Page 99 of Rescuing Ally: Part 1
“Oh my God, you’re here!” She envelopes me in a fierce hug that nearly knocks the wind out of me. The familiar scent of her perfume—vanilla and something citrusy—brings a rush of memories, both good and painful. “It’s so good to see you.”
Emotion clogs my throat, my hands gripping her just as fiercely.
And then, just as quickly, she pulls back, scanning my face like she’s making sure I’m really standing in front of her.
“I have so much to tell you,” she says, eyes flashing with urgency.
Before I can answer, her expression shifts, turning serious.
“But first—” she glances around, lowering her voice, “—we need to talk. Like, right now.” She shoots a playfully stern look at Hank and Gabe. “You two have had her all to yourselves. My turn.”
Without waiting for Hank and Gabe to respond, Malia loops her arm through mine, pulling me away from them and deeper into the café.
“Look at you,” she says, examining me with bright eyes. “You look amazing!”
“So do you,” I reply, voice thick with emotion. She has changed—her dark hair is styled differently, and her face is fuller and healthier. Most striking is the absence of that haunted look in her eyes. “So much better than?—”
“Than in that hellhole?” she finishes for me, her smile turning wry. “Yeah, freedom agrees with me.” She tugs me behind the counter, her energy infectious. “Come see what I’ve been doing.”
As we round the corner, she lifts a hand in greeting. “Hey, Mike. Thanks again for coming in last minute.”
The technician, crouched in front of the espresso machine with his toolbox open, gives her a nod without looking up. “Wouldn’t miss it. This beast has seen better days.”
“Tell me about it.” Malia flashes a grin. “Treat her nice. She’s the only reason half this base functions.”
She shoots me a look and jerks her head toward the chaos. “Today is testing my patience. We’re down one machine and up about twenty percent in customers because some genius scheduled three department meetings back-to-back.” She sighs dramatically, then brightens.
“That machine’s been acting up ever since I came back,” Malia explains, following my gaze. “And, of course, it breaks down completely during our busiest time.”
Hank and Gabe get in line. Their laser-focused gaze follows me with mingled amusement and tolerant indulgence.
“Hey, if you’re not working on your thesis or, you know, doing anything—” her eyes flick briefly to Hank and Gabe, “—we could sure use an extra hand around here. No pressure, but you can escape and hide out here if you ever get bored.”
Before I can respond, she’s waving frantically at someone behind the counter. “Jenna! Come meet Ally.” Malia continues pulling me along, introducing me. “This is Jenna, my partner in caffeinated crime,” she says, indicating a woman with sleek dark hair pulled into a practical ponytail. “Jenna, this is Ally, quantum physicist extraordinaire and fellow Malfor survivor.”
Jenna’s smile is genuine yet distracted. “Welcome to the madhouse. Excuse the chaos—it’s not usually quitethis—” A crash from behind the counter makes her wince. “Duty calls. But seriously, welcome. Any friend of Malia’s is welcome here.”
As she rushes back to handle whatever crisis, Malia turns to introduce me to a young woman arranging pastries in a display case.
“And that’s Sophia,” she says, voice dropping slightly. “She was… well, she has her own history with Malfor.”
Something in Malia’s tone makes me look more closely at the woman. Sophia glances up, and our eyes meet. We share an instant of recognition—not of each other, but of the shadows we both carry.
“Hi. Malia’s said a lot of nice things about you. Nice to meet you.” She offers a small smile before returning to her work.
“And over there—” Malia points to a striking woman with long auburn hair pulled into a messy bun, efficiently working the remaining functional espresso machine, “—that’s Rebel. Another twice-rescued woman, like you.”
I blink in surprise. “Twice?”
“Long story,” Malia says. “One she should tell you herself sometime. But, just so you know, Rebel is with Ethan. Mia, who you haven’t met yet but should, is with Rigel. Sophia is with Blake. Jenna’s with his twin, Carter. Of course, I’ve got Walt, and now you have Hank and Gabe. We need to make things official.”
“Official?”
“Yeah, like…” Malia grins, eyes lighting up. “A name. For us. The women who survived falling for the men of Charlie team.”
I laugh. “Survived?”
“Barely,” she smirks. “We need something badass. Something that says we’re not just arm candy—we’re in the trenches, too. Emotionally, at least.”
