Posted by Civilian Karilan Massat (Owner, Quill and Parchment Books) in Dasca’s Apartment - Let Us Make Mr. Melvil Dewey Proud

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Dasca’s Apartment - Let Us Make Mr. Melvil Dewey Proud

Posted by Civilian Karilan Massat (Owner, Quill and Parchment Books) in Dasca’s Apartment - Let Us Make Mr. Melvil Dewey Proud

(snips)

They smiled and reached forward and took her hand in theirs. “It is not uncharted territory for you. You have simply forgotten how over the years because you didn’t have to try. Now you do.” They squeezed the hand and then let go. “And as long as you are yourself, as I feel you have been with me, then I do not doubt you will find yourself with company soon enough.” and they grinned as they picked up the glass of juice and tea. “Perhaps the aide of the Ambassador would be willing to help you… practice.” and their eyes showed wicked mirth as they took a drink.

Massat

Heat touched her cheeks but Eela couldn’t help but grin as she speared some vegetables. “And here I didn’t think it was obvious. Was it really?” Was she worried if people noticed? Perhaps not, but Eela understood that she’d be inviting the public into her private life, even if it was only on the surface.

“Eela, I am an Engineer. That doesn’t mean I am oblivious.” and they laughed.

She laughed. “Oh great, and here I thought we were being discreet. Going to have to wok on that, I think.”

There was that familiar flutter from the other day. “But given all the variables, it is nice to have that particular attention.” She sipped on her sparkling juice. “Though I might have overdone it by allowing myself to be volunteered for this bachelorette auction for the hospital,” she added, arching her brows against her ridges.

Karilan’s eyes opened wide and they said “You did what?!” and then they laughed. “I will have to come see this for myself. I wonder if the strapping attaché is aware you are up for sale…” and they drank some more.

The heat returned to her cheeks even stronger and Eela opened her mouth to say something but it took a few moments to find the right words. “I haven’t asked, and I’m not sure I want to know in advance, though I will admit to being a bit nervous. Or a lot nervous. It would just be rather embarrassing to find out whomever was there wasn’t interested in in one evening of conversation.” She held up a hand. “I know, I know, I’m selling myself short, but the thought did cross my mind and it’s enough to make me hope I don’t regret saying I’ll do this.”

“What about you, Karilan? What do you need in your life these days? Or does the shop fulfill most of them?”

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Karilan gave her a somewhat regretful smile. “Oh, the shop does keep me busy. And I had the beginnings of something that I thought was going to be very special. Someone I met at the opening of the store, actually… but they moved away and then we drifted apart as we do. But it would be nice to have someone look at me the way Mr. Jones looks at you, that’s for certain. At least for a night or three.” and they winked at her over their glass.

Massat

“More than three hopefully,” she murmured before spearing the last of her vegetables. That delighted tingle swept over her spine and Eela knew that, yes, Dashiel Jones made for an excellent foray back into this world of being single. It was as exciting as it was scary.

Finishing her stir fry, she braced her elbows on table and laced her fingers together. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out with the person you met. And I can understand feeling lonely. It’s been the same way for me, even while I was still married.” Her demeanour became more serious. “Honestly, Karilan? Aside from one night where I was exceedingly drunk, there’s been no one in six years. Six,” she said with raised brows. It was a very long time for both a Haliian and Deltan. But the truth was she had been physically and psychologically recovering from the incident on the Steadfast and then all the variables afterwards had made her afraid. Of others, but mostly of herself. She still was, if she were honest. But that was tied to other feelings she hadn’t been able to face and untangle just yet.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.