Page 144 of Finding the Forward: Part Two
“Image rehab maybe with Chet now in jail? I think he’s trying to get himself traded,” Grif replied, letting me hide behind his enormous frame.
Black and silver balloons and banners with pictures of kids participating in the Squire Foundation’s youth hockey programs adorned the ballroom’s atrium. There was an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and a table full of things to bid on. Later there’d be dinner, speeches, cute kids, and dancing.
While all the Knights were here, there were some Maimers, and a lot of New York’s elite. Mercy and Kaiko hunched over the silent auction table. Some auction items were things like signed Knights memorabilia and experiences, such as a goalie lesson with Dean or the chance to be the mascot for a game. There was also everything from baskets of designer purses to strange handmade things to vacations.
Who knew what they were up to?
Hopefully dinner would be soon because my whole body hurt, and my head pounded.
Maybe I should take another look at the purses up for auction? While the purse hospital had saved some of them, one of my favorites was beyond hope.
Sure, the guys had been amazing at replacing things for us. But they shouldn’t have to feed my love of high-end purses.
“Grif, you’re here. This is my Ma. Ma, this is Grif and Team Mom.” Clark bounded over to us, wearing a Defender League tie. There was an older woman with him. He had a black eye from the fight he’d gotten into in their last game.
Aww, the rookie brought his mom. “Hi, it’s so nice to meet you. I’m Verity.”
“Hey, Clark. Clark’s mom.” Grif waved, keeping me close. “I’m here and I can’t wait to get back on the ice.”
“We miss you. There are so many fancy dresses. Even my senior dance at high school wasn’t like this.” Clark took a sip of his beer, eyes riveting in another direction. “Oooh. Ladybug looks like Aquatica.”
Clark’s eyes focused on Gwen, who wore a sparkling blue puffy dress that looked like something you’d wear for your excellent eighteenth party. Her normally pink hair was light blue and down in soft waves, making her look like the underwater superhero in the Defender League movies.
On Gwen’s arm was a muscular guy about her age, wearing a light blue suit, his hair dark blue. That must be her boyfriend.
“Right? Gwenifer looks amazing,” Mercy agreed, appearing at my elbow. “Auction mission accomplished. I’m going to go bug her.” She set off.
“Oh, there’s Dimitri.” Clark took off, mom in tow, after Dimitri, who looked like a Russian mob boss.
Dimitri’s teen sister accompanied him. Her long dark hair, pale skin, black, and silver dress, and red lips made her look like she’d stepped out of a fairytale.
Kylee appeared in a striking black dress and red lipstick I needed in my life. “Verity, sweets, can I steal your honey? I will give him back, promise.”
“Only if you tell me what lipstick you’re wearing. Grif, go schmooze with some donors. I’ll go find AJ,” I assured. This seemed a lot like the university and science fundraisers I’d gone to all my life where the parents had to make nice with important people so they’d have jobs and funding.
I spied AJ cornered by two women, one small and delicate, in a black and silver dress, neck bejeweled with diamonds. She had golden skin and long, black hair. The other was much taller, her dark brown hair short, and she wore a sleek pants suit, but just as much jewelry, including a wrist full of bangles.
AJ caught my eye and shook his head, looking frantic. Was he warning me away or did he need saving? These might be his moms.
I strode over the best I could with my crutch, trying to be the epitome of elegance and grace.
“Hi.” I slid my arm around his waist.
“Hi.” His scent was bitter, but he leaned into me.
“Verity Thorne. It’s such a pleasure to meet you.” I flashed them my best Southern girl smile.
“Ah, Grif, and Dean’s girl.” The smaller one, who was clearly an omega, looked me up and down. “I’m so curious about you. Oh, is that dress a Vecci?”
“Oh, it is.” I gave her a look as if to say,what else could it be?
“These are my mothers. This is Verity. She’s in a PhD program at NYIT.” His eyes flickered as if looking for the exit.
“Oh. What do you study?” The taller one, who might be an alpha, but I wasn’t sure, gave me a look, eyes narrowing.
“My research is in plant genetics. I work with omega lilies,” I replied, arm still around AJ.
“Oh. How interesting. What do you do with that?” Her voice and look filled with judgment.
