Page 145 of Finding the Forward: Part One
I snuggled into her, resting my head on her shoulder.
“I’m so glad I finally get a date,” I told her. “Even AJ’s gotten one.”
She laughed. “That wasn’t a date. We just went to a sports bar to have some beers. We watched a fútbol game on TV as he fixed my investments. Again.”
That seemed like AJ’s idea of the perfect date. I didn’t know if he liked her that way. At least he didn’t hate her anymore. I’d seen his phone—they texted fútbol stuff to each other all the time. Grif, Jonas, and I were often without our phones for large parts of the day. AJ never put his down.
“I’m excited to spend time with you, too. Thanks for being willing to go do something silly with me. Today has been such a shitty day. I had issues with my research. My older brother was likego do something fun with Mercyso I booked something. Of course she has plans with Kaiko. I should’ve asked.” She exhaled heavily and her chest shook.
Oh. My heart twisted. While I didn’t completely understand what she did, I knew PhDs were a fuckton of work.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” I tugged her to me, giving her a kiss on the temple.
“It’s fine, I’m fine.” She straightened and did that little shoulder wiggle, like she was trying to shake off her bad mood. Her expression went fake cheerful.
I shook my head. “Nope. You do not get to hide your upsetti from me. We’re past that. It doesn’t matter that you’re the alpha. Iwantyou to feel comfortable being sad in front of me.”
“Upsetti?” She sniffed, taking a tissue out of her bag to wipe her eyes.
“If you can’t handle the upsetti, you don’t deserve the happy. My mom always says that,” I told her, running my hands through her hair.
She put her head on my shoulder. “Both new batches of my plants failed spectacularly. Months of work are now useless. I was so close. There was no point in starting over this afternoon, since I’m leaving town tomorrow.”
“I’m so sorry your research didn’t work out. That is upsetting. But you’re going to see your family for Christmas and then you can start over when you get back. You’ll only be gone for a few days.” How awful.
“Yeah, I’m so far behind.” Defeat rolled off her.
“Are you on a deadline? Your professor will understand.” I hugged her tighter, trying to settle my omega who didn’t like her being upset.
“More like self-imposed. I’m my biggest competitor. Ifeelbehind because I’m not where I’d like to be. Dr. Winters says I’m fine, I just...” Her shoulders slumped.
“I understand. You’re an AJ.This is my timeline, and I’m going to throw a shoe at something when I don’t meet it. Even if it’s unrealistic.” I stroked the back of her neck. Maybe after, I’d bring her home with me.
Yeah, I knew exactly how to make my little alpha feel so much better. I’d put her in a great mood for the Maimers’ holiday party tonight.
“You’ll figure it out. Eventually, you’ll do all the things and be the amazing Dr. Verity with her plants,” I told her.
I should learn more about her research. She was always so quiet about it. Grif said she made flowers happy. Whatever that meant. Maybe she was developing a wonder-fertilizer? That made my plants happy.
“You know who will know the perfect place to get breakfast with Mercy tomorrow?” I told her. “AJ. Brunch. Waffles. Pancakes. Whatever you’re into, he’ll have a recommendation.”
“That sounds good. I think his assistant is standing in line to pick up the new phone that launches in a few hours for him,” she replied, getting on her phone.
“Sounds like him. AJ likes to have the new shiny toys,” I replied. It was part of his carefully cultivated image–always having the latest tech.
“I’d like toys that work. They’re in such pretty colors. Mercy and Kaiko were showing them to me. Hmmm, I bet AJ’s getting rose gold. Personally, I like the sold-out limited-edition bubblegum glitter.” She texted him a picture of the two of us.
Pretty sure he wasn’t getting rose gold or glitter. I’d like red sparkles.
The car took us to a street filled with cute trendy shops where you could buy baby blue suits and light pink sexy dresses.Curiosity bubbled inside me. Hopefully, it was a spa day. An aromatherapy massage sounded divine. Maybe I could upgrade us to a couple’s room and a soaking tub.
The car stopped in front of a place with a lit-up sign with a martini glass filled with gummy bears on it held by a hand with long nails.Manitinis.
Oh. Someone had a terrible day indeed. I’d never had a manicure, let alone one at a place that sold booze. This place was popular because everything was picture-perfect for your socials. The Knights lady forwards enjoyed going here together and always posted pictures of their cute nails.
Verity got out of the car first, then gave me a hand. She looked at the sign, looked back at me, and grinned. “I hope you know what you’re in for. You agreed. No take backs.”
“I can’t wait.” I let her escort me inside. Soft, cheerful music played, and everything was done in pastels, from the poofy couches in the waiting room, to the giant chairs some women sat in while sipping colorful drinks.
