Чужак в чужой стране

           Shediscoveredthat,withMikepresent,thewarm,pleasedsensationshehadbeenenjoyingnightlywasgreatlyamplified–shesuspectedthat,ifthelightswereout,shewouldglowinthedark.

           Whentheparadestoppedandthegirlsformedatableau,Mikewasnomorethantenfeetfromher–shehadbeenpromotedherfirstweektoafrontposition.Thedirectorhadlookedheroveronherfourthdaywiththeshowandhadsaid,"Idon’tknowwhatitis,kid.We’vegotgirlsaroundtownbeggingforjustanyjobwithtwicetheshapeyou’vegot–butwhenthelightshityou,you’vegotwhatthecustomerslookat.Okay,I’mmovingyouupwheretheycanseebetter.Thestandardraise?andIstilldon’tknowwhy."

           SheposedandtalkedwithMikeinhermind.("Feelanything?")

           ("Igrokbutnotinfullness.’)

           ("LookwhereIamlooking,mybrother.Thesmallone.Hequivers.Hethirstsforme.’)

           ("Igrokhisthirst")

           ("Canyouseehim?")Jillstaredstraightintothecustomer’seyesandgavehimawarmsmile?notalonetoincreasehisinterestinherbutalsotoletMikeusehereyes,ifpossible.AshergrokkingofMartianthoughthadincreasedandastheyhadgrownsteadilycloserinotherwaystheyhadbeguntobeabletousethiscommonMartianconvenience.Notfullyasyet,butwithincreasingease–Jillhadnocontroloverit;Mikecouldseethroughhereyessimplybycallingtoher,shecouldseethroughhisonlyifhegaveithisattention.

           ("Wegrokhimtogether,"Mikeagreed.("Greatthirstformylittlebrother.