“Okay, you have to figure out how we can see who exactly is giving off gamma, because I got loaded with second-hand radiation and have absolutely no idea who these people were. And before you ask why, I think it would be really helpful in meeting these other people and getting more information spread about this. Maybe not immediately, but eventually, like we talked about.”

  Leo stared at me from the barstool, spoon halfway to his mouth. I let go of my suitcase handle and watched it topple over onto the floor beside me as I held Leo’s gaze expectantly. While I was grateful that Leo indefinitely loaned me a set of luggage for the days I travelled for my new job, it hadn’t come with a run-down of how to pack a balanced bag.

  “Welcome home,” he greeted, returning to what smelled like soup.

  “Thanks,” I answered distractedly. This two-night work trip had been my first time traveling on a plane, and I could still feel the giddy nerves and adrenaline rushing through my body. My brain was probably short-circuiting from all the new I had experienced in such a short time frame. Mads had been wonderful, explaining everything with patience, like how to get through airport security, booking a rental car from the terminal, and pre-checking into the hotel and downloading the room key to my phone. She went over what expenses the company credit would cover—food and water—and which would not—anything else, including alcohol, unless there was prior approval.

  The first night there we’d patronized the hotel bar, getting to know each other and discovering a mutual love of books. While Mads preferred mysteries and thriller and I preferred fantasy and romance, there was still plenty to talk about. We compared views on different tropes, agreeing that miscommunication ones were the absolute worst, because just fucking talk to people. My confession, and subsequent explanation, of my love of light stalker romances had Mads in tears from laughing. She hadn’t shamed me, but thought of the idea as hilarious. In real life, I agreed that stalking was definitely not something I’d be into, but in fiction? Hell the fuck yeah: sign me up for someone so utterly obsessed with me they’d cross all the lines to show their love for me.

  The second day was packed full of interviews, running around the city, finishing four before we took a thirty-minute break for lunch, and continuing on well into the evening. We’d ordered room service at nine for dinner and had both immediately passed out, only to do it again the next morning before we had to head back to the airport for our flight home.

  Mads shared that the trips were usually not so busy, but because I was there and led half the interviews myself, they’d loaded our schedule so I could get as much experience as possible. Which was a relief, because if I was expected to do that many on my own? No, thank you.

  My steps were bouncy as I walked over to Leo—maybe more like skipped—and sat down next to him. He eyed my warily.

  “I was thinking that maybe we could look into, like, radiation residue, or something. Like if I were to shake someone’s hand, would that give, like, third-hand radiation? Is that a thing? I think it is.”

  “Can you just, I don’t know, sit down and relax for like a half hour?”

  I made a face at him and crossed my arms. “Why?”

  He paused, looking at me like I had sprouted a second head. “Aren’t you exhausted? You’ve ben gone for three days and just got back thirty seconds ago.”

  Pausing, I self-checked how I was feeling. I had the start of a headache from the air pressure differences on the plane, but otherwise felt…fine, even after such a busy trip. Thinking harder, I couldn’t recall the last time I felt this good. Had using my ability really offset the LaShoul’s already? To this extent? I’d need to ask Alex about it.

  I shrugged, saying, “I’m fine. Do you need a half hour to relax? Aren’t you home a bit early?” He was. I’d expected to get back from the airport before he got home, and with the support group meeting tonight, I was surprised to see him at all today.

  “My meeting was cancelled, so I decided to call it a day since it’s been rescheduled to tomorrow evening, after I’m normally off.”

  “So that means you have more time tonight to work on something?” I hinted with raised eyebrows.

  With an exasperated sigh, he dropped his spoon into his bowl and stood up to put it in the sink.

  “Why don’t you come up with something?” he asked.

  I leaned back. “Because I’m no good at it.”

  “Have you tried?”

  I just looked at him. Who was he kidding here? “Leo, I have no experience, training, or anything involving that kind of tech. I wouldn’t know where to start.”

  “You could always learn.”

  “How?”

  He rinsed out his bowl and spoon before putting them in the dishwasher. “There’s classes you could take, or watch videos online. I do that sometimes.”

  “Because part of a nursing degree really sets me up for success,” I quipped sarcastically, suppressing an eye roll. “Classes cost money, Leo. Not to mention the years it would take to get me even partly to where you’re at. If you think it’s a stupid idea, just say so. Or if you’re too busy, I get it. But suggesting that I do it? I’d have better luck designing an app to help people with LaShoul’s significantly easier than figuring out all the tech you have in these things.”

  Which reminded me, I had talked about something similar with Loren at the last meeting, and needed to speak with her tonight about it. It would be a long road, but maybe there were people who knew more about app development that could help me out with it. It didn’t hurt to ask, at least.

  My phone chimed, reminding me that I needed to get ready to go to said meeting. I silenced it and paused, waiting to see if Leo would say something.

  He sighed, staring down at the floor, and admitted, “I don’t think I have the time. And I don’t trust someone else to work on the bio-screens, and definitely not your idea.”

  I nodded. “See, was that so hard? I know you’re just one person, Leo. But you can’t blame me for throwing things at you and seeing what sticks. Can you at least say it’s not a bad idea? Please? Let me feel smarter than you for just a minute or two,” I teased.

  He glanced up at me, a bit of mischief in his eyes. “While you’re not actually smarter than me, because I’m brilliant”—this time I did roll my eyes, making him laugh—“I can admit your idea is a good one. I’ll put it on the list with the other ten thousand things I need to do.”

  It shouldn’t have made me feel so giddy, but his compliment—because it was one—made me feel proud of myself for thinking of it. High on that feeling, I gave him a peck on his cheek before turning away, needing to grab my shit and get ready if I wanted to wash the travel grime from my body.

  Reaching my doorway, I turned to see Leo rubbing the back of his neck and said, “Thanks for taking care of Lucie for me, by the way.”

  “She hates me.”

  “She’s just very selective with her affection.”

  Leo held up his hand, showing three parallel lines across the back. “She did this when I picked up her food bowl to refill it.”

  “Oh, you have to take it away as soon as she’s done or she gets like that. Sorry. Must’ve forgotten to mention it.” Whoops. My cat was ornery.

  “It’s fine. But you might think of trimming her nails every now and then.”

  “I do trim them. But I’ll make sure to do them right before I leave again.”

  Without another word, I closed the door behind me and raced to get ready.

  My hair was still damp in its long braid when I finally arrived, making it with a mere five minutes to spare. It wouldn’t be enough time to talk to Loren about the app idea; I’d have to remember to do it afterwards.

  I glanced around the room, scanning through somewhat-familiar faces and a couple new ones before spotting Alex over in the corner talking to Jade. I made a quick stop at the coffee machine, tapping my phone for payment and selecting a honey and oat milk latte that sounded halfway good.

  Drink in hand, I made my way over to Alex and Jade. She noticed me first, offering a bright white smile and cutting off Alex’s words to give me a hug.

  “Callie!” She squeezed me tight, once, before letting go. I didn’t think we were close enough to be hugging, but maybe she was just one of those people. I’d met a few, but I wasn’t one of them.

  “Hi, Jade! I hear the business is keeping you busy.”

  “Oh, it is. I think I’m going to hire someone else soon. You don’t happen to be good at arranging flowers, are you?”

  I laughed, shaking my head. “Probably not. And I’m working at the same company as Alex now, anyways.”

  “That’s disappointing,” she lamented. “Alex, are you good with flowers and wanting a new job?”

  “Definitely not.” He nudged me a bit with his elbow, winking down at me when I met his eyes. I grinned up at him as he laced his fingers through mine.

  “Well, I wish you luck in your search. And I hope you find someone so you can make more of these meetings,” I said honestly. I liked Jade. She had a relaxed personality, and when I had met her at Silk & Silver she had been so easy to work with. I noticed she was wearing the gold set I had helped her pick out for the anniversary of her floral shop. Even in this unflattering light it still shone brilliantly against her dark mocha skin.

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  “How was the trip?” Alex asked after Jade left to try to find a new employee somewhere else.

  “It was fine. Not as exciting as traveling for a vacation. Or at least, I hope not.” After a year or two, I hoped to have enough money saved up to go somewhere for a week or two, somewhere warm and sunny with beaches and pools and lots of food.

  “I promise that vacationing is a lot better than what you probably did.”

  “If you say so.”

  Alex stepped closer into my space, our hands still entwined. In a low voice he said, “We should plan one, then. Together. We don’t even have to go far. I’ll show you a good time.”

  My mouth gaped open and I flushed up to my hairline. Had that…was that a euphemism? Alex winked—fucking winked—at me. Before I could decide if he was just teasing me or formulate a response, Loren interrupted to ask that we take our seats to get started.

  Still flushed, I let Alex lead me over to a couple of chairs and sat next to him. Placing his hand on the back of my chair, he leaned in closer to whisper, “If you’re free afterward, and not too tired, I have a little surprise for you. Emphasis on little; don’t go getting your hopes up or anything.”

  My eyebrows drew together, curiosity sinking its claws into me and forgetting the suggestive remark from a minute ago. I was good with surprises when I didn’t know about them ahead of time. This would eat at me until I learned what it was.

  “Does it involve food?” I’d managed to scarf down a quick yet basic sandwich before leaving, and the latte I was still cradling would do little to fill me up.

  “We can stop for something,” he answered.

  “Deal.”

  Loren started the meeting off as usual, and as we took turns sharing life updates and struggles, I noticed that Meg wasn’t here.

  I searched the faces again, hoping that despite all odds I’d find her.

  I didn’t.

  Missing two meetings in a row didn’t bode well. Not that I expected to see her after shadowing her interview, but a small part of me—okay, a large part—had hoped to see her here. My heart sank with each beat it took, and despair crashed over me.

  I’d failed.

  Anger rose swiftly, pushing the sadness out. I clenched my fists in my lap before tucking them under opposite arms to hide them. This wasn’t fucking fair. How did I get to recover and live what had been a pretty pathetic existence when someone like Meg, who had a son, didn’t? What made me worthy? Why couldn’t it have been her? It wasn’t like I was really doing anything with my life now anyways. I could be replaced. But a kid’s mom? I knew firsthand that nothing could replace that.

  I stewed for close to thirty minutes before it was my turn to share.

  “Um. My new job is going well. I’m enjoying it, and I got to travel on a plane this week for the first time in my life.” A grin pulled at my lips, remembering the thrill of suddenly accelerating extremely fast, being pushed back into the sparsely padded seat. “It’s definitely something I’m excited to do more of, even though it’s for work and not a vacation. But going on an actual vacation is now priority number one on my list, as soon as I can manage it. And if any of you have suggestions, or know cheap places to go, please let me know. I’m desperate to see as much of the world as I can as soon as possible.”

  Alex went next, highlighting how work was keeping him busy and running him ragged some days. Towards the end, he paused, looking towards me and tilting his head. Can I? he mouthed.

  Could he what?

  “One second,” he said to the group before leaning in to brush his lips against my ear. I had to hold back a shiver.

  “Can I share about us, or no? You didn’t, so I wasn’t sure.”

  He pulled back, and I bit my bottom lip. He tracked it, waiting for my response. I guess it didn’t really matter, did it? We’d already shared on our socials, and with how many friends Alex had some of them were bound to be here tonight. Giving him a quick, single nod, I slouched in my seat and braced for the humiliation of everyone’s eyes.

  Why it felt different when Alex was about to announce our relationship, I had no idea. I didn’t mind the attention when I was sharing my life updates. Maybe because I had full control over what I said? I had no idea exactly what Alex would share. Or could it be the romantic implications, and what people would assume about us, about me?

  I needed to get my shit together and quit worrying about what other people thought of me.

  “Sorry,” he started. “You all remember that girl who turned me down for a date at first?”

  I ducked my head and peered through my lashes, noting a few people nodding.

  “It seems that our date went really well, because now she’s my girlfriend. It’s still really new, but I really like her. She’s smart and pretty and has the biggest heart.”

  Oh, fuck. My face was flaming. I brought one foot up onto the edge of the chair, resting my elbow on my knee and tucking my face into my hand and forearm to hide.

  “She’d have to have a big heart to put up with your shit,” someone teased.

  “Oh, Callie definitely does,” he agreed, reaching over to squeeze my thigh.

  That was it. I dropped my leg and covered my face with my hands as people tittered and made other excited or surprised sounds that I blocked out. I peered over at Alex, who had the biggest shit-eating grin on his face. He grabbed one of my hands, tugging it gently away from my face, and placed a kiss on the back of it. I narrowed my eyes at him in mock accusation as I tried willing the heat out of my face and neck. I probably looked like a tomato.

  Alex didn’t let go of my hand as Loren continued the meeting, reaching his arm to rest our hands on my thigh. Slowly, I got over the embarrassment, just in time for the meeting to end so I could be embarrassed all over again when people inevitably came to talk to Alex.

  Loren pulled out her phone slowly, her face pinched in a way I hadn’t seen before. “As I’m sure you’ve noticed, Meg hasn’t made it this week, but sent me a message she’d like me to share with you all.”

  I tensed, clutching Alex’s hand in a death grip, begging the universe for it to be the news that she’d been suddenly cured, there was hope for everyone else, and people didn’t have to keep dying. It was a foolish hope, I knew. As Loren began reading, my breath caught in my throat and my heart lurched painfully.

  “Dear friends. I wish I had good news to share. Though I guess you could say this isn’t bad news. I’ve moved away from the city, to where my son has family who will take care of him after I pass.” Tears instantly collected in my eyes, threatening to spill over. I wasn’t the only one. Jade had a tissue out already, dabbing at her eyes, and Melinda’s lip was quivering slightly. I looked away quickly, not wanting anyone’s tears to trigger my own.

  Loren cleared her throat and continued, “I’m grateful that I’ve had the time to do this, so my son won’t have to adjust to this new place without me. And he loves it; the playground in the yard, the pool, the space to run around and play. I don’t know how much time I have left, but being here with the trees and the sun feels peaceful to me, and I’ve come to terms with everything. I want to thank you all for your support throughout the years, and helping me make the right decisions for my son. I’ll see you on the other side.”

  The battle against my tears lost, I let them fall freely and made no move to swipe them away.

  Anger bubbled up in my chest again like an angry volcano. It was so fucked up. We could have found a way to help her. I wasn’t dismissing Alex’s claim that forcing it was a bad idea, but exposing her to more gamma than I’d been able to when I was at her interview could have saved her life. Why wasn’t anyone doing that yet? Hubert Industries knew that exposing people to the abilities of others helped. What was the holdup?

  It was all such complete and utter bullshit.

  I’d just have to do it myself.

  Was I the best person for it? Absolutely not. Thinking of me as qualified for any of this was laughable. But I would learn and figure things out as I went.

  Starting small would be the only way I could get it up off the ground. Creating that app was a logical starting point, something that could be built up and expanded on over time. It would start with the original purpose, connecting people, putting fail-safes in place for people who didn’t have a support system to check in on them.

  Later, I would figure out a way to evolve it. In the meantime, I’d continue to provide gamma radiation exposure with my own ability whenever I interviewed people. I’d need to practice, build up my ability, both to increase my stamina and to be able to multitask with it, make it almost second nature.

  Resolve stiffened my spine. Wiping away my tears, I stood as soon as Loren concluded the meeting and beelined for her.

  “Hi, Callie,” she greeted, turning to face me fully as I approached.

  I didn’t waste time. “We need this app. All I can think about is how we need to look out for each other better since others won’t do it for us. We’ll take care of our own.”

  Something like excitement lit up her face, or maybe it was something else.

  “From who I’ve managed to speak with, that seems to be the consensus.”

  “How many?”

  “Oh, just a few dozen, I think.”

  Wow. That was significantly more than I’d expected. My surprise must have shown on my face, because she laughed.

  “I know a lot of people,” she explained.

  “Do you know any who are good with developing apps?” I wondered half-heartedly. She shook her head. Figured.

  “Well,” I said, “Looks like I’m going to have a new hobby.”

  I excused myself after another minute of small talk with her, my hands tingling with adrenaline and an undeniable itch to get started. I quickly acknowledged the few congratulations tossed my way, making my excuses for a quick departure.

  I made it six steps down the hallway before I heard the door open and shut behind me. My pace was quick and steady, but jogging footsteps quickly caught up to me. When they got close enough, I spun around to face my stalker. Alex.

  He looked at me with a pinched, worried expression. “What’s wrong?”

  “What’s not wrong?” I hissed. I tugged my arm out of his grip and took a step back. I didn’t relish the hurt that flashed across his face, but I didn’t exactly feel bad about it either. “There’s a little boy out there about to lose his mother because someone decided that the information we have that saved our lives shouldn’t be public knowledge!”

  I partly blamed him. It might have been wrong of me, but I felt as though he could have done something to help more people, fight harder to get the information out there. Then again, maybe him being here, looking out for people was his way of helping.

  Alex glanced back down the still-empty hallway. He took two steps forward, forcing me to back up against the wall. I was a caged animal, vibrating with a need to do something about it.

  “She’s not dying,” he whispered.

  My whole body locked up with the information, my brain trying and failing to process it.

  “What do you mean? You heard Loren; of course she is,” I countered.

  Alex shook his head. He kept his voice low, saying, “No. She developed an ability. But she had to move, because she was too well-known here. It would be suspicious if she was suddenly cured. People would have noticed and start asking questions.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him suspiciously. “How do you know this?”

  “I went to check on her, and saw the signs. The lenses also helped.” He tapped his temple near his eyes, where Leo’s programmed lenses captured the gamma radiation. “The little orange light popped up and signaled the gamma. She was the only one there, and it couldn’t have been anyone else. I reached out to my group, and we invited her in, offered to relocate her with her son. She accepted. She’s fine, Callie. Someone will visit her twice a month to help her learn how to control her ability.”

  The wall behind me was the only thing that kept me from toppling backwards.

  Did…had I done that? What I the reason she was alive? Did my little stunt with the apple save her?

  I rubbed my hands over my face, letting it sink in. Even if I’d actually managed it, it wasn’t enough. There were others who would take her place next. It was reassuring and a relief that what I’d done had helped. Because if I could do it once, I could do it again.

  After several silent moments of me stewing in my thoughts, the door opened again to reveal more people leaving. Not wanting to interact with them, I spun on my heel and left without a word to Alex. My thoughts were too tangled to get any words out at the moment.

  Again, he caught up to me, this time outside. It was getting dark out, the lights beginning to turn on to illuminate the city. He jumped in front of me, holding out a cream envelope embossed with gold leaf.

  “What is this?” I eyed it skeptically.

  “An invitation.”

  “To what?”

  “You’ll have to read it to find out.” He wiggled the card in from of me a bit, encouraging me to take it. Hesitantly, I did. I’d wait until I was home to open it, whatever it was for.

  “That’s the little surprise for me?”

  “Yes.” He looked down at his feet for a minute. It seemed like he was trying to gather his courage for something, and it was the only reason I didn’t leave him right then. Finally, he added, “Do you want to grab a bite and talk about…things?”

  I shook my head. “Something’s come up. And my head isn’t on straight right now anyways. Soon, though? I probably have lots of questions.”

  He nodded, reaching to place his hand on my neck, his thumb stroking the skin just below my ear. I shivered.

  He pressed a quick kiss to my forehead. “Just tell me when.”