Page 94 of Tangled in Knots

“Yes,” I say, waiting to see where he’s going with this.

“Callum and I will be by for a pint then, Short Stuff. See you later,”he grunts before hanging up.

“May God save me from alphas and their insanity,” I mutter, shaking my head.

“A-fucking-men,” Aisling says, pulling into the thrift store. “Let’s do some retail therapy, Adira. It’ll be fun.”

“If you say so,” I murmur, getting out of the SUV with her. It’s a cute, funky brick building with a colorful sign that saysWell Loved Threads.

Opening the door, I’m surprised by how there’s clothing and so much more inside of the store.

“It’s a hunt,” she teases as I see a pretty jumpsuit.

I can say for certain that this isn’t a kind of hunt I’ve been on.Shaking off the shiver that thought evokes, I walk toward the outfit that caught my eye.

It’s a midnight blue jumpsuit that would look really cute with a belt, and Aisling leaves immediately in search of one.

“What do you think?” she asks with a grin.

Something settles in my chest as I look down at it. It may only be clothes, but it’s a decision that doesn’t impact anyone but me. No one will die if I make the wrong one, I won’t hurt anyone’s feelings, this is mine alone.

“It’s perfect,” I admit with a nod. I may not be at the point where I can laugh and smile, but I’ll get there.

Day by day, I’m going to find my way.

CHAPTER 21

ADIRA

The university wasn’t too bad to navigate earlier today, and everyone was too preoccupied doing their own thing to notice me. That’s how I prefer it. Aisling kept my bags in the vehicle to put in my room when she dropped me off, so I wouldn’t have to haul it everywhere.

I bought my books with the scholarship spend card I picked up from the enrollment office, bought some school supplies for cheap from the bookstore, and checked out the student fair they had.

I’m unfortunately too busy for all of the clubs they have, but they seem fun. Now, I’m getting off the bus to go to work. I need to get used to the longer days, because they’re about to become my norm.

The buses don’t typically run late, which is why I walk back to the shelter. I also need to get my steps in, and walking won’t kill me. The shelter isn’t that far from the bar, it’s who I may run into that’s an issue.

Aisling mentioned self defense classes, but they tend to happen when I’m working. If there’s one when I’m off work,since my schedule is going to change soon, then I’m definitely attending a class.

Walking up the steps to the bar, I walk inside to place my things in the back room.

“Hey, Adira,” Caleb says easily from his office as I pass by it.

Stopping, I pop my head in to talk for a second. I have to ask him about changing my hours anyway. I hope it’s not going to be a problem. His office is filled with paperwork, which amuses me. He’s always very meticulous, but his office is a mess.

“Hey,” I say. “Can I talk to you about adjusting my schedule? I found out that I got into college, and all of my classes are in the morning. Aisling said I shouldn’t work every night so I don’t burn out.”

“She’s right,” Caleb says. “I wish she’d take her own advice sometimes. What days do you want to work?”

“Can I do Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and then the weekend?” I ask. “That’ll give me five solid days of work, and I’ll be able to take a break Wednesday and Thursday.”

“That’s still a lot of hours,” he grumbles. “Let’s call this a test run. If you find yourself dragging ass, we’ll adjust. You’re making great money, make sure you get to live long enough to spend it.”

“I know,” I sigh. “Everything feels too good right now.”

“No doom and gloom, Adira. Trust the process,” he says. “I’m glad you’re starting to feel secure. This job will be here for you, and the regulars love you.”

Nodding, I pull back. “When do you want to start the new schedule?” I ask.

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