Page 15 of I Married Kayog
She frowned, unsure how she felt about my response. “What of the band?”
“I told them to find a new singer if they wanted to move forward with any potential offers,” I replied while applying some soft soap on the canoe. “The guys always knew the deal from the beginning. It’s not like I sprung this on them last-minute and blindsided them.”
“But they undoubtedly hoped you would change your mind,” she insisted.
“You’re right,” I conceded. “However, that’s entirely on them. I made my stance crystal clear to them over and over again. Ifthey decide to remain in denial, there’s nothing I can do about it.”
“Why don’t you want to?” she asked with genuine curiosity. “You’re very talented, with incredible charisma, and you seemed to enjoy yourself.”
“I do enjoy singing, just like every other Temern. And I’m sure you do as well. But that doesn’t mean I want to make a career out of it,” I replied in a factual manner.
“Fair. Then what career actually appeals to you?”
I repressed a smile at this subtle get-to-know-a-potential-partner interrogation.
“In truth, I don’t know,” I said in all sincerity.
Right on cue, Linsea frowned. It was never a good look to have reached my age and still not know what we wanted to do, especially in an environment such as Acadia where everyone here was extremely driven and ambitious.
“But you’re working on your master’s, aren’t you?” she asked carefully, her confusion audible.
“I am,” I confirmed. “But this will be my third one.”
The shock plastered all over her face wrested an amused smile from me. That too was a common reaction whenever I revealed this to people.
A million thoughts flitted over her beautiful features. She was weighing which question might cross into the realm of inappropriate while also wondering how to sate her curiosity.
“That’s quite expensive,” she said at last.
I snorted. “Technically, you’re correct. However, beyond the fact that I can afford it, I’ve also been lucky enough to receive scholarships that have covered the cost for all three of them.”
Her brows shot up with a mix of shock, awe, and persisting confusion.
“So you’re some kind of Whiz kid, as the humans like to say,” she replied, still circling around the question she truly wanted to ask.
I shrugged as I began to rinse the soap off the canoe. “Not really. I’m just very curious, and I love to study. As I can’t stay idle, I’m constantly on the lookout for a new passion to capture my attention that will also give me a better understanding of our world. Since I’m an overachiever, I always strive to excel at whatever I do. In return, it’s given me some great opportunities such as these scholarships.”
“Considering how hard they are to obtain, I think you’re being excessively humble, which is pleasantly surprising. Lead singers and guitarists in bands usually have the reputation of being very hungry for attention and praise,” she said in a slightly teasing tone, although her curiosity remained unsated.
Under different circumstances, I believed she would have pried a lot more openly. As this was our first real interaction, Linsea would likely continue to test the waters for a while longer. I wanted her to simply be blunt. Saying I had nothing to hide would be a lie. However, if I ever hoped to have a chance at a future with her, sooner than later, I would have to reveal the freaky side of me that forced me into this hermit and asocial life.
“But to answer your question, I suspect I’ll eventually end up at a desk job drafting laws and articles around the Prime Directive and vulnerable species,” I said nonchalantly.
“A desk job?” Linsea echoed with an almost horrified expression. “You’re far too charismatic to lock yourself up in some sterile room typing up articles of law.”
I shrugged. “Time will tell, I guess. What about you? What exciting career appeals to you?”
She clicked her beak in that typical fashion that expressed reflection for us, a bit like when humans chewed their bottom lip before answering a sensitive question.
“Initially, I wanted to do charity work. But I’ve been seriously reconsidering it,” Linsea said pensively.
It was my turn to look surprised as I turned off the water and activated the fans around the base holding my canoe so that it would start drying it.
“Why? What changed your mind?”
“Control,” she replied in a self-evident manner. “I just finished an internship, which is why I missed the previous semester. One of the things that became painfully obvious was that charities are constantly begging and hoping they’ll receive some crumbs. The main way things move forward for them is if they have allies and advocates in high places. If I become an ambassador or political envoy, I can put pressure on the right people to make things happen.”
An almost predatory smile settled on my face.
