Chapter 10 Getting theStory Straight

Quincy knocked on Janice Kind's door with his quivering hands.

Zeda answered and pulled him inside and guided him into the dining room. She opened an orange door, and they entered a den.

A green shag rug covered the orange-tiled floor.

Janice Kind turned off the TV and dragged lopsided, orange-colored chairs from the corner of the room. She removed her phone from her purse. "You two talk. Brill texted me how fabulous her vacation is. She plans to spend a year there. I tried to convince her to come back, but she loves visiting Earth." Janice exited the room.

Quincy fumbled as he sat and fell from his chair.

"The chairs take getting used to; Prince Chaz-Vice built them for my mom's birthday in shop class." Zeda helped him up and sat next to him and stared at him. "Quincy, why didn't you ask for money?"

"To be honest, you're attractive, and I wouldn't mind if this develops into a real relationship." He scooted closer to her.

"That is not what I expected to hear. I thought you would tell me you are involved in the cause," she said.

"I'm Anti-Mark, but you're a woman I'd like to know. Not telling you the truth is dishonest on my part. I'll help you out, even if you are not looking for romance." He reached for her hand.

Zeda scooted closer. "At least you are honest and not springing it on me. We won't work because I have to flee."

"In two years, I'm moving to Unicorn Prime. I have a tiny house there, maybe after you run if you are not seeing anyone else, we should go on an actual date." He reached out for her, but he didn't kiss her. "I thought I would be getting married and extended my contract."

"I'll consider it," she said.

He removed a notebook from his pocket. "Zeda, we need to keep the same story. We met on a blind date, but I asked to be set up with you because I think you are lovely. Tell me about yourself."

"Quincy, I adore peach roses and carnations. Oh, I need to tell you how I received my Marks. I have two Mark badges. The first one was when I refused plastic surgery, but masked muggers beat me, which is why my teeth look slightly weird. I wore braces, but they didn't work."

"What about your other Mark?" Quincy asked.

"My second Mark is because my worthless ex-boyfriend lied that I was unfaithful, and I refused to wear the skimpy clothes he forced on me." Zeda grasped his hand and walked out with him.