Free Chasing the Stars by Malorie Blackman

apologize . . .’ I began.
    ‘Yes I do,’ said Nathan. ‘I know it’s not worth much, but it’s all I’ve got.’
    I studied him, trying my hardest to figure him out. Why would he feel the need to apologize for his mum? He met my gaze without flinching or looking away.
    ‘Apology accepted,’ I said at last.
    He smiled, his eyes never leaving mine. God, he really was stunning when he smiled. Actually he was kinda striking, even when he didn’t smile. And those eyes . . . Just looking at him was doing peculiar things to my insides. Or was that the chilli?
    ‘Don’t you want some food? I can show you how to use the dispenser to get anything you want.’ I went to stand up but Nathan’s hand on my arm made me sit back down again hastily. The touch of his hand had sent an electric shock racing over my skin. He withdrew his hand and I suppressed a shiver. It almost hurt to be touched after all this time. My skin was still ultra-sensitive.
    ‘Can I try some of yours, just to see what it’s like?’ said Nathan.
    What? Really? Why would he want some of mine when he could get a bowl of his own? My eyes narrowed. If he thought that by being super-friendly, I’d be so dazzled and dazed, I’d hand over my ship to his mother, then he had another thought or five coming.
    Come on, Vee, don’t be so paranoid!
    Why was I this jittery? I glanced down for a moment so he wouldn’t see the confusion on my face. Schooling my features, I looked at him and said, ‘Are you sure you want to share? I warn you, my chilli is a bit on the spicy side.’
    ‘The spicier the better,’ said Nathan.
    We’d see about that.
    ‘OK,’ I replied.
    On his own head be it!
    The others made their way back to us and vied for free space on the bench. Anjuli won. Mike and Erica ended up on the floor again. I’d need to put more chairs in here. Mike and Erica had chilli. Anjuli had chosen what looked like pea soup. Nathan took my bowl from me and, with a smile, shovelled my spoon into the chilli until it contained a serious heap.
    ‘Nathan, don’t you think you should get your own bowl of food?’ said Erica after a quick glance at me. ‘I mean, this ship did contain a mystery virus—’
    It took a moment to catch Erica’s drift. But only a moment.
    Dahell! ‘I’m not Mary Mallon, you know,’ I fumed.
    ‘Who?’ frowned Erica.
    ‘Typhoid Mary. She’s supposed to have infected over fifty people with a disease called typhoid in twentieth-century America, back on Earth, but she didn’t suffer from the disease herself,’ I said. ‘Don’t think I missed the way you tried to imply that Nathan might catch something if he uses my spoon.’
    Erica’s cheeks flamed red, though I’ll say one thing for her, she didn’t try to deny it. Nathan glared at Erica before lifting the full to overflowing spoon to his lips and shoving it into his mouth – and he kept it in his mouth for longer than necessary. It was all very well his making a point to Erica, but that was my spoon which I’d want back at some point. Erica lowered her gaze, suddenly fascinated by her own food. A slightly uncomfortable silence reigned.
    ‘Vee, I don’t know if anyone has said this yet, but thank you for rescuing us,’ said Mike. His smile was warm and genuine. The second person today to smile at me.
    ‘You’re welcome.’
    ‘I bet that’s not what you were thinking up on the bridge a short while ago,’ he said drily.
    I grinned. ‘I wasn’t wearing my poker face then?’
    ‘D’you even have one?’ asked Mike.
    I shook my head. ‘One of the things I forgot to bring on board with me.’
    ‘Couldn’t use a utility dispenser to manufacture one?’ said Mike.
    ‘Never had the need to before now. Should I revise that?’
    ‘Not on my account.’
    We exchanged a smile. I liked him. I sensed Mike was a man of few words but nothing much would get past him. He had an easy manner but shrewd, watchful eyes. I turned back to Nathan, ready to reclaim my food.