“He’s giving you space.”
Alegria huffed and then wished she hadn’t reacted at all.
“Better put, he’s giving us space.”
“What for?” she asked.
“To be friends…I think.”
She folded her arms, looked over at Dutch, and then back at Mantis. “I’m going to New York.”
“When?”
“Tonight, if I can get a flight.”
Mantis’ eyes bored into hers. “Why, Flygirl?”
She shrugged, and her eyes filled with tears. “Sorry,” she said, wiping at them. “I’m not feeling myself.”
“How’s the recovery going?”
“Far too slowly.”
“What’s the status of your medical clearance?”
Alegria looked away from him, hating how much of a girl she was being in that moment. “Stalled,” she whispered.
She hadn’t told anyone that the last time she saw the doctor, she didn’t have feeling in the sole of her right foot. Not Dutch, not Doc, and not her parents.
Mantis pulled her back into the chair and sat next to her. “What’s happening?”
“Isolated neuropathy.”
Mantis nodded. “Where?”
“Right plantar more than left, but there are issues with both.”
“I see,” he murmured, running his finger back and forth over his lips.
“I need to resume physical therapy.”
“Have you been in the air?”
She shook her head.
“Why not?”
She rolled her eyes for the second time. “Getting me into a plane hasn’t exactly been a priority for K19.”
“I’m sure it will be soon,” he murmured, studying her.
“You’re making me uncomfortable.”
Mantis nodded.
“You’re doing it on purpose?”
It took him a few seconds to respond. “I like looking at you,” he leaned forward and whispered. “I can’t help it.”