12. Bailey-Rose
Breakfast was divine not only because we got to sit on the balcony overlooking the garden but the food was outstanding.
The restaurant tried to use as much local produce as they could incorporate with their meals.
The guys all ordered substantial dishes—omelets, eggs benedict, traditional sausage and eggs—making me feel slightly guilty for wanting to pick something that was practically dessert.
“Sweetheart, order what you like,” Yun-Sun urged. “None of us will judge you for your choices. Think of the next two weeks like we’re on vacation. Let loose, and enjoy the time we have to be free of normal responsibilities.”
I chewed on my lip as I considered what he said before admitting the truth.
“Lysse already knows this, but I have a major sweet tooth. Like I would prefer to live off all things sweet and delicious than suffer through eating a leafy green vegetable. Of course, with my health, I’m always careful, but given the chance, my go-to isn’t gonna be the healthy option. ”
They all smiled and some chuckled, but none of them seemed at all bothered by this.
Reassured I ordered strawberry cream waffles and about died at the fact there was a scoop of strawberry ice cream sitting proudly in the middle of the pile of fluffy waffles.
It was almost too pretty to eat, but once I tasted it, there was no way I could let it go to waste.
“Oh, I might also mention that I’m not the world’s best at cooking. I know some packs who are career-orientated like yourselves appreciate having their Omega fill the typical homemaker role. However, I should be upfront and honest and say I grew up with a cook and housekeepers looking after me.”
“No worry about that,” Vili said, waving a hand. “We too use both those things. They have weekends off so we cook then, but otherwise, it’s done for us.”
My shoulders sagged in relief as I blew out a breath. “Oh, thank goodness. I’m not hopeless by any means, but to go from just learning to look after myself to caring for all of us would have been rough. I fear there would be many burned meals and ruined laundry because of simple mistakes.”
“Rosie, we are blessed as a pack that each of us has an excellent-paying job on top of coming from families that are well-off. This has given us the freedom to hire help around the house if you’re comfortable with that.
I should also add that as a pack, we never wanted to strip our Omega of the life they’d been living to fit our needs.
You’re a talented artist who deserves to continue down the path you started.
Crew mentioned the art studio space they gave you for graduation and your hopes of turning it into a gallery for yourself. ”
I nodded, poking a chunk of strawberry with my fork. “Originally, I wanted it to be a space where local artists could show their work. So many amazing artists are in our city, but the art community is all about who you know, how much money you have, and the last thing they care about is the art.”
“Why do you say, originally? Has your dream changed?” Warrick asked, leaning forward and resting his chin on his hand.
It was becoming apparent to me that Warrick had a keen ear and was quick to pick up on any underlying emotion in my words.
I shrugged, not wanting to admit why I was doubting myself since it seemed so stupid at this point.
“When I told others about the idea, no one seemed to think it was a smart choice. They thought it was foolish of me to take on people who probably wouldn’t sell, costing me money in the end. ”
Warrick’s face scrunched up as if my words had offended him.
“Why the hell should that matter? Forgive me if this sounds crass, but you’re not doing this for the money.
You’re plenty well-off with whatever inheritance you’re going to get, that if this happens to be a passion project, then so be it.
What you want is to give people the chance to be discovered, right? ”
“That’s exactly what my goal is,” I blurted, slamming my fork on the table in my excitement.
“When Papa Addy died, a trust was set up for me that I got access to when I turned twenty-one. Even without the allowance I get from that, what I earn selling my art is keeping me more than comfortable. Of course, I’ve never had to pay rent or other things like most people my age do, but still, it will never be about the money for me. ”
The conversation petered off after that outburst, making me feel a little self-conscious.
I hated talking about money. Yes, it gave my family every opportunity to provide the best care, even trying a few experimental programs that made all the difference.
I respected the life money has given me, but it’s also caused me heartache, especially when you find out that people only want to be your friend in hopes of getting close to your brothers, who are some of the most eligible bachelors in Preidon.
My personal goal has always been never to take the life I’ve been blessed with for granted or let money turn me into a snob who looked down on those with less.
“Bailey,” Gareth started, then paused as if he wasn’t sure he wanted to ask his question.
“First, let me just say we know you’ve had a recent breakup.
I will try not to ask about it because I’m afraid I’ll end up in jail if I know who it is.
However, I would like to know if he’s the one who told you your idea was stupid? ”
Was I that easy to read?
It didn’t surprise me that they knew about the breakup, considering Crew invited Lysse over to snap me out of my funk.
I hated to admit that Gareth was right—Randall had been the one to stomp all over my dreams. Before I went off to finish my semester on campus, I’d told him all about my dreams since my family had been so excited about the plan.
Of course, my family would always think whatever I came up with would be brilliant, even if it wasn’t.
They just liked to see me taking a risk and trying something new, which is why I turned to my boyfriend.
I thought he would be a logical sounding board, but the second I finished explaining, he didn’t hesitate to tell me what an idiot I was.
That had stung and made leaving for school a little easier, but I never thought it would lead him to cheat on me.
“He was the loudest to object to the idea,” I answered. “A few other classmates and a teacher seemed to agree with him. As part of our final project, we needed to present a business plan to the class to prepare us for when school was over. You might say I got the harshest feedback.”
Yun-Sun rested a hand on my thigh to offer me his support.
“Sweetheart, if people always listened to what others told them, think of all the things we’d be missing from the world.
Every person ahead of their time in art, music, or technology has been told they were crazy for trying at least once.
To me, it means your idea might be something groundbreaking and just what this city needs. ”
The sincerity in his voice had my heart swelling with hope.
He made a valid point—this was something every dreamer faced.
We saw what the world could be and the possibilities that might be around the next corner, while many kept blinders on to focus solely on their goal, never allowing something to pull them from their course.
For me, the world had never been black and white, not when you weren’t sure if you’d live long enough to experience it all.
I leaped at every opportunity I thought I could manage.
My biggest challenge was people who held me back with the belief they were helping, only focusing on the limitations my condition forced on me.
“That is an excellent way to look at things,” I agreed. “I feel like I need to have that put on a pillow or framed somewhere so I can remind myself of it when I start to doubt again.”
The grip on my leg tightened as Yun-Sun smiled at me.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. If you ever need to be reminded again, I’ll be happy to do so.
Everyone desires encouragement from time to time.
It’s only natural to question something that’s never been done before.
I know I can speak for the others when I say whatever you need to make this dream happen, we’ll help. ”
With hope blooming in my chest at his words, we left the restaurant and headed down to the garden.
Since it was a weekday, there weren’t many people working in their little plots, but those we met were happy to share what they were doing.
My fingers itched to take pencil to paper and sketch the older woman softly singing to herself as she weeded, surrounded by lush flowers and spices.
This place was a snapshot of an authentic, simple life in motion—a bubble in the hustle and bustle of the city where you could slow down and breathe.
“You know a plot just opened up one row over,” a man commented, pausing in his efforts to secure the toppling tomato plant.
“Nice young pack had been tending it, but one of the Alphas got a job offer in another city they couldn’t turn down.
You lot seem the sort to fit in around here.
All you’d need to do is fill out the application. ”
Surprised by the offer, I looked at the guys, unsure of what to say. We were on our first date as a pack, and committing to a plot here seemed like a major step in our relationship.
Sensing my panic, Ulysses wrapped an arm around my shoulders, hugging me to him.
“Thank you for letting us know,” he said.
“We’ll talk it over and see if that’s something we have the time to dedicate to.
None of us would want to take the opportunity from someone who’s been waiting to get a plot here and not be able to give the garden the time it deserves. ”