Page 152 of Dream Mates
“Yeah, I get it.” Or in my case it was being friends with guys. “Why do you keep introducing me as Ina’s friend? I don’t care, but I’m curious.”
“Ina’s friends with everyone. Also, you’re both in Daedalus and everyone knows the science omegas stick together–especially in their respective fields. It just makes sense to introduce you like that,” he explained.
“Okay.”
We sat there for a while and talked. Finally, a clipped British voice came from across the lobby.
“Creed, is everything all right? Someone said my children were in the lobby?” A statuesque blonde in an expensive red suit strode toward us, heels clacking on the floor.
“Shit.” Creed sighed. “Mumsy works here as a chemical engineer. That’s why I had the internship.”
Of course she did. Because this was turning out to be a shit day. That picnic better be worth it.
“I didn’t know you were coming. It’s been quite the day here. That Greek man showed up, throwing everything into chaos. Like we don’t have business of our own to do? I’m not even sure why he’s here.” Her look was more annoyed than angry or malicious. Then her eyes focused on me. “Who are you?”
“Hi, Mum. Everything’s fine. This is Dr. Ellington, Ina’s friend. She was visiting Marquess to see the physics department andnow is waiting for her alpha who has a meeting here. I gave her a ride.” Creed shrugged. “Dr. Ellington, this is Dr. Thorne.”
“Pippa. Charmed.” Her nostrils flared. “I’ll get the tea.” She turned and left.
“Mumsy is British, tea fixes everything,” Creed said.
“Have you ever been? It’s one of the places I’ve always wanted to go,” I told him.
“Many times. Spent summers there as a kid. I almost went to Uni there, but…” He sighed. “It was just better to go to Marquess, though I did study abroad in England for a year.”
“I always wanted to study abroad,” I said softly. That had been part of my plan that never happened.
Pippa came back over, holding three cups of tea. “There we are.”
“Thank you.” I took mine and sipped it.
“You and your alpha are looking for work? What are your fields?” Pippa asked, taking a seat in the nearby armchair.
“I’m a theoretical mathematician. Actually, I just started a job. I’m attending the PIIP Symposium and took a field trip here to see a few things. Hmm, I’m not sure what his meeting is about,” I replied.
“Oh, that sort of math, yes I can see how you and Ina might get on.” She chuckled. “Met in omega science club, I presume? Did you attend Uni around here then?”
“No, I didn’t. But I’m part of Daedalus,” I told her.
She nodded. “My mate runs the Marquess-Briar campus chapter. He loves it.” Pippa turned to Creed. “Howdidher presentation go? It looked fantastic when I read over it.”
Creed’s look softened. “You proofed it for her? Mum always proofread our papers in undergrad. Mum, it went so well.”
“That’s really nice,” I replied. My mom would never do that.
“I’m glad.” She took a sip of tea then turned to me. “And you… you’re Nate’s or Barrett’s? What are you hoping to accomplish from this visit?” Pippa said matter-of-factly.
“Neither and nothing. Not why I’m here and I’m beginning to regret meeting Creed for coffee today.” My shoulders slumped. “Also, according to Dr. Thorne, I’m not Nate’s and I’m too old to be Barrett’s. Not that I’m either.”
Pippa’s eyebrows rose. “No, you’re not too old actually. We know this. Barrett’s only a year younger and fully awakened as an omega at sixteen.”
“I’m glad you took the time to meet up with Verity, Hale, and I,” Creed said. “I’m sorry Mom got aggressive. Dad’s been texting me. He wants to talk to you.” He turned to Pippa. “We were having coffee on campus and Mom and Dad showed up unexpectedly.”
“You met Nate?” Pippa frowned.
My hands went up in surrender. “Not on purpose. I’m sorry. It wasn't my intention to upset anyone. I didn’t even know that’s where he taught. I wasn’t trying to start anything. Please understand, I wasn’t looking. I’m not his, I’m not Barrett’s, I’m no one’s.” My voice cracked and I looked away.
“That’s for the best,” Pippa stated.
