Page 49 of Finding the Forward: Part One
“What? And miss getting drunk?” Grif grabbed the bottle of vodka and waggled it at me. Our version of puzzle night might be a drinking game.
His phone beeped a couple of times as we put together the seascape. Grif would look at his phone, smile, then reply.
“Dean’s having that much fun?” I flipped over my piece and tried to find its place before the timer ended. If I didn’t, I had to drink.
“It’s Verity,” he said hesitantly.
“Oh.” Of course it was. My mood darkened. The timer ran out before I could find the piece’s place. Grabbing the bottle, I took alongdrink.
“I can’t wait for you to meet her. She’s great.” Grif took a piece and immediately found a place for it. Smirking, he flipped the timer over.
“Work’s just so busy right now.” I kept my tone neutral because I had no interest in meeting her.
“Work’s always busy. You’ll love her.” He looked at his phone and laughed.
Inwardly, I glowered.Nope. Not interested.
“Should we watch that movie now? We’ll finish the puzzle later?” I suggested. Then we couldn’t talk about her.
“Sure. We’ll finish it later.” Grif smiled at me shyly. “Honestly, I could really use some snuggles.”
“Done.” Bottle of vodka in hand, we settled on the couch for a movie, him using me like a pillow, like always.
This was exactly what I wanted. What I needed. Snuggles with my omega. The love of my life.
No silly woman would take this from me. Ever.
Chapter Sixteen
Verity
Ichecked the humidity controls on both parts of my greenhouse. Perfect. Locking up, I crossed the outdoor area where the greenhouses were and went into the lab. Putting on my coat and grabbing my backpack from my locker, I set off across the cold campus.
At home, Mercy was standing in the kitchen eating cereal out of an enormous glass measuring cup with a serving spoon while wearing a sparkly silver pantsuit. Matching sparkly scrunchies were in her Dutch braids. Beaded bracelets that she’d made decorated her wrists.
“You’re late.” She gave me the side-eye as she took another bite, her spiced plum scent flaring with annoyance.
“Sorry. I was working on a delicate part of my research and got distracted.” I put my things on the bench by the door.
“Everything’s going okay?” Her brow creased with worry.
“For the most part. Now, to see if it worked.” My research operated in levels. Sometimes, as I tried to level up, it backfired spectacularly.
Mercy bit her lower lip. “Mom called from jail to wish me good luck.”
“She did? That’s great.” While Mercy didn’t condone Mom’s actions, she missed her and talked to her sometimes. I didn’t, unless Mercy handed me the phone.
I got changed. For games, they were all supposed to dress nicely. Like how the hockey players always wore suits, but with more panache. I pulled on my favorite baby blue suit and some nude flats and fixed my hair and makeup. Hanging my credentials and arena security pass around my neck, I sprayed myself with de-scenter, and ordered a car to take us to the arena.
Mercy handed me a bunch of beaded bracelets we’d made. “The fans like it when you pass them out from the bench.”
Bracelet trading was huge in skate smash. The Maimers often made their own to trade with fans before and after games. I may have amused myself during pre-season games by tossing them over the glass to fans.
“First home game, I’m so excited,” she told me, as I grabbed my crutch and we made our way outside to the waiting car.
“You should be. You worked hard.” This was everything she’d ever wanted. Sometimes it got a little hard for me. I could’ve had this if I’d been able to stand up to the parents.
But that was okay, and I’d been working through it with my therapist. I might not have gone pro, but my life was far from awful.
