“Congrats! That’s amazing,” I said as Carlos and Fiona kissed Hale.
“Speaking of the Circle, the police called me to follow up with everything. Obviously, I’m not at fault–and none of you are responsible for anything. There might be a kidnapping trial. Though Clegg was hurt pretty bad. At least no one died,” he added. “I didn’t realize how much they were marking my drug up or who all they started selling it to. No wonder recently he’d been pressuring me for it more and more and got big mad. Well, that’s not my problem. Compass BioTek legal is already sending out cease and desist letters.”
“Speaking of letters, we need to send that one to your parents. Unless they gave you a magical bank transfer,” Fiona prodded.
Hale sighed. “Fine. Also, I’m not going to call or visit Mom or send her money anymore. Mercy isn’t either.”
“You don’t have to. I’m surprised you still spoke to her after everything she did,” Carlos said.
“I know. I always felt so conflicted. She did a bad thing, but she’s still my mom. Also, she has been so supportive of Mercy after she got signed to the Maimers when the other parents weren’t. But no more.” He shook his head.
“I’m proud of you,” Carlos said.
“Me, too,” Fiona added.
The restaurant came into view. I’ve been here a number of times.
“Fifi, did you know your dads picked my brother Marcos’ restaurant?” I said as I pulled into the valet line.
“He did? That’s exciting,” Fiona replied.
“Is your brother going to be obnoxious like when we took Anita here for her birthday?” Carlos asked.
“Probably worse.” I laughed. Though I had asked him not to send wine.
We left the car with the valet and went inside.
We called it my brother‘s restaurant, but he wasn’t the owner. He was one of the head chefs and had designed a number of the dishes on the menu. It was a European-Latin fusion restaurant. Him getting noticed was entirely my fault.
I took Saoirse’s hand as the five of us walked inside. It was amazing that she wanted to have a baby with me.
We were led into the private dining room, not the party room, but the one where packs who wanted a nice meal but weren’t out to be seen liked to book. Her dads hadn’t reserved it–Marcos did.
While I’m sure someone had already posted a photo of us going into the restaurant, we didn’t need people watching us.
Saoirse immediately relaxed. “Much safer,” she said softly.
“Exactly,” I agreed.
We greeted Fiona’s dads and took a seat. Finn had seated himself at the head of the table, the dads along one side. Fiona sat next to him, us along the other side, I seated Saoirse at the opposite end. This was all a game of alpha strategy.
The dads all had drinks. I excused myself, went to the bar, and got everyone’s preferred beverage, including the mocktail Saoirse liked, so no one asked why she wasn’t drinking.
When I came back, Fiona was updating them animatedly.
“Thank you,” Saoirse said softly.
A server came in with plates set with elegant tiny appetizers. “The chef sends this with his compliments.”
“Thank you.” Finn looked a little perplexed.
“We’re so excited to host Pack Himbo at your first official pack outing.” She grinned. I also knew her–she was a very trusted member of Marcos’ team.
“We’re excited to dine here. You have the most excellent chefs,” I replied.
“Who’s ready to order?” she asked.
I turned to Saoirse. “I recommend the schnitzel tacos.”
