Page 77 of Pets in Space 10

“The day manager, Mr. Carter, has had me come in and learn the barback position,” she said. “Although it’s hardly been busy enough to need two people on duty but I assumed he was staffing up for the tournament traffic.”

“Crew members are allowed to go out with other crew members,” Mike said.

“Since I’m not your direct boss, there’s not an issue, but I’ll admit it could be construed that I do have influence since you’re a floater.

” Eyes narrowed, he stared at her and Dahlia couldn’t look away.

“I give you my word I’d never say or do anything to affect your employment, whether we go out or not, no matter what happens.

My direct line managers provide the feedback to Mrs. DeLance when you work for the casino, not me.

I did make a note after the evening with Mr. Sutton, but that was an extraordinary customer service effort on your part and I wanted it recognized. ”

Dahlia wished she hadn’t said anything. There was tension in the air between them now and awkwardness was robbing her of the right words to say. “I know you’d never-”

“Do you want to work at the casino?” he asked. “Is that your goal?”

“No.” She toyed with her sketchpad and doodled a bit, eyes on the paper.

“To tell you the truth, I want to work in one of the retail shops on Level A. The high fashion one. Don’t laugh,” she said fiercely, raising her gaze to his face which showed nothing but interest in what she was telling him.

“The clothes are so beautiful, the colors and the fabrics are art in motion and I’m inspired just walking by the displays. ”

Mike was clearly repressing a grin. “You might not like the clientele who come to buy the works of art. But I can see why it appeals to you.”

“You’re not offended?”

Now he did chuckle. “Because you don’t love my casino and don’t want to spend your career there as a barback and a waitress? No, I completely understand. The environment I live in day in and day out isn’t for everyone.”

“But you thrive in it,” she said. “Anyway, I’ll probably end up in the daycare. I’ve been working there fairly often and I do love the children. The lead teacher has hinted about requesting me to go fulltime.”

He glanced at his chrono. “I’ve got to get moving. So are we on for dinner and the dance performance in five days?”

There was no way Dahlia was going to say no. “Absolutely, and thank you for inviting me.”

“I’ll com you the details and we can figure out our timing as far as dinner reservations and where you’d prefer to eat, okay?”

She nodded, a bit overwhelmed at the idea this man she regarded as so amazing had actually asked her — her! — to be his date for such a big event.

With a wave, he jogged away down the beach, increasing his speed as he went.

“Maeve?” she said in a slightly raised voice once he was out of sight.

“Yes?”

“Did I do the right thing? Is this a good idea or am I starry eyed because he’s so handsome and smooth? He’s been so kind to me about Petal and everything.”

“You like him, don’t you?” the AI asked.

“To an astonishing degree.” Dahlia didn’t want to admit to herself how much she liked Mike and how enjoyable she found his company.

The idea of more than casual conversation on the shuttle or here on the beach had her heart beating faster.

She tried to imagine kissing him and then her core throbbed and she knew she was blushing.

Maeve sounded amused. “Mike Remington is a good guy. He’s been on this ship since our first voyage and he’s honest and trustworthy.

Captain Fleming thinks highly of him and his good opinion is also my personal standard for excellence.

He doesn’t date much although there were ladies who caught his interest on occasion in the past but nothing like what I see between you and him.

So yes, if you want to know him better, then accepting the date was a good idea. What are you going to wear?”

“I don’t know. I have enough credits probably to buy one of the dresses from the store I like up on Level A, but then I wouldn’t have enough to get the right shoes and accessories.

” Amused to find herself in this position, worrying about clothes instead of where her next meal might be coming from or gang activity in her area of the refugee camp, she said, “Maybe you could whip up something for me. You do such a good job with all the uniforms and things in the employee store.”

“I’d be honored,” Maeve said although Dahlia hadn’t been serious. “Let me get you a few holo samples by tonight. I’ve seen enough of these galas to know what’s appropriate.”

“You’d actually make me a dress?” Dahlia asked in disbelief.

“I’d be happy to do it, at a nominal cost. We can discuss accessories and shoes once you’ve selected a design.”

“All right then. I can’t wait to see what you suggest.”

Maeve chuckled. “Of course it won’t be handmade like a Twilka Original since I don’t have hands-”

“It’ll be a Maeve original,” Dahlia said immediately, not wanting the AI to criticize herself even if she wasn’t human. Dahlia was sure Maeve had feelings. “Even more exclusive and rare.”