“Sure, I need to work out later tonight. I rent out the fitness center at 10 pm.”
He arches a dark eyebrow at me and grunts. “Okay.”
“Okay, do you want anything from Wicked V?” I fiddle with my fingers.
“What is Wicked V?”
“A restaurant with all vegan foods.” He looks a little disgusted when I say it like that. “It’s all plant-based, lots of salads and smoothies and things.”
“Sure,” he replies. His short answers are getting annoying.
“You can look at the menu and tell me what you want.”
“Okay, do you need anything else?” I swear I see his gaze look at my nightstand. My embarrassment creeps up on me again as I shake my head no. He says nothing else as he retreats into his room.
He shuts the door behind me, and I sink down onto my plush mattress. I groan, recalling how uncomfortable this entire encounter has been. How are we supposed to live together when we can’t even have an actual conversation? He needs to get to know me better so he can do his job, but right now I don’t feel comfortable enough to disclose that information. Let’s just see how Portland goes and go from there.
I grab my cell phone and call the one person I know will always have my back.
“Camille?”
“Hey, Mama.”
“Honey, what’s wrong?” What is it about your mom asking you what’s wrong that makes you just cry your eyes out? I wasn’t even feeling that emotional before she called. “Are you having problems again with those Alphas and the media?”
I sniffle and sigh before I respond. “No, just feeling overwhelmed.”
“You need to take some time off, Cami. You’re going to burn yourself out if you keep going like this. What happened that has you upset?”
“I had a really bad interview today. My new bodyguard just moved in tonight, too.”
“Are you worried about the interview being shown? Is the new bodyguard nice?”
“I don’t think the interview was long enough for them to broadcast it. He actually stopped it when I felt uncomfortable. I wouldn’t say he’s nice, but he seems good at his job.”
“Well, that’s good. I know you want people to always like you, Cami. But it’s more important that he keeps you safe. Don’t get discouraged.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Always, honey. I can’t wait to see you soon.”
“Me either. I was thinking about buying a place in New York after the tour. That way, we will only be a quick plane ride from each other.” I smile, thinking about my mom being able to visit me more.
“That sounds great, as long as I can get off work.” I roll my eyes. I make enough money to give my mom the world, but she continues to work at the freaking Post Office. She will barely take any gifts or money from me. I got lucky when her car died and I got to buy her the car of her dreams.
“Mama, you know you don’t have to work.”
“Hush, Cami Jean. I didn’t have you so you could take care of me. I’m a grown woman. My daughter shouldn’t be paying my bills.” Properly scolded, I sink further into my bed and sigh. “We’re going to talk more about more serious things when you come home. I need to make sure you’re taking care of yourself.”
“I know,” I say in a small voice. She’s right, I don’t know where to go from here. Until now, all my heats have been with previous boyfriends, ‘friends,’ or acquaintances I thought I could trust. I need something better than that. I sure as fuck don’t want a pack right now. Multiple partners telling me what I need to do, no thank you. I already have enough people controlling my life. There’s no way that I could have my passion and a pack. It just wouldn’t work. Maybe one Alpha, but that wouldn’t be enough for my heats. My future is completely stuck in limbo. Currently I don’t even think I could trust a man with my body or my heart.
“I’ll be watching your show tomorrow, Cami. I love you.”
“Love you too,” I say and hang up the phone.
Before I can put the phone down, I get a text.
Unknown:The Ay Papi burrito bowl, and Flava In Ya Ear Juice - Smith
