“Uh, what?”
“You talk about her all the time. Honestly, she’s all you talk about. I was assuming you like her more than just as her security guy.”
“She had to go off her suppressants, and I’ve been scent marking her to help her get through the tour. It’s just messing with my head.”
Kelsey laughs over the phone. “You’re so fucking dumb sometimes, I swear.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“She’s not Hannah,” she says quietly, and I sigh over the phone.
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It’s not going to get better. You’re only going to like her more,” she tells me.
“It can’t happen. Her doctor just told her she needs a pack, and I work for her. And to be honest, I’m not good enough for her, anyway. The point is moot. I’m done talking about it. The real reason I called is because she wants to invite you to some Omega girls’ day bullshit in a few days once we’re in New York.”
Kelsey squeals into the phone, and I have to pull it away from my ear. “This is the best thing that has ever happened. I can’t wait! Send me what days and I’ll make sure I’m there.”
“I can arrange for someone to drive you.”
“Oh, uh, I have that covered. Don’t worry about it.”
“Kelsey, you aren’t seeing Meera again, are you?”
“Ew, gross, no. I have someone who can drive me, so you don’t have to worry about that. Text me the details, stop being an idiot. Love you, byeeeee!” she says before hanging up the phone. I really wish she would stop doing that shit.
I go through emails and texts from Dom. He’s been completely out of my hair these last couple of weeks. I asked him to check on Kelsey one time, and he reported that she seemed in good spirits.
My phone chimes, and I read the text message from Cami telling me that dinner is ready. I do a once over in the mirror and leave the pool house and walk to Nadia’s house. I knock on the door awkwardly, not wanting to just barge in.
Nadia answers the door with a smile.
“Smith, you can just come in,” she says.
“Thank you,” I say, and walk past her to the dining table. “Wow, this looks amazing, thank you.”
“You are so welcome. You’re the man keeping the person most precious to me safe every day. The least I can do is make you some decent BBQ.”
“Either way, I appreciate it.” I load my plate up with an embarrassing amount. Cami raises an eyebrow but smiles at me.
“It’s nice having an Alpha to feed again. My late husband could finish two racks himself,” Nadia says with affection in her eyes.
“Smith here keeps bitching that I’m starving him.”
“Cami Jean, language,” her mother hisses.
“Mom, you have heard my music, haven’t you?”
“Yes, and while I’m not pleased at the vulgarity, I won’t allow it at my dinner table.”
I hide my smile behind my food, and Cami kicks me underneath the table. “So, Nadia, are you planning on coming to the show? You can hang out with me the whole time backstage if you would like.”
“Smith, you’re so sweet. I’ll need to get someone to cover my route early, but I think I can make it.”
Cami tries to stop her eyes from rolling, but fails miserably. We fill the rest of the meal with small talk about Cami’s childhood and Nadia’s mail route. Having something so domestic and simple warms my heart and I wish Kelsey were here.
After Nadia’s blueberry cobbler, we head back to the pool house. Tomorrow is her last show, and it’s earlier than usual. I can’t wait to have a better daily schedule after the tour.
