Page 12 of Space Balls: Houston, We Have Liftoff
Reading over my notes, I’m seriously regretting that decision right now.
The screen goes black, and the meeting winds down. I catch Ian eyeing the paper in front of me and quickly shuffle stuff on top of it. I guess I could ask him; his girlfriend was a bridesmaid too. But it’s rather embarrassing asking one co-worker if they know the full name of the girl you cut out of your other co-worker’s wedding with to have sex.
People talk about what sights to see and where they’re going for dinner as they gather their things. Someone brings up a group outing. Even European space agencies like to work hard and play hard, just like NASA.
“What do you say, guys?” Sebastian looks expectantly at Ian and me, trying to get a group together for pub hopping in town.
“Sorry, DuMont, I’m sightseeing.” Ian gathers his notes. “My girl wants to check out Frauenkirche.”
“Ah, the Cathedral of Our Lady.” Sebastian nods. With his longer hair falling into his face and his thick accent, he’s quintessentially European. “A great starting point in Old Town for sightseeing.” He assesses Ian. “Though I didn’t know you had a daughter.”
Ian’s phone lights up and he grabs it. “I don’t,” he says, distracted by his text.
I laugh at Sebastian’s confusion, and step in for Ian as he did for me. “Kincaid means his girlfriend.” I nudge Ian. “Though, who knows, maybe Ian likes to be called Daddy.”
“I see.” Sebastian laughs with me, but by the look on his face, he doesn’t see at all. Some things are just lost in translation, I guess.
Ian doesn’t look up as he texts back.
“And what about you?” Sebastian asks me. “Ifyou think you can keep up with us Germans, that is.”
Ian puts his phone down to gather his notes. His phone is still open to the text screen. Trish’s name at the top.
An idea forms.
“Any other day I’d take you up on that challenge, DuMont.” I lean back in my chair, hands behind my head. “But I’ve got plans.”
“Is this a coincidence or what?”
The look of dismay on Ian’s face is priceless as I saunter up to him and Trish exiting the south tower of Frauenkirche, one of the most visited sights in Munich.
“Why, hi-ya, Bodie.” In contrast, Ian’s girlfriend lights up with a smile when she sees me. “Are you here to see the Devil’s footstep too?” She points to where I’m standing.
Glancing down, I grin. I hadn’t realized my foot was nearly on top of the tile with the legendary fallen angel boot imprint. “Something like that.” I lean down to greet her, bending over more than I’m used to.
I’ve only ever seen Trish in sky-high heels, so standing next to her in sightseeing sneakers is a bit of a shock. Even with her hair pulled up in a top-knot, she barely comes up to my shoulder.
Ian quirks a brow at me, much like he did at our meeting.
“We went up the south tower first since a large group of tourists came in before us and were taking pictures of the tile.” She thumbs behind her. “You want to go up? We’ll wait for you.”
“Thanks, but that’s okay.” I step back out of the way for her to snap a picture of the boot print. “Want me to take a picture of the both of you?”
“Really? That’d be great, sugar.” She hands me her camera, and Ian, still looking wary, puts an arm around her.
I hold up the camera and step back, getting them and the boot print in the shot, along with the large arched wooden door in the background. It’s a pretty cool picture. “You won’t mind if I tagalong with you guys, will ya?” I hand her phone back, trying not to laugh as Ian frowns.
“Of course not.” Trish looks at the screen. “Sheesh, babe, why the serious face?”
I have to cough to cover my amusement.
Thirty minutes later, we’ve seen everything there is to see at Frauenkirche, and Trish excuses herself to the restroom. No sooner does she turn the corner down the hall than Ian faces me, arms crossed.
“All right. What are you really doing here?”
I shrug. “Sightseeing.”
“Like hell you are.” His words sound annoyed, but he’s given away by the smile on his face.
