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Hospital Alpha:
I didn’t have access to my phone. I apologize
“That’s it?!” I stared at my phone, mouth agape as I typed.
Delaney:
In this day and age?
Hospital Alpha:
Family time requires “my undivided attention”. Unfortunately
I was unaware my family had a terrible weekend planned that regrettably included me
Allow me to make it up to you?
Delaney:
You said you were cut off from your family…
Hospital Alpha:
I thought I was as well. I’d rather not talk about this if it’s okay with you. I do apologize. If it’s any consolation, I thought about you all weekend
With my ego stroked just right, my angry stride became more relaxed. My shoulders fell from underneath my ears and a small smile threatened to curl the corner of my lip. Maybe it wasn’t that big of a deal. It was only a few days after all.
Delaney:
Perhaps it is
Hospital Alpha:
Can I tell you my thoughts over dinner tonight? My place?
The oily, demeaning voice crept in again, loudly shouting,
EMPTY! You’re EMPTY. Eventually you’ll have to tell him. Why not rip the band aid off and do it now? Hmm? Why not let him know that you’re an incomplete, useless omega?
“There’s no harm in getting to know someone!” I argued aloud. “Who’s to say he would even want kids? And why am I even entertaining the idea that if I could, I would want kids with him?!” I silenced the voice by sending a reply.
Delaney:
Tell me where to go and what to bring and I’ll be there
He sent an address and several emojis that honestly left me confused. Instead of replying, I pulled out of the parking lot, doing my best to combat the growing anxiety and despair as the voice raged on while simultaneously allowing myself to feel happiness at the idea of spending time with someone whose company didn’t frustrate me.
Chapter Five
I pulled on a shirt right as the doorbell rang. I glanced down at my pants and up into the mirror, my eyes wide. Groaning softly, I swore underneath my breath as I rushed to the front, not wanting to keep Delaney waiting. I greeted him with an apology as I pulled open the door. “I’m so sorry. I apparently timed things very poorly and believed I had enough time to prepare dinner, shower, and get dressed. However”—I gestured to the length of my body, grinning sheepishly—“as you can see, I did not leave myself enough time to do any of those things aside from dinner and showering.”
Delaney’s eyebrow arched almost imperceptibly as his gaze slid from my unruly, damp curls, to the plain white tee and black lounge pants. He raised his copper eyes to meet mine. “Investing in a clock would be beneficial.”
Laughing lightly, I stepped to the side, ushering him in. “And here I thought you would let me get away with my shabby appearance since you’re a guest in my home.”
As Delaney removed his boots, I handed him a pair of house shoes. He stepped into the slippers and waited for me to lead the way. “I would say, ‘You don’t know me at all!’ in a tone that is purely meant to mock, belittle, and guilt you into feeling terribly about your oversight into my true nature, but it’s true. You don’t know me.”
“And yet, here you are, in my home as if I do.” I smiled down at him and gestured to a rectangular glass table. “Dinner is done. Please, make yourself comfortable.”
