Page 28 of Solan
Solan nodded, took the gifts, and headed out of the store. He slowed. He had no clue where to find Vegas. It was late; she was most likely in her quarters.
He spotted a small blonde female up ahead. That was Vegas’s companion, the woman who had been with her in the docking bay when he arrived. He hurried after her. She would know where Vegas was.
“Wait! Stop walking. Miss...” Solan had forgotten her name. He caught hold of her upper arm and spun her around.
The woman’s eyes widened as their gazes locked. “My! You have a strong grip.”
“You did not respond to my voice command. I need to speak with you. Miss...”
“Heather Roberts, at your service.” She gently plucked his fingers from her arm. “How might I help you, Colonel Solan?”
“I’m looking for Vegas.”
Heather’s eyes went to the candy and wine, and she smiled. “She is off duty.”
“Where are her quarters?”
“Are those gifts for her?” A twinkle of delight shone in Heather’s wide eyes.
“They are.”
“Then let me show you the way.” Heather tapped Solan’s arm. “Vegas does enjoy candy. We often share.”
“Perhaps she will allow you one of these.”
“I’m sure she will.” Heather peered at the box. “You’ve made a good choice. They are her favorite.”
“She will be pleased?”
Heather chewed on her bottom lip. “She might be. But don’t take it personally if she’s a little stand-offish. Vegas is under a lot of stress because of work. Sometimes, it doesn’t make her think all that clearly.”
Solan nodded. “I have noticed her behavior is odd.”
A startled laugh came out of Heather as she led them along a corridor. “Odd how?”
“She has rejected me.”
Heather laughed again. “That is odd.”
“It is. Does Vegas have particular standards I do not meet?”
“Oh! No, I think you fit her standards just fine.” Heather glanced at Solan’s muscles, and then looked away, a grin on her face.
“Then there is another problem? She does not like Galaxars?”
“She likes Galaxars well enough,” Heather said. “At My Single Alien, we welcome all aliens.”
“Then I do not understand,” Solan said. “I will attempt to make her see logic.”
Heather stopped by a door. “Good luck with that. This is Vegas’s quarters. Do you want me to stay?”
“Your presence is not needed.”
“Enjoy yourself.” Heather pressed the buzzer on the door before hurrying away. Solan saw her stop at the end of the corridor and give him a wave and a thumbs-up.
He found himself repeating the odd gestures back at her. These humans were most peculiar.
The door in front of him opened. Vegas wore a pair of soft gray pants and a white T-shirt. Her hair was tied off her face, short tendrils framing her features. He liked the look more than her formal work jumpsuit.
