Page 123 of Dream Girl
“We’ll let security deal with it for now.” Evan turned to Rose. “Let’s go back inside.”
Evan led Rose off some place, leaving Jett, Riley, and me in the main waiting area.
“They’re going to have someone fix this, right, because that’s shitty,” Riley said. “So, she’d been here for days waiting for a chance to abduct Rose?”
“I guess,” Jett replied.
“I don’t quite understand what happened.” I wrapped my arms around myself again–and not just because it was cold today.
“Alpha bark, I’m guessing. Like she literally couldn’t go home without Rose,” Riley told me.
Alpha bark. Right. I’d seen that in a video. Fucked-up alpha compulsion bullshit.
“I’ll smack anyone who tries that on me,” I grumbled, still feeling a little violent.
“That’s my Grace. We need Jett to teach us some shit.” Riley grinned at Jett.
“I’m a little afraid of what will happen if I do.” He grinned back.
Riley rolled her eyes. “I need to learn shit for skate smash tryouts. Grace, got any tips? One of my friends set up a clinic for us, and some of us have been practicing when we have a chance, but every bit helps.”
“Don’t die,” I told her. “No, seriously, I never quite figured everything out beyond the basics. I wasn’t good, I was there because we needed bodies. One of my professors always saidHave fun, don’t die.”
Riley nodded. “Always good advice.”
Evan came back out with Rose, who was now wearing a fluffy hoodie, face tear-stained.
“Rose.” Riley ran over and hugged her. “You okay?”
“Yeah. I… am. Am I…”
“You are.” I stood and hugged her to me. “You’re making the right choice. Remember, don’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm.”
Riley’s eyebrows rose. “Do people actually do that? Because that’s some fucked-up shit right there.”
“She means it figuratively, not literally,” Evan told her. “Let’s go. Should we get ice cream first?”
Rose nodded. “Yes, please.”
My phone buzzed.
Wes
You okay? Evan said someone tried to abduct one of his clients.
Me
I’m okay. Thanks for checking in.
I meant it. While I was a little annoyed at how big of a deal they made over me this morning, I was also glad to have someone who cared. It had been a long time since someone had smothered me with love. The texts continued.
Wes
Do you need anything? Can I take you two out later? Dinner and a movie or something?
Me
Dinner, a movie, and more of what we did last night sounds good to me.
