated assistant from the journey beeped from the wall next to me.

“Yes?”

“Are you ready to disembark? I just received the signal that your escort has arrived at customs.”

“Escort?” I pulled up short, taking a step back. “I did not arrange for an escort. Enquire who sent them and proof that they were sent by a legitimate source.”

“Indeed. A wise decision.” A slight pause. “The captain has advised me to direct you to the south parlor to wait until we have heard back from the customs office. Follow the blue light and I will show you the most expeditious route.”

I made my way to the parlor and found it empty. So I sunk down on the biggest, most comfortable looking seat available.

I wasn’t there for more than a minute or two when my assistant beeped again. “Miss Daynes. Customs has verified your escort’s identity and confirmed with your mother that she did request that he pick you up when you arrived. Shall we proceed to the debarkation area?”

I groaned as soon as I heard the word ‘mother’. “Yes.”

My assistant bid me farewell as I reached the outer door. It was after I was making my way to the customs office that it occurred to me that I had not obtained the name of my mother-approved escort. Instead, I was forced to look around wondering who would come up to claim the honor of my company.

If only I had been able to secure the ticket and accommodations without my mother knowing. Then I would have been able to have a real vacation. Of course, without her financial assistance and insistence on only the best for her only child, I would have also made my way on the cheapest passenger liner and be slumming in whatever place I could afford. Each option had their pros and cons.

However, the choice had been taken from me when mother had found a few of the brochures I had stupidly brought home. I had been so careful at looking into travel information only while at the library.

As soon as she knew my itinerary, everything else had been planned down to the minute. Unfortunately, Mother had friends on Talos that she had informed of my arrival so I would be required to attend the events my mother had already accepted on my behalf. I shuddered as I remembered the list she had handed me as I was packing.

A hush fell over the area surrounding me as a voice right next to me spoke, “Miss Daynes.”

I turned to discover the crown prince of Talos. Hurriedly I bowed. “Your Highness. Forgive my lack of manners. I did not see you here.”

“Make no mention of it. I should not have snuck up behind you. However, I was still in the office talking to the stationmaster when you arrived so I was unable to greet you properly. Did your mother make no mention of me before your departure?”

“No. She did not.” I blushed and glanced away. “I admit. There is a possibility that if I had known, I would have hidden away so that you would be unable to escort me.”

“Am I truly so terrible of a choice of escort? I usually receive quite the opposite reaction. I promise to be on my best manners.” His face gave away no hint of what emotion he was feeling.

I gave half a curtsey. Maybe I was trying to sort of apologize. “The only thing wrong with you that I know of is your title. I was hoping for a low key, less formal vacation. Walking out of here on your arm will provoke the gossiping and my picture will be everywhere before the night falls.”

“Aw yes. That would be a problem. One that I cannot resolve and fulfill my duty as escort.” He looked around. “Give me one moment and I will see what I can do.” In a louder voice he said, “Forgive me, miss. I believe I have mistaken you for another. Enjoy your visit here on Talos.”

I stared in surprise as he walked away without looking back. Now what? 

Several minutes later a man who looked to be either a royal messenger or driver approached me. He stopped right next to me but didn’t look my way. No one seemed to notice him and I breathed a little sigh of relief.

“His Highness has arranged a decoy car to transport you to your hotel. It will be just outside the main entrance. It is a small white Lio model with a small swan-like decal on the back window.” He slipped me a paper and was gone in seconds.

I held in my pleased smile, momentarily wishing that I didn’t have to give up time with the prince in order to have an anonymous vacation. Holding tightly to the paper I made my way to the car that was waiting right where the man had indicated.

Once inside and on my way, I opened the note.

Miss Daynes.

I hope that you are able to have a truly enjoyable time here at Talos. I envy you your chance at social freedom, even if it is only for a short time. Now, I am hoping that since I have done you a favor that you will do one for me. Have dinner with me tonight? I assure you that we will go somewhere where there will be no photographers or snooping gossipy people about to ruin your anonymity. I will have a car pick you up outside your hotel if you are interested. All you would need to do is inform the front desk of your hotel to let you know when Jacob has arrived.

By the way, please call me Holden.

P.S. Since your mother didn’t inform you that I would be your escort I wanted to make sure you knew that my father expects you at our ball at the end of the week. I  regret not being able to provide you with anonymity any longer than that..

I held in my squeal. I had a whole week of anonymity and a date with a prince. And I wouldn’t have to have my picture taken for it to happen. Thanks to my mother, I can’t remember the last time I had gone on a date that wasn’t highly publicized.

Naomi ~Part 2~

Click here to read the previous Naomi short story!

Naomi paused to look more closely at the man who practically oozed appeal. “And why would my friend tricking me into a speed dating auction be perfect?” The snap in her voice echoed in the shadows.

He stuck his hand out. “I’m Kieran.”

“Serial speed dater?” She resisted the urge to stick out her tongue, keeping her arms crossed.

He nodded with a chuckle. “I can understand why you’d think that, but no.”

The same assistant that had been trailing the woman in charge approached with a broad grin. “Oh perfect! You’re ready!” She bustled up, looking around before checking her clipboard. “And where is the male wild card? A Max Devlin?”

“Here!” Max came jogging forward, his mischievous grin on full display. “Dang Mimi, you look nice!”

Kieran turned back to her. “Mimi? Your name is Mimi?” 

She groaned. “No. Only Max calls me that and I can’t get him to stop.”

Max stepped up beside her, hand out. “That’s me. Max. And you are? If you’re one of the daters and are interested in spending time with my lovely friend then you should probably stop wasting your time up here and get down to sign up like all the other hopeful lackeys down there.

“Are you done posturing?” Kieran’s hands were in his pockets and he looked like he was ready to take a casual disinterested stroll on her heart.

“Mr. Holbrook. It’s time.”

Kieran nodded at the assistant then towards Max. “We’ll introduce you first, Devlin. Your friend is garnering more interest than you, so we will need to allow the men more time to vie for her attention.”

“I didn’t even want to be here.” Naomi stepped up. “Why are we giving me extra time? I’d rather be home on my couch doing anything other than pasting a smile on my face.”

“Aw don’t be a spoilsport, Mimi. It’ll be fun.” Max nudged her in the side.

She shot him a look. “Max. This is turning out just like the skittles.”

“Skittles?” Kieran asked.

Naomi smiled and shook her head. “Just another one of Max’s crazy ‘fun’ ideas.”

“Mr Holbrook.” The assistant broke through their whispered conversation.

“Yes, yes. Mr Devlin. This way.” As Kieran led Max toward the stage he looked back at her. “Don’t go anywhere.”

“Like I have a choice.”

Naomi watched as Kieran introduced Max to the women waiting for the event to start. He asked him a few questions and gave him a chance to make himself look good. 

“He’s good.” The assistant piped up.

“Max is always good at convincing people to like him.” Naomi muttered as she watched.

“I was talking about Mr Holbrook. Isn’t he dreamy?” The girl sighed.

Naomi’s reply froze in her mouth. In what felt like only seconds Naomi found herself being nudged onto stage and walking toward Kieran’s smile.

“Welcome to the stage, the lovely Naomi Watts.” Kieran raised his hand out to her. “Let’s take a moment to get to know our other wild card of the evening. Miss Watts, I am sure the first question on everyone’s mind is…” He paused for dramatic effect. “What is your favorite color?“ For just a second he turned to fully face her so that the audience couldn’t see him wink at her.

She batted her eyes at the group of men now watching her closely. “Oh pink, totally. It’s the color of love, right?” She forced out a sort of breathy giggle.

Kieran nearly stumbled over his next words as his head whipped back around to look at her. It took him a second but he recovered admirably. “Indeed it is. And what do you look for in a man? For a date?”

“Oh good question.” Naomi bubbled. “Definitely got to be a hottie.” She threw a huge wink at the crowd. “Also it wouldn’t hurt if he was successful and made my insides turn to mush just by looking at me in that gorgeous smoldering way that only real men know how.” Playfully tapping his arm she gave a sigh, furiously batting her eyes at him.

“And do you think that you’ll be able to find him here tonight?” His eyes were pinned on her with a searing intensity even though his smile was still directed at his enthusiastic audience.

“Hope so.” Blowing a kiss out at the group of men, she bounced her way back off stage to face a bent-over-double-in-laughter best friend.

“That was amazing!” Max couldn’t stop laughing. “I didn’t know you had that in you. You are going to have dates for the next year of your life!”

Naomi shoved him hard. “You’re an idiot.”

Looking back on stage she found Kieran still glancing towards her as he explained how the night was going to go.

Max and the assistant left to go find his sign up sheet and get him set up in his little private booth off to the side. She presumably had one on the other side of the room that she would be shown to shortly. She sighed.

“That was quite the show.” Kieran stepped up next to her. 

She folded her arms and faced him. “Show?”

His slow drawling smile heated her core, making her flush. “Let me guess, your favorite flowers are red roses and if there was a beach nearby, walking along it in the moonlight would be the perfect date.”

Naomi stepped close to him, as close as she could manage without touching him. “Now Mr Holbrook, why would I think that? It sounds so…cliche.” She batted her eyes. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an audience to entertain.”

“Are you going to be honest with any of them?”

She shot him a look. “If I were looking for the love of my life at a speed dating arena then yes I would. If I was looking for a date, there’s no need to bother. All those men signed up to talk to me because of my picture. They aren’t interested in what I say, so it doesn’t matter what I say.”

“Miss Watts.” Kieran’s sharp tone stalled her dramatic exit. 

“Yes, Mr Holbrook?” She was back to using her over-the-top flirty voice. 

He folded his arms, causing him to look even more fierce. “I’d listen.”

Her smile softened. “Of course you would. And might I point out that you are also not out there signing up to talk to a woman based on her picture. Thus proving my point.” She shrugged. “I’m not going to go out and give any part of my real self to that bunch out there just so Max can enjoy his night getting girl’s numbers.”

“Admirable.” Kieran nodded.

Seconds later the assistant bustled up and was eagerly going on and on about how everyone had liked her. 

“Naomi.”

She was startled at hearing her name. She glanced back and saw him open his mouth but before he could she cut him off. “It’s green.” With a smile, Naomi turned away as he started laughing.

Check back next week to read more about Naomi!

Naomi

“Max.” I complained. “What is this?”

The large room was filled with what looked like a hundred small tables, each with only two chairs. Glancing back at Max’s face I knew I was going to regret agreeing to get out of the house with him.

I punched him in the arm. “Max. What have you gotten me into?”

“You’re a volunteer! You can think of it as charity.” He cheerfully announced.

“Charity? What kind of volunteer?” 

“Naomi, don’t worry about it. It’ll be fun.” He put his hand on my back and pushed me into the room.

I pushed back. “You are not exactly inspiring confidence, Max.  Remember when you said that it would be fun to jump on my mother’s dining table?”

I watched him cringe.

“Yeah. I was grounded for months.”

“So one time one of my ideas didn’t work out.” He laughed. “Chill. This will be fun.”

“One time? What about our first night of college? Or the time you tried to sneak skittles into everyone’s drinks at the hottest club in the city? Or when you dragged me to the opening day of the Red Sox in a Yankees jersey?” I put my hands on my hips. “I could keep going.”

Max didn’t look bothered in the slightest. “Those are some good memories.” 

“What did you volunteer me for?”

He pointed. Following his finger I groaned at the large sign declaring ‘Specialized Speed Dating’.

Dread filled me. “Please tell me that you volunteered me to pass out name tags or ring the bell.”

“That would be absolutely no fun. I volunteered you to be a wild card.”

“I don’t even know what that means.”

A stunning and sophisticated woman in a black sheath dress came striding toward them with an effusive smile. “Max Devlin?” At his nod, she practically sighed. “You are just in time. And are you Naomi Lancer?” At my nod, she began to gush. “Oh my goodness, when I heard we had two volunteer wild cards I just knew this was going to be a wonderful night. Now, if the two of you will follow me.”

I punched at Max again but he caught me, pulling me in under his arm. “What is a wild card?” I whispered.

“In uno?” He chuckled at his own hilarity.

“No, you dunce. You know exactly what I mean.”

They were interrupted by the coordinator.

“Alright Max, we are going to drop you off right here. Serena will help you get ready. Naomi, follow me.”

We only took a few steps before I was walking up next to her, feeling underdressed in my plain jeans and tshirt.

“So my friend Max didn’t really clarify to me what it would mean to be a wild card. Could you give me some more details?”

“Oh sure.” She didn’t slow down as she pulled up her clipboard to glance at it. “A wild card is a fun twist we throw in to spice up the night. The room is split up into specialties, the ones people are looking for in a significant other or the ones they fall into themselves. So we have a business specialty, one for computer engineering and software, gamers, high level executives, small business owners, athletes, and more. We pride ourselves on providing more than an average, ‘throw everyone together and hope two people find each other who might have a chance at a relationship’ event.”

“So they sign up for which group they want to speed date in? How do you avoid confusion if an athlete wants to date a doctor but all the doctors are in the medical group or are off looking for a small business owner to date?” There were too many variables for me to make sense of it all.

The woman shrugged. “We do our best. We have the first hour of the night where all the men are in the group that is their profession and the women choose which group to speed date in. The next hour we have all the women in their profession group and the men choose the groups they are interested in dating. Then the last hour is a big social, where everyone gets to mingle and connect.” 

“So I don’t mean to repeat myself but I still don’t understand where I come in.”

The coordinator chuckled. “Sorry, I sometimes go off on a tangent. A wild card, you, will be available for dates by request. We get you all dolled up and take a gorgeous picture of you. Then the men of all the groups can choose to request you specifically. Then they will each get a time slot to meet you.”

“Why doesn’t every girl desperate for a date sign up to be a wild card then?” I was bewildered. It didn’t sound like it was beneficial to not be a wild card.

“Most ladies prefer to feel like they have more choice.”

I glanced around the room we were in. “It looks like what I would assume speed dating looks like. You all sit down and one side cycles through. Not much choosing.”

“Ah but they get to choose their group.”

“I don’t have to say yes to a date with any of the men that sign up to meet me right?”

“No.” She hastily assured me. “This is where I’ll leave you with the experts to get you ready.”

And just like that, she was gone and I was surrounded by several smiling people who were pulling out clothes for me to try on, asking about my skin, and fingering my hair. I was going to maim Max.

People were arriving and I was surprised to see how many men took one look at my picture and headed straight to the sign up sheet. 

“Sizing up the suitors?” I looked to my left to see a dark haired man in a charcoal gray suit leaning against a nearby chair, his light green eyes focused on me. “By the looks of it, you’ll have plenty of attention.”

I blushed and stepped further into the shadows. 

The man had noticed my retreat and made his way over to stand next to me. He turned back to watch the newcomers.

“What brings you here tonight? Looking to meet your prince charming or handsome knight errant? That happily ever after story?”

“No.” I stepped away. “I’m here for a friend.”

“Is she desperate for a man or a love story? Or both?”

I looked straight at him with a sultry smile, or at least as sultry of a smile as I could muster. “No.”

He was better at the sultry thing. In fact, he made it look natural and effortless. “That’s it? No insightful details into your delightsome and alluring personality to entice me into asking you out?”

I laughed. “My friend dragged me here to torture me. HE wants me to get out of the house more and sees it as his personal mission to see it happen.”

“Brother?” His eyes sparked.

“Friend. Annoying life-long friend.”

The sparks in his eyes heated. “Perfect.”

Come back next week for more of Naomi!