Page 10 of Omega's Reluctant Mate
“Misters Alan and David Beischel have arrived,” announced Reginald.
“Just in time,” Beau called from the bar. “Get your orders in.”
They laughed, walked over, and, after a moment of conversing with him, found spots to sit.
I stared at the alpha of the pair for a moment, sure that I’d seen him somewhere before. Finally I decided to ask. “Have we met previously?”
He gave a short laugh and a half-smile. “Not that I recall, but you likely saw me on television last year if you watch the business channels.”
“Beischel… Beischel…” I mused. “Beischel Equity?”
He nodded. “Yes. I had several interviews when the company imploded after my nephew took over.”
I shook my head. “I remember now. That seemed like a mess.”
“It was.” He leaned forward and extended a hand. “Alan Beischel, and this is my mate, David.” He motioned to the heavily pregnant man beside him. “And you are?”
“Sorry,” I chuckled. “Nathan Starling, but everybody calls me Nate.”
“A pleasure, Nate,” he replied. “I take it you’re the next leader of Starling Control Systems, since Zaya doesn’t seem interested?”
I nodded. “That I am. I’ll take over once Papa retires, though that won’t be for a while.”
“I’ve never met your papa, but it’s a reputable company that’s weathered storms with ease. If you’re half as skilled as he is you’ll do well.”
I smiled. “Papa’s always tried to do what’s best, and it shows.”
Alan nodded.
“If I recall,” I said, “you’ve started a new company?”
He smiled. “I started a business incubator here in Harris Cove. There’s a wealth of eager entrepreneurs who just need that boost getting started.”
“You look like you’re enjoying it.”
His smile widened. “I do. Before my nephew took over, I loved developing rehabilitation plans for companies. Seeing them thrive was a source of joy, but watching them grow from an idea? That’s even better.”
His mate, David leaned in and kissed his cheek. “He’s so happy every time one of the businesses celebrates a milestone.” Then he patted Alan’s stomach. “Apparently there are a lot of milestones, and plenty of cake to go with them.”
Alan beamed at his mate. “Grocery store cakes have nothing on what you make.”
“You cook?” I asked, surprised.
David nodded. “I was a chef in a restaurant when I was a single papa, and once my daughter was grown I wanted to chase my dream of being a private chef. I worked for Alan, but things developed into more.”
“You still cook then?”
He laughed. “Of course, it’s my passion. I do the home cooking, but I also volunteer a couple times a week.”
“Where at?”
He grinned, and the love of his work was apparent on his face. “One night a week at the omega shelter, and two lunches for the meal delivery for seniors and those with disabilities. Though I’ll have to take a break when the little one comes.”
I decided I liked the couple, there was a joy about them and their enthusiasm for helping others.
Maybe staying with Zaya for a week wouldn’t be so bad. He’d said that almost all the invitees were neighbors, which meant I could spend more time networking.
I jumped as somebody squeezed my shoulder. I looked up to see Wes standing beside me.
