Page 132 of Sunshine

“I do.” I typed out a quick message to Talia.

I’d tried to keep up with her, but between my work and Talia’s work, we’d barely been able to hang out. We exchanged text messages, mostly Talia upset that her boyfriends weren’t treating her right and me making sympathetic noises in turn.

Sunshine:

Hey lady! Let me know when you’re free so we can hang out. Also, I have a bachelorette party coming up this Saturday.

Can you make forty cupcakes using the mocktail flavors by Saturday morning? It’s okay if that’s too tight of a turnaround time. I just wanted to offer to you first since you’re awesome. :D

I hit send.

I left Raina’s office and went into my own.

For ten whole seconds I debated just doing the call list anyway. Raina said she would help, but that wasmywork to do. Even though we all used to pitch in where the business needed help, before we grew so big that we had to have one person in charge of specific areas.

But if I didn’t have the task list of doom today, I could keep working on the four bonding ceremonies I had coming up. I’dactually have the space to do research into some cool locations and present the packs with something that didn’t feel rushed.

Before I got sucked down the research rabbit hole, I called Logan.

“Hey, Sunshine.” His voice was soft when he said my name and I went gooey inside.

“Hey, Logan.” I couldn’t keep my smile off my face. “I’ve got an assistant position open. And Raina was so moved by my argument, she’s going to get Holly one too.”

“That’s excellent.” The clatter of pots and pans sounded in the background.

“Are you busy?”

“No, darling. Just our normal prep.” More pots and pans clattered in the background. “When would you like to schedule the interview?”

I bit my lip. “Is tomorrow too soon?”

Logan chuckled. “Nope. I’ll let her know. Should I send her over to the Welcome Center?”

I cocked my head, fiddling with the paperwork on my desk. “Hmph.”

“Doesn’t feel right?”

“No.” I looked around my office, which had returned to it’s default state of “looks like we were robbed”. “She’ll need to work here at some point, but I’d rather somewhere more neutral.”

“You could use the banquet room?” Logan suggested like I might scoff at the idea. “It’ll give you some privacy after I introduce you two?”

“Yes.” I perked up. “That’s perfect. You already know her.”

“Alright.” He sounded relieved.

“You’re not meddling, Logan.” It was hard to put my emotions to words. I was touched that he cared so much that he would go to the trouble of trying to solve any issues in my life, however minor.

Luca and Julian acted the same way. I knew I loved them, but somehow seeing their love in action, through their words and deeds, was still a lot to handle.

How could I not fall in love with the pack that saw to my every need? Who supported me, took care of me, and made me feel just as needed and special in their lives?

“Just making sure,” he said. “You’re a hell of a businesswoman. I’m just here to offer support.”

“I know.” My voice was thick with emotion. “I can’t thank you or the others enough for helping me through this.”

“That’s what we do,” Logan said. “We’re…”

He paused for a minute, like he was going to say something else. Like they were my pack.

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