Alien Tango

did.
    “But, I haven’t spent the last decade wondering where you were, other than the occasional thought that I hoped you were doing well. You’re trying to pick up a relationship over ten years after it ended, and you’re trying to do it without understanding that I spent the time actually living, not staying a static memory.”
    “You don’t know her any more,” Christopher said gently. “You think you do, but you don’t. You’ve both changed in ten years, more than either one of you realize. Even if she weren’t in love with my cousin, you’d have to rebuild, learn if you liked each other as you are now , not however you were a decade ago.”
    Brian nodded slowly. “I guess that makes sense.” He gave me a grin I remembered. “You’re not engaged or married. That gives me a shot.”
    This wasn’t the line of thought I was hoping Brian was going to go for. “Um, I suppose. But, Brian—I’m really happy with Jeff.”
    He shrugged. “Maybe you only think you are.”
    “Brian? Do you perhaps remember any of the posters and books in my room?”
    “Yeah, and sorry. As an independent woman, you know your own mind.” He sounded like he’d memorized this and still found it annoying.
    This rang a bell. “Did I use that as a reason we were breaking up?”
    Brian nodded. “That and I was possessive, jealous, overly protective, somewhat smothering, needy, clingy, and overcommitted to commitment. I was a good kisser and, from your limited experience, good in bed, you did throw me those bones.”
    “Erm . . . ” Wow, he’d just described Martini in, pretty much, a nutshell. Only, fabulous kisser and out of this or any other world in the sex department in my much less limited experience.
    Christopher was laughing, so hard he had to lean on Michael to stay upright. “Glad to see your tastes have changed so much.”
    Surprisingly, this comment didn’t make Brian angry. He grinned at me. “So, I do have a shot. Good to know.”
    Michael patted my shoulder. “I know you think I’m a jerk, but if you want to try someone who isn’t anything like just described, I’m your man.”
    “I’ll keep it mind.” For want of anything better to do, I looked around the corner. The others were long gone. Martini and Gower were still in deep discussion.
    My phone chose this moment to ring again. I wasn’t disappointed. I dug it out and saw the number, however, and my relief quickly faded. “Hi, again, odd stalker person. For the official record, Brian’s not my boyfriend.”
    “You’re both going to die now!” The voice wasn’t muffled any more. It was a woman, and she was screaming at the top of her lungs. I had to hold the phone away from my ear in order to retain hearing. She was so loud the others could hear her easily.
    “Why? He’s not with me. We’re not together. We are not a couple. Can I explain that any other ways you might comprehend?”
    “I can see you, and he’s right next to you, that two-timing bastard!”
    “Yes, we’re walking somewhere together. But that doesn’t mean we’re an item. Why don’t you calm down, and maybe you can explain to Brian why he should be in love with you.”
    “It’s too late for that. You had your chance, but you refused to leave. You want him for yourself? Fine! Prepare to die, you man-eating bitch!”

CHAPTER 40
    A-C REFLEXES MIGHT MEAN THEY couldn’t drive cars or fly planes safely, but they sure came in handy during a crisis situation. Christopher grabbed me, Michael grabbed Brian, and then we were all running at hyperspeed back the way we’d come. Martini and Gower were also with us.
    The bomb went off as we rounded one of the many corners. Fortunately A-Cs were also much stronger than humans, because the shock waves knocked me down, and I would have gone flying if Christopher hadn’t managed to wrap his arms around me.
    We stopped. “MOVE!” Martini bellowed. I saw a fireball headed toward us. Whoever was “in love” with Brian had some serious skills with explosives.
    We all ran again at hyperspeed. Christopher still had my hand, but Martini was on my other side. He didn’t touch me, not because he was in a snit but because doubling the hyperspeed effect was more than hard on humans.
    I had no idea where we were going, but Michael was in the lead, dragging Brian along, and the rest of us followed them. We weren’t headed back to quarantine, that I was sure of.
    We came to a stop what seemed like far away in the maze of hallways