Page 81 of Small Town Shy Omega
My entire glassworks studio poofed in on itself, sawdust and glass fibers shooting into the air. It was a natural disaster. Dis-glass-ter.
“You almost died,” Blake gasped, leaping back in the nick of time. My pink ball nearly rammed his face off.
“Crap,” I huffed, crossing my arms. “Now how am I gonna make Irene’s grandpa’s urn?”
“You’re not,” Dreydon joked, and we all watched the dust settle.
Damn… just damn.
“I’ve spent so many years in there,” I said sadly.
“Yeah,” Josh drawled, “losing braincells.”
Blake got his hands on my shoulders. He kissed my neck, and I moaned as softness barreled through me.
“Baby,” Blake said confidently, “do you believe in signs?”
“I believe in signs,” I said in response.
“This is a sign from the universe, sweetie. Fate is telling you to get out of your she-shed.”
“First, it’s called a glassworks studio. Get it right.”
“Imagine where you’d be if me, Josh, and Dreydon hadn’t showed up when we did. Your ‘quaint’ cottage was falling apart. And clearly your studio faced some structural issues. The universe is calling you to be stronger, Omega. To get out of this solitary life you’ve been living.”
“My weed is all gone,” I sniffed.
“We can get you some more weed, baby. And, we’re also going to get you a brand-new studio.”
“Oh, you’re gonna build me another she-shed?” I smiled.
“No, baby,” Josh growled, his voice deep and low. “There’s an empty retail space right next to Betty’s Bakery in town. It’b be perfect for a new studio.”
“That’s your dream, Josh. My dream is just to stay on my plot of land, make vases and bowls, and read.”
Blake got down in front of me, yes on his knees.
“You’re a queen, Layla,” Blake said, holding my hand. “It’s time to show the world who you are again.”
“You’re trying to change me,” I sniffled. “You knew I was an introvert when you met me. Don’t be like this.”
Blake reached up… He touched the mark on my neck.
“I know you want more, baby. When we bonded… Some of your soul entered me, and some of your thoughts are mine.”
“Are they?”
“Yes.”
“Is that why I’ve been craving tacos so much lately?” I drawled.
“Damn,” Blake teased back. “I have been in the mood for some good birria.”
I put my hands on my hips. “I don’t wanna change. I don’t wanna put on glass workshops, teach my skill to others, or even show my face in town. I’m perfectly comfortable with my solitary life, and…”
“Don’t be selfish, Layla. Others… would love how to learn this art, too.Youhad your grandfather to teach you—as you told us earlier this morning, right before the nearly fatal tour. Think of all the Omegas and little Laylas out there who’d love to learn this art form.”
“We’re just animals, baby,” Josh finally said, smilingly rubbing my shoulder. “Humans, Alphas, Omegas—we teach by passing down knowledge, and we learn by receiving knowledge that others graciously passed down to us.”
