Page 68 of His Sunshine Baby

“Your Music Café. What if I financed it?”

“Nate, I don’t get what you’re talking about.”

We talked about my idea a few times before, and I know Nathaniel’s always acted interested in it. He asked many questions and raised issues I hadn’t thought about before while making plans on my own. But I don’t get why he’s suddenly bringing this up again?

“Look, the idea is good. All you would need are funds and some professional advice. I can give you both. Isn’t that what you want?”

I sit up. What’s with him now?

“Nate, you know this is my own dream.”

“I know, I’m just saying.”

“My own dream means I want to be able to do it on my own, without using someone else’s money, or connections.”

He stays silent for a second. Nate looks a bit shocked by my words, but I have to be resolute about this. I know his life is different. He isn’t limited by money problems or pack issues, but that doesn’t mean he can’t understand that I am. I sit up andtake a deep breath. After everything he said before, I do have to give in a bit to him too.

“Nate, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but that’s a no.”

“Elena, I don’t get it. I’m giving you a chance to realize your dream and-”

“It’s not a chance, Nate. For me, it’s as if I cheated. Even if you really believe in it, it’s not right for me to do this. From the start, this Music Café has been a goal of mine, something I want to work hard for and earn by myself. If I accept your money, I’ll be taking a shortcut and betraying the person I want to be.”

He is still frowning, and I know he understands what I’m trying to say.

“Nathaniel, even if I had all that money right now, it might not be the right time. It’s… complicated with my pack, I have to resume my classes next week, and there’s the matter with my dad too.”

He suddenly raises his head, surprised. Of course.

“You never told me about your family. Aside from your adoption.”

“I know. It’s just that there isn’t much to say. My mom died in a car accident almost two years ago now, and my dad has been in a coma since that same accident.”

“I’m sorry.”

I shake my head. I don’t feel like I can handle any pity right now.

“… Were you there? In the car?”

“No. I had just moved in with Danny, they were coming to see me. They were super late, and my mom was never late, so I figured something was wrong. They weren’t answering our calls or our mind-linking. I called half of the Opal Moon pack to help look for them.”

I sigh. I still remember the sight of their wrecked vehicle in the ravine. The horror when I realized what had happened.

We were supposed to celebrate so many things that night: my moving in with Danny, his scholarship, Mom’s new job, and my freedom, at long last.

Instead of letting the sorrow sink in, I shake my head and drink a bit of tea. I force myself to smile, even with that bitter taste behind it.

“It’s okay, Nate. But, please, understand I can’t tell you yes for now. I have so many reasons not to. Moreover, I’m not even sure I could accept so much money from a friend.”

I almost said friend with benefits, but that would have been a bit weird in this situation, right? Damn, our relationship is getting stranger day by day. Worst thing is that I don’t hate it.

“Alright, I understand. Maybe I compared your situation to mine a bit too much.”

“What do you mean?”

“When I was younger, I wanted to have my own restaurant, too… When our father was still here, every day was such a struggle.”

I listen to Nate, a bit surprised. He’s never said much about their childhood. All I know is from my memories of those years before they took over their father’s place and changed a lot of things. It was as if an age of fear had passed. The Black Moon became the Blood Moon, as if their name was cursed. They inherited the King’s spot and the fear he had spread among the packs.

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