Page 89 of Begrudgingly Yours
Her eyes widen before darting back to her daughter. “You didn’t tell me you had been cast in a play.”
She has no comeback to that, and the silence leaves the opportunity for Everett to speak directly to Mrs. Monaghan. “Maybe we should go get settled so you two can talk.”
“I think that would be best,” she responds just as Nicole scoffs.
“She is not worthy of my brother!” Nicole hisses, her jaw clenching, but I don’t stay to hear anything else. My mates usher me around the corner—in this freakingpenthouse—before any more words are said.
What a start to a wonderful holiday.
The restof Dax’s family is just as successful as his mother. Even with one of them being an actress, I feel a bit inadequate at this table.
Although I’m most impressed by Dax’s mom, Addison, whois both an omega and a surgeon. It’s not uncommon for omegas to have demanding jobs, but it can be difficult for us with our biological needs. She agrees with that, but she explains all the ways that she helps soothe her omega while she’s on the job, and I fangirl a little bit while listening to her.
I could listen to her talk about her badassery all day.
Thankfully, his dads aren’t as intimidating, especially when they’re both wearing their colorful punny aprons while cooking all day. It’s hard to stay intimidated by a man whose apron says‘It’s all gravy’, even if he is a cutthroat attorney.
The only person that’s giving me any issue is Nicole, but that was to be expected.
“Rory, what do you normally do for Thanksgiving?” Dax’s dad, Charlie, asks.
I put down my fork to give him my full attention. “My best friend and I normally spend the day watching seasonal movies and ordering take-out,” I tell him.
Jett laughs. “Do you eat cranberries during this get-together or are you not acran-ibal?”
“You can try all you want, but I’ve heard every cranberry joke in the book. Most of them from Stacia,” I laugh as I think about her need to find new and creative Thanksgiving puns for me every year. I look back at Dax’s dad and add, “Thank you so much for inviting me, by the way. My best friend is newly bonded so I wasn’t sure if we’d be doing our usual plans today or not.”
He cuts a piece of ham on his plate and nods. “You are always welcome here.”
There’s a slight huff from down the table but I just ignore it. Nicole is obviously having trouble with my presence here but I’m not going to let it ruin meeting my alpha’s family.
Everett’s mother, who’s sitting on the other side of Charlie, gives me a wonderful smile. She’s a glorious person, I’ve discovered.Both bold and soft and completely devoted to her son’s wellbeing. “I heard you’re an actress, Rory. That’s so exciting.”
It’s interesting to hear her say that when there’s an A-list actress sitting at the end of the table, one that she’s known for several years now. “Yeah, Jett and I are both passionate about it,” I state, looking over at my green-eyed alpha as he gives a pleased smile.
“We just found out today that you three are doing a play this semester. How is it going?” Charlie asks, completely ignoring the fact that Nicole kept the class a secret from them until this morning.
“It’s been good,” I say cordially. “This is one of the first times I’ve done something historical and I’m really happy with how it’s going.”
“It’s going shit,” Nicole grumbles.
“Nic,” Dax snaps at her. “What is with you today? You haven’t saidonenice thing to either of them.”
She has the sense to look sheepish at her brother and closes her mouth. I guess if she doesn’t have anything nice to say… you know the saying.
Addison looks to Jett and changes the subject. “Is this your first time in New York, Jett?”
“It is,” he confirms. “But I always wanted to come. Two of my best friends from high school are actually already on Broadway. They came straight here after graduation and they seem to be doing well.”
“Oh, really?” Cordelia says from the end of the table, her interest piqued. “Who, may I ask? I’ve heard of some promising debuts this season.”
“Harland Axford and Shiloh Keaton.”
She claps her hands in excitement. “No way. I just read about them on Playbill. That’s so exciting. Is that your dream, too? Broadway?”
Jett shakes his head. “No, ma’am. I’ve always enjoyed film. Sets and whatnot. Movies in particular sound up my alley. One-time deals here and there. I want to explore many characters.”
Cordelia’s eyes shine with understanding. “It’s definitely possible.”
