Chapter Eight
Carlos
“Where to now?” I asked Fiona, bags in hand. The village had a number of ski resorts. The mountain they shared had tons of lifts and runs that connected the different resorts and even some of the neighboring villages.
We’d already taken a photo in front of the sign declaring that the village was the proud host of Winter-Fest.
It also seemed made with omegas in mind. There were lots of shops with cozy housewares and handmade candles, bakeries, and romantic restaurants. There was also a bookshop, a couple of bars and a club, a movie theatre, and places selling ski gear and clothing.
“I think it’s time for a little treat.” Fiona led us into a coffee shop, and we got coffee and cake.
“I agree,” Hale replied, holding a bag with a present he’d bought for one of his sisters.
Saoirse looked around as we grabbed seats near the window. “Where did Dusty go? Do I even want to know?”
“He’s got some mayhem planned,” I replied. “Do we need to warn anyone or does he just interrupt you?”
Her eyes rolled. “Only I get that privilege.”
My phone buzzed as we finished up.
Dusty
Almost ready. Bailey says that in front of the bookstore is a good place.
“We’re supposed to go over by the bookstore,” I told them.
Bailey was his social media person. She’d arrived yesterday. Dusty was leading something he called the Hot Santa Parade and had been posting about it all week.
“Front seat to the mayhem?” Fiona asked. “I can’t wait.”
We gathered by the bookstore. People lined both sides of the street. A few minutes later music played. Two people dressed like sexy santas held a giant banner that said what probably was German for Hot Santa Parade. Behind them was a marching band–where everyone was dressed like a sexy santa.
As they marched, they played one of Dusty’s holiday songs, Fuckboy Santa.
In between the band and banner was Dusty, wearing a tasseled santa hat, his santa coat open, revealing his bare chest. With him were a bunch of people dancing, also dressed as sexy santas.
Bailey walked alongside the parade, livestreaming it.
Fiona had out her phone, too. “This is amazing.”
“Why?” Saoirse shook her head. “Who woke up one day and thought that this was a good idea?”
Part of me wanted to send photos to my friends, but they were all with their families and shit, and I didn’t want to bother them.
But I sent one to Anita.
Me
Everything going okay?
Anita
Mamá took the moving news well. She’s unsure if she wants to move in with us. Which is fine. Beatriz is upset. But my life is so busy. I just want someplace quiet for me and my family.
Me
I know. I support you. I’ll fix up a one bedroom so you have a place to stay in town when you need it.
Anita
You’re the best.
Me
I am your favorite brother.
I was her only brother.
Anita
Just to warn you, we’re going to be out of communication range for part of the trip. I’ll make sure I have the satellite function enabled, so if it’s an emergency you can reach me.
Me
Thank you. Our reception will be sketchy on the mountain anyway.
Especially with how many people would be at the festival. My phone buzzed again.
Beatriz
Did you know Anita was moving out?
Me
Yes. She gave me her notice. Yes, she asked me not to tell anyone. Do you want her place? I can make that happen.
Beatriz
I’ll think about it? Moving would be a pain. But still, how could she move away from everyone?
Beatriz was the practical sister. The one who did a lot for me, Dulce, and Mamá, when Anita got really busy with acting. To her, all of us living in the same place made things simple.
Me
It’s not that far.
Beatriz
What if Mamá moves with her?
Me
We’ll figure things out. You could always move, too. My feelings won’t be hurt.
Anita was an omega. The only one in, not just our immediate family, but our extended family. Sometimes not everyone understood that her needs were different.
My parents were betas, though kappas ran in my family. My favorite tio, uncle, was a kappa. He’d been an explorer and died on a mountain in an avalanche.
Beatriz
Thanks. But I like living above my work. At least I know you won’t leave.
Ouch. Guilt twisted inside me.
Speaking of leaving… I checked my email and found one from my realtor.
Yesterday before the game, I had the final walkthrough of the townhouse I’d bought on impulse a few weeks ago.
This was before I knew that Anita’s pack was moving out.
The one-bedroom I’d fix up, so that she’d have an in-town place to stay when she needed it, was my apartment.
Everything was settled, the house was all mine, and the email contained the codes. Wow, I had a townhouse.
But I didn’t know how to tell everyone. Especially Beatriz. It was right down the street from Dimitri’s, and much closer to the training center where the Knights practiced.
Fiona laughed at something Saoirse said and snuggled into her.
I really liked 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 a very good 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 of sponsorships 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 to get 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. Fiona would want 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 the creepiest booth I’d ever seen. Shelves and shelves of dolls in holiday and cultural outfits stared at 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?
Someone jumped on my back, and I nearly dropped all the packages I was holding. Dusty’s balsam and orange scent tickled my nose.
“Hey, Dusty.” I tipped my head back. “The parade was amazing.”
“It was fun.” He was abuzz with energy. “So many fans turned out, both to watch and participate. Tomorrow’s going to be fantastic. Also, we should go to the hotel soon. I have that reception tonight.”
“As soon as Hale buys his sister a creepy doll,” I agreed. “You and Saoirse?”
“You see it right? From the moment I met her, I knew she was special. I just need her to admit it to herself,” he replied.