Page 151 of Cerulean Truth
I let out a real laugh. "No, I'm notthathappy to meet him. But Julian is coming in next week on Monday, staying for three weeks, and I have to orchestrate his entire stay, so I was hoping you wouldn't mind postponing our date until he left."
She pursed her lips and I frowned. I was adamant not to let anything come between us, but surely she could give me three more weeks?
“Only three more weeks, Em, honestly, what’s the rush?” I said a little annoyed at her silent reaction.
She swallowed slowly and took a minute to answer.
“There’s no rush, you’re right. What are three more weeks, right?” She smiled, hope shining through her eyes again. I winked and squeezed her hand.
“So,” she continued, “tell me, what are you organizing for your childhood hero to do over here?”
I sighed. “I still can’t really grasp it. I mean, the guy is a living legend, being on this earth for more than twenty cycles… What do you think he did all this time? He’s seen it all.”
She whistled. “For two thousand years? Wonder how much porn he watched…”
I nudged her with my elbow and she laughed.
“Is there a specific reason he’s coming here?” she asked.
"Something related to Resistants. I think he wants to discuss strategy for the Great Exposure," I shared, avoiding specific details but staying close enough to the truth.
She frowned. "Does he really need to travel all the way here for that? Why not simply use his Nexus?"
"Technically, that's precisely what he'll be doing. He’s a Specialist now so with diplomatic immunity in almost every Collective worldwide, he can portal at will through our Layers. But, you know, considering he's been around for so long, I suppose he wants to ensure, in person, every Collective is fully on board with the Great Exposure."
She nodded pensively. “You’re very cute when you get this excited over someone, even when they’re not me.” Her tone was playful though I thought I’d detected a hint of sadness.
I observed her as she stood up, effectively letting go of my hand.
“I’mlate for a meeting with the triplets. Catch you later?” she asked, rather distantly.
I nodded. “Sure, catch you later,”I replied as she turned away from me and walked out of the Atrium. We hadn’t fought; nothing "bad" had happened. But somehow, as I watched her walk away, I realized the high cloud I had been on the entire morning had descended to a lower, colder level, and I knew I was to blame for that.
I sighed.How was it possible to get it all wrong at every turn when it came to Emma?
FORTY-ONE
EMMA
I should’ve known a kiss wasn’t about to drastically change everything, but I hoped. He had asked me out on a date, right? That was change for the positive! Even if he did take it back only a minute later, he had explained why and it made sense. It was only three weeks, but still, I felt a bit “postponed.” Why was going on a date with that guy such a challenge?
We had been dancing around our feelings for each other for months, and I just wanted…. Urgh, whatever, he had expressed his wish to take me on a date and I was going to focus on the “I want to date you” and not dwell on the “but not right now” part.
It was rather endearing to witness James's excitement about Julian. I had already heard extraordinary tales about the man—the legend—not only from James but from everyone around. Surprisingly, even Enya, who rarely showed enthusiasm about anything, was eagerly anticipating his arrival.
A few nights before The Elder's arrival, I found myself in a slightly awkward encounter with Nino and Justine at the Cube. Justine was effusive in her praise for Julian, the actual name of the Elder.
"Do you realize he's a two-thousand-year-old magus, an Offensiveanda Specialist? And apparently, he's one of thehottest specimens on Earth," Justine exclaimed, her excitement transparent. I couldn't help but suspect she had learned those lyrics from James's "Julian's Sing Along Notebook."
I nodded, striving to maintain the facade of enthusiasm.
"You should appreciate the fact you even get to see him in person," she remarked sharply, catching onto my feigned excitement.
I nodded again, replying, "Yes, I’m sure it'll be a 'dear diary' moment."
Nino, who hadn’t said much up until then, cracked a slow, unexpected smile, but Justine ignored my dry comments entirely.
If we were to believe our local supermodel slash Healer, we would meet The Übermensch. So yeah, I got it—Julian was amazing, and we should all be thankful for his existence. Still, how was that guy getting more attention from James than I was?
