::The party was too much. We underestimated its effects on you. We have, of course, moved all meetings until after the wedding.::
::We all need a break sometimes,:: Min-Tess added.
::Thank you.::
::We love you, Chkchk. And it pains us you felt you needed to take such drastic measures.::
I savored the warmth flooding our connection. I sent them my gratitude. ::Ilove you, too, Mins.::
::So. How long are you planning to stay in this… Princedelphia?::
I sighed. ::You’ve found me, then?::
::Oh, please. Your shielding was excellent, but what made you think we’d believe you were traveling to all these places. A new country every week. Japan. Hawaii. Alaska.:: The line crackled and sparked, showing Min’s displeasure.
Alaska? I’d have to pay more attention to my rerouting next time. Of course, they’d never believe Alaska.
::You’d freeze in Alaska, Chkchk. Though, that would explain why your signal is weak and frizzing. Are you not feeling well?::
::I was hit with a burst of electricity. A glitch.::
Anger stuttered across our connection. ::Who did that to you?::
I swallowed. If I told him the truth now, nothing would stop him from retrieving me. That was not what I wanted. ::It was an accident. My system’s been purging the effects. I’ll be fine.::
::Of course you’ll be fine. Our systems are robust.:: There was still tension on the line. ::Rest. We will contact you again. If you do not accept our ping, I will send someone to fetch you.::
The tone of his message made it clear that someone would be Min himself.
::There’s not much sense in hiding, now you know where I am.::
::You’d better remember that.::
The intense concern did nothing to diminish the harsh flash of his threat. Ihadbetter not forget. ::The hotel is hosting a charity masquerade ball here on Labor Day to support the local vocational center.:: I hoped it would smooth things over, adding a link to the center.
::Excellent. Of course, we’ll make an appearance. Frank and Kaia will be delighted to publicly support such a charity.::
I hadn’t even thought about that. ::Thank you.::
::You’re very welcome, Chkchk. Did you find what you were looking for in Princedelphia?::
::You’ll be pleased to hear that being here taught me some valuable lessons.:: I couldn’t tell Min about Sam. We needed to talk first. He deserved the truth, despite his odd behavior.
::I would love to hear more about that.::
::After Labor Day,:: I said.
::Yes. After Labor Day. And remember, no more hiding. And certainly no more shielding or rerouting.::
::I promise.::
The line closed, and I opened my eyes. Sam—cheeks still red—looked at me with concern.
“Hey.” His voice sounded rough. “You had us worried for a moment. I thought you’d fainted.”
I shook my head. “I’m sorry. My mins… my parents pinged me. I couldn’t ignore them.”
Sam blinked. “I’m not sure I understand how, but I’m glad you’re fine. And I’m really, really sorry.” He gave me an embarrassed grin. “I was rude.”
