Hale grabbed my chin and kissed me. “She doesn’t mean it.”
Mmmm… I felt like she did.
“Hey, the PR person said we went viral. Do you know anythingabout that? Because it wasn’t my statement and Dusty hasn’t released anything yet.” I sipped my tea.
“Um… yeah. That might be me? After you went to bed I did a livestream, mostly to just talk my shit out and get some advice. It was really helpful and I feel so much better now. I didn’t mention names or details. It was more about making huge life changes and doing big things, even though you might fuck up.” He gave us a lopsided grin. “I’m not afraid to steal my sister’s car and street race, but I’m afraid to date. And I am afraid. Because of my parents. But that’s for me to work out.” His head bowed.
I squeezed his hand. “That’s a very mature realization. It’ll take a couple of days, but you’re on my healthcare now. We’ll find someone for you to talk to.”
“That would be great. The campus clinic always has a waiting list,” he agreed. “Anyhow, the internet detectives got curious and figured it out.”
“Pack Himbo, they’re calling us.” I grabbed another cookie.
“Himbo is a state of mind, I guess. We need that on T-shirts.” Fiona smirked. “Did you want any tea?”
I felt like Dusty would be all over that. Probably make a song to go with it. T-shirt. My brother-in-law might be on the cruise, but his printshop was still open…
“I only like my tea iced and sweet, but thank you.” Hale gave her a fond look.
A moment later Dusty and Saoirse came from downstairs. When did Dusty get here?
“Someone said we need to pick out a couch?” Dusty took a cookie.
He’d finally trimmed his goatee. Though I kinda liked the fuller beard look on him.
“Yes.” Fiona nodded as she did something on her phone.
“Fifi, this looks beautiful. But how are we affording this?” Hale’s brow furrowed.
Fiona waved him off. “It’s fine. I’m just getting us set up. No worries.”
Saoirse eyed Fiona. “I’m pretty sure when your dads said you can’t access family resources they also meant those cards.”
“Well, that’s on them for not shutting them off, or stating it explicitly. I’m a little surprised they didn’t cut me off after I bought the car yesterday.” Fiona looked smug.
Saoirse shook her head, resigned.
Fiona looked up at us. “I can get us an appointment at the Omega Center for new pack services the morning of the second. Does that work? I’ll probably stay after for my own visits.”
“That works. Verity wants to meet with me tomorrow morning before the game,” Hale replied.
“Oh. We have all sorts of things being delivered tomorrow.” Fiona frowned.
“I’m sorry. I’ll help out. Promise. One thing I’m good at is moving shit around.” He looked at me. “I’ll be on time for the game. This is just something I have to do. Alone.”
“I understand,” I told him. Sayingnoto meeting with Verity didn’t seem like a good life choice.
Her phone rang and she answered it. “Hi, Dad! Miss me already?”
He said something.
“What? Really? Oh, I amsosorry, Dad. I didn’t think those were resources. Whoopsie. I was just trying to decorate my new room. Omegas need safe and comfortable spaces, and this issucha big life change for me. Youdowant me to be all comfortable and well-adjusted, don’t you?” she questioned.
Oh, she was good. We were in for it, weren’t we?
I wouldn’t have it any other way. He said something else.
“Okie dokie, Dad. I won’t use them anymore. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” She rolled her eyes. “The car is forsafety.Do you really want me taking public transport all by myself?”
