Page 77 of Bound By Stars
On the landing behind us, Gianna clears her throat. I know it as well as her voice. Climbing the steps, she motions up the stairs. “Let’s get the girl home.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Jupiter
SeventeenNine days to Mars
Class drags on in the morning and, after everything that happened last night, I can’t begin to focus on anything Calypso is saying. Weslie glances across the table. My mind drifts back to the previous night. The sounds. The rush. The feel of her against me.
The lights flash along with the bell, and we’re excused.
I grab my things and round the table, lacing my fingers into hers. My whisper is low and breathy. “Library?”
She chews on her bottom lip, her mouth working into a smirk as she nods.
“Wes, you have to see this. I had this dream last night.” Asha tugs Weslie toward a table and lays out her tablet, swiping across the screen.
“Meet me in the hall.” Her fingers slip from mine as she follows her friend.
“This dress came to me. It would be perfect for you. Just look at the cut of the neckline. I’m thinking jewel tones to complement your hair.”
“I don’t have a lot of reasons to wear a dress like that, Asha. You’re forgetting.” She points both thumbs at herself. “Earther. Remember?”
“Not after you present ILSA.”
Weslie half smiles and shrugs.
Does she want to stay on Mars? And what if she doesn’t? I would go back to Earth in a heartbeat.
Skye touches my back. “You really like her.”
I take a full, deep breath, pressing my lips together. She’s one of my best friends, but I can’t talk to her about this. I can’t tell her that Weslie makes me feel like the future might not be so bad, that I could have a chance to make it better. Because when I look at Skye, all I can think is that Andi is still gone. I lost my sister. Skye lost her first love. Same tragedy, different damage. But it’s like a barrier between us.
“I remember that feeling.” Her eyes glisten. I don’t have to say it. She knows. “What are you two going to do once we get to Mars?”
“I’m going to refuse the position. I’m not the only one in line.” I nod toward Hale as he walks out the door with Meridian by his side. I’ve been lying awake every night trying to figure out how to talk to my parents without destroying them.
“You better help me talk all our parents out of this alliance then. I may notwantto marry you, but I would rather launch myself into space than deal with Hale for the rest of my life.”
I laugh. “Fair.”
Weslie and Asha follow the flow of people out into the hall.
“I’ve heard of heirs petitioning to concede their position before, but there’s usually an agreement reached before that happens.” She can’t mask the worry in her voice. Biting her cheek, she glances toward Weslie. “Think your parents will go for it? Making him the family heir?”
No. “I have to try.” After dinner tonight. I decided the moment I opened my eyes this morning. I have to make them listen before we get off this ship and everything’s too routine to change my mother’s mind.
“Let me know how it goes.” Skye pats my arm, hugs her tablet to her chest, and backs away.
Halfway down the hall outside the classroom, Weslie leans against the wall, waving goodbye to Asha and Tar. When her eyes swing back to me, her expression softens. The same way she looked at me in the alcove last night before our perfect moment was interrupted. A warm, fluttering sensation floods my body, and it takes all my restraint not to run to her.
A familiar grip latches onto my shoulder. “Just in time to head to your tutoring session, Mr. Dalloway.”
Weslie’s expression falls when she sees Gianna behind me.
“I was just on my way to lunch, so…” I spin out of her grip, but she grabs hold of my arm.
“Your mother arranged a special lunch to be delivered to your family’s quarters, so you’ll have time to catch up on all your missed lessons.”
