Walking back through the hallways of Finnack, Fletcher used his map to navigate to his father’s office. He was a little nervous to see his dad again given he hadn’t gone to see immediately after getting back from training, but Sebastian was an understanding man. He’d get why Fletcher hadn’t bothered with the graduation invites, and even if he was a little upset about it, he’d move on quickly. His father was always there for him when he needed him.

  He rang the doorbell and waited, keeping his face light and happy. He was excited to see his dad again, and he wasn’t going to let his frustrations with the letter situation ruin this moment.

  The doors slid apart, revealing Sebastian Anders at his desk.

  “Hey, Dad!”

  “Fletcher! You’re back!” His dad stood up and smiled at him.

  “Yeah! Did Mom mention it?”

  “You saw her already?” Sebastian asked with a note of hurt and surprise.

  “Not on my own terms.” Fletcher shook his head as he remembered being drunk in her apartment. “It’s a long story. Anyway, want to hang out?”

  His father paused. “I leave in an hour. I was just about to go pack.”

  “Leave?” Fletcher asked in disappointment.

  “Sorry. I didn’t know you’d be back, or else I would have scheduled it differently. But since you didn’t write…”

  “Mom’s fault,” Fletcher said with his hands up. “I guess we can catch up later. When do you get back?”

  “In two and a half weeks.”

  Fletcher sighed. “Very much later then… I leave for officer training in two weeks.”

  His father nodded. “Ah. I see. Well you’ll come back to Finnack for your commissioning, so I’ll see you then.”

  He nodded. “Alright. Can I go get my stuff while you pack?”

  His father chuckled and nodded. “Yes. Of course.”

  Fletcher stepped back into the hallway with his father just behind him. They chatted as they went to his father’s apartment, and Fletcher filled him in on all his stories from Hotshot training.

  At the apartment, his father packed his own bag while Fletcher gathered up his belongings that he’d left with his father for safekeeping. He was sad he got so little time with his dad, but he was happy he got to see him at all. Good thing he stopped by sooner rather than later.

  “Thanks.” Fletcher hefted up his box of belongings. “Sorry I didn’t tell you sooner about being back, Dad. And I’m really sorry I’m missing you, but I’m excited to see you after.”

  “It’s just poor timing. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen next. It’s good to see you again, Fletcher.” His father gave him a hug at the door. “Good luck at training. You’ll do great.”

  Stepping into the hallway, Fletcher waved as his father headed off to catch his flight and Fletcher made the journey back to his tiny bedroom which seemed even less welcoming than before.

  He unpacked and organized everything, setting his books up on top of the wardrobe and then sat on the bed with another sigh. How unlucky was he to get back just as his father was leaving? That sucked bigtime, but he couldn’t do anything about it now. Lying back on the bed, Fletcher checked his watch with a sigh. There was still a long time until dinner with Nora and her friend, whoever it was.

  Time passed slowly, but at least he got the chance to read. That helped speed things along until Fletcher changed and headed out for the dinner.

  He didn’t have too much trouble making it to Alpha Commercial Center, a collection of stores and restaurants located near the upper part of Finnack Mountain Base. It was one he’d been to once before training, but he still used the map to find his way.

  Nora waited outside the restaurant titled Olivet. There wasn’t too much more to the sign since they obviously didn’t struggle to attract customers with the limited entertainment scene on the base.

  She was wearing a pair of slacks and a sleeveless blouse that showcased her muscular arms.

  “What? You couldn’t even be bothered to dress up?” she scoffed.

  “This is all I have,” Fletcher replied. He was wearing a pair of jeans and polo, articles he bought back before he left for training using borrowed cash from his father. Now that he had his own income, it would be a lot easier to bulk up his civilian wardrobe.

  Nora sighed. “It’ll do.” She motioned to the door. “Come on. Our guest is already waiting.”

  “Who is this mysterious guest?” he asked, following her inside.

  “You’ll see.”

  “This better not be some stupid prank, Nora.” The thought passed through his mind that Nora might have lied and this was some stupid blind date. The last thing he wanted right now was to face off with her again in public.

  “It’s not. Jeez. Have a little faith. When have I ever led you astray?” Nora waved at the hostess—a young woman who was covered in brown fur, marking her part [Vanara].

  Fletcher noticed a lot of Mixhumans as they dodged through the tables. It was sort of like Bren’it’p and Alcett combined given the variety of species and mixture of Humans thrown in. Honestly, he liked that part of the Mixed. It was a nice change to see people of all kinds together, not caring about species and the other stupid biases Humans and Unhumans alike stood on.

  Nora stopped as they arrived at a booth clear at the back of the restaurant, a pendant light hanging directly above the wooden table. A middle-aged man was already sitting there, another Mixhuman. He had deep, tan skin and black hair, but his eyes were black in a tell-tell sign of Hexing, though there were several species he could be based on only that trait.

  “Fletcher, meet Caesar. Caesar, this is Fletcher,” Nora said.

  “Ah, Fletcher. I wasn’t sure we’d ever get the chance to meet. It’s a pleasure,” he said with a Colombian accent. As he spoke, Fletcher noticed two of his front teeth had a strange shape to them, the start of tusks. This man was part [Orc].

  “Likewise, though I’m afraid I’ve never heard of you before.” Fletcher shook the man’s outstretched hand.

  “Caesar and I go way back. I’ve known him since I was ten.” Nora slid into the booth.

  “Oh. Like he was your teacher in school or something?” Fletcher sat next to her, picking up one of the menus off the table.

  “No. He’s an old boyfriend.”

  “B-boyfriend?” He glanced at his sister. “Wait, like…”

  “Hazel and I used to date,” Caesar filled in. “When Nora was a kid.”

  Fletcher’s mouth hung open. “So you’re our mom’s ex-boyfriend?”

  The man nodded, a tentative smile on his face. “Yeah.”

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  He turned to Nora. “You’re having dinner with one of our mother’s former boyfriends because…?”

  “Mom and Caesar dated for years, Fletch. He played a big role in my life during that time and even after. He’s basically my step-dad,” she explained.

  “Huh.” Fletcher bit his lip. “I guess that makes sense. Still feels a little off, no offense, Caesar.” He supposed he shouldn’t be surprised that his mother had things like boyfriends and friends, though he couldn’t fathom another person in the world willingly spending time with her. She wasn’t exactly friendly or enjoyable to be around.

  “None taken. I understand the arrangement would seem strange to an outsider,” the man replied.

  “Don’t be such a jerk, Fletcher. Surely you formed a bond with some of Dad’s girlfriends.” Nora flipped through the menu. “What looks good tonight, Caesar?”

  “I already ordered a round of breadsticks,” the man said.

  Fletcher set his menu down. “Dad didn’t have any girlfriends. He didn’t date.”

  “Okay. Fine. I guess our old man kept his love life a secret from you. Mom didn’t. It’s not a big deal. Stop making this weird.” Nora looked at Caesar. “You’re paying, right?”

  “Nora,” Fletcher groaned. “You can’t just force someone else to buy dinner.”

  Caesar laughed. “No. It’s fine. I always pay. I’ll cover yours too, Fletcher. It’s the least I can do.”

  “Military salaries are crap. Caesar is a businessman who’s absolutely loaded.” Nora shook her head. “Gosh, Fletch. You’re embarrassing me.”

  “I’m embarrassing you?” he asked.

  “Well, I’m as loaded as one person can be within the Mixed,” Caesar added. He cleared his throat. “I find the alfredo pasta here is especially good. Or perhaps the lasagna if you’re looking for something more hearty.”

  “Yeah. Uh, thanks,” Fletcher replied tentatively. Clearly, this guy wanted them to stop arguing, but it was just so weird. His mom’s ex-boyfriend? Hazel Anders… dating?

  He gave an involuntary shudder as he forced himself to reexamine the menu. Who would willingly go out with a woman like that?

  “It really bothers you, doesn’t it,” Caesar said.

  Fletcher glanced up at the hispanic man. “Sorry. I just… didn’t expect… this.”

  “Dad sheltered you way too much,” Nora muttered. “Adults have relationships. That’s part of life, dude. Stop being so weird about this.”

  He set his menu down. “Maybe I should just go. I’m not trying to ruin your evening.”

  His sister rolled his eyes. “No. I think you should stay and man up about this. You can’t run away from every uncomfortable thing that happens.”

  “I’m trying to be polite and give you back your private dinner with your sort of step-dad, Nora. I’m not leaving because I’m uncomfortable,” he said.

  “But you are uncomfortable, no?” Caesar asked.

  “You two know each other well. This is a normal thing for you guys. It’s not for me. That’s not a crime.” Fletcher frowned, disliking that this random man was joining his sister in accusing him.

  “I agree with Nora. You should stay. It is good for the soul to endure discomfort from time to time. That is where growth happens.” He smiled at Fletcher, those two almost tusks protruding from an otherwise neat row of teeth.

  “Yeah. Besides, how else are you going to get dinner?” Nora concurred.

  “The cafeteria.” Fletcher glanced back at the menu. This food sounded a whole lot better than what he’d get there, but the company was far less desirable.

  “Yeah right. You’re going to choose the cafeteria and spurn Caesar’s generous offer? Get real. Pick up the menu and figure out what to order. I’m hungry.” She nudged him.

  “Alright. As long as you guys are sure I’m not interrupting.” Fletcher took the menu in hand once more. There weren’t too many options, but all of it sounded good.

  The waitress came by, dropped off the breadsticks, and took all their orders. Caesar really was loaded it seemed since he ordered a very expensive bottle of wine to share.

  “So how did you and Hazel meet?” Fletcher asked Caesar after the waitress left.

  He smiled. “We met on assignment. I was a sergeant under her command.”

  “Oh, you were in the military.” Fletcher supposed that made sense. Nearly everyone in the Mixed had to serve.

  “Just for my mandatory time. Of course, it wasn’t until I finished my service that Hazel and I became close. Your mother follows the rules to a T. It’s how she advanced so quickly through the ranks.”

  “Right. Yeah. The military is kind of her life,” Fletcher mumbled.

  “I assume you’ve followed your family line and are in the service as well, Fletcher?” Caesar asked.

  “Yeah. I actually just got back from basic,” he answered.

  “Ah. Exciting. Nora, you didn’t mention going out to his graduation.”

  Nora chuckled. “I didn’t. This knucklehead didn’t invite anyone.”

  Caesar blinked in surprise. “Oh. I see.”

  “Long story,” Fletcher said quickly.

  “Speaking of family, you did finally tell Dad you’re back, right?” Nora asked. “Obviously Mom figured it out already. I still don’t understand why you tried to hide it from them.”

  He internally groaned. Why did she need to bring that up now?

  “Yeah,” Fletcher answered.

  “You finished training and came back to the base without telling your own parents of your return?” Caesar stared at him in shock.

  Fletcher shrugged. “Another long story.”

  “You know she’s a general, right, Fletch? She definitely knew you were back the moment you stepped foot on the base. Dad too,” Nora pointed out. “You should just tell them next time. It’s easier that way.”

  “Why don’t you let me worry about Mom and Dad, and you can worry about your own life, Nora?” He raised his eyebrows.

  She held her hands up. “Fine. Fine. It’s your funeral.”

  Fletcher rolled his eyes and grabbed a breadstick.

  Caesar moved on in the conversation to asking Nora about her personal life, and she asked him about his. Fletcher mainly listened as he ate, his mind only half paying attention while he thought about other things.

  Their food came alongside the wine. It was all good, but the entire experience reminded Fletcher of his first date with Beam. He missed her. A lot. Hotshot training had kept him so busy, he hadn’t time to think about what he left behind, but being back here, especially at a restaurant again, made the memories even more poignant. All at once he was back to his old self, dreaming of and wishing for his life before the Mixed.

  “Fletcher?” Nora asked.

  He blinked, coming out of his stupor of remembering his time in Bren’it’p. “Hm? Sorry. I wasn’t listening.”

  “Caesar was asking you a question,” she said.

  “Where’s your next posting?” the man asked again.

  Fletcher blew out a long breath. That was no getting around it now. He might as well rip the bandage off. “Officer training at Rwenzori Mountain Base.”

  “What?” Nora asked, spitting out part of her drink.

  “I know. I know. Look it’s not what I wanted, but—”

  “I don’t believe this.” Nora made a fist. “Deities.”

  “Nora. It’s alright. I’m sure there’s a good explanation.” Caesar reached across the table to grab her arm.

  “I’m sorry?” Fletcher said cautiously.

  “Sorry for what, Fletcher? The way the world bends to your freaking whims?” Nora laughed, but not the fun kind. “Of course she did that for you. You just get everything you could ever want handed to you on a silver platter. Deities, I think I might hate you.”

  “Nora, come on. She must have had a reason for it,” Caesar insisted.

  “Oh, she did. It’s because it’s Fletcher, the baby of the family. Deities forbid he ever struggle for himself.” Nora swore and threw her napkin on the table.

  “I’m sorry, Nora. I really am,” Fletcher said.

  “Shut up.” She closed her eyes and took a breath. “Just go, Fletcher. Get out of here. And don’t even think about bothering me tomorrow either.”

  “Okay. I’m sorry.”

  “Stop saying that!” Nora nearly yelled it.

  Fletcher glanced around, noticing that people were starting to look in their direction. “I’ll be going.” He was about to apologize again, but it was obvious that would be a mistake.

  Caesar gave him a tight smile as he stood from the booth. Leaving the restaurant behind, Fletcher made his way back to his room. It was small and dark, and after that unexpected outburst from Nora coupled with the rush of memories of Beam, he felt lonelier than ever.

  Sighing, he sat on the bed and ran his hands through his hair, only to be reminded that most of it was gone. Deities, his life was not going how he expected. His father was gone for the next two weeks and his sister was back to hating him which left Fletcher with very little to do to distract him from his worries.

  Grabbing a book, he read until he finally passed out for the night.

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