Page 58 of Uprooted
“The first thing I do when we get back is throw those bots into the incinerator,” I say.
“Oh, that can all wait. I’m not in any hurry to return to Earth,” Andi says.
“You’re not?” I’m surprised by her comment. I had expected her to be jumping on the first transport shuttle to get back and implement everything we have learned over the last few months.
“I trust our colleagues back on Earth to continue on without us,” she says and smiles back at Aro.
41
Elowen
It’s incredibly intimate to enter Aro’s apartment. It feels like him the moment I step off the elevator, directly into his warm and cozy home. Soft rugs and overstuffed chairs fill the space. Shelves are stacked with pictures and books. His maximalist style is at odds with modern spartan trends.
The external wall is one giant window and a shade has been drawn, muting the bright light. I step closer to take in the view. We are hundreds of stories up and the neighboring buildings still tower over us. The view’s not completely obstructed. I can still see the mountain range looming over the city in the distance.
I poke around for a quick minute before Aro appears with a fresh, fluffy towel and takes me to the bathroom. He’s already turned on the water in the shower for me. Such a small gesture, but it endears me to him even more.
His shower is leagues ahead of the cramped bathtubs I’ve been using at the dome. It’s spacious and steamy. I allow myself to linger for a while.
I start to feel guilty for how much water I use and step onto a soft bathmat. Again, I’m impressed with Aro’s place. In the past I have found myself in guys' apartments that were messy and hardly habitable. One was empty except for a bare mattress in the corner—with no sheets or blankets. Discarded empty noodle containers and torn open whisky packs littered the floor. Needless to say, I got out of there immediately. A bathmat wouldn’t have even been a possibility.
Of course Aro would have a grown-up apartment. The guy who brings sunshine and confidence to every room he walks into would have a home that reflects that.
Staying here is as private as it’s going to get, and I am ready to get naked. I desperately want him, and we are running out of time. I sift through his drawers and pull out one of his shirts. The maroon button-down shirt covers me all the way to mid-thigh, the sleeves well past my hands. I tug the bottom down as far as it can go, roll up the sleeves to my elbows, and inspect myself in the mirror.
I hear Aro tinkering around in the kitchen. The smell of his cooking makes me hurry to him. Aro has his back to me, cooking something on his stove. I’m impressed that he is actually cooking and we’re not just having instant noodles. He’s clearly enjoying himself, spinning the spatula around and adding spices with flourish. I didn’t know he liked cooking. I tuck this away as another detail I will hold onto.
“That smells amazing,” I tell Aro as I walk up behind him. I hug his narrow waist and peer around him to see what’s cooking. It looks like stir-fry. Thick slices of meat with sautéed colorful veg in a sizzling sauce.
“I hope you like it.” He turns and passes me a bowl of steaming food. I take it with me to a stool at the countertop.
My mouth waters while I blow to cool it down before taking a bite. I slowly chew the food, savoring every second.
“You’re my hero. This is the first time I’ve had something other than noodles in months and it’s amazing,” I tell Aro before taking another big bite.
“I’m glad you like it. Eat up. I’m going to jump in the shower.” He pulls his shirt over his head as he swaggers down the hallway. I crane my neck to watch him strip. He is exquisite. My attention returns to my food and it doesn’t take long before I’ve finished every single bite.
Shortly after I finish my food, Aro’s back and towel drying his hair. He’s changed into a pair of gray sweatpants that hang low on his waist. He snags my bowl, piles on more food, fills one up for himself and sits on the stool next to me as he hands me my seconds.
“So, what’s the plan?” I ask.
“You’re looking at it.”
“I like this plan. Real food, no shifts at the lab. A girl could get used to this.” It comes out of my mouth without thinking. I want to take it back, but it’s too late. The words were said, even though I know I’ll be leaving soon. Even though it’s the truth, I could get used to this, I shouldn’t be saying it out loud.
“You could stay.” It’s nearly a whisper.
Aro pulls me to him and kisses my lips. He deepens the kiss while grabbing my shirt collar. I slip off my stool and take a step toward him. I find myself standing between his legs trying to get closer. I cup the back of his neck. Being here with him feels right, and I’ll save all my worries about leaving for later. Right now, I just want him.
I realize I’ve interrupted his dinner. He’s got to be starving by now. I end our kiss and climb back up onto the stool next to him. I am genuinely impressed with how quickly he eats.
“What do you think they’re doing at the muradome right now?” I ask, only slightly concerned Bri has backed herself into a lie that will result in major consequences for the both of us, or that everyone at the facility will think I have a severe digestive condition.
“If Tai and Bri haven’t killed each other yet, I’d say it’s a pretty boring night.” He smiles and takes his last bite. “Tai hasn’t said a word about their little snuggle session on the couch back in the rec room.”
“Bri either. I think they’re in denial.”
He starts cleaning up from dinner. I grab my plate to help and he snatches it back with a stern look. Next thing I know he has me by the waist and he’s hoisted me up and sets me on the counter. He pushes down on my shoulders, holding me in place.
