Page 17 of A Pack of Cozy

There's an uproar of texts responding to this, and they all come in simultaneously.

Connor:

No, we don't, but baby, it's going to be so fun to spoil you, and not just on these dates. Every single day.

Seth:

Yes, I will do something special, and no one can stop me

Bax:

Raindrop, if we didn't want to, we would tell you. We promise. None of us are doing this because of tradition or because we have to. We sincerely want to.

Since I'm alone I squeal and hug the phone to my chest. These guys! I take a deep breath and return to typing.

Cali:

If I can't stop you, I'll just have to accept it.

Seth:

Damn straight.

Bax:

Can we text you at work?

Bax is becoming a whole person in my mind. With every thoughtful question and carefully worded statement, his personality shines through. He's deeply considerate and puts a lot of care into what he says and does. It feels like he'd always make sure I was okay before anything else.

Cali:

Yes, but it gets busy, so if I don't respond, I'm just dealing with something here.

Seth:

Got it.

Seth is also getting filled in as a personality. He came off as goofy and fun, always wanting to make people smile. But he also revealed himself this morning as vulnerable and never wanting to hurt anyone's feelings.

Seth:

What are your favorite things to do in your spare time?

I cringe. The getting-to-know-you phase is the part I've been dreading. Nick's voice echoes in my mind, calling me boring because of my hobbies and introversion. It isn't that I don't enjoy going out occasionally. My idea of going out includes activities like attending a book club on Saturdays, enjoying a nice dinner, or walking along the beach. Nick, and many people I knew through him, believed that having fun meant attending house parties, going on cruises, and enjoying loud concerts. He wanted to participate in those activities every weekend, and I often pretended to enjoy them to fit in, knowing I was in the minority. Most people consider my interests boring.

My fingers hover over the text reply box, and I begin to type:I like parties, music, and going out with friends.But I backspace and erase the entire message. I know, logically and from past experience, that this is a good answer that'll make me seem much more fun than I actually am. However, I can't bring myself to send it. My omega hates the response, and I don't want to go against my feelings. I remember what I'd discussed with my therapist. I'd started seeing one right after Nick and I broke up.

So, I send the answer that will probably stop this courtship. The truth.

Cali:

I enjoy reading, but I also like to do puzzles while listening to audiobooks. Walking along the beach and stargazing at night are two of my favorite things to do. Before I applied for the job up here, I was told there was a lot less light pollution. How much more you can see of the night sky is incredible. I love exploring the local mom-and-pop restaurants in the area because there's so much yummy food to try. I enjoy watching period romances. The courting customs from that time were wild. What about you guys?

Seth:

I'm with you on the restaurants, and I know Bax is with you on the books. You two could start your own book club, but I'm not answering beyond that. We want to know about you right now.

Cali:

---