Page 20 of Badass Alien Boss

“What did she do before?”

“I’ll give you sixty-seven guesses.”

Michaela laughed. “Sixty-seven, huh? She must have done something special. Okay, here goes. My first guess is…professional matchmaker.”

He laughed. “Nope, but good guess. She’s kind of doing that now as a hobby. She’s passionate about fixing people up.” Whether they wanted to be or not.

“Hmm…” She peered at Mama through the pass-through window. She bustled around the kitchen, firing orders at the staff. “Drill sergeant.”

He chuckled. “You’re getting warmer,” he said, impressed.

“Captain?”

“Warmer.”

“So, military. How far up the chain of command should I go?”

“All the way.”

“General?” She raised her eyebrows. “Or is it admiral? What do you call your top commander?”

“In the space force, it’s admiral. But Mama was a civilian—she is the former Luturnan minister of defense. She oversaw all our military branches,” he said.

Michaela glanced at the colorful woman in the kitchen and laughed. “You never know about people.”

“You narrowed it down really fast,” he said. “You’re sharp.” And attractive. Beautiful when she smiled.

“Two specials!” Chaumi approached with two steaming platters releasing mouthwatering savory aromas. “Mama says it’s on the house.” She placed the dishes on the table.Kumash.A roasted, glazed waterfowl served with seasoned vegetables. He’d had it once; it was exceptional. But he could pay for it. “That’s not necessary.”

“You take it up with her; I’m not going to do it,” Chaumi said.

Michaela giggled.

“All right, then. Thank you.” Ruyn waved at Mama in the kitchen.

She beamed a sly smile.

“Enjoy your meal,” Chaumi said.

“I’m anxious to try this,” Michaela said, and he watched as she forked a bite. With the first taste, she closed her eyes, and her expression turned blissful. “Mmm. Oh, wow. This is fantastic.”

“Nobody cooks like Mama.” He grinned and took a bite. It was better than he remembered. “I think she lures people in with food so she can try to set them up.”

She laughed. “It would be worth the risk for food like this.”

He was more curious than he should be about her love life.This is just a job, and then she’ll be gone. Moving on again.Which was fine because he wasn’t yet in any state to get involved with anyone. Not until he was stronger, but his noticeable improvement seeded hope his life might return to normal. He’d been told he’d limp the rest of his life. Long term, he had no desire to remain in his older brother’s employ. The military was out. Finance was a possibility. He liked numbers, and he’d worked in the field before. Besides, what else did he know?

“How long do you think you’ll continue with GAL Friday?” he asked.

“You’re my last rotation,” she replied. “After this, I’ll go home to Earth. I miss my family.

“I probably shouldn’t share this with a client, but GAL Friday was always intended to be a stepping stone. My goal is to open my own security and investigations firm. I like this line of work; it suits my skill set—if I’m not getting shot at.” She chuckled. “But I also like being my own boss—no offense.”

“None taken.”

“When I first got out of the military, I joined a small private investigations firm and discovered I had a knack for investigation. I worked a lot of interesting cases—but I also got stuck with some real sleepers. I want to pick my own cases—do work that intrigues me. I love figuring out a puzzle.

“Opening my own firm takes capital. Licensing, equipment, office furniture. GAL Friday pays more than the small firm I worked for, so jumping ship was a no-brainer. And—I’m getting galactic experience and making alien contacts. I can start my company on Earth and then go interplanetary. Today the world—tomorrow the galaxy!”