Page 91 of Alpha & Omega

“Can you hold me for a minute, Chef?”

“God, you don’t need to ask, baby.”

“I forgot to thank you for giving Tony a job, too.”

“He’s very good at serving and the customers like him. I was more than happy to.”

I wrapped my arms around him and rested my head against his chest as he held me back, fingering my hair.

“I’m trying to do better and be positive, but it’s so fucking hard,” he said. “Between the physical therapy and occupational therapy, I’m going to have to squeeze in therapy for my mental state. These feelings aren’t sustainable. Maybe if I feel better mentally, I won’t feel like I’m constantly about to lose everything.”

“I think that’s a good plan.”

“And I still feel bad using up all your time to help me.”

“Don’t.” I looked up at him. “Hudson understands and is encouraging me. Look at it this way. I’m teaching my son what it means to help others in need. He’s also helping where he can. He’s fine, and I’m so proud of him. My restaurant is doing well, too, and I have a lot of amazing help over there when I need it. If it becomes too much, you have other family members who are ready to help take over for me, but right now, I’ve got them focused on keeping the bar open.”

“You’re an amazing man, Chef.”

“As are you, Skaterboy.”

Kingston ran a hand along my cheek, then cupped it. “I know I haven’t told you this since that first time, but I really do love you. I’m so lucky you’re in my life.”

“And I’m lucky you’re in mine.”

“I feel weird using crutches,” he said as we walked toward his family, sitting in the sun waiting for us at the skatepark. “I haven’t trained long enough with them, but at least I don’t have to use that stupid walker. That was the worst.”

I chuckled. “This is just another step forward toward normalcy.”

While Kingston complained, I could tell he was actually excited to be here. He had worried it would feel too nostalgic and painful, but the look of love on his face at his crew said it all.

When they came rushing forward to greet him, I held out my hand. “Easy. Don’t go in all at once and knock him over, guys.”

They all circled Kingston and held him, even the more surly ones like Stone and Aiden. There would be no falling then. Each of them surrounded and protected him. It was the first time he’d been reunited with his entire crew since the accident. Sure, they’d helped out with his care, and he’d seen them, but not all at once.

“God, I missed you all,” he said, his voice shaking as he held in his emotions.

We walked the rest of the way to the blankets, and they helped Kingston sit down as they chatted away about life.

“Who’s this?” Kingston asked.

That was when I noticed a new young man. He had curly hair like Nacho, but it was a lighter brown. He looked tall and had a septum piercing.

“This is Storm, Aiden’s friend from back in high school. They’re reconnecting,” Ajax explained.

Kingston and I shook his hand.

“Welcome to the group,” King said.

“Thanks.”

Blondie scooted close to the newcomer and batted his eyelashes at him, making it apparent to everyone but Storm that he was interested.

Jazz just looked pissed and tugged her brother away, but my main focus was on Kingston. I just loved watching him relax more and more. I knew being with his family after two weeks of isolation would help. And in a couple of weeks, he would feel hope again. That was the plan anyway—a plan I wasn’t going to share with him because it was a surprise.

“Something’s different,” Kingston said.

I sat behind him and spread my legs so he could tuck himself against me and give him a place to rest his back. “What is?”

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