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“We’re home,” Cory said softly as I rubbed my eyes and looked around. We were in the garage. Jo was carrying his mate out of the car, who was also asleep, while James was opening the back to grab bags.
I looked at Cory and noticed he was still in the car, though his door was open. I wondered what he was doing before he gave me a sheepish grin.
“You’re on my arm. I can’t get out until you move,” he explained.
“Oh. Oh Goddess, sorry,” I said, sitting up straight so he could pull his arm. He began twisting it, and I wondered if I’d hurt him.
“It’s alright, I fell asleep too. My arm’s asleep,” he explained before he got out and held his hand out for me. I took it and let him help me down.
“I think these are yours, Evie?” James said, bringing the bags over.
“I’ll help you with them,” Cory stated when I nodded, taking most of them and leaving me with one.
“I can carry stuff home, you know,” I said, annoyed.
“I know, but Mom would kill me if I wasn’t on my best behavior.” He replied, flashing me a grin. My stomach gave a little flutter, and I remembered his smile always had that effect on me. I grunted and walked away, knowing he would follow behind me.
“Wait, Evie.” He ran up to me. “What’s wrong? What did I say?” I slowed and sighed.
“Nothing Cory. I’m just tired. I’m sorry I was short with you.”
“Are you sure that’s all?” he asked. I looked up at him, and I could see the vulnerability in his eyes, so I smiled.
“I’m sure. I haven’t done that much shopping in years.”
“Yeah. It was a little crazy,” he answered, relaxing a little and letting out a small laugh.
“Did you even buy anything?” I asked, trying to remember if I’d seen any of the boys pick anything up.
“No. I just came along for the ride,” he chuckled. “Can’t let the Beta Female go out alone. What if she’s attacked?”
“Is she in danger of it?” I frowned.
The smile fell off Cory before he chuckled again, but it didn’t reach his eyes this time. He looked away and I saw him fiddling with the old bracelet on his wrist.
“Overprotective mate, you know. Anyway, I gotta head out. I’ll see you around? Mom’s cooking tomorrow. I know she’d be happy if you came around,” he assured me, handing me the bags.
“I wouldn’t miss it.” My mood brightened considerably. I always loved Luna Celeste’s cooking.
“It was nice…to hang out again,” he said, walking towards the porch steps. “I hope you stay this time,” he finished quietly before walking away.
Tozi whimpered in my head as I watched him leave. I tried to ignore her, but I felt the same pang of loneliness she was feeling. I looked at the pictures on the wall while we walked up the stairs to our room. I missed home, and I missed my friends. Even when I was making other friends and having fun at MIT, there was always this feeling in my chest that made me long for home. I wanted to stay, but I needed to find a job. One that I deserved.
Monday morning came around, and I watched Dad leave for the office. After breakfast, I kissed Mom goodbye and grabbed her keys. I didn’t want to be late for my appointment. I walked up to the first floor and knocked on the door.
“Come in.” I heard a hoarse voice answer.
I walked in to find all three of my friends and Dad with their mouths hanging open. Tozi chuckled in my head, and I simply smiled at them.
“Good morning, Alpha Cory, Beta Josue, Gamma James, Mr. Roswell,” I acknowledged them formally.
“E-Evie?” James stammered.
“Yes, Gamma James?” They stood there silently for a few more moments, but Dad was the first to get his bearings back.
His face went from shock to excitement and then pride. He finally realized I played him at his own game and won. I wanted to get this job on my own. Not because I was a Roswell, and not because I was friends with the CEO. He’d reached out to me to help him bounce ideas on what he thought would make the application process better for how they wanted to pursue applicants. He’d done that a lot lately, and I knew it was because he missed me, and this was his way of connecting with me.
“I’m here for my interview, or did you change your mind and decide to go with one of the other candidates?” I asked.
