I can already see where this is going and I hate it.
I wince.
“Well, Bootie had a son two years back, and his son has taken up Old Bootie’s job with an aggression that has terrified all the locals—or so Imogen tells me.”
I pale. “He took her to run through the field, didn’t he?”
“Yep, needed to test her mettle,” Sofia says with a scoff. “She left town in the next taxi and swore black and blue she would never return to Sunshine Cove.”
“Running through Old Booties field is tradition, though,” I say, trying to hide a smile.
“Yeah, when you’re expecting it. I gather it doesn’t feel so great when you don’t.”
“Oh.”
“Plus, she was in a dress and heels.”
I wince.
“He’s lucky he didn’t get her killed,” Cordie snaps, startling all of us.
“Hey,” Sofia says and hugs her. “You have to stop this sneaking up thing; we are too young for heart attacks.”
“He’s infuriating. So irresponsible and reckless.” She huffs and tugs her bag up higher on her shoulder. “But did you hear about the thief?”
Sofia stiffens, looking carefully at her friend and not at us. “No?”
“Someone has been going around town stealing all sorts of stuff. Wallets, keys, Mrs Tomson’s cat figurine. Really random stuff.”
“There’s nothing worse than a thief,” Mack growls. “Don’t worry, we’ll find them and sort it out.”
“I would have thought you’d be skipping out?” Ugh, why did I just say that in such an accusing way? I wince at the tactless delivery, but when I glance up at Mack, he’s smiling at me, and I exhale in relief. I overthink things too much, but Mack helps me navigate my social awkwardness.
“I would have, but I’ve been roped into volunteering. Speaking of, I have to go up there and grab some stuff,” Cordie grumbles.
“Good luck,” I say solemnly.
She gives me a narrow-eyed, suspicious look before stomping off.
Hmm, apparently that didn’t come off how I wanted it to.
We continue down to the center of Sunshine and find a spot near the beach to wait. I lean on the rails, looking down the stairs at the sand. It’s a gorgeous summer day, perfect weather, not too hot, not too cold.
“What do you think it’s going to be?”
“With your mum, who knows,” Mack murmurs. “But it will be eventful.”
Twenty minutes later, a group of alphas, betas, and omegas are standing in front of us, facing the beaming Pack Makers. I don’t think any of us are as enthusiastic as they’d hoped.
“Are you ready for your first date?”
No one answers them.
“I can’t hear you!” Betty cries.
“Yes!” someone shouts more enthusiastically.
“Good alpha!” Betty says with a wide smile. “Today, we have something special. Your first date needs to find a common ground, discovering something you can like about each other.”
