Union of Souls (Gigaparsec Book 3) by Rhine Scott

Author:Rhine, Scott [Rhine, Scott]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2015-08-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19 – Can’t Go Home Again

Reuben and Roz escorted the nervous, young Blythe through customs at Shangri-La Station. The racing gloves matched his outfit, but being framed by attractive women kept people from asking too many questions. He couldn’t risk touching some random ewe and exposing his secret. Reuben had a doctor’s excuse from Max to use the neural staff as a walking aid, but Blythe still held his arm. “I can do this myself,” Reuben complained after the awkward experience of passing through a revolving door with her.

“So could I,” Blythe said. “I’m an adult, and my parents will be meeting me in the luggage area just over there.”

“I’ll go rent a shuttle for the deliveries and pickups,” Roz said, giving them an excuse to be alone for a few moments.

Reuben shuffled his feet. “We really need to buy a shuttle of our own.”

Blythe handed him a bundle of oatmeal cookies, tied with a red ribbon. “Here. You’ve done more for me than I can ever repay. Roz said these are your favorite.”

“Oh-ho. Yes,” he said, inhaling the aroma. “With cinnamon. You do care.”

She gazed into his eyes expectantly.

Reuben patted his suit jacket. “I made something for you as well.” He held out a pale-blue data cube. “Instrumental music helps children improve math scores and build more structured brains. I picked selections you enjoyed so that—”

Blythe kissed him, and he forgot the rest of the speech. She melted against him, but he felt uncomfortable, like he was taking advantage.

Evidently, her father felt the same as he charged down the hallway. “What is the meaning of this, young lady?” he bellowed in Mnamnabonian. “I almost bankrupt myself paying for your treatments, and you want to throw your future away on some ram you just met?”

“You don’t understand.” Blythe began with shouting and transitioned to tears.

Reuben snuck away during the argument that followed. He bumped into an older version of Blythe at the end of the hall. With a ghost of a smile, she held out a hand, “Arabella Gentle. Pleased to meet you.”

“Sorry to cause such problems at the reunion.” Reuben never heard the father’s name.

Arabella waved the concern away. “They’re both so headstrong. It’s inevitable. Her coma was the first peace we had at the resort in years.”

Reuben frowned. “Blythe was always so agreeable and kind for us.”

“That’s because she’s in love and wants to put her best foot forward.”

Reuben covered his face. “I didn’t take advantage of her, I swear.”

“Why not? She’s of age. What’s wrong with her?”

“Nothing. I’m the one who cured her at Laurelin Station. It would have been inappropriate.”

“I located her father in an avalanche and treated him for hypothermia by climbing into the same sleeping bag. Relationships develop.”

Reuben felt her appraising gaze on his tailored suit. “On the trip, she worked for me as a cook. I couldn’t date an employee.”

“Blythe cooked? Dear, I didn’t realize it was this serious. You’re a very brave man.” She glanced toward her daughter’s vehement gesturing. “Stop by Hidden Valley during your visit.

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