Page 2 of Tattle Tail
“Then you should have done adequate research before making such a purchase.”
“New vessels should qualify for a waiver. The plastic film is still on the screens.” He folded his arms over his chest, as if that was a valid point and not the petulant complaint of a kit.
“New does not mean environmentally sound. Newcomers should respect a sovereign planet’s regulations and not whine because they failed to do a simple search on the network,” she said.There. That was a valid point.
Valerian clapped her hands together. “Oh, this is lovely. I knew you’d get along.”
Joseph
Get along?
“Mother…” Words failed him. He didn’t even know where to start.
“You add vibrancy, and she helps calm all this,” Valerian said, waggling her fingers in his general direction.
This was mortifying.
He didn’t want a party, and who threw a housewarming party when someone else moved into your house? Winter Cayne, apparently. Bazillionaires—or however much he was worth—played by their own rules.
You’d think a rich guy’s party would be fun, with over-the-top spectacles, but it was mostly filled with the kit’s school friends and some CayneTech employees. As far as Joseph could tell, Winter and Mari had no friends. The booze was practically water, the only music was from the kits clumsily strumming instruments, and the sweltering weather added to the misery. People clumped together for awkward conversations. No one appeared to be enjoying themselves, but no one had the nerve to leave, lest they upset the boss man.
Boss cat. Boss alien. Whatever.
“This party makes me sad, Mari,” he said.
He wanted a drink, a real drink, and some time away from his family. He loved his mother, but it had been a long journey in a small ship. He wanted a minute alone to recharge his battery. Valerian was the one in the family who thrived on social functions, flitting from conversation to conversation like a butterfly. Mari did all right, as far as Joseph could tell, but he craved quiet and solitude.
Piloting cargo ships meant he had plenty of time by himself or a small crew. Just when he had reached the limit and started craving social contact, the ship would dock, and he’d spend a night in a bar or club. Maybe he’d take someone home, maybe not. The next day, it was time to leave, and no feelings were hurt. It was the perfect system, as far as he was concerned, but Mari had to ruin it by running off to marry Winter Cayne.
He didn’t like the male on principle. The first time they met, Joseph arrived at Mari’s apartment with dinner, and Winter immediately started throwing punches. Who skipswho are youandwhat are you doing hereand goes straight to physical assault?
Winter Cayne, apparently.
Then they got married, because of course his sister married the guy. Joseph was absolutely ready to believe it was for the money, even if that painted Mari in a crass light. Then he thought it might be because Winter had a teenage son and manipulated Mari’s emotions. No. It was love. Even Joseph had to admit that the devotion between Winter and Mari was obvious.
Sickening, really.
Then his mother decided to sell the family company and relocate to Corra to focus on her family and new grandchild.
And that was how Joseph was stuck standing around in the sun with sweaty balls and a hot alien giving him the side-eye. Well, hot in a judgy, better-than-you way.
Marigold rolled her eyes. “You’re welcome. Nothing makes me happier than throwing a party that makes you sad.”
“Happy to help.”
“And don’t be a dick to my guests. I’m sorry, Peaceable,” she said to the Tal woman.
“It is not a problem,” Peaceable answered. Collected and elegant in a light, summery outfit, not a hair on her head was out of place. Everyone else melted in the heat, and she looked perfectly fresh. He wanted to see her messy. Make her messy. The uptight ones were always wild once you got them going.
“I’m only a dick to people who invite themselves into private conversations. This is an A-B conversation, soseeyour way out,” he added, just to get a reaction from her.
Color rose in her cheeks. Success.
“You’re unbelievable,” Marigold said, disapproval dripping from her voice.
So what? He wouldn’t apologize. Peaceable butted into their conversation. She was rude first.
He felt the need to add, “For the record, the ship is scheduled for an upgrade next week to make it compliant, but it’s the principle. I shouldn’t be fined for the time my ship is grounded and not actively ruining the atmosphere.” Or, at the very least, he should get a refund on those days.
