Tuesday Tales - Mouse

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “mouse”. We are back with my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani felt her mouth drop open at Ezra’s words. When she realized what she did, she snapped it up just as quickly. She had to look like one of the goldfish in the children’s section of the library. She felt about as foolish. 

It took a few tries to find her voice. “I asked you to dinner. I should cover the tab.”

“I insist,” Ezra answered. “Have you gotten a paycheck yet?”

She felt her cheeks heat up. “No. I don’t want you to overextend yourself. Your money should go to the things you need.”

He cocked his head to the side. The corner of his eyes wrinkled like he was fighting back a grin. “I’m not. I have plenty. What would make you think I didn’t?”

Dani noticed she was full body squirming when she almost fell off her stool. “You spend all day every day in the library reading, quiet as a mouse. I guess I thought you didn’t have a job or a home.”

The smile he must have held back broke through. “I work at night. I’m a consultant. Billion dollar businesses hire me to try to break into their networks. Once I’m finished, I report back to them on what I found and the best way to fix it so someone will ill intent can’t do it too.”

“So you’re a hacker.”

“An ethical one, yes. Now that you know all about me, let me get this dinner. You can get the next one once you get paid.”

Dani nodded at him. “Deal.”

Ezra motioned to the glass sitting in front of Dani. The waitress must have been a ninja. Dani never saw her bring it. “Would you like something stronger?”

She stared at the clear beverage in front of her. She shook her head. “I am parched and I didn’t get to eat all day. Water may be a little too much for me tonight.”

Ezra winked at her. “If you get a little tipsy on your water, I’ll make sure you get home safe.”