Page 22 of Close Encounters of the Hot Kind

Damn it. Tessa logic strikes again.

"Fine. You're right. The alien thing isn't a deal breaker." I fidget with the crystal flower. "But he needs to come clean about it."

"Totally. I mean, you already know he's not human. But like, what else don't you know?" Tessa leans forward. "Does he have tentacles? A prehensile tail?"

"Can we focus? I need ideas on how to get him to admit it."

"Okay, okay." Tessa taps her chin. "We could set up one of those alien detection kits. You know, the ones they sell on late night TV."

"Be serious."

"What about taking him to a sci-fi movie? See how he reacts?"

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, because aliens totally watch Star Wars for accuracy."

"Ooh! Get him drunk! People always spill their secrets when they're wasted."

"Do aliens even get drunk? And where would I get alien booze?"

"Fair point." Tessa drums her fingers on the table. "You could always just ask him straight up."

"Right. 'Hey Charles, quick question - are you from outer space?' That'll go over well."

A wicked grin spreads across Tessa's face. "You know, you could always blow him. I bet his disguise doesn't cover his whole body."

My face burns as I drop my head into my hands. "Oh my god."

"What? I'm just saying - get him worked up enough, something's bound to slip."

"I hate you so much right now."

"Only because I'm right." Tessa winks and takes a smug sip of her coffee.

My phone buzzes again. Another text from Charles.

"Are you free this weekend?"

The familiar weekend rush at Papa Marella's flashes through my mind. "Can't. Restaurant's packed on weekends. Not off until Monday."

"What time do you finish Sunday?"

"Around eight at night."

"I will pick you up then. Plan for an overnight trip."

The phone slips in my sweaty grip. "Where?" My fingers shake so hard I have to retype three times. "You don't have to take me anywhere special."

"It's a surprise and you deserve special things."

The phone dangles from my numb fingers. My mouth opens and closes, but no words come out.

Tessa snatches the phone, her eyes scanning the screen. A giggle bubbles up from her throat. "Girl! Maybe he's taking you to his home planet?"

"Not helping, Tess."

But my heart races at the thought. An overnight trip. With him. Somewhere special.

Somewhere that might not be on any Earth map.

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