Rocket! An Ell Donsaii story #4) Read Free Page B

thank you very much, not just for funding my research application. Though, I’ll admit that your prompt authorization of the funding for my project surprised me no end. But, what I really want to thank you for is the audio-video record you forwarded of our interactions. I’m embarrassed to say that I had no idea just how obnoxious I can be until I watched your video of myself being an ass from the perspective of the person I was treating so poorly. Old habits are very hard to break but I am making a sincere effort.”
    Ell’s eyebrows rose, “I am so happy to hear that Dr. Johnson!”
    He said, “I have to get back in there with Roger’s doctoral committee but I hope you’ll have a drink with us at the traditional West 87 celebration?”
    “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
     
    West 87 was crowded with well wishers. James held up his glass, “To Doctor Emmerit!”
    A chorus of “Hear, hear,” resounded.
    Johnson said, “I’ll buy one more round for you hooligans, then Dr . Emmerit and I are going to take on all comers at the pool table.”
    James chortled, “Oh, you’re going down tonight Professor. Ell, will you be my partner again?”
    Laughing, Ell shook her head vigorously.
    Once more drinks had been delivered James turned to Ell again. “Come on. You know the Professor just thinks it was luck that let us beat them last time. We’ve got to take them on again and show them the error of their ways!”
    Ell raised her eyebrows, “It was luck!”
    “No way!” James grabbed her elbow and tugged her toward the tables where Roger and Dr. Johnson were racking the balls.
    Ell dragged her feet, protesting feebly but then Emma said, “Come on Ell. Show us what you can do at pool like you did at foosball.”
    This urging reminded Ell how she had regretted playing “full on” at foosball the year before. Her athletic abilities had stunned the group but left her feeling embarrassed to be known as someone with bizarre abilities. She turned to Emma and whispered, “No! There are too many people watching! I don’t want strangers thinking I’m some kind of freak! Help me get out of this?”
    Emma looked into Ell’s eyes a moment, seeing the anxiety there and then said, “Sorry James, Ell and I need to have a little ‘girl talk.’ Jerry, you play as James’ partner.” She assertively led Ell back to the booth despite some lingering protests.
    Once they were seated Emma said, “So, if I’m going to protect you here, you’re going to have to spill the beans. What’s going on between you and Roger?”
    Ell shrugged, “We’re just good friends.”
    Emma’s eyes widened, “Hah. ‘Just good friends’ don’t submit a paper to the APS simply in hopes they can visit their ‘friend’ in Las Vegas.”
    Ell tilted her head, “ Really good friends?”
    Emma snorted, “I should say. You gonna make an honest man out of him?”
    Ell rolled her eyes, “ He’d need to participate in that you know. Besides, remember I’m only nineteen? You might find it hard to believe but Roger’s the first boy I ever kissed. I probably should see a little more of the world before I settle down don’t you think?”
    In shock Emma said, “Your first kiss! Age eighteen! You’ve got to be kidding!”
    Ell stared at her hands, “I’m a late bloomer?”
    Emma grinned at her. “So you’re gonna play the field first?!”
    Ell shrugged and looked embarrassed, “Maybe? I don’t know. I like Roger a lot .”
     
    When almost all his well wishers had left West 87 Roger turned to Ell, James and Jerry, saying, “I’m done in and heading to the barn. See you guys next week.”
    Ell said, “I’ll walk you home. You’ll be needing some protection from the ‘Rigellians.” She winked at Jerry.
    Jerry put a hand over his heart, “But then who’ll protect me ?”
    Ell raised her eyebrows, “Surely you jest! Everyone knows that Rigellians don’t like the taste of Alpha Centaurians! You’re perfectly safe.”
     
    As they