Inconstant Moon - Default Font Edition by Laurel L. Russwurm Read Free Book Online

some pictures. Won't do it again,” raising two fingers, “Scouts' honour”.
    “You were a boy scout?” she asks, curious.
    “Nawww,” he grins, “You know they don't let in nerds.” Liz laughs as he starts stowing his camera. “This is way more people than Maggie expected. And more are coming in all the time. Gotta go do my computer club job now.”
    Liz nods and edges around the room, photographing students helping students. Some faces are pensive, some squint in concentration, some are vacant with boredom. Others glance shyly at people they like, sparkle as they tell jokes, flutter in outrageous flirtation, discuss theories or argue with animation. Close shots of hands on mice, fingers tapping on keyboards.
    Liz's camera captures them all, making sure to grab quick shots of faces for a photo essay she's been playing around with. Funny, she seems to be taking more photos of Ethan than just about anybody. Stop it girl. Do you really want to go there?
    Ethan catches her eye and winks again. She can feel the flush starting at the roots of her hair. Down, girl. She turns away but she feels him watching. She tries to ignore him and concentrate on taking pictures. For the first time in her life, that isn't easy.
    The crowd ebbs and flows throughout the evening, and Maggie is pleased with the level of interest. As it gets late, although she is well into her second wind people start drifting away.
    Around about midnight the last of the release party guests straggle through the front doors of the Computer Centre and fan out in various directions. Barbie emerges into the cool night air flanked by Jose and Adam. Jose's glance lingers on Barbie, but it's late, and he's tired. He's not worried about Adam as competition. The guy is like Dilbert come to life.
    “That's it for me.” Jose says. “Later.” and Barbie waves as he sets off along the path that will take him to the Fyfield House residence.
    “I'm parked in C Lot,” Barbie tells Adam, “How about you? Do you live on campus or off?”
    “Oh, I live at home.” confesses Adam, wishing for the first time that he didn't.
    But Barbie giggles, “Me too. I thought I was the only one.”
    They walk companionably toward the parking lot, Adam lugging a laptop on each shoulder. They get to her car first. A shiny new looking compact car. She pushes the button to unlock it, and opens the door, turning to Adam and giving him a peck on the cheek.
    “Thanks for all the help Alan, I really appreciate it.”
    Adam flushes and looks away, bashful under her intense blue eyed gaze. “It's no problem Barbie, I'll have it finished and back to you Monday, good as new. Better.”
    “That'd be great. I've got a family thing this weekend so I won't hardly even miss it. Just call me when it's ready and we'll get together. You're an angel, Alan.” and she ducks into the driver's seat. Barbie flashes Adam a smile, then the lights, and away she goes.
    Dazzled, Adam watches her drive away, head spinning as he makes his way to the back to his own car. Funny, he never cared what a hunk of junk it was before. He smiles to himself; he doesn't even mind she got his name wrong. Barbie kissed him! He's in such a good mood he pats his beater fondly on the roof. His car is so old there isn't a remote — you actually have to put a key in the lock. He opens the door and tucks Barbie's computer carefully behind the seat. He slides his computer in beside hers.
    He can't help but grin as he slams the door. Barbie wants his help. She even gave him her phone number. And her computer. Adam is simply amazed that a girl like that would even talk to him. He doesn't even mind that she calls him Alan. How can he possibly correct her? He's in a daze as he buckles the seat belt, then turns the key in the ignition. Before disengaging the emergency brake he touches his cheek in awe. “She kissed me,” he marvels. “Me.”
    As Adam drives out of the lot his lights illuminate Krystal and Jake emerging from the