“I know how you like my shirts.” Mitch scratched his beard. “I thought you may like one of your own.”
“I love it.” I held it up to my torso. “I think it will fit well too.”
Mitch winked and squeezed my shoulder. His hand lingered before I subtly moved, making it drop. “I thought you’d like it.”
Taking another step back from him, I picked up my cake again. Amy and I quickly fell into conversation as we ate cake and drank lemonade while everyone chatted and celebrated. At times, I had to step away when bodies pressed too close. My initial surprise had worn off which meant my usual anxiety had returned.
Once, I excused myself when the room seemed to be closing in. But overall, it was an enjoyable party and a much needed distraction from what had happened between Davin and me.
“So what’s the plan now?” Charlie polished off the last bite of another piece of cake. “Are we heading to Sean’s?”
I glanced at the clock. It was only four in the afternoon. “Don’t we need to work?”
Amy rolled her eyes. “You survived Makanza and lived to tell about it. I think we can all take the afternoon off and have a little fun.”
With that, I was hauled up the stairs and out our lab’s door. Muffled sounds from Mitch’s stereo continued blasting through the lab walls behind us.
16 – NEW EXPERIENCES
For the second time in my life, I drank more than I should. The partying didn’t stop at Sean’s. Once we left the Irish bar, the four of us drove to Mitch’s house. Both Charlie and I had the foresight to not overdrink so we could still safely drive, but once we reached Mitch’s home that changed.
It was so unlike me. I kept thinking about Davin, but my co-workers were having none of it. Each time I hinted at leaving, another drink was put in my hand.
Mitch lived in a small bungalow on the southeast side of town. Hills and trees surrounded his neighborhood. The small jug of beer Sean had sent home with us quickly disappeared. And as the beer flowed, my worries fell away.
At one point, I felt Sara trying to get in touch. I opened up to her, but since I wasn’t thinking very clearly, I wasn’t sure how much sense I made.
It was only in the morning, when I woke up with a pounding head and dry mouth that I realized how incredibly foolish I’d been. I was leaving this afternoon with Dr. Hutchinson, we had a meeting with the president tomorrow, and my head hurt so bad I could barely breathe.
“Morning, Forester.” Mitch held out a steaming mug of coffee. Amy lay sprawled on the couch. Charlie slept on the floor. Wrappers from snack foods and candy littered the carpet.
My cheeks flushed crimson.
I groggily pushed to sitting in the chair I’d apparently slept in. Mitch still held the cup out. With a downcast gaze, I took it. “Um, morning.”
I brought the rich brew to my lips. Despite my pounding head, it tasted good.
“Here are some potassium pills.” He held out the supplement. “To help with the hangover.”
I took them. Where the heck did he get these? Supplements were near impossible to find.
“I’ve got bacon and eggs cooking. Bread’s in the toaster. Want to help?”
With a wince, I stood. “I’m pretty sure you don’t want me to help. I’m rather notorious for burning anything I touch in the kitchen.”
Mitch chuckled. “In that case, how about you butter the toast? Can you handle that?”
“I can probably manage.”
Scents from the kitchen reminded me that most people had mastered the elusive art of cooking. Since restaurants were so expensive, it was either learn to cook or die from starvation. My cooking was one step above dying.
I followed Mitch. He returned to the stove, so I opened the fridge. My eyes widened.
“Where did you get all of this?” I surveyed the impressive selection. He had three whole sticks of butter. I pulled one out.
“I’ve got my connections.” He gave me a sly look.
Not for the first time, I wondered what his connections were. Perhaps the same connection finds his t-shirts? Despite searching all of Sioux Falls, I still hadn’t found any stores that supplied the comedic t-shirts that Mitch wore.
When the toast popped, I spread butter over each. Mitch flipped eggs and cooked the bacon. The entire kitchen smelled like heaven.
“Last night was fun.” Mitch nudged me.
Vague memories surfaced. The four of us sitting around a table at Sean’s. Irish music playing in the background. Beer flowing freely. Having drinks at the pub before Sean sent Mitch home with a gallon of pale ale. The four of us piling into two cars. I drove one, Charlie the other. But after we arrived at Mitch’s house, things became a little fuzzy.
I figured I’d had more than a few drinks of the pale ale.
“You look like you’re about to faint.” Mitch’s large hand gripped the spatula. He expertly flipped an egg.
My dark hair hung around my face. I sheepishly pushed it back. “I… uh… don’t remember too much about last night.”
Mitch waggled his eyebrows. “You were pretty fun.”
My eyes turned to saucers.
Mitch laughed. “Relax, Megs. You were perfectly well behaved and pretty darn cute last night.”
Cute? I shuffled uncertainly as it once again became apparent Mitch was interested in me. My socks slid along the linoleum. “So… I didn’t do anything embarrassing?”
“Nothing you need to worry about. You giggle a lot when you drink, and when your hair’s down you’re definitely sexy, but nothing happened you need to be ashamed of.”
Sexy? I balked. I really needed to set things straight with Mitch but wasn’t sure how. I turned so he couldn’t see me as I buttered more toast.
Mitch reached over me to grab the salt as I plated the last piece of toast. His arm brushed mine.
I jumped.
He just chuckled and winked.
By the time everything was plated, my anxiety had cranked through the roof. I’d never been alone with Mitch like I was now. And outside of the Compound, a side of him was emerging that was anything but professional. I distinctly got the impression that he liked having me in his home, beside him at the stove, making breakfast together.
Thankfully, Amy and Charlie appeared a few minutes later. Both stumbled into the kitchen with disheveled hair and sleepy eyes.
“What time is it?” Amy yawned.
“Just past seven. Everyone should have time to go home to change before work.” Mitch waved her toward a plate of bacon and eggs.
“Mmm, thanks.” Her chair scraped against the floor when she pulled it out. She was already munching a piece of bacon before Charlie sat.
“Breakfast and coffee.” Charlie rubbed his cheeks. “My kind of morning.” He forked a huge bite of eggs. “Man, I can’t remember having as much fun as we did last night in a long time. Maybe we should make a habit of people being exposed to Makanza. It’s definitely a good excuse for a night out.”
I was about to sit down when I slapped a hand to my forehead. “Crap! I forgot my laptop at the Compound!”
Charlie took a bite of toast, the crunching sound filling the room. “And that’s a problem, why?”
“It has my files on it. Dr. Hutchinson is flying in early this afternoon. I was going to pack this morning and review a few presentations on my hard drive at home before she arrived.”
“Ah, to lead the jet setter life.” Mitch threw an arm around my shoulder and squeezed. A tinge of sweat and day old cologne permeated his clothes. His fingers squeezed my bicep before he dropped his arm and joined everyone at the table.
It wasn’t until everyone was seated that I realized I wore the green t-shirt Mitch had bought me. Apparently, I’d put it on during the night. I cringed. Never in my life had I ever partied before. Never. Not even once. It felt weird, to wake up with my co-workers, all of us slightly hungover. But given how the three of them seemed more than happy to sit down for a quick breakfast around Mitch’s kitchen table befo
re heading to work, meant I was apparently the only one new to this.
I shifted again from foot to foot. “Ah, I’m going to go. I have a lot to do this morning and not much time.”
Mitch frowned. “Seriously? Not even breakfast?” He pulled out the chair beside him.
My stomach flipped as my anxiety once again kicked in. If I didn’t remember putting the shirt on last night, it was possible I’d done other things I didn’t remember. Embarrassing things. Regardless of what Mitch claimed.
Relax, Meg. Nobody’s acting weird except you. You obviously didn’t do anything too stupid.
I grabbed a slice of toast. “Thanks. I’ll see you guys when I get back.”
Amy and Charlie waved goodbye. Both seemed too consumed with eating while grimacing in between bites. I felt fairly certain each nursed a headache.
Only Mitch seemed sad to see me go. I felt his frown follow me as I sailed out the door.
Outside, I breathed in gulping breaths of warm morning air. A sparrow tweeted from the giant oak in the boulevard.
Thank goodness my car’s here.
At least I’d been sober enough to drive from Sean’s.
But apparently, my sobriety hadn’t lasted. With another disbelieving huff at my very un-Meghan-like behavior, I slipped into the driver’s seat. My head still hurt, but it seemed like a fair reward for doing something so stupid the night before my flight out with Dr. Hutchinson.
I drove straight to the Compound. The large windmill farm north of the city, our main power source, held its usual tranquil appeal. With each mile that passed, my head cleared a little more.
Maybe I didn’t drink as much as I thought.
But if I hadn’t, I’d remember things.
“Ugh!” I shook my head in disgust as I turned onto the frontage road.
A scratch filled my mind as the MRRA workers swept my car. As I stood by the body scan waiting for them to finish, I opened up to Sara.
Good morning.
Morning. She sounded wary. Are you coherent?
A flush of embarrassment filled me as a strong breeze whipped hair around my face. Oh no, what did I do?
She laughed. Nothing. Well, I mean, you were pretty silly last night when we spoke. And our connection felt wavy, like we were on one of those rides they used to have at fairs. The car… no, caro… no… Oh, crap. What was it called?
The carousel?
Yes! That one. She paused. Her curiosity strummed right through our bond. What were you doing last night?
I grimaced. Nothing I’m proud off.
Her curiosity grew. Now you have to tell me!
I summed up my grand night of partying as succinctly as possible. I still couldn’t believe that was how I acted the night before one of the biggest trips of my life.
Sara laughed. It’s okay to enjoy your life, Meg. Nobody ever said you couldn’t.
But my focus should be getting all of you out of the Compound. Not partying.
Meghan. Her tone turned scolding. You didn’t miss your flight. You’re still going to the capital, and you’re still going to fight for us. None of that has changed, so why shouldn’t you have some fun every now and then? You hardly ever do anything fun. How many friends do you have outside of us?
I slid back into my car as the guards waved me forward. A few gave me curious glances. I blushed as I realized my facial expressions had probably conveyed the conversation Sara and I were having. Of course, they wouldn’t know that. They’d just think I was a weirdo.
You know I don’t have a lot of friends, I said.
I know. That’s the point I’m trying to make.
Well, thanks.
That’s not what I mean, and you know it. I’m just saying that you’re doing much better with your anxiety. I know you and Amy get along and you sometimes see each other outside of work. You should embrace that. She’s your friend, and she cares about you.
I sighed. Yeah, I know. It’s just…
It’s just that you’ve never put yourself first and now that you finally did it feels wrong?
I frowned. I’d never thought of it like that. The blue sky shone above as I drove slowly forward. Um... maybe.
Sara sighed. Ever since Jeremy died you’ve had one goal and one goal only – to develop a vaccine and stop Makanza. Well, you did that. And now you have a new goal – to free us. And I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that, but you have to remember it can’t always be about everybody else. You need to take care of you too.
I do take care of me.
Really? Is that why you work twelve to sixteen hours a day? Is that why you exposed yourself to Makanza?
I pulled into my parking spot. Davin was hurt! What was I supposed to do?
I know. I know, and we’re all grateful for what you did, but the point I’m trying to make is that you’ve put everyone else before yourself for a lot of years. There’s nothing wrong with putting yourself first every now and then.
I mulled over what she said as a smile came to my lips. Since when did you become a psychologist?
She laughed. It just so happens that the medical section in the library has a lot of self-help books. I may have read a few lately.
Self-help books? I thought you liked romance?
Yes, those are fun too, but I felt like a change. I’m getting a little tired of the damsels in distress as they dance in their ball gowns while enjoying the ton’s parties.
I giggled as I walked toward my admittance door. No more historical romances for you then? Private Williams came into view. He stood straighter when he saw me.
I better go. I’m about to enter the Compound, and I’m pretty sure I’ve embarrassed myself enough in the past twenty-four hours. The main perimeter wall guards already think I’m weird.
She chuckled. Will you stop in the Sanctum and say goodbye before you go? Who knows when I’ll see you next.
A flash of Davin filled my mind. It was possible I’d see him too. Sure. I’ll see you soon.
I GRABBED MY laptop from my office before hiking to the Sanctum. The computer bag jostled at my side while my stomach flipped again and again. Despite Sara telling me I’d done nothing wrong by drinking and partying, I still felt guilty. I should have spent last night preparing. I should have realized our meeting with the president had the chance to change history. Reviewing our data was more important than a night out.
Besides all of that, I’d said goodbye to Davin yesterday knowing it would be weeks until I saw him again. My mindset had shifted to accommodate that.
Now, I may see him.
It was crazy how giddy that thought made me. I felt like a little kid riding a pony for the first time. Excited, scared, yet exhilarated. Only Davin could do that to me.
But then I remembered our awkward goodbye and the stiff way he’d turned. Maybe we can mend things before I go. I clung to that hope as I strode forward.
A few of the guards gazed at my t-shirt when I passed through access doors. With scarlet cheeks, I hurried past each. I’d never worn casual clothes to work. At only twenty-three, soon to be twenty-four, I was the youngest researcher to ever be employed by the MRI. Consequently, I usually wore business suits or business casual.
I’d certainly never worn t-shirts.
I hurried into the Sanctum. In the first hall, Garrett’s cell was empty. At the next cell, Sara was waiting. She nodded toward the watch room. A few steps later, I stood by her guard.
“Dr. Forester.” He sounded surprised. “I heard you were going to Washington D.C. to see President Morgan?”
News travels fast.
“Yes, I leave this afternoon.”
Sara motioned to the containment room. I hadn’t intended to enter the Kazzies’ cells but if I was quick, I guessed I had time.
“I’m going to go in for a few minutes.” I dropped my bag on the floor.
“I’ll help you suit up.” He pushed his stool back.
I shook my head. “I’ve been exposed. I never need to wear a suit aga
in.”
“Oh, right,” he said sheepishly. “Habit.”
A few minutes later, I was in Sara’s cell. Sophie was nowhere to be seen.
“It’s awesome that you never have to wear the marshmallow suits again.” She grinned, her teeth bright white against her blue skin.
“I know. I’m so relieved. I hated those things.”
Sara grabbed my hand. “Come with me.” She pulled me to the back panel, and we sailed through.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
I cocked my head as the gray walls of the back hallway passed. It seemed everyone had surprises for me lately.
She led me to the library. When we stepped out of the elevator, bright sunlight streamed through the ceiling skylights.
Nervous energy emitted from Sara. She wore her typical tank top and shorts, and her long slim legs fidgeted.
“What’s going on?”
Instead of replying, she once again grabbed my hand and pulled me up a set of stairs to the second tier. Large bookstacks surrounded us.
Sara’s brow furrowed. She kept glancing around. “They said–”
“Surprise!”
I shrieked as the other Kazzies all jumped out. Each grinned. Sophie threw paper in the air. More confetti. Dorothy and Victor whistled and cheered.
“What the heck is going on?” I couldn’t stop my smile.
“Sara said you were coming back in to collect a few things. We decided last minute to surprise you with a going-away party.” Dorothy wore her workout gear. She even had a sweatband on. My guess was that she’d been in the gym again.
“A going-away party?” I felt Davin’s eyes on me, but I hadn’t looked at him yet. Our last encounter still hung in my mind.
“It’s not a very exciting going-away party,” Sage said dryly. “With only thirty minutes to plan, we could only do so much.”
“Davin shredded the paper.” Dorothy kicked at the confetti on the floor. “Good thing he’s so fast.”
I shook my head. “You guys… I had no idea.”
Garrett’s massive eyes blinked. “That was the point. We just wanted you to know that we’ll miss you, Meg. It won’t be the same in here without you.”
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