Page 6 of Jake and Conner
That was just absurd.
More absurd than that, though, was the thought that, if she was, I might not even notice until the end.
I really needed to spend more time with my family.
"I'm sorry I didn't come to the circus. But we could watch a movie next week if you'd like."
"Okay," Hope said with a gentle smile that said she wouldn't blame me if I couldn't make it after all because that was just the kind of person she was, and I tried not to let the guilt crush me.
* * *
When dinner was over,my dad pulled me aside before I could leave.
"Everything okay with you?" he asked.
"Yeah, why?"
My dad shrugged. "I know you, son. You spend so much time worrying about every other omega on earth, do you still take any time to worry about your own life?"
I cringed, because that hit a little too close to home.
"My life is going well," I insisted. It wasn't a lie, after all. I had a job, I had my own place, which I shared with a lovely dog. What else would I need? There was no reason for my dad to worry about me.
My dad nodded, although he didn't seem convinced. "I'm only wondering if you still remember that there are things in life other than work. Take a look at your sister. She's--"
"Oh God, is this because I don't have a partner? You know I don'tneedone, right? Omegas are perfectly able to--"
"I know that," my dad cut me off, firmly. "You've lectured me on omega rights often enough, and I've always supported you, haven't I?"
"You have," I admitted grudgingly.
"I only want you to be happy, son."
"I am happy." Busy, but happy. And there was nothing wrong with keeping busy, was there?
"As long as you're happy..." My dad let me go.
Good. My dog was waiting for me at home.
When I opened the door to my house, she came sprinting toward me. "Kitty!" I greeted the husky who was putting her front paws on my hips, barking excitedly. People tended to tease me about naming my dog 'Kitty,' but that was short for Kitiara, which I maintained was a kickass name.
Kitty kept chattering at me as I took my coat off and walked into the kitchen to get myself a glass of water.
Truly, my house could never feel empty as long as I had Kitty. She lightened up any place she entered. She was the best dogever.Well, she was right up there with Max, my first dog who had passed a few years ago.
"Sounds like you had a great day," I said to my dog as I sipped my water. My gaze fell on the kitchen table. I hadn't had time to clear the remains of my breakfast that morning. Kitty hadn't disturbed any of it, though.
Sucha good dog.
I got the dog treats out of my kitchen cabinet and fed her one. She barked happily. I scratched her neck. "Do you also think I'm neglecting you?" I made sure to swing by the house on my lunch break every day to give her some exercise, and when I couldn't, I paid someone to walk her. I was careful not to leave my dog alone for too long.
Maybe my friends and family deserved the same attention?
I pulled my phone out of my pocket and looked at the messenger app I had installed. The last text I'd received had been from Laurence. A picture of his newborn. I opened it.
The little one was adorable. A girl by the name of Juliana. She'd been born only a few days ago. In his message, Laurence proudly told me that she had weighed seven pounds and ten ounces.
Something tugged at my heart, looking at the picture.
