Page 5 of True for You

Maybe it really is me. Maybe this is the universe’s way of telling me I’m not cut out to have a mate. Maybe it’s just better I learn to be content in this world alone. I have some amazing friends, a kickass job, and my family back in my home town are nice. That should be good enough.

So why do I suddenly feel so empty inside?

With a final heavy sigh, I turn the keys in the ignition and start on my way home. Almost like I’m on auto-pilot, I steer my car in the direction of my apartment. It’s not until I’m inside, sat on my couch that I realize I’ve left my cereal back at the store. In my rush to run away and avoid my problems it seems I dropped my box.

It’s like I asked ‘could today get any worse’ and the universe laughed.

“Good morning, Parker!”

I look up from my phone, trying my best to give Wilson, the security guard here at my studio a warm smile, one that says hello instead of ‘omg I haven’t slept all weekend and there’s a strong chance a small breeze will knock me over’. “Morning.”

“You doing alright? You’re usually a bit more chipper.”

“I’m okay. Just couldn’t sleep last night,” I tell him, which isn’t all that far from the truth.

“Alright,” he says, looking a bit unconvinced but doesn’t push the issue. “If you need anything you let me know, okay?”

“Will do.”

I quickly make my way up the stairs, walking through the halls towards the locker room. I try my best to keep my eyes down, not wanting to start up a conversation with anyone walking past me. I’m usually open and friendly but I just don’t have it in me to pretend today.

God, I really hope Ben isn’t working the camera today.

My stomach is tying itself into giant, constricting knots. The wound is still fresh, I remind myself. With time it’ll get easier, it’ll be okay.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself as I open up my locker. I shove my coat and my backpack inside, getting into the mindset I need for today. I’m filming with Ryder, a spunky omega who’s all sass, piercings, and dark eyeliner. He’s cool and thankfully for me, will almost definitely steal the show. It makes today just a little bit easier. Especially as I do my best to ignore the fact that Ryder is best friends with my mate’s mate. Fuck, why is everything so twisted and complicated?

Speaking of Ryder, like somehow the thought of him has summoned him, he walks into the locker room. His eyes dart around the room until they’re landing on me.

“Hey,” he says, walking in, looking more awkward than I’ve ever seen him. He’s usually so laid back, able to put anyone at ease with a joke. Today his shoulders are straight, like he’s on a mission or something.

“What’s up?”

“Glad you’re here. Ben was looking for you.”

At Ben’s name, my body tenses up without my permission. I look away, not wanting to give how I’m feeling away, especially to Ben’s best friend. I clear my throat. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah,” Ryder says, giving me a strange look. “He says it’s an emergency. He’s in Jeremy and Bryce’s office.”

“Cool,” I say carefully. “I’ll be sure to make my way over there.”

“You okay?”

I nod my head, giving Ryder my best smile. “Just didn’t sleep well last night. Probably should have stopped for some coffee this morning.”

“If you’re sure,” he says slowly. “If you need something, you know you can talk to us, right? I’m here for you, man.”

“Yeah, yeah, of course,” I tell him, reaching over and gripping his shoulder. “I really appreciate that. If I need something you can help with, I’ll for sure let you know.” Jokes on him because this isn’t something my friends can help with, nothing they can fix. I just have to grin and bear it for now.

“Alright,” Ryder murmurs, walking over to his own locker. With his back turned I let my shoulders slump, my heart jumping up into my throat.

With an air of resignation surrounding me, I make my way to the bosses’ office. Whatever’s going on, I hope it’s a well needed distraction from the chaos inside of me. Or maybe Ben somehowknowsand wants me gone. Yeah, that must be it. It’s probably better this way, less awkward than trying to work together while pretending nothing is wrong.

“Come on in,” Jeremy says, waving me into the office. I step in, freezing when Ben is sitting on their desk across from them.

“What’s up?”

Ben turns around in his seat, giving me a pained look. “I think we should talk.”

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