24. Margo

Are you sure? Margo eyed the pile of dresses Frankie had dropped on the bed. What if Marina and Larissa dont take good care of them? Your cousins will be upset if you return them damaged.

Dont be silly. Frankie waved a dismissive hand. What could they do to them?

Stains, tears, Mia supplied. But if they do, Ill happily cover the cost of replacements.

It was nice to be in Mias situation and not have any more worries about money. Margo had never dreamt about being rich, but being able to pay her bills and do nice things for others from time to time could have been nice.

Hopefully, her new job at Perfect Match would pay enough to cover the basics. The problem was that her future was uncertain at the moment, and she might not be able to take the job because she had to leave, either because she had no godly genes and didnt become immortal or she had them and had to follow Negal to Tibet.

She pulled out her new phone to check if Negal had left her a message and was disappointed that there was none.

After the visit to the clinic, shed gone to see Jasmine with Frankie and Mia, and Negal had returned to the Lido deck with Dagor. Since Dagor wasnt back yet either, they were probably still up there.

We dont have to deliver the dresses right now, Margo said. They are still short-staffed, so Larissa and Marina have to work tonight and wont need them until tomorrow. Lets join the guys on the Lido deck.

Frankie perked up. I like the way you think. I havent had a drink in forever. She turned to Mia. You can call Toven and ask him to meet you up there.

Ill do that. Mia pulled out her phone.

As they headed out, Margo leaned toward Frankie. Are you allowed to have alcohol so soon after your transition?

Bridget didnt say anything to that effect, so I assume its fine.

You should ask, Mia said.

Why? So, she can tell me no? Frankie called the elevator. If I dont ask, I can claim ignorance.

It wasnt smart, but Margo knew better than to argue with Frankie. She was a sweetheart but had a stubborn streak a mile long.

When they reached the Lido deck, they found Negal and Dagor sitting at a table, sipping on beers and munching on pretzels.

Both rose to their feet when they saw them approaching, and then Negal walked over to Margo. Ive missed you. He feathered a kiss on her cheek.

She arched a brow. You did?

Why does that surprise you? He pulled out a chair for her.

You didnt text me. She sat down.

Was I supposed to?

Dagor chuckled. Yeah, you were.

Negal turned to him. How do you know?

Frankie made a list of rules for me. One of them is to always let her know where I am and what I am doing.

Margo looked at Frankie, who nodded. Dont forget that they are not from this planet. How are they supposed to know what human women expect from their significant others?

I suspect that females on Anumati are not all that different from us. After all, we are biologically compatible, which means that we are more similar than different.

Culture plays a big role, Dagor said. Expectations are different. He glanced at Negal. Right?

Negal nodded. Couples dont get as close emotionally on Anumati unless they are fated mates, and thats extremely rare.

Thats strange, Mia said. There are so many fated matches in the clan. Most of them are, in fact.

It was indeed strange, but if Mia didnt know the reason for that, Margo doubted anyone else did. What about children? she asked. Are parents close to their children on Anumati?

Negal nodded. Very much so. The birth rate is so low that every child is treated like a miracle.

That was surprising for a society with such advanced knowledge in genetics.

Given what Anumatians can do with gene manipulation, I would assume that anyone who wanted a child on Anumati could get one. Margo looked at Negal. Even humans know how to make babies in a lab, and then implant them in a females womb. Im sure Anumatian scientists know how to make test tube babies.

Negal nodded. You are correct, but to make a test tube baby, as you call it, a couple needs to apply, get approved, and have the funds for it. The wait line is centuries long, and the procedure is above most citizens means. On the other hand, having a child naturally does not cost anything and doesnt require approval.

Its sad, Mia said. I imagined that a society as advanced as the gods would do away with money, and that everyone would get what they need while contributing what they can.

Dagor chuckled. It doesnt work like that. Not here and not on my home planet. People need incentives to put in an effort. Regrettably, praise and recognition, or even social pressure, are not enough to encourage people to put in the work. Fear of destitution on the one hand and monetary rewards on the other are much stronger motivators, and at the end of the day, we are better for it. Laziness and lack of motivation lead to low self-esteem, which in turn might lead to depression, drug abuse, and distractive behaviors to alleviate the boredom.

Margo agreed, but Mia didnt look convinced. The clan has a good system, but I doubt it could work for a large society. Every member gets a share in the clans profit, and its enough to live on comfortably without having to work, but if they do choose to work, they get paid for their efforts and have more than just the basics.

Thats amazing, Margo said. I would love to have the security of knowing that my bills are covered, and that I could do whatever Im passionate about without having to worry about money.

Negal grimaced. We dont have that on Anumati. But to tell you the truth, I have no idea what I would do with myself if I didnt have to work. I dont love what I do, and I dont hate it either, but Im not passionate about it.

Speaking of work, Margo said. Did Aru speak to your commander about postponing the trip or letting you stay behind?

Negal shook his head. Aru didnt speak to the commander, and he wont unless you start transitioning.

Margos heart sank. She was out of time, and she needed to get over her inhibitions or lose her chance with Negal. If he left before inducing her, she would have to choose someone else, and there was no way she would be able to do that.

It was either Negal or no one.