Page 9 of Admiring His Omega
“Of course.” Bianca gave him a curt nod. “Then, after that, we’ll go to the thrift store to look for decorative fruit and veggies. When the Wilsons’ gardens start growing this year, we’ll trade the plastic ones for a few of the real ones. That should be a surprise, right? We can hit most of them in one night.”
He stared at her for a moment, amazed at the angel beside him. “I’m so proud of you. Van and I raised you right.”
She grinned. “After the thrift store, we’ll go to the animal sanctuary outside of town. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
“Person or animal?” he asked.
“Animal.”
“I’ll allow it.”
“Then, since it’s raining, we’ll go back to your RV and bingeWhat We Do in the Shadows.”
“You’ll finally watch my favorite show?” He narrowed his eyes and gave her a quick look as he backed out of Ernie and Rueban’s driveway. “Wait, why are we doing so many things I like? Are you secretly taking me to the dentist or something? Oh god, do you have bad news to give me? Is Van dying?”
Bianca shook her head. “No, I just missed you.”
“Damn it, kid. I missed you too.”
“Plus, I invited Paula and her dad to dinner at the RV tonight. He wants to meet you before he’ll let Paula come mushroom hunting with us. Can you make your vegetarian enchiladas? Paula swears they sound gross, but I know she’ll love them.”
“Aha! That’s what you’re really after.”
Bianca laughed. “I really did miss you. I figure you and I are going to hang a lot this summer, and I’ll want Paula to come sometimes. This way, her dad can get to know you.”
“Does your friend really want to forage with us?” he asked. “Not that I doubt how awesome we are, but not everyone is a mycophile like us.”
Bianca snorted. “Seriously. I don’t understand why, but she wants to come with us. Likes nature and all that.”
“Alright,” he said, still feeling doubtful. “Your mom will be home for dinner too, so I’ll need to cook for five. Six if Cain stops by.”
Mal’s new friend was back in town for the weekend and had promised to come by when he was able. It had only been a week since they’d met, but Mal was already eager to see him again.
“Cain?”
“A friend.”
“A friend?” Bianca looked interested. “What kind of friend?”
“The kind that lets me carry him over my shoulder while I’m dressed like Chewbacca.”
“TMI.” She squeezed her eyes shut and looked like she was about to throw up. “I don’t need to know about your sex life.”
He laughed, not bothering to correct her. “I’ll plan for six.”
“Homemade tortillas?” Bianca asked hopefully, eyes still closed.
“Who do you think I am?” He scoffed. “Of course, we’ll use homemade tortillas.” He eyed her again. “If you tell me who you’re dating.”
She smirked. “What a shame. You already taught me how to make the tortillas myself. Guess I’ll have to make them.”
An hour later,Mal savored his third cup of coffee, practically vibrating in place, as he stared down at the sow and piglets in front of him. Bianca knelt in the straw and pet one of the piglets.
Teague, the owner of the sanctuary, watched them from outside the stall. “A hobby farmer a few towns over passed away. He had no family, so the state surrendered his animals here. This is one of six Kunekune pigs he had. Fortunately, she was the only pregnant one. Her name is Daisy. The piglets are weaned and ready to find their forever homes.”
“Six? Why was he raising so many of them?”
“For meat,” Teague answered, shrugging. “They’re easier to handle then larger breeds.”
