Duncan’s eyes lit up at Aliyah’s offer - to read anything he wrote.  He seemed a little disappointed that she wasn’t a big sci fi fan, but then his own mother had had similar tastes to Aliyah.  

The stack of bills sat there, ignored by both men.

As soon as Aliyah went back to her duties again, Duncan shot a look at Gary.  “CanIborrowthekeystothelimo?!”  Duncan may as well have said all that as a single word.  Gary handed over the keys and Duncan shot up and out of his seat and gave a hasty ‘be right back!’ and limped out the door to the limo.  He climbed in and rummaged about for a couple books - Book 5 and 6, his bestsellers - in hardback editions.  He had been doing a signing for book 6 and kept a few copies of each with him. 

Gary’s behavior was a little unusual as he half followed Duncan and kept him in sight while he stepped out.  That was when Aliyah realized that there was quite possibly a lot more to Gary than met the eye.  She might have been mistaken, but he seemed to have a side holster under his jacket.

Despite his haste he stopped and held the door for an older couple on their way out and exchanged pleasantries.  Then he limped rapidly back to his seat where Gary was already waiting.

[color=f7941d]Aliyah handed the pot of coffee off to Heather as she passed by, the other girl giving her a questioning look.  She just shrugged, a silent communication that they would talk later.  "So a working vacation huh?  You should try just a vacation. Give your brain a break, and when you come back to your book, it will likely come easier." [/color]

Duncan grinned from ear to ear.  He reached over and picked up book 5 and clicked his pen for ready use  “This is the first book of this series.  The other is the sequel.  How would you like me to sign it?”  He didn’t wait for an answer, but instead whipped out his ID (which said Under 21) and pointed first at the name on the ID, then at the name of the book’s author.  Then very smugly he added, “I brought you some reading material.”

He laughed at his own antics.  “I’m sorry.  I just couldn’t resist.  But you did make me an offer.  I write it, you’ll read it.  You don’t really have to.  There’s some pretty heavy science in the science fiction in my books.  I studied Physics and Chemistry.  My brain doesn’t get many breaks.  I’m trying to distract it.”


Duncan jumped as someone (Gary) kicked him gently under the table.  The young man blushed.  The embarrassment shut his brain down for a moment as he tried to remember what he had been saying.  There was another nudge and Duncan glowed at Gary.  He wasn’t really mad though.

“Uhm … uhm … “ he drew in a breath and tried to figure out how to ask a waitress out.  “Uhm ... you’ve been waiting on me for a few days.  How would you like dinner out on the town?  Anything you like.  Anywhere we can get a reservation on short order.  Heck I have a private catering service in my room on call.”  He blushed and added hastily, “not that I was making suggestions.  It’s just a fact.  Comes with the room.  Just saying if we couldn’t get reservations at …”  He stopped himself, then continued more soberly.  “I can probably get reservations just about anywhere in the world on short order.

“Speaking of which, I am planning to travel the world soon.  Any thoughts on where I should go next.  Bora, Bora sounds cool.  But I have no idea where it is.”  Gary stifled a laugh and shook his head slightly.  HE clearly knew.  Duncan smiled again and got defensive.  “Well … I don’t …  I also plan to go to Australia and Japan …. and Alaska … and Iceland.  Not sure about the Himalayas.  I can only hike so much.”