Page 191 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
“Not yet. I appreciate your patience,” I told her.
Clark seemed a little broody as he sat with his arm around her. At least they had each other.
“Do I wear a tux to the dinner? I’m excited to go with you.” I couldn’t find my tux anywhere, so I’d need to get another. Maybe it was at Cooter’s. At least I’d gotten that shoe sponsor and we’d be doing a photo shoot. It was incredible they’d wanted me, considering we didn’t wear shoes when we played.
It was partially to promote their larger-size line, and I did have enormous feet, even for an alpha.
Gwen brightened. “You’re still going?”
“Of course I am. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” It was nice of them to invite me. Sure, it was a party essentially celebrating my loss, since the Knights had beaten the Sasquatches in the finals to win the championship, but it would be nice to be with them.
Clark nodded. “It’s a tux thing. Gwen’s got a fancy dress.”
Ooh, I couldn’t wait to see her in it.
“Can we go dancing soon?” she asked. “I miss doing things with you.”
“Me, too. Soon. I’m sorry I’ve been so busy.” I felt bad about it. Once the season began, I'd have even less time than I had now.
“It’s okay.” Gwen looked so sad. “Can you come over and watch a movie?”
“I can’t tonight. I’m sorry.” There were lawyer things I still needed to do. Also, I had a meeting with Yeti Soap Co. in the morning, since they wanted to do some holiday stuff.
“Okay.” Her shoulders slumped. “I’m happy you’re here.”
“Me, too.” Soon I could be more for her, like she needed.
I just had to finish getting my shit together first. Like my son, they deserved the best me–and right now I wasn’t it.
Chapter Sixty-Three
Gwen
“Are you okay? Big test or something?” Tony asked as I clocked out this morning after completing my accounting work for the day.
Or something.But I wasn’t going to tell Tony. I hadn’t been planning on telling Clark what today was either.
Mattyhadtold my siblings. That was part of the problem. He was supposed to be on my side.
“I have a headache. Though I have a test this afternoon.” Which I wasn’t worried about.
Concern flashed over his face. “Okay. Are you working too many hours?”
“No, it’s fine.” I was happy with the time I did here weekday mornings and the couple of shifts I picked up at the snack bar and skate counter.
Another text came through my phone as I was changing, so I could join in a Knights practice. Isa? Fuck. It was one thing for her to message me on social media, it was another thing totextme. On a number I didn’t give her.
“Are you shitting my dick?” I muttered as I rubbed my forehead. I was going to murder my brother.
There was also the fact that I hadn’t meant to fall down a certain path last night, but I’d been watching the Gears play the Boaters and…
My fingers itched to text Lenny and find out for sure.
I got on the ice. A few players gave me curious looks, since it was a team practice. Tomorrow was their home opener. Since JP had something this morning, it was me and Dean today.
“Ladybug, are you lost?” Mitchy joked. He was a cocky shit and knew a lot of the same people I did–like Windy and Austin.
“Suck my dick,” I snarled, not in the mood.
