The Genetic Code

Chapter 20

"So let me get this straight," I swirl my drink and look up at him with a lifted brow. "Your younger sister, who you haven't seen in over six years, has suddenly reappeared?"

"Yup."

"But goes by a different name now, and has no idea who you are..."

"Pretty much."

"And after saving her from some knockoff version of Kera's triangle of glittering death, she started to develop a crush on you?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Wow, and I thought my family situation was complicated."

"I'm sorry to break this to you, but you have nothing on me."

"I may have more up my sleeve than you're aware of," I challenge, thinking about the incomplete birth certificate I found pasted on my window a few days ago, cut off before the part showing my biological parents' names, their respective gene statuses, and, based on that, my predetermined gene status.

"So do I."

My eyes narrow slightly. Then my lips curl into a devious grin. "We're practically a match made in screwed up heaven." I wink.

"Yes, it does seem like the Big Guy was having particularly off days when he created us. It's like we were meant to be." He throws a wink back at me as he raises his mug to his lips.

There's a question itching on my tongue. I finally decide to bite the bullet and spit it out.

"So..." I clear my throat, "am I supposed to be your girlfriend now?"

He nearly chokes on his drink. Quickly placing his cup back down on the coaster, he squirms in his seat and pulls at his still slightly wet collar nervously.

"Well... I mean, I guess I shouldn't have assumed, I'm sorry. But... ah... w-would you... Would you want to be... my girlfriend?"

I take my time to answer. "I'll have to think about it first..." I finally say evasively, eyes drifting away, pretending as if my mind isn't already clearly made up.

The way his head shoots up and his eyes bear into mine with such intense despair makes me want to tear up and snort out into laughter at the same time.

His voice is strained as he speaks, "O-Of course... Take as much time as you nee—"

"Thought process over. Now do I get like a mug or keychain or something that proves you're my boyfriend? Personally I'd prefer a keychain." I tilt my head to the side and shoot him a small-eyed smile.

He releases the breath he seemed to have been holding, running his hands repeatedly through his tousled hair. "I thought I was going to have a heart attack right there."

"Not on my watch. Then I would've lost the one source holding the secret to melting Albert's heart of ice."

"Well, you managed to melt mine, so you should be a top level expert in the field," he replies with a lopsided smile.

My heart didn't flutter when he said that. No, it didn't. Nope. Not at all. I'm not blushing uncontrollably right now, even though my face does feel exceptionally warm. It must be the heating up here.

Damnit, you traitorous heart.

"Okay, Mr Smooth-Talker, spill. Even this 'top level expert' hasn't managed to crack the code that is my grouchy, stingy boss who makes me use the bathroom in the next building to save on water bills. But somehow you've managed to get so much on his good side that you get free drinks. So, what's your secret? Black magic charms?"