There was a soft knock at the door, and Lexi ignored it.
Maybe they’ll just go away.
The knock came again, a little firmer, this time. With a deep sigh, she pulled herself out of bed and opened the door. “Gerri?” she muttered, trying to wake up her brain a little. “What are you doing here?”
“Checking on you, obviously,” Gerri said. She smiled softly, her eyes full of concern. “Are you all right, honey?”
Lexi nodded, but tears spilled down her cheeks. Gerri wrapped her in a tight hug. As Lexi calmed down, they shuffled inside and sat on the bed.
“My dear, it’s as dark and cold as a tomb in here,” Gerri said, rubbing her arms. “It’s a beautiful day outside. Why don’t we open up a bit?”
Gerri had taken one step toward the balcony doors when Lexi leaped up and grabbed Gerri’s hand.
“No, don’t!” she cried. When Gerri met her eyes, Lexi could see how worried her friend was, and that did nothing to alleviate Lexi’s fear.
She sat down hard on the bed, and Gerri sat beside her, reaching out for the breakfast tray. “Mind if I have some?” she asked.
“Go ahead,” Lexi gestured vaguely at the cart. “It’s all cold now, though.”
Gerri made a cup of green tea, unperturbed by the water being a little less than hot. She looked around the room, waiting for Lexi to speak. The problem was that Lexi had nothing to say.
I should tell her I just want to go home. Now.
But did she? Her feelings collided inside her and created such a mess of emotions that Lexi felt tears running down her cheeks again.
“My poor darling girl,” Gerri said, rubbing Lexi’s arm as she blubbered out an explanation that Gerri probably didn't even need. “It’s okay, isn’t it? You are safe, the creature didn’t hurt you, and Rao protected you.”
Lexi nodded, sniffing.
“All of that is true. But I’m still freaked out. You don’t know what it was like. It was just … all of a sudden, everything was out of control. The creature was so powerful that it could have torn us both apart in seconds.”
“But it didn’t.”
“I told you, you weren’t there!” Lexi snapped.
Gerri smiled and rubbed her arm comfortingly. “I’ve had my share of close calls, believe me. I’ve visited a few planets in my time.”
Lexi wondered how many planets, and for the first time, she wondered where Gerri was really from. She watched her as Gerri made a cup of strong coffee and handed it to her.
“Come on, Lexi. Just a few sips. It’s still warm, and you’ll feel so much better. The ice cream is a lost cause, I’m afraid.”
“Tragic,” Lexi said with a soft laugh.
Gerri laughed too. “Okay, but can we backtrack just a little?” Gerri asked. “How was it going with Rao before the crab attack?”
“Really good,” Lexi said, staring into her coffee. She couldn’t stop a smile from spreading across her face as she remembered the magic of the date, the sheer joy of being in Rao’s arms. His kiss was the greatest thrill she had ever experienced.
“I think we were turning a corner,” Lexi said. “I like him. A lot.”
The silence stretched out for a minute. Gerri took a slow sip of her lukewarm tea. “Do you think that might be the problem?” Gerri asked.
Lexi scoffed. “No, the big crab monster is the problem. Rao is perfect.”
Gerri smiled, turning to watch Lexi with a glint in her eye. “That is the problem,” Gerri said. “You’re getting scared that you might want to stay here, and you’re using this crab business to put space between you and Rao.”
“Are you insane?” Lexi blurted, almost dropping her coffee. “Why would I want to put space between myself and Rao? I’ve been having a great time with him. I …”
The end of the sentence, where it could possibly lead, was so terrifying that Lexi’s voice disappeared of its own accord.