Free Verita by Tracy Rozzlynn Page B

might be of use. A plant may have a special energy quality, or a new metal could be easier to work with but stronger than others. It’s all so exciting.” At this point, Andi is physically bouncing along with her voice. I can’t help but think of a child on Christmas Eve. Her excitement over her work isn’t helping my nervousness any. She notices. “Jeez, Brett! You need to relax. He’ll be here, and you’ll both have a great time.” She grabs my hand, which had started twirling my ponytail, and gives it a reassuring squeeze.
    Jeremy and the rest of Andi’s group from last night walk over, saving me from further chiding.
    “Why are we all standing around outside? I’m hungry; let’s eat,” Troy demands as he rubs his stomach in an exaggerated motion.
    “Fine. I was just waiting for everyone to get here,” Andi smoothly covers for me. Troy’s stomach responds with an impatient growl. “Did you skip lunch or something?” Andi stares at him with what is supposed to be a disproving look, but she can’t maintain it and her grin breaks through.
    “Guilty as charged.” Troy holds up his hands in surrender. “There’s just so much to do in the bio-domes that I lost track of time again.”
    “Sure, rub it in for the rest of us that you have something to do already,” I tease.
    “Not my fault. Don’t blame me.” He honestly looks remorseful. Dropping his head down to his chest, he gives me a clear view of his freckled nose and blushing cheeks. He’s more sensitive than I realized.
    Feeling guilty that my lighthearted teasing hurt his feelings, I quickly say, “Hey, I’m just kidding. You’re putting the food on our tables; I would be upset if you weren’t working.” I give him my biggest grin to show him that I genuinely mean it. “Hey, maybe later this week you can give my team a tour of the bio-domes.” His eyes light up as soon as I mention a tour and I know I’ve said the right thing.
    “Yeah, that would be great. How about after lunch tomorrow? You can meet me at the east gate.”
    I give myself a mental pat on the back. “I’ll have to run it by my team first. How about after lunch the next day?”
    “Cool, I’ll see you then.” Then he gestures to the group: “Come on. Let’s eat.” He starts to walk towards the dining hall entrance, but turns back when he notices I’m not following.
    Answering his quizzical look, I explain, “I’m waiting for someone; I’ll catch you guys later.” I blush, convinced that everyone just knows the ‘someone’ is a guy.
    “Well, have fun. We’ll see you later.” Andi turns and leads the group inside, bouncing all the way. She’d be annoying as hell if her energy wasn’t so contagious and refreshing.
    I turn and start walking back and forth. Okay, so I’m actually pacing, but my watch says it’s 6:01. He’s officially late. Now that there’s no one to talk to, my mind is free to worry again. It had all been a joke; he’s now hiding with his buddies, having a good laugh at my expense. I feel like such a fool. He isn’t even my type. But there’s no denying it: something about him turned me into a love-struck fool last night. Or had it? Maybe I was just feeling the after effects of cryogenic sleep and a botched re-awakening.
    “There you are.”
    I spin around at the resonant sound of his voice.
    “Hi,” I manage to say as he steps forward and gives me a one-armed hug. He lingers just long enough for me to breathe in his musky aroma. Nope, it wasn’t cryogenic sleep.
    “Ready for dinner?” He looks at me with an amused smile and offers his arm to lead me.
    I smile back. “Yeah, let’s eat.”
    They must be serving Italian tonight, because the entire dining hall has the fragrant aroma of roasted garlic. Usually this would have my mouth watering, but my stomach just gives a nervous flop. So I settle on getting myself a salad.
    “I hope that’s not what you consider a meal. That’s not even enough for an appetizer.” He looks at