Neutral Space(24)

“Of course we are; I was just surprised,” Kheda explained. I shook my head and pulled on my boxers. “Wait, I didn’t get to see anything.”

“Kheda, you’re aunt is waiting.”

“I’ve never seen a man before, and my future husband denies me?” she pouted. I gave in and dropped my shorts. She smiled at me, and I knew then I was already spoiling her. She stepped towards me and ran her hand down my chest. “I didn’t realize your muscles would go all the way down.” She said tracing the muscle that ran over my hip bone. She kissed me a long moment and glanced down then smiled. She moved away and got dressed. I pulled on my boxers and bundled up my clothes as I headed out the door. “Where are you going?”

“To take a cold shower,” I called back, wondering how many cold showers I would have to endure before I married her. We were going to have a very long talk when we were alone.

I came downstairs and found everyone at breakfast. They were halfway done eating, but I really didn’t care. I was never one who liked eating breakfast. I sat down beside Tam, and he smacked me on the back. “I told you that you could make it work. I’m glad you took my advice.”

“I’ll have a talk with my niece before you leave. Tam told me how unpleasant cold showers are.” Sai smiled at me then looked to Kheda who actually blushed. I couldn’t help but laugh I didn’t think anyone could make her blush.

“Then we have your approval?” I asked them.

“Of course; anything Kheda wants it’s always been that way. She had to renounce her parents and brother, but not her aunt and uncle were all the family she’s had for years. But what she did for Aya; well, we can’t help but be proud of her for that. And, if she is able to end this insanity, then so be it.” Tam said, proudly looking to his niece. “Although, I’ll have to persuade your father to pass a bill to stop the import of grapes.”

“Tam really, Sen has more important things to do.”

“I’ve never asked anything of my brother. If it weren’t for Cime, he’d still be happy at the university.”

“Uncle Tam, please.” Kheda looked to him.

“You’re right Kheda, sorry. Let’s finish breakfast so you can go.”

After breakfast, Kheda and her aunt had a chat just as she promised. Tam and I loaded a ground cruiser full of supplies and our personal belongings. “Watch out for Aya he’s a little protective of his sister.”

“Aya? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?”

“Those two are very close. That’s why she’s going to him for help. But he won’t be as understanding as we are. Let Kheda do the talking with him and, for Kelta’s sake, don’t get into a fight with him. He may be a singer, but he’s still Kelsairan, and he has a lot of political pull.”

“Point taken.”

“Now I’ll give you two weeks to get safely off the planet, but then I must call my brother. I always do when Kheda visits. I will tell him about your engagement.”

“How do you think he’ll take it?”

“I don’t know. On the one hand, none of us thought Kheda would marry. Well, she couldn’t and on the other hand. You’re human. So, I simply don’t know.”

“Thanks, Tam.”

“You’re welcome Jackson; just take care of her.” I looked at him. “You humans worry too much.” He said as Kheda came up behind him.

“About what now? He’s always worried about something.” She grinned at me.

“And look where it’s gotten me. Maybe I should stop worrying.” I said sarcastically as I started the engine. Kheda climbed in beside me. “Where to?”

“Follow the road until we're out of the vineyard. We’ll stay in our country home tonight and the lake house tomorrow.”

“Can’t we make it to Vali today?”

“Yes, but Aya won’t be there until tomorrow. I might be recognized if we’re there too long. We’ll leave from the lake house that’s where I left my journals and the documents for my mission.”

“All right,” I waved goodbye to her family and moved the cruiser out. For as clunky as the ship looked it was fast. Kheda merely smiled when I mentioned it.

The country home looked like something out of a fairy tale. It was nestled in the woods with daub walls and a thatch roof. There was an overgrown garden of wildflowers growing in front with bright orange and red flowers. Kheda punched in a code on the lock, and the door swung open. The furniture inside was covered in sheets, and the place smelled musty. She went to the control panel and turned on the lights and ventilation.

“There’s a replicator in the kitchen. If you want to pick something for dinner, then I can make sure the bedroom and bathroom are in order.”

“I think I can do that, but we might have the same dishes tonight as last night,” I warned her. She smiled and headed upstairs with our bags. I watched her go in one of her skin-tight black one-piece outfits. I cleared my head, thinking if I didn’t I would need another cold shower. I found the plates and silverware and set them on the counter. I also found two glasses for one of the bottles of wine Tam sent. I replicated the only two dishes I could remember the names for and set them down just as Kheda returned.

“Good choices,” she commented as she pulled a stool out at the counter. I poured her a glass of wine without asking “I don’t drink.”