Page 15 of Talk About… Rivalry

She studied me but a sadness had crept into her eyes. What exactly happened to this omega to make her afraid to go on one date?

Before she could turn me down I held up a hand.

“I don’t want an answer now, but consider it an open offer, okay?”

She nodded, her mouth snapping shut as she studied me. I swear I could see longing in those gorgeous green eyes. I just wish I could reassure her, promise her I wouldn’t hurt her.

I tapped the table and sighed, getting up. “I’ll leave you to your lunch, Sidney.”

With that I took her glass for a refill, returning it though she didn’t even notice, before leaving her be.

Even though I didn’t want to, I busied myself around the restaurant, checking on Sidney every so often. The last time I looked the table was empty. My stomach sank as I walked outside to gather her dishes to take them to the kitchen and her payment. She ordered the same thing half of the time so she always left cash and a tip on the table for me.

As I picked up her plate, a small piece of paper fluttered out.

Taylor,

Thanks for putting up with me and my mood today. I’ll think on the date. I promise, it’s not you, it’s me and that’s not a line to let you down easy. Here’s my number... friends until then?

-Sidney

Hope restarted my heart again, the battered organ pumping in my chest and reminding me I need to breathe.

It wasn’t a yes, but she was letting me in and that felt even more significant. There was nothing wrong with friends first, especially since it didn’t seem to be that she wasn’t interested. Sidney wasn’t the type to drag anyone along.

My smile was wide as I walked the dishes back to the kitchen, depositing them before turning to face a wall of muscle. My two alpha fathers stood shoulder to shoulder, eyes locked on me as they crossed their arms over their chest.

“What happened? Did she finally agree to date your sorry ass?” Pop asked, letting out his raspy laugh.

“Ha, ha, ha,” I deadpanned, wiping my hands off and rolling my eyes at their antics. “If you get Mom started I’ll tell her what you have planned.”

Both men glared back at me now.

“You wouldn’t dare,” Dad growled.

“Try me,” I shot back, pushing my way past them and giving nothing away. Technically, she hadn’t agreed and I wasn’t about to let anyone else know the details. Other opinions could tank hope faster than anything. I wanted no part of that.

For now, this was a moment that was all mine.

Pulling out the paper and my phone, I ducked into the break room and added her to my contacts before sending her a message.

Taylor: I hope your day gets better, sunshine.

Sidney: Get ready for all the random messages, Taylor. Being my friend can be dangerous.

She had no idea how true that could be.

Sidney

Iwas an absolute fucking wreck. I couldn’t find it in me to reject his date offer, but I hoped the note and my number would distract him for now. I’d ducked out of The Landing while Taylor’s back was turned and practically flew home with how fast I was driving.

Honestly, I was lucky I didn’t wind up with a ticket.

Uncle Dale was in the fields and I saw him try to get my attention but I ran straight to my cottage slamming and locking the door behind me.

The moment I leaned against the door, chest heaving, I lost it. Tears streamed from my eyes as a sob choked out of me. I collapsed where I was, hugging my knees to my chest and sobbing out every ounce of hurt in my soul.

It was just too much. My body ached from holding it all in and my heart hurt.

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