Malcolm muttered an agreement of some sort but kept his head down as he perused his PADD. He didn’t want to let his friend see him roll his eyes.
Trip took a sip of his beverage and continued his tirade. “Then Phlox’s wife invited herself to our table and started talkin’ to Hoshi in Denobulin. They chit-chatted right briefly, and Mrs. Phlox started running her foot up my pant leg. I started feelin’ like they were talkin’ ‘bout me, so I asked ‘em if they were. I was floored when Hoshi said they were. Then Mrs. Phlox says Hoshi was talkin’ ‘bout how good lookin’ I am…”
Malcolm choked on something and looked up, amusement and disbelief dancing in his eyes.
Not missing a beat, Trip continued venting. “So, Hoshi turned bright red and said that Mrs. Phlox was pulling my leg and that they were only talking ‘bout grammar. The thing is, is that I don’t know what they were talkin’ ‘bout and it has really got my curiosity peaked. Hoshi is so frustratin’. One minute she chatters up a storm like I’m her best friend, then the next…I just wish she would give me some sort of sign, so I would know if she’s interested is all.”
This time Malcolm did let his friend see him rolling his eyes.
“What was that for?” Trip sounded annoyed.
“You have to be one of the most daft people on this ship when it comes to reading women.” Malcolm crumpled his napkin and placed it onto his plate, all of the sudden experiencing a loss of appetite.
“And I suppose you are a genius, Mr. ‘I couldn’t get laid on a pleasure planet if I had two gorgeous aliens hangin’ all over me’?” Trip glared at Malcolm.
Malcolm refused to rise to his bait knowing for a fact that incident was neither one of their faults. “All I am saying is that the lady doth protest too much.”
“What the hell are ya talkin’ ‘bout?” Trip leaned back in his seat and gave Malcolm an unknowing look.
“What I am saying,” Malcolm took a deep breath and tried to gain some patience, “is that you already have your sign of whether or not Hoshi is interested in you. She became all flustered and protested vehemently about saying how good looking you are, right?” Malcolm bowed his headed waiting for Trip to answer.
Finally, Trip understood what Malcolm was saying and his face lit up bringing out the brightest of blues in his eyes.
“Ah, I see the light is on. And someone is finally home, Commander.” Malcolm smirked.
What was Trip going to do? He needed to find out soon. He had to know for sure. If she struck him down, then all he had to do was play nonchalant and walk away. Sure he would be hurt, but this hurtin’ was just as bad. He stood up, dropped his napkin to the table and resolved to find out how Hoshi felt about him. “Thanks for the advice Malcolm.”
The armory officer grinned from ear to ear as he watched his friend leave. He just hoped he wasn’t wrong. Trip certainly does wear his heart on his sleeve. He was surprised Hoshi hadn’t already made a move as he was sure she returned his friend’s fondness. He shook his head and went back to work.
TBC
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