“What were you gonna say?”
“I’m sure you don’t care.”
“I asked.”
He studies me for a lingering moment. “I’ve been gone since I was eighteen. It’s familiar and foreign at the same time. It’s weird to feel that way about the place you grew up.”
I nod, understanding on some level, based on my own shit-show existence. “Well, I’m sure it’ll get better in time.”
“Hope so.”
“You look cold. Want to get a coffee in the café and I’ll introduce you to everyone?”
His face softens. “That would be cool.”
I nod, trying to put my forcefield back up. He doesn’t just work here. He works here to replace me. What happens to me after that is anyone’s guess. My goal is not to find out.
Gabriel follows me downstairs and through the planetarium. When we get to the café, it’s still quiet. Things don’t really start picking up until around eleven when the place is packed with groups.
“We have six field trips planned for today, assuming all is well weather-wise.”
Gabriel nods. “It was coming down.”
“Hmm. We don’t have too many weather cancellations, but it might reduce the amount of non-school groups coming in.”
“Already took that into consideration, boss man,” Easton says from behind us. I twist around to see his smiling face. Easton is the shyest guy I’ve ever met, but working here has helped his confidence grow. His smile grows, revealing the dimples in his freckled cheeks, his ginger hair swooshed across his forehead. He pops out his hand to Gabriel.
“I’m Easton. I manage the café.”
“Hey, Easton.” Gabriel flashes that modelesque smile of his. “Gabriel. I, uh, work here now.” He glances at me briefly. “Nice to meet you.”
“You too.” No doubt Easton already knows why Gabriel is here. “Can I get you guys anything?”
“We came for coffee,” I explain.
“How do you take it?” he asks, directing his question to Gabriel with a glance.
“Black.” Gabriel’s face goes blank for a second, as if he just remembered something. “Actually, do you have any of those flavored ones? Like caramel?”
“We have a caramel latte,” Easton says. “Whole milk, caramel syrup, and drizzled with real caramel.”
“Yes, please.” Gabriel smiles like it’s the best thing he’s ever heard. “That sounds amazing.”
“You got it. Usual for you, boss?”
“Please.”
“What is your usual?” Gabriel asks after a moment.
“Hazelnut latte.”
Gabriel mumbles something under his breath that sounds strangely like “like your eyes,” but that couldn’t be it.
I tilt my head. “What did you say?”
“I said that’s nice.” He smiles, sliding his hands in his pockets.
I’m sure that’s not what he said, but whatever.
“This is a nice café,” Gabriel continues. “I was expecting one like at a school or a real cold one, like the hospital, but when I saw it yesterday, I thought it was really cool how the space theme keeps going.”
“Yes. It was cold when I started. I want people to feel like they’re having an adventure when they come here. I want them to lose themselves in space. I talked Richard into redecorating it, and I’m really happy with how it came out.”
When my eyes meet Gabriel’s, he’s watching me intently.
“How long have you been working here?”
“Two years. As soon as I got my graduate degree.”
“Are you like a…?” He shrugs. “What is a space degree in?”
I hold back a smirk. “I have a PhD in Astronomy and a minor in physics.”
“You have a PhD?”
“Yes.”
“So, you’re like, wicked smart.”
“Yes. I just had a natural ability with sciences and math, so I started on an engineering path. I thought I wanted to build rockets and work for NASA.”
“And then?”
“I hated my courses. I mean, I found them interesting, but they didn’t light me up. I took some time to figure out what did and realized I was in the wrong spot. I didn’t want to build rockets. I wanted to unlock the secrets of the universe. I wanted to study and discover things no one had.” I gaze out the large windows and watch the snow fall for a few seconds.
“I used to come here as a kid. Way before Richard owned it.” My eyes meet Gabriel’s. “I came back one day when I was soul searching, and I sat in the planetarium for three shows. When I left, I knew that I wanted to be part of this. I was still a kid then, still in my first year of college, but I knew I would try to work here when I graduated.”
“But…” He stops, shaking his head. “Nothing.”
“Coffee?” Easton hands Gabriel his latte.
I watch as he sips it and then sighs contentedly as the hot liquid visibly slides down his throat. On the knees-weak list: prominent Adam’s apple. Check.
“You were saying?”
“Oh. It’s none of my business. I guess I was just wondering why a local planetarium in Boston, instead of like, yeah, NASA or some shit.”
“Lots of reasons that won’t make sense to someone who doesn’t know me.”
He nods. “Got it.”
I take my coffee when Easton offers it, then lead Gabriel through the rest of the planetarium. We arrive at Samuel’s makeshift office, a space we created so he could hear and see the energy of the planetarium. It’s not really an office—more a desk tucked into a well-placed corner—but he loves it. We may be twins, but we couldn’t be more different. I’m the reclusive introvert. He’s the social butterfly. I’m behind the scenes. He’s in the middle of them.
“Samuel.”
He looks up, smiling, but then it fades when he sees who’s next to me.
“Hey,” Samuel says.
“Oh, dang,” Gabriel says, his gaze shifting from me to Samuel. “Wow. Cool.”
“Ah. You didn’t know we were twins.”
“No.”
Samuel is still sitting, nearly glaring at Gabriel.
“Can you introduce yourself?” I prompt him.
“Sure.” Samuel stands, extending his hand for Gabriel to shake. “Samuel. Social Media and Marketing Manager.”
“Oh, cool. You’ve done really great things I heard.”
“That’s my job.”
Gabriel’s face tightens. “Right.”
I give Samuel a look. Gabriel may be the enemy, but we have manners. He nods, understanding my message without words.
“Welcome to Blue Moon,” Samuel offers, softening his tone.
“Thanks.” Gabriel offers a slight smile. “Uh, could I set up time with you to see your marketing plan?”
“Why?” His tone drips with defensiveness.
“I’m interested in how a planetarium is marketed.”
“Oh. Right. Sure, that’s fine.”
I look down at my watch. “Well, we should go. Richard will be expecting us soon.”