Page 54 of Coco and the Misfits

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COCO

Atticus’ address is in the city center.

I double-check it on my app to make sure I didn’t make a mistake while typing it in. Such an old-fashioned way of doing things, writing his phone number and address down on paper. Who does that anymore?

Okay, double-checked. City center it is.

I thought he’d be sending me to the rich suburbs. Did he actually say ‘house’ or was it me? I had expected a mansion with a pool and manicured lawns.

But as I walk over there and stop in front of a tall building, a tower really, I realize it’s an apartment.

I’m disappointed. Wait, maybe not. I like that it’s not far from where I live. It feels less like a creepy serial killer scenario.

Good news. I can walk here every day. Zach would be proud of me for the exercise. Keeping myself in shape.

My mood sours a little as I remember his anger when I said I’d take this job. He seems to hate Atticus, and Atticus hates Ryder, and Ryder… is a mystery.

All of them are mysteries, it seems. Even Zach, who had seemed transparent like glass, is now acting weird.

Taking a bracing breath, I enter the building. Marble, glass, brass. It looks like a hotel lobby, complete with a reception desk. Of course he’d live in a luxury high-rise apartment if he didn’t live in a mansion. I should have known.

A woman is sitting behind the desk. She looks up as I hesitantly approach. A beta, most probably, her blond hair perfectly coiffed, her suit red and immaculate. She wears pearl earrings.

That little detail makes me feel so out of place, it’s a struggle not to run away.

“May I help you?” She asks, all polite and proper. She rises, taking a good look at me, and her brows rise as well.

I’m wearing pink overalls and white combat boots with a floral design. I’ve pulled my pink hair back and caught the bangs with sparkly star-shaped pins. I thought I looked very professional, but now I’m not so sure.

“Hi!” I say brightly. “I’m Coco, here to clean Atticus’ home. I mean, Mr. Ford’s. Home. Apartment. Yes.”

Her brows now bunch together.

Shit. This is where she tells me there must have been a mistake. Her boss—is Atticus her boss?—would never have a girl like me over, let alone hire her, or let her touch his stuff. Seeing this lobby, I’m thinking the same. Who would blame her for throwing me out?

I take a step back. Glance at the door. “Or not. It may be a mistake. God knows it happens all the time. He probably said?—”

“Coco. Oh right! Mr. Ford told me about you. He didn’t mention you’re an omega.”

I study her elegant face. “Does it matter?”

“Of course not.” She smiles, but it’s kind of brittle. Doesn’t she like omegas? Is this the issue?

“What did he say about me?” I ask carefully.

“That I should be expecting you. I just didn’t expect you to be so…”

“Pink?” I suggest.

“So omega-like.”

“Well, thanks!” I preen. Can’t help it. Whenever someone tells me I look like an omega, it makes my little dark heart so happy. Sparkles fly. Unicorns fart rainbows. Stars fall like rain.

She clears her throat. “About cleaning products?—”

“Oh shit! I forgot about that.” Catching her stare, I wince. “Sorry.”

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