Chapter Thirty-Seven #4
He patted her arm. “Verity’s never mad for long. But she does have a point that if I’m going to be a responsible adult, I should, you know, not take things that aren’t mine without asking.”
Which was fair.
“She said I don’t get cake pops anymore.” My shoulders slumped.
Hale grabbed my chin and kissed me. “She doesn’t mean it.”
Mmmm… I felt like she did.
“Hey, the PR person said we went viral. Do you know anything about that? Because it wasn’t my statement and Dusty hasn’t released anything yet.” I sipped my tea.
“Um… yeah. That might be me? After you went to bed I did a livestream, mostly to just talk my shit out and get some advice. It was really helpful and I feel so much better now. I didn’t mention names or details.
It was more about making huge life changes and doing big things, even though you might fuck up.
” He gave us a lopsided grin. “I’m not afraid to steal my sister’s car and street race, but I’m afraid to date.
And I am afraid. Because of my parents. But that’s for me to work out. ” His head bowed.
I squeezed his hand. “That’s a very mature realization. It’ll take a couple of days, but you’re on my healthcare now. We’ll find someone for you to talk to.”
“That would be great. The campus clinic always has a waiting list,” he agreed. “Anyhow, the internet detectives got curious and figured it out.”
“Pack Himbo, they’re calling us.” I grabbed another cookie.
“Himbo is a state of mind, I guess. We need that on T-shirts.” Fiona smirked. “Did you want any tea?”
I felt like Dusty would be all over that. Probably make a song to go with it. T-shirt. My brother-in-law might be on the cruise, but his printshop was still open…
“I only like my tea iced and sweet, but thank you.” Hale gave her a fond look.
A moment later Dusty and Saoirse came from downstairs. When did Dusty get here?
“Someone said we need to pick out a couch?” Dusty took a cookie.
He’d finally trimmed his goatee. Though I kinda liked the fuller beard look on him.
“Yes.” Fiona nodded as she did something on her phone.
“Fifi, this looks beautiful. But how are we affording this?” Hale’s brow furrowed.
Fiona waved him off. “It’s fine. I’m just getting us set up. No worries.”
Saoirse eyed Fiona. “I’m pretty sure when your dads said you can’t access family resources they also meant those cards.”
“Well, that’s on them for not shutting them off, or stating it explicitly. I’m a little surprised they didn’t cut me off after I bought the car yesterday.” Fiona looked smug.
Saoirse shook her head, resigned.
Fiona looked up at us. “I can get us an appointment at the Omega Center for new pack services the morning of the second. Does that work? I’ll probably stay after for my own visits.”
“That works. Verity wants to meet with me tomorrow morning before the game,” Hale replied.
“Oh. We have all sorts of things being delivered tomorrow.” Fiona frowned.
“I’m sorry. I’ll help out. Promise. One thing I’m good at is moving shit around.” He looked at me. “I’ll be on time for the game. This is just something I have to do. Alone.”
“I understand,” I told him. Saying no to meeting with Verity didn’t seem like a good life choice.
Her phone rang and she answered it. “Hi, Dad! Miss me already?”
He said something.
“What? Really? Oh, I am so sorry, Dad. I didn’t think those were resources. Whoopsie. I was just trying to decorate my new room. Omegas need safe and comfortable spaces, and this is such a big life change for me. You do want me to be all comfortable and well-adjusted, don’t you?” she questioned.
Oh, she was good. We were in for it, weren’t we?
I wouldn’t have it any other way. He said something else.
“Okie dokie, Dad. I won’t use them anymore. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” She rolled her eyes. “The car is for safety. Do you really want me taking public transport all by myself?”
He replied again.
“Who me?” She made an innocent look. “Really? You’re the best. Thank you.
I love you so much.” Fiona ended the call.
“Don’t worry, we’re fine. We can keep everything I’ve bought.
Though I’m not supposed to do it again. We’ll still go shopping, I’ll just use the tantrum cards like I am for the basement room. ”
“Do I want to know what those are?” Hale asked.
“They’re cards from my various grandparents that are for me to use when I get cut off. The dads ground me from them sometimes. Or for me to use if I need some extra retail therapy.” Fiona stood. “Now let’s go shopping.”
“Okay. Are we going to the place with alpha daycare?” Hale asked.
Fiona started laughing. “Alpha daycare? I love it. As much as I love CoCoCozy, we’re going to places we can all be at so I can get your opinions. But you are welcome to accompany me another time.”
“CoCoCozy is an omega-only home store and has a waiting area for all non-omegas,” Saoirse explained. “There’s coffee, places to work, and screens so you can watch your omega shop.”
Oh, that made sense. All I knew about it was that Anita could spend a whole lot of money there very quickly.
“We should probably get going.” Saoirse looked at Dusty. “But first you should probably put on a shirt.”