Page 51 of Her Arranged Alpha
I frowned. "Bad week?"
"Bad month," Justiny grumbled. "The firm has been busy, and everyone seems to be in a bad mood."
We arrived at the small diner that always made me think of an eighties-themed movie. The inside was decorated with old furniture, and they even had a Jukebox in the corner that worked. The lights were dimmed, and the workers even wore outfits in light pinks and blues with matching hats.
"How many?" the hostess asked as we walked in.
"Three," Ava said.
We were brought back to a booth where we all squeezed in close. We each ordered a water and got comfortable.
"Speaking of children, when do you and Maddox plan on having one?" Ava asked, seeming interested.
I tensed up a little, not sure how to answer that. Everyone expected that we would jump right into it like everyone else seemed to, but neither of us was eager. If anything, we both seemed to know we weren't there yet.
"I'm still adjusting to this town," I offered. "And Maddox is busy with everything else. We haven't gotten to the topic just yet."
Justiny nodded. "That's understandable. It must be tough to have all of this change. I wouldn't blame you for not wanting kids right away."
"But babies are so cute," Ava said, squeezing Justiny's cheek. "They have the cute little faces and the big fat cheeks."
Justiny swiped at Ava's hands and rolled her eyes. "Yes, but that isn't the only important part of being a parent. There is the stress of raising a child, and the money that you have to put into it. You have to be ready and trust your partner."
"Do you not trust him?" Ava asked, looking at me, shocked.
"I trust Maddox," I said, because on a level, I did. He was there for me when I needed him, but throwing a child into the mix was different.
"I think you guys would make wonderful babies."
I couldn't help but smirk. "Have you thought about that?"
Ava nodded. "Oh god, yes! You and my kids can be best friends. They can grow up together and learn so much."
I couldn't help but feel happy. She wanted her kids to be kids with mine. We didn't even have children, and she wanted to stay connected to me on a deeper level.
"I'm touched," I said.
"Not me," Justiny said. "No kids for me."
Ava rolled her eyes. "You wait, Justiny. You're going to meet a man who is going to change your entire view on life."
"Or maybe I like my life," Justiny said with a shrug as she took a sip of her water.
We continued to chat, discussing anything that came to mind. We ordered food and ate while going over different topics. We talked about the pack and different things I should know. We talked about the history and old Alphas that ran the pack. We talked about the change, and the girls certainly had their opinions on it.
We chatted for hours, and I lost track of time. I found that I really liked them. We got along really well, and I felt like I could be me when I was with them. There weren't a lot of people I could feel this with.
Ava laughed, slapping my shoulder. "Oh my god, you're so funny." Just then, her phone started to vibrate, and she grabbed it. Her eyes widened. "Oh shit! Is it almost noon already?"
"It is!" Justiny grabbed her phone, checking the time. "Oh crap! I was supposed to be online for a meeting half an hour ago."
They both grabbed their purses and threw money onto the table. Ava paused as she got up. "What are you doing this weekend?"
I paused as I took a sip of my water, trying to think of my plans. I was pretty sure I didn't have any. "I think I'm free."
"Well, we are planning to go to an art show in Frank's pack. Would you like to join us?
I couldn't help the smile that broke free, and I nodded my head eagerly. "Yes, I'd love to join you guys."
