Fiona laughed at something Saoirse said and snuggled into her.
Ireallyliked Fiona. Hopefully, when she came out for New Years, we could talk about moving in together. She and Saoirse weren’t going to fit in my apartment–and I knew she’d want Saoirse to come with her.
Not only could Fiona have a nest, but Saoirse could have her own floor if she wanted. We could even make the basement into their spy headquarters.
My apartment building would be fine without me living in it. I had a management company handle all the apartment stuff anyway.
Not long after I’d started playing for the Knights, the owner of the building I grew up in came to me and asked if I’d be interested in buying. His pack wanted to retire and move away. He’d watched me grow up and knew I was now a pro hockey player, and offered me averygood price for it. All I had to do was promise that I’d take care of the existing tenants.
Knowing it was a good investment–and a good way to take care of my family–I used my entire savings and got a couple ofsponsorships to help cover it. I fixed up the second floor, where he and his pack lived, for Anita and her pack. Mom and Dulce moved upstairs. Our old place on the third floor got fixed up for Beatriz and her family, who already lived in the building anyway. I took a one-bedroom for myself when it opened up.
My brother-in-law and Beatriz moved their print shop into the space where the previous owners had their shop, because I could afford to charge them much less. My family did pay rent, but it was pretty nominal–mostly to cover taxes and upkeep. Even the newer tenants didn’t pay market rate.
It had been a good thing after my dad died, us being all together. But I think it was time for me to move on. I could still keep my promise to my dad to watch over everyone while not living in the same building.
We continued to watch the parade. Behind the marching band were a couple of floats and some other groups–all dressed like sexy santas. Many threw treats to the children.
Finally, the festive group faded down the street.
“That was fun. Let’s go to the Christmas market and get hot wine.” Fiona grabbed my arm and dragged us to an area of the village which was filled with stalls selling all sorts of holiday items and food.
I bought everyone hot wine. Saoirse and Fiona browsed the other booths. I texted Dusty to let him know where we were.
“Are you doing okay?” I asked Hale softly.
“I’m good.” His eyes stayed on Fiona as she held up an ornament.
“Don’t steal her from me? Please?” I said softly. “Totally willing to share, but don’t take her from me?” After all, he was an alpha and had anatomy that an omega female needed during her heats.
Something I didn’t have.
“Hey man, not trying to move in on your girl.” He squeezed my hand. “Promise. I’m not ready for an omega of my own. I need toget my shit together first–and probably finish my PhD. She’s really special, though, and I’d absolutely share her with you during this trip if you want.”
“That sounds fun. She is something.” My eyes followed her as they went to the next booth. Fionawouldwant to move in with me, right? If not right away, at some point?
“Hale, Carlos, come here!” Fiona shrieked with delight.
We joined her at thecreepiestbooth I’d ever seen. Shelves and shelves of dolls in holiday and cultural outfitsstaredat us, silently mocking and judging us.
“Look. She finds Everydolls at flea markets and charity shops, repaints them, and sews them beautiful outfits,” Fiona said as she cradled one in her arms. “I have a collection of these at my dads’.”
“I don’t know what these are,” I said softly to Hale.
“Rich people shit. They’re really expensive dolls with tons of accessories and entire shops devoted to them. There’s a giant one in New York, it’s pink,” Hale told me. “If I buy one now do you think it would get to Rockland by Christmas?”
“Probably not? For one of your little sisters?” I watched Fiona coo over dolls.
“Rich big sister is making up for never having one of these as a kid by amassing a horde of them. There’s one of those stores in Rockland, too. Personally, I find them creepy as fuck, but it makes her happy,” he replied.
I nodded. “There are worse hobbies than doll collecting.”
“I’ll get one anyway and give it to her when I see her. Fiona, help me pick one out for my sister?” Hale got close to her.
Hmmm. Did my sisters like these? I didn’t remember. Taking a photo, I sent it to all three of my sisters.
Me
Are these a thing anyone wants?
