Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 53

Chapter 53 After the Glasses Empty 

Finished 

Ryan leaned back, irritation simmering. Damn. Are we really that desperate? Who does she think she’s talking to? 

Laurent broke the pause. “I’m starting to think Ethan’s right. She really does have a strong moral compass.” 

He tilted his head. “Her major is pharmacogenomics, yeah? Once she graduates, she could end up at Holcomb Pharmaceuticals.” 

Keith remained silent before finally saying, “I checked her transcript. You can see the effort. She works her tail off. Her core classes, though…” 

He paused. 

“They’re average at best. She’s surviving on effort alone. Pharmacogenomics isn’t where she shines. What she’s truly good at is ancient Terran language. If I get the chance, I’d tell her to think about switching.” 

Ryan chuckled, somewhat teasing. “Wow. Going for the jugular, huh? You’re nearly ready to call her hopeless.” 

Ethan smirked. “Keith, standing next to someone like you, most people wouldn’t even get a simple ‘not bad.” 

Keith sighed. “I’m not tearing her down. I’m just being realistic. It’s her choice. If she sticks with it, I won’t stop her. Even so, the best case is that she ends up a researcher. That work is long and dull. It doesn’t really fit someone like her.” 

Mason joined in, careful with his tone. “I doubt the Morren family will send her back to Alayna Planet. They treat her like their own. Chances are, they’ll help her transfer to a school here on Capitol Planet. If that happens, any ideas?” 

Laurent shrugged. “I respect her choice. With my military academy background, I’m useless for that.” 

Ethan replied, “There are many good universities here. First, we should find out what she prefers, then narrow the options. My mother is associated with several top institutions, so accessing these won’t be an issue.” 

They all knew that once a school was settled, the rest would be paperwork. Ava wouldn’t have to keep bouncing between planets anymore. 

Mason lifted his glass. “That’s enough planning for tonight. Let’s drink.” 

Laurent took a sip. “I won’t be around Capitol Planet much longer. Once I’m gone, she’s on you.” His gaze sharpened. “No surprise new matches, understood?” 

Mason gave a faint smirk. “I make no promises. I’ve never claimed to play nice.” 

They went through round after round, finally breaking up close to 2 a.m. 

Ava had been exhausted for two days straight, and maybe she finally surrendered. That night, she drifted off as soon as she hit the bed. 

1/3 

67 

Chapter 53 After the Glasses Empty 

Finished 

Morning came with soft light and a buzzing Holoband. A few messages waited. The first was from Mason, sent late the night before. Ava stared at it for a second, then typed back a short reply. 

Another notification followed–a voice message from Keith. 

She tapped it. 

Singing poured out 

The timestamp read 3:30 a.m. 

Her expression darkened. “Is he drunk?” 

That’s insane. Singing in the middle of the night, off–key and all over the place. Fortunately, I slept through it. He’s completely tone–deaf. 

Below were three new friend requests: Ethan, Ryan, and Laurent. 

She accepted all of them. 

After washing up and getting dressed, Ava went downstairs. The clock already showed 8:30 a.m. 

> 

Seeing Asher in the living room, she blinked. “You’re home? No work today?” 

Asher grinned. “Day off. Want to hang out?” 

Ava grabbed breakfast and sat down. “I want a lazy day. Stay in and do absolutely nothing.” 

Asher clicked his tongue. “You’re young, yet you live like a retiree. What’s fun about staying home?” 

She took a sip of milk. “Who says staying in can’t be fun?” 

He shook his head and stated, “I was going to take you somewhere exciting. If you’re not interested, I won’t wait.” 

Ava quickly drank her milk in two gulps, her curiosity shining through. “Is Jane coming too?” 

Asher snorted. “Her? No way. She talks big but has no courage. She’d just scream the whole time and give me a headache.” 

Then he shuddered, as if recalling something. “Forget it. You shouldn’t go either. I don’t want to get my face rearranged.” 

That only intrigued Ava further. “Well, now I really want to see.” 

Asher whispered, “I can get you in quietly. No one else should find out.” 

Ava leaned closer. “Then tell me. What is it?” 

“Racing,” Asher murmured. “Just a hobby. There’s a run today, and they want me in.” 

Racing? In both my lives, that’s way outside anything I’ve ever done. 

Interest stirred anyway. 

273 

Even at her most well–behaved, she’d never quite lost her taste for rebellion.