Page 99 of I Think I’m in Love with an Alien

Stargazer: I’m so happy and excited for you.

JazzyPlum: Me too. Is it for mobile release?

SquidHead: We’re still discussing the details but they’re talking about a desktop and mobile version.

Seeker: That is wonderful news. 😀

Stargazer: I wanna hug Tad and Jaz and Seeker and Jen. Even you, fun sponge.

FarfromHome: I never agreed to that.

Jeneticist: I miss everyone too. 🥲

Seeker: It was a memorable, life-changing week.

SquidHead: You can say that again. We need to meet up again soon.

JazzyPlum: It will be tough for me to leave once I’m performing again.

FarfromHome: I volunteer to host if everyone would like to congregate for a holiday.

Stargazer: Wow, really? Did not see that coming.

Jeneticist: Me either, but I’m eager to meet Kevin.

SquidHead: KEVIN!

Stargazer: I’ve got a mimosa in hand. Here’s to future reunions!

JazzyPlum: I’ll try my best to make the scheduling work.

Seeker: I’m looking forward to another road trip with Jen. 💌

FarfromHome: I will plot the best routes for each of you.

Jeneticist: Aw. Thanks, Ravik. Group hug!

35

Jennette

“You used a portion of my formal name with Nancy,” Seeker observes.

I can’t tell from his tone whether he’s upset. Maybe I should have asked. “It sounds more like a real name here. Seeker seems like a nickname or an online handle. And people might ask questions. Do you mind?”

“Not at all. The name on my official identification says Tamzir Jaarn.”

“Then I’ll call you Tam from now on since we’re trying to make our relationship work in real life.”

At least I hope that’s true. I want to be with him, no matter how complicated things get. The exhaustion from hours of driving settles into my bones as I make sure the boys have kibble in their dishes. I leave the bags by the front door and collapse on my lovely, cushy sofa with Seeker—no, Tam—I’ll need to get used to that.

We curl up together for a bit and I cuddle the boys. Scotty crawls all over both of us, at one point shaming me profoundly by putting his butt right in Tam’s face. Spock remains cautious, only approaching from my right, as Tam is on my left. I stroke Spock’s spine, eliciting a deep and rumbling purr.

“Dinner?” I ask, before realizing that I’m too tired to cook for him.

I promised I’d try to find meals that he can digest properly, probably tofu-based, but I don’t have the energy or ingredients tonight. Fortunately, Tam seems to realize this.

“Another time. I’m surprisingly weary, considering that we did not do much.”