Page 65 of Knot All is Forgiven

But she's my best friend, so I am assuming positive intent.

"It's just Vick," I say, putting my phone back in my purse since my sundress doesn't have pockets, which is a travesty. "Just shoring up plans for after brunch."

"Wow, so eager to get away from me that you're already making plans?" she snarks. "I see how it is."

"You know it's not like that, Lanie." I look around the restaurant. It's crowded but not overwhelming, but we had to sit inside today because of the weather. It's not raining per se, but it's muggy and overcast, and there is that charge in the air that promises something gross coming. We didn't want to take the risk.

The interior is cute, with black-and-white elements that give it an upscale diner vibe. The food is also excellent.

Our server, a cute Beta with hair so blonde it's almost white, shows up with our plates. They set down a Greek omelet in front of Lanie and a slice of quiche Lorraine for me.

"Quiche?" Lanie asks, cutting into her omelet. "That's new for you. Isn't that made with like, a lot of cream?"

I blink at the offending dish and then back up at my friend. "I don't know. I just thought it sounded good."

"Mmm," she hums around her food. She doesn't say anything more, but I can't shake a weird feeling as we eat silently. My phone buzzes again. Since Lanie doesn't seem to want to talk, I don't feel bad at all when I pull my phone out.

Rafe

Did you know that hummingbirds can fly backward?

I nearly drop my phone.

What?

I cannot even begin to guess what is happening in Rafe's head right now.

Uh… no?

Why do you ask?

Hummingbirds can go backward, but I can't

So I was hoping we could go forward together.

I sputter out a laugh so unattractive that Lanie looks up from her plate with a grimace. "Sorry," I say, shaking my head. "Vick just said something funny." She doesn't say anything; she takes a big swig of her mimosa and rolls her eyes.

I don't know what her deal is this morning. I shoot off a quick response to Rafe.

That was so corny

Like, wow

But I'm at brunch with a friend. Maybe I'll call you later?

I store my phone and level Lanie with a soft look. "Is everything okay, Lanie?"

"With me? Yes." She sets her fork down over her half-finished plate. "But with you? I don't think so."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Ugh, don't make me state the obvious, Jordan." My face must looked confused and empty because she groans. "You've changed so much since you became an Omega."

"I've always been an Omega, Lanie."

"You know what I mean!" She polishes off her mimosa before continuing. "You missed a lot of work because you went into heat, you're always distracted, and you were so unprofessional with the Alphamatic meeting."

"Well, hold on, that's unfair. You knew about Cyrus, and you let me be blindsided!"

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