Page 66 of Knot All is Forgiven

She levels me with a scathing glare. "You're a professional, Jordan. You should be able to be professional no matter what."

I shove a bite of my quiche into my mouth so I don't say something I regret. Lanie is being a bitch right now. As my friend, I thought she'd understand everything I'm going through and the massive change I've experienced in such a short amount of time.

Instead, she's throwing it all in my face.

"I just worry about you, Jay, that's all," she says placatingly. "It seems like you're struggling to balance your old life with your new one. I would hate for it to affect people's perception of you."

"I appreciate that you're looking out for me, Lanie," I say slowly, folding my napkin and placing it over my empty plate. "But being an Omega doesn't mean I am unable to do my job. Things are a little weird for me right now, but I am the same person I always was. I am still the best in the business."

"I'm not saying you're not." She reaches across the table to grab my hand. "I just thought you should know how you're being perceived, is all."

I yank my hand back. "Perceived by who? Mr. Woods?"

She waves her hand dismissively. "Oh no, of course not. No one major. I care about you, Jords. I've got your best interests at heart."

My shoulders relax. "I know you do, Lanie. This is a weird transitory time, but I'll keep it together."

"I know you will. And I'm here to support you however you need, you know that." She pats the top of my hand softly. "And if you need to lean on me and have me do a little extra, just let me know, okay? Lean on me."

"Thanks, Lanie. You're a good friend."

We finish brunch in relative silence, and I do my best not to linger on her words. After we part ways, I pull my phone out and am surprised to see a text from Cyrus taking up the screen.

Cyrus

It's a waning crescent tonight

Something in the back of my mind tickles at the phrase, but I can't place it. I could search the term on the internet. I should search the term, and not engage the grumpy Alpha.

But I am weak.

Am I supposed to know what that is?

I kept my drinking to a minimum today so I wouldn't have to walk home in this dreary weather. Sitting behind the wheel of my car, I know I should drive home before the sky falls, but instead, I clutch my phone, watching those three dots as he types.

Otherwise known as the Omega moon.

It's been a long time since I went stargazing

It's hard not to look up and think of my Luna

Chapter twenty-six

Jordy

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

I can't stop staring at Jordan's message.

She'll call me later.

Who would have thought that a stupid joke would be the key to breaking down her barrier a little bit?

I don't know if I should tell the guys. If I do, I feel like they'll insist on being there during the call. But we all deserve to haveour own unique relationships with her. And selfishly, I'm the only one who hasn't talked with her yet.

So I don't tell them.

I spend the rest of my Sunday staring at my phone, trying to get her name to pop up on it.

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