AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Success has me bubbly and lightheaded even though I haven't touched the wine tonight. I almost wish my prick of a landlord was here to see this, but I'd rather not deal with him tonight.
Hendrix came, just like he said he would. Though he's been keeping his distance as I work the room, a silent support.
He really is a strange alpha.
He hasn't hidden his interest in me at all, but he gives me space instead of demanding all of my attention, happy to leave me alone to do my job.
Maybe that's part of his game. Maybe he thinks it will tempt me if he plays hard to get. But it doesn't feel like a game. It feels like respect.
Something I've rarely experienced from alphas.
"You should plan something for when the omegas arrive," Maggie, a beta who owns one of the boutiques in town, suggests.
My brow furrows in confusion. "I'm sorry?"
Maggie smiles. "This town is one of the stops for omegas in that ridiculous cultural program. They'll arrive later this month. It's always a nice boost for the economy while they're here and they enjoy things like this to stay busy and entertained."
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you." My stomach sours at the thought of those poor omegas.
I definitely want to provide a safe place they can escape to and forget about shit for a few hours.
Maggie smiles kindly and pat my hand. "Of course. This is a lovely place, a perfect addition to our town. We want you to succeed."
I want to as well. This town is certainly something special. I'm trying not to get my hopes up about this new start, but every day it grows more and more difficult.
But one rotten spot walks through the front door, reminding me not everything is perfect and magical here.
It's my landlord.
Who Lexie races right over towards, calling out his name in excitement.
Why is he here?
He squats down to her level and grins at her, ignoring everyone else as he chats with my daughter. I refuse to let it soften me towards him though, unable to forget his disdainful response to my business.
I debate whether or not to go greet him, but good manners wins out. Especially since Lexie is over there chatting his ear off and it feels like half the town is here watching.
For days, I've avoided just this, but I should've known it was only a matter of time before my luck ran out.
After taking a deep, calming breath, I cross the studio to the two of them, forcing a welcoming smile onto my face.
At my approach, Mr. Bouchard rises and winces at whatever he sees on my face when he meets my gaze.
The smile I force onto my face feels plastic. "Welcome. I'm glad you were able to make it. There's cheese and wine and pamphlets with further information on the space if you're interested."
"Thank you. The place looks wonderful. You've done a really good job here." He appears to be genuine in his compliments, but all I can remember is the way he disparaged my plans for the space.
"That's kind of you to say."
Though it would've been kinder if he'd said it when we first met.
He rubs at his jaw, a pained look on his face. "I think we got off on the wrong foot. I'd like to start over. Especially since I'm Lexie’s teacher."
"That's generous of you." I'm not quite willing or ready to let him off the hook.
He steps closer to the wall of the room, gesturing for me to follow him, trying to find a small corner of privacy. "I think you know it's really not. I was an asshole and I apologize. Truly."
"Thank you." I'm still still and wary, but he is Lexie’s teacher and our landlord and I need to play nice.
