Page 174 of Party Girl: How a Naughty Omega Finds Love
The worry on the woman’s face smooths, and she glances at me.
I clear my throat and stop staring like a fool. “Right, uh, I made these. I hope there are enough.” I walk over and set the bags on the floor, reaching in for one of the plastic boxes that holds a cherry red model Corvette.
“Oh my,” the woman says, taking the car from my hands. “You made this?”
“Well, I assembled them. The wheels roll and the doors open. I know they’re a little extra, but I thought the kids might like having something of their own. I made forty, but if you need more, I’ll make them. I’m going on vacation so I wouldn’t be able to make them—”
“Honey, you’re rambling.”
“Oh,” I say with a laugh. “I don’t know why I’m nervous,” I tell her. Part of dealing with emotions that overwhelm me has been to be honest with people about what I’m feeling.
The woman stares at me, light green eyes shimmering. “It’s okay. I understand. You’re so sweet for making all of these. Forty is plenty, and the kids will love them. Do you want to see them?”
My heart rate spikes. “I don’t think I’m ready for that yet.”
“That’s fine, honey. What’s your name?”
“Whitney.” I glance at Hayden as he comes to stand beside me. “And this is Hayden.”
She smiles at us. “I’m Lizbeth. Thank you so much for thinking of the children. They’ll be delighted.” She sets the car down and comes around the desk. Before she can even open her arms, I move toward her and meet her halfway.
Hugs don’t bother me so much anymore.
Lizbeth’s embrace is warm and calming. It’s nice to know the kids have her. She sniffles and steps back.
“Sorry. Some days are harder than others and this gift came at just the right time.” She eyes the two of us. “If you ever want to volunteer, let me know. I have all the paperwork here and you can come in anytime to get it.”
I hadn’t thought about volunteering, but honestly, I don’t know if I’m ready to immerse myself with kids. I don’t know how it would impact my mental health, and I’ve been doing so well this last year.
“Thank you, Lizbeth,” Hayden says, sensing my struggle. “I know you’re getting ready to close, so we’ll get out of your hair.”
She beams at both of us. “Thank you two again. Really, this is so sweet.”
Hayden wraps his arm around me and leads me to the door. I wave bye to Lizbeth.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m good,” I say as we make our way toward the cars. “I don’t think I want to volunteer.”
Hayden lifts a shoulder. “That’s okay. Do what you’re comfortable with.” We stop in front of the vehicles. “Race you home? We have to finish packing.”
“Eat my dust, copper.”
“Trouble,” he warns. “No breaking laws.”
“Fine,” I huff, rolling my eyes. “I promise.”
And I keep that promise.
* * *
Opening the video conference link on my laptop, I wrap my shawl over my shoulders and gaze out at the ocean. The suite we got has a cute patio with a comfy table and chairs. The guys are all inside drinking coffee and planning for the day. We arrived yesterday and after a fun picnic dinner on the beach, we had a few drinks and watched the sunset.
The screen blinks and Cordelia, my therapist, pops up on the video call.
“Hey, Whitney. How’s the beach?”
“Amazing,” I say with a smile. “It’s so nice, look.” I turn the laptop and show her the ocean for a few seconds. “I wonder if Reagan would hate me if I decided to stay here forever.”
