Page 16 of Fritillaria

I am so deeply satisfied to have her here, resting with me. I just wish it wasn’t soured by Ivy’s absence. If she was tucked in on my other side I would simply melt away into my contentment.

I nearly chuckle at the thought of Ivy like that, but I hold it in to not disturb Matilda. No, Ivy will be a little brat, and an exciting challenge. I will need to wear her out before she will snuggle up with me like that, I think. I can never decide if I prefer a bratty sub or a good girl in the bedroom. It seems as though I don’t have to decide, I can tell that Matilda is going to be such a good girl for me.

She’s going through so many emotions today, and at her base level she knew to come to me to seek comfort. It definitely fluffs up my pride a bit to know that she came to me. It’s sad that she needed to.

Her small studio apartment is adorable, and exactly what I would expect from an Omega living alone. She’s surrounded by all of her favorite things, trinkets lining the walls on purpose built shelves.

There is a sewing table next to the bed and remnants of fabric strewn about in a pile. From what it looks like, she has made all the quilts that we are currently surrounded by. It’s a cute hobby for her, and with the way it is set up she can comfortably work from the bed.

My mate is adorable.

Chapter 15

Ivy

That black coffee this morning was gross, and I’m desperate enough for another that I sneak into the break room.

Luckily, there is no sign of Matilda or Aspis, and I relax a little as I get the machine going.

“Have you seen Matilda?” I hear someone in the distance and listen in. “She didn’t show up to an interview that we had scheduled.”

“Oh, didn’t you hear?” That’s Tabitha, she knows everything about everyone. “She went home sick. But I’m sure she’ll be in touch tomorrow to reschedule.”

Shit.

Did what I say to her upset her that much? She hadn’t seemed sick when we spoke.

Guilt floods my chest, along with worry for my friend. I didn’t want to upset her like that. But what else was I supposed to do, get her hopes up?

It’s just not fair that I was given no choice in this. It’s not fair that I’m responsible for these people’s emotions now.

I abandon my coffee, mid way through the brew and head back to my studio to get my things. My morning was the opposite of productive, anyway.

I’m clearly in the way here, and I don’t want to run into Aspis or Matilda and upset them. Maybe some time away from the studio would be beneficial for everyone.

The last thing I want is to sit in my lonely apartment, so I get in my car and drive to my safe haven.

The nail salon.

“I’m so sorry, I don’t have an appointment.” I say when I get inside the salon. “I’ll take a pedicure if that’s all you have available.”

“Ivy!” My regular nail girl, Rachel, calls out from behind me and I abandon the lady at the front desk. “I’ve literally just had a cancellation if you need to see me.”

She welcomes me in with a hug and two kisses.

Thank God she is available, Rachel is the best. She’s also just the type of person to vent to about my week.

“Oh, yes please!” I say, following her to the desk. “I want to go for something more fun today. I’m not on tour, and I have no appearances lined up, so no one can get mad at me for it.”

My usual brand is a solid black, stiletto shape. But it’s been feeling kind of boring recently, and a change would be nice.

“Oh, I have been waiting for this day!” Rachel exclaims. “I am gonna surprise you as we go, it’ll be fun.”

I trust her taste, so I’m not worried about it.

She switches on the electric file and gets to taking off the top layer of polish.

“So what’s up? I’m sure that there’s a reason you have come here in the middle of the afternoon.”

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