Page 101 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
“Oh.” My heart swelled. Joe was the youngest of my three older brothers. He did them for me? That was a very Joe thing. Like hanging up fairy lights in my bathroom, because I was afraid of the dark, but didn’t want to be teased for having a nightlight.
I wished I could have a relationship with my siblings without worrying about the dads.
Over dessert, I got out the jewelry from Austin and pushed it across the table. “All proceeds will buy mice that the zoo will name after Austin and feed to snakes.”
I couldn’t wait.
“That’samazing.” Lenny looked over the small pile. “This is shit. Glad you're okay with tuition, since this won’t buy much of anything.” He gave me a look. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Ugh. I don’t need anyone’s money. Didn’t I make that clear? I’mfine.Tuition is covered. I have a place to live and a job. Now I can finish my last year myself. I like my life, thank you very much.” My jaw set.
If I gave in the slightest bit…
“Good for you. Personally, I’m proud of you for doing your own thing.” He took the jewelry and got out his phone. “It’s not much, but it should buy some mice.”
A notification showed that he’d overpaid me. It was going to the zoo, so whatever. “It’s a pleasure doing business with you.”
His look softened. “Always.”
We left and talked about nothing until his car came.
“Do you need a ride?” he asked.
“I’m good, thank you. Thanks for dinner.” I was working a late shift at the rink tonight.
Today made me feel a lot lighter. I’d made progress today. Between eating at Chello’s and selling the last link I had to him, I felt ready to put Austin behind me.
In the staff locker room, I put on my uniform. I clocked in, then took my place at the snack bar. Yeah, I was feeling much better.
After I got off work, I was going online and buying some mice with Austin’s name on them.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Tenzin
All around me, people laughed, chatted, and drank as music played in the background. The ballroom at the beachfront hotel we’d been put up in was filled with posters advertising Bare Armor. As nice as the party was, after a long day of photo shoots, I was done with people.
My phone buzzed, and I slipped outside. The summer air was warm and humid, but better than inside. I walked along the patio, until the noise of the ballroom gave way to sounds of the night. Leaning against the metal fence that separated the resort from the beach, I checked my phone.
I missed Gwen so much. But tomorrow afternoon we’d head back to New York. On Sunday, we’d go to the fair and see mysister’s band play. Should I ask Clark to come with us? He was high energy and cheerful, but there was something about him.
It wasn’t just how physically attractive he was. Or that he was kind to Gwen. We didn’t have that much in common, other than hockey and similar taste in music. Still…
He felt right. They both did.
“There you are.” Clark bounded over to me.
“You found me. Did you want to go for a walk? I’m done with the party.” I looked back at the lights, music drifting toward us.
“I’d like that.” Clark gave me a shy smile.
He and Gwen were good together. Both of them were cheerful rays of sunshine. She was the morning sun, and he was mid-day.
They were closer to the same age too. He didn’t seem phased by her going off at the end of the season.
If only I could be like him.
We walked in silence, following the railing of the hotel, until it led to a gate to the beach. As we trudged through the sand, Clark took off his shoes and socks, then ran with abandon.
