Storm brought his empty plate into the kitchen. He stood before the sink watching Penny out on the patio. She was nodding her head attentively as the plump astronomers from ANU and her mother underlined their points. Judging from the smiley mask she wore, he knew she was bored. A polite chuckle at just the right time while they chatted on and on, about their friends, colleagues, and neighbours in Canberra and Sydney. He caught her eye as he walked past the open doors into the living room, giving her a wave. Penny pulled a face as much as to say she couldn’t be rude and walk away just yet. After a two cans of beer he was beginning to feel the affects. Relaxed, yes, but he was not having a really good time. The problem with the party was the …show more content…
Or he might have a lot to work on.” Karl gave him a wink. “To be honest, my impression of him is he’s lazy.” Michael picked up a bowl of potato chips from the table as joined them. He offered it to the two men. “I took the chance to excuse myself from that little group when Arnold said he was off to his office. What did you both think of the barbecue?” “Great!” Storm said with enthusiasm. Karl chuckled. “You have left poor Stephen with the women.” “Ah, he’ll love it.” Michael smiled and stuffed a handful of chips into his mouth. He frowned as he munched. “His freaking wife though,” he said through the chips. “She’s always talking about herself and her career. And everything’s always just wonderful. She drives me insane! But what can I do, Adrienna is Franchette’s friend. Sorry about spitting my chips on you.” He brushed fragments off Storm’s T-shirt. “So what are you two discussing? It seemed interesting.” “Storm was asking me about my project, and we got onto brown dwarfs.” Michael nodded. “Mm. Well, I was meaning to talk to you about the very same subject myself. I’ve decided I could use your help with—ah—something I’ve been working …show more content…
He clapped his hands together and cracked his knuckles. “Sure! How can I be of help.” “You have this—um—outsider’s view on the subject.” Karl laughed. “Outsider of what exactly?” Michael looked suddenly self-conscious and waved his hand in the air. “Okay. Let’s call it a different approach to the conventional view of dwarf stars.” He put down the bowl and folded his arms. “You express an alternative perspective. Can I put it that way?” “Sure.” Storm stared at Penny through the open door. She must be bored to tears. I better go over and say hello. He glanced at the two men in turn. “I’m off to the beer fridge. Anyone for trying one of mine? Yeah?” Karl nodded his head. “I’ll try one,” Michael replied. Storm rubbed his hands together. “Right, be back in a minute.” “Penny, do you want another beer?” He asked her. He was keen not to draw attention to himself by interrupting the group, or worse be invited to join the conversation. She half turned and whispered in his ear. “Give me a couple of minutes and I’ll go inside and join their discussion about planets, telescopes, and other interesting stuff.” Penny grinned as she watched him walk to the drink refrigerator and pull out his