“Play nice, hon, but remember: He has no authority here. He’s an advisor. I’m the Governor. I set policy.”
She smiled but with a tinge of doubt.
“You’re right. Of course. I can’t shake this feeling, Trev.”
“I know. The galaxy’s on fire, and everything we knew is about to change.”
She buried him in a kiss.
“I’m not alone then. Good.”
They embraced for a quiet moment until Trevor whispered:
“Stay with me.”
“Not tonight. I need to sleep in my own bed. I want to call home. See how my people are reacting.”
“Understood. I’m glad the Kingdom isn’t in the war zone.”
“Not yet.”
They kissed inside the door which Trevor never wanted to open. Before they parted, he took the President’s advice.
One item at a time.
“Will you marry me?”
She shifted between a gasp and a grin.
“Your divorce isn’t even final.”
“Eight days. Or is it seven? I’ve lost track. Why wait? We love each other. I can’t do this without you.”
She caressed his cheek.
“Ask me in eight days.”
Not bad for a spontaneous proposal.
“I’ll slot it in my calendar. How about during lunch in the Green?”
“Perfect.” She kissed him and pressed the door chime. “I love you, Trevor Stallion. Now, I want you to promise: No dawdling. A good night’s sleep. You have an early breakfast. Yes?”
“Nice way to ruin the moment,” he said with a snigger. “See you tomorrow, hon. I love you.”
He missed her as soon as the door slid shut.
Run. Catch her, jackass.
No. One item at a time.
At least something nice came of the day. Maybe two things. He became a confidant and co-conspirator with the President. Not bad.
The rest?
Trevor couldn’t wait to get out of his damned suit. He threw his jacket and shirt with ruffled collar onto the bed. Afterward, he stared at himself in the water room mirror, his mind circulating through the long day’s events. The front row to history, Connor called it.
More like being pummeled over the head while waiting for the next blows to rain down.
“The game is too big. I can’t keep up.”
Trevor reached into his pants pocket and felt the extra pom he forgot about. Connor tossed it over before bigger events overwhelmed the day. Trevor read the name and gene stamp code on the back.
“Thomas planned to ruin me. Why do I feel sorry for him?”
Mau appeared at Trevor’s side but with a notable difference. Trevor saw the avatar’s reflection in the mirror.
“You are not static, Trevor. You grow and change. The Enzathi will help you grow and change.”
“I heard your pitch the first time, thanks.”
Mau pointed to the traitor’s pom.
“These events prove the wisdom of the Enzathi’s proposal. Other humans lie and deceive. They seek to control. The Enzathi wish to balance the weight.”
To his credit, Mau dropped bag from his translation and emphasized the correct word. His effort impressed Trevor.
“I understand what you’re saying. Action rather than reaction.”
