Page 12 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien

Seeker: No. I said anything.

Jeneticist: The nerd in me wants to say that I dream of traveling on an alien ship, but I’d be super scared.

Jeneticist: I don’t cope well with changes in my routine and being that far from my family would suck. I might be open to leaving my hometown someday, but not my solar system.

Jeneticist: So…I want to meet some aliens without leaving Earth!

Seeker: An intriguing answer.

Jeneticist: You think so? To me it seems like I’ve already limited myself a bit.

Seeker: There’s nothing wrong with knowing yourself well.

Jeneticist: Wait a minute, I’m supposed to be cheering you up! Making you feel less isolated and whatnot.

Seeker: You have. 😍

Jeneticist: Careful with those heart eyes. I might think you’re flirting.

Seeker: Hmm. I can neither confirm nor deny those allegations.

Jeneticist: Tease. Gonna do another run in Squiddy’s game now. It’s so strange. And fun!

Seeker: I wonder if your alien would like my alien…

Jeneticist: 🤔

5

Jennette

My heart flutters.

He didn’t just say that, right? With no preamble. Yet it doesn’t feel like a line or a come-on, like bullshit he’s trying to see if he’s got a shot at a con hookup. Tad shoots him an impressed look and Jaz grins at me, raising her brows.

“My man Seeker with the smooth moves,” Tad says. “I need to learn from you.”

He seems puzzled. “Learn what?”

Okay, he probably doesn’t mean that how it sounded. My pulse steadies as I apply myself to my food. I should have realized he isn’t declaring a romantic interest the second we meet in person. That would be weird.

He’s a little older than I thought he would be, possibly even forty, but I can’t think of a good way to ask. In a friend group, it really doesn’t matter how old everyone is, provided they get along well and have a lot to talk about. It only matters if we date, and I admit that’s one of my fantasies—that we get together at some point. I steal another surreptitious look, admiring his shaggy dark hair, touched with silver at the temples. His face is long and narrow, with a strong jaw and nose. His eyes are deep brown. If I saw him without knowing who he was, I probably wouldn’t spare him a second look.

The silence is a bit extended now. I think Tad is surprised that Seeker doesn’t get the joke, but I’ve been in his situation. Sometimes I don’t get humor that’s obvious to other people. Jaz is on her phone, maybe typing a message.

I answer for Tad. “He’s saying he needs help in the charm department.”

“Was that a charming thing to say?” Seeker asks. “I was only being honest.”

Tad laughs. “There he goes again. I doubt I could learn those instincts in a thousand years. In fact, if there was an Olympic event for putting my foot in it, I’d win the gold every time.”

“I’m sure you’re not that bad,” Jaz says, tucking away her cell phone.

“We like you as you are,” I add.

Tad just shakes his head, making a dismissive motion. “I’d rather talk about the game. You’ve been playing for a while now, and I’ve been busy with the day job. So, what’s the verdict? Should I think about releasing it?”

“Definitely,” Jaz says. “The UI could use a bit of polish, but the overall concept is sound. And fun.”