Page 81 of Dream Girl
I shrugged. “We have Spence and Bren.”
“Which is still weird.” He grinned.
Wes and I were from working-class families. I hadn’t realized that Spence’s family was ultra-rich, and slightly famous, until I was an adult. While Spencer liked nice things, Brennan’s upbringing and family were way flashier, and it took a little getting used to. Jett’s family was more upper-middle class–not Brennan and Spencer rich, but better off than Wes and me.
Riley and Grace joined us. Grace looked at Wes holding me, and ducked under my arm, so she was with us. She smelled like Wes and felt so very right in my arms.
“Is this okay? We’re in public,” Grace murmured.
“Always,” Wes assured. “Look.”
We looked at other families in the lobby. A woman between two men, a baby on one man’s chest. Two men holding the hands of several kids. Three women with their arms around each other, one visibly pregnant. A group of teenagers jockeying for hand-holding positions. Two young Goths gazing into each other’s eyes.
“You’re cute, but I’d like ice cream,” Riley demanded.
“I have to handle something at work. Drop me off, get them ice cream, go to the store, then call me and we’ll see where I’m at.” Since I was only just getting to know Rose, it would be better to see her face-to-face.
I drove us to the Center, and they dropped me off. Checking in at the desk, I went to find Rose.
She was in her room, making a beaded bracelet. “Evan!”
“Hey. Sorry, we were across town. What’s up?” I took a seat.
She sighed, focusing on her bracelet, not me. “Am I making the wrong choice by not getting mated straight away?” Her head bowed, and she pushed her phone to me. “Should I drop the charges against my mom? I mean, she was just looking out for us.”
“You’re sixteen. In this class of crime, and given your age, charges will be pressed even if you don’t want them to,” I toldher. “Also, there isnothing wrongwith wanting to wait. In fact, considering you’re sixteen, if you wanted to take a mate, we’d have to get a judge involved. May I?”
Rose nodded, sniffing a little.
I looked at her texts. Oof. The one from her sister was pragmatic, and along the lines ofIf Mom’s in jail, and you’re not mated, how are the rest of us going to survive? I can’t pay all the bills with the job I have.
Her brother was more likeI miss Mom, why did you take her?
It was the vile texts from other family members, especially her uncle, about her being ungrateful, calling her names, and other mean and even strange things.
The only supportive one was from her stepdad.Stay in the city and go to school on the scholarship. I’ll figure it out.
But this wasn’t Teatime-Era Britain. Some young omega didn’t have to put aside her own dreams and marry someone she didn’t like in order to save her family.
“I can send a social worker to see what sort of aid your family qualifies for.” I didn’t want Rose to think for one moment that she had to trade her life for theirs.
“Oh, that sounds good. I just worry. I don’t want my siblings to starve because I was selfish.” Her head bowed.
“Of course. But you’re not selfish. I’ll do what I can. How is everything else going?”
She told me about what she’d been learning. I got a text from Riley asking if I was done.There were also messages in the group chat about tonight.
“Do you need anything else from me? Sorry, my packmates are having a cookout tonight,” I said.
“I’m okay, see you tomorrow.” She smiled.
I left, making the social worker and aid requests through the system, then met Wes in the parking lot. Climbing into the backseat with Grace, since Riley was in the front, as usual, I leaned over the seat to give Wes a kiss, which tasted chocolaty.
“Here, we got you some ice cream. We went there last. It’s only a little melted.” Grace held up a small paper sack.
“Thank you.” I gave her a kiss, too.
“Ugh.” Riley made a face.
