Page 195 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
I took the tissue paper pillow out of the box and threw it at him. Most of the MASOs carried really expensive bags.
“Oh. It’s a miniGwen.” Arden handed me the booklet. “That must be why she chose it.”
Dean laughed. “It’s a bucket bag. They make a Gwen purse that’s a bucket bag.”
“It is funny.” I picked up the purse and admired it. The detailing was exquisite, down to the gold hardware and the drawstring. It wasn’t a large bag, but looked like it could hold a good amount.
The others left and Coach Kirov handed me back my phone. “Gwen, keep your head in the game.”
“Sorry, Coach.” My head bowed. “I didn’t know they were sending things. I didn’t know they even knew where I worked.”
“You were distracted before the treats came. When you’re here, all that matters is the game. Not the fight you had with someone, or the test you bombed, or everything you need to do. Everything gets left at the door,” she told me.
I knew this and gulped as I gathered my things. “Yes, Coach.”
Coach Dodd was outside, admiring the flowers. “We can find a place to keep them until you can take them home. You’ve got class soon, right?”
“They were my mom’s favorite,” I said softly. “I… I can’t stand the smell. It’s too much. Sof was trying to be nice, but I…” Staring at them made me want to cry. “Would your mate like them?”
“She’d love them. Are you sure?” he asked. His omega had beat the same cancer my mom had, and we talked about it sometimes. I’d met her, and she was really sweet.
“Please. I want them to make someone happy.” Things in hand, I headed off to find Clark. I walked through the door of the large workout room.
Clark put down his weights and came over to me. Tenzin didn’t seem to be there. Pity.
“What’s wrong?” Clark wrapped his arms around me.
“My sister thinks I’m a fashion disaster and sent me a purse. My dads and siblings have no boundaries.” I buried my head in his chest, trying to hold the box and him.
We went outside the weight room and for a moment I just let him hold me.
“You heard from your dads?” Clark said.
“Worse, they sent me presents. Three of my siblings sent presentshere. They think they can buy my love back,” I sobbed. “Where have they been for six years? Where were they when I didn’t have enough food? Where were they when I was living in a closet? Not that I want their money, but where were they?”
Where were they when I was being chased by a spoiled alpha?
I looked up at him through tear-stained eyes. “The shitty thing is two of those three presents were thoughtful. I didn’t ask them to–and it’s not my birthday.”
Clark frowned. “Your birthday’s in February.”
I gulped. “Gwen Di Rossi’s birthday is in February.”
“Oh,herbirthday is today. And your family decided this would be a good day to contact you after six years? That’s a lot. What do you need?” Clark rubbed my back.
“This. That’s what happens when I let them in an inch.” I sniffed. “I’m afraid of what the dads sent to the apartment. Oh, andfuck.”
I’d forgotten about the email.
“Um, I asked Lenny to find Austin. I have suspicions.” I opened my email on my phone.
Clark sucked in a breath. “You’re ready for that? That’s a big step and I’m proud of you. I’m right here.”
There it was. Fuck.
Soundlessly, I handed the phone to Clark.
“That asshole. Go work for his family? They own a fucking hockey team, not a bean farm.” Clark gave me back my phone. “Are you okay?”
