Page 16 of Omega Artist
I actually say that aloud, and Nurse Paul comes running. I offer him an apologetic smile and gesture for him to sit down since I’m almost done. He doesn’t comply and checks my stats instead.
My attention drifts back to Tig’s last message.
All this time, I did my best to guarantee he’d notice me, and he wasn’t even on the receiving end. I have no idea how he finally figured me out. But who cares? What matters is that he reached out to me like I had wanted. So, who cares? It took longer than I had hoped. Yet, who cares? It didn’t happen as I had planned… But it just did. There’s no way I’ll be able to see him, but it doesn’t matter. He’s in for a treat!
Alie G: Try me.
Why do I picture him with a satisfied smile on his smug face? Why do I hear him chortling at my words across the distance? Why do I feel like I’ve made a pact with the devil?
Tig: Deal.
Chapter Six
Lucid Dreams
Tig
As happy asI’d be to slap the woman sitting across the dinner table from me, I behave and plaster a fake smile on my face. I focus on the light jazz that’s playing in the background and cough to give myself time to think of a witty comeback, but I’m delighted when my new favorite person saves me the trouble.
“We already went over this, Mommy.” Ten-year-old Chloe shoots a murderous glare at Genevieve, who puts her fork down under her daughter’s patronizing tone and eyes her quizzically. Afterwards, she turns her attention to her new husband, Keaton, as if searching for clues. I enjoy that he simply shrugs, which probably means that he doesn’t want to be part of the conversation. That leaves hostile Genevieve, charming Chloe, and bitter me. The rest of the guests are unconcerned by this little exchange that I find utterly tiring, and it has nothing to do with Chloe.
“Uncle Tig...” One. Two. Three. As if on cue, Graham’s ex swallows one of the oysters arranged on her plate and shivers. She does that whenever her daughter refers to me this way. “He had a drinking problem.” Graham’s daughter frowns at her offensive mother. “Because he was so sad. Now that he quit, he no longer consumes alcohol. Ever. How many times do we have to explain it to you?” The funny thing about Chloe is that she’s spot-on, matter-of-fact, and sweet. “Here you go.” She pours me a tall glass of sparkling water, then shrugs. “I’m sorry.” I’m not sure whether she’s apologizing for her mother’s behavior or for the fact that I’m bound to indulge in the same variety of bubbles that she is while the other adults are sipping champagne.
“I apologize for being so forgetful.”
Forgetful, my ass!
This woman clearly dislikes me and everything that I represent, and the feeling is mutual. I guess I’ve never forgiven her for trying to tear Graham and Soraya apart. Thankfully, Keaton is a great guy who doesn't give a flying fuck about my collection of tattoos, my beverage of choice, or my signature scruff that I didn’t bother to shave for the occasion.
Calm your tits, man! After all, without her, Chloe wouldn’t be here and you love that kid.
You’re probably wondering why I’m celebrating New Year’s Eve with a woman I despise. Graham invited me a while ago because he and Soraya are more into small family gatherings than extravagant country club parties, and he claims that I’m family. At some point, he remembered that he had custody of Chloe during Christmas break but didn’t have the heart to separate her from her mother.
Soraya’s work wife, Shondra, tagged along with her fiancé, Lamar; the curvy African American woman is as short as her man is tall and muscular. They’re a hoot, but the seating arrangements and the fact that I’m an introvert don’t help matters. So, I’m sticking to chatting with Chloe instead of mingling with the other guests, Luke, Graham’s new business partner, and Diane, his wife and high school sweetheart.
As for Lorenzo, Soraya’s amazing toddler son, he’s fast asleep, and we’re all enjoying an overall pleasant evening.
Oysters. Champagne. New Year’s Eve hors d’oeuvres.
Either way, I’m grateful to share this dinner with young Chloe; she’s the most adorable girl on the planet. Although I wouldn’t admit it aloud to Graham, I’m amazed that Genevieve succeeded in raising such a wonderful teacup-sized human. As much as I despise the woman, according to Graham, she’s always been a wonderful mother to his daughter.
Even though I’m happy to be here, I can’t shake the impression that I don’t belong. Once Graham and I straightened a couple of things out, I realized that his initial cocky attitude was partially fueled by his own insecurities. We’re not the best of friends, but I respect him a whole lot, in part because he doesn’t try to bring me down, unlike his ex. I guess his daughter takes after him, and currently, she’s acting as my protector, making sure I’m okay.
Her little hand reaches for mine and gives it a light, reassuring squeeze. I glance around at the guests who are too busy to notice us and kiss the top of Chloe’s hand. Soraya thanks her stepdaughter, and I smile at my best friend, who was indeed paying attention.
Thanks to Chloe’s positive vibes, my tense shoulders relax, and I ask her about her latest read.
“The story’s great, but Edward bothers me. He’s such a stalker, Tig, and I would hate my boyfriend watching me sleep. It’s so… wrong!”
“And your dad is okay with the fact that you know what a stalker is?”
That draws Graham’s attention.
“Who’s Edward? Is he a friend from school, Sugar Cookie?”
“Dad, we’re talking aboutTwilight. Edward’s a vampire, and I doubt you’d allow me to be friends with a 109-year-old vampire!” Her crystal giggle warms the entire room, and her father tries to navigate a conversation that he’s unfamiliar with. “I prefer stories where the heroine is her own person, you know? Bella needs Edward, and I’m happy for her, but that’s just not me.” God, I love this kid, who’s not quite a kid anymore.
“I guess vampires aren’t your jam?”
