Page 69 of Shadows of Stardust

“You can call me Ros, by the way.” The offer slips out before I can think better of it, and when I catch his questioning look, I clarify. “It’s a nickname. Something my friends call me.”

“Ros.” He tests the name, thinking for a moment. “Occasionally, I’ve been called Zan by those I consider friends or by trusted members of my squadron.”

I arch a brow. “Which am I?”

He returns the look, something like amusement softening his features. “Co-conspirators may also have the privilege of informality.”

“Works for me,” I say gamely, and add, “Zan.”

The warmth in his expression is unmistakable this time, and I don’t have to try too hard to make grabbing his hand and walking up the path with him feel almost natural.

19

Roslyn

Mate Match Transcript: S24 E5 INTERVIEW 7

Contestant: Roslyn|Producer: Sella

S: Roslyn, I have to say, you and Zandrel seem like you’ve been having a great few days

R: Yeah. We, uh, we’ve really been enjoying our time here.

S: I bet you have been. Can you tell me what you’re most looking forward to this week?

R: Umm, more of the same, I guess?

S: [laughs] Well, I can pretty confidently say it won’tallbe the same this week.

R: What does that mean?

S: I can’t spoil the surprise, but I promise it’ll be great for you and Zandrel.

R: That sounds… awesome.

Our luck runs out two days later.

It starts in the morning, with Sella showing up bright and early at the bungalow.

Zan and I make a mad dash to put the living space back in order. We toss the pillow and blankets he’s been using on thecouch into the bedroom, make sure all his comms gear is hidden, and by the time I open the door, I’m flushed and flustered.

Which, I guess is alright, because Sella gives me a wide, knowing grin, and I’m not about to correct her assumptions about what we were just up to.

“Big day today!” she says, sweeping in with gusto and waving a wardrobe assistant in behind her.

“Is it?” I mutter around a jaw held tight with anxiety when I spy a half-dozen new, no doubt expensive and ostentatious, dresses in their arms.

“Yes!” She directs the assistant to put the dresses in the bedroom, glancing into the room with another little satisfied smile at what a mess the bed is.

Fine. Let her think Zan and I are destroying the place. All the better for our performance.

“Sit,” she says to both of us, standing on one side of the wide kitchen island as we reluctantly drop into stools on the other.

“Production is out filming a couple of dates today, but they’re hosting a big bonfire tonight for all the contestants.”

“And?” Zandrel asks, surly and unamused, as always.

I have to hide my smile, even as I give him a nudge with my knee under the counter. A little reminder to get in the game.

---