Bella is one of those students who likes to be the centre of attention by being a pretty faced bully to everyone else. Of course, the Scorned Girls give it back to Bella as good as she gives it out.
Raney takes off towards Bella and Bella’s friends, but I cut Raney off.
“She’s just winding you up,” I say quietly as I grab her arm, pulling her to a stop.
Raney and Bella have always disliked each other. I get Raney’s reasons, Bella reminds me a lot of the girls and women I grew up with, always ready to throw someone under the bus so they shine brighter. And Raney is happy to call a spade a spade.
“Thanks, babe, I’d literally crack this platter on her head.”
“I know. Which is why I’m going,” I say as I pluck the empty tray from Raney’s hand and make my way to Bella.
“Unity does not condone violence towards other students, Raney.” Bella’s voice carries, loud enough so the staff on the other side of the room can hear her.
Raney snorts out a laugh behind me. “And yet you’re the one who has to do the dumpster before you leave today because you got caught tripping Molly.”
I take a purposeful step into Bella’s line of sight, blocking her from being able to glare at Raney and hopefully putting a stop to them both winding each other up.
Just because we’re Omegas doesn’t mean we’re immune to petty squabbles and bitching. Today my motivation for getting involved and stopping these two is more self-focused than anything. I’m hoping it gives me the chance to find somewhere private, like the communal kitchen, to return Hendrix’s missed calls.
Leaving the empty trays near the dishwasher, I sit up on the bench and call Hendrix back.
“Simona.”
I love the way he says my name. It’s like a sigh and a smile rolled into one.
“I am sorry I couldn’t make it today.” The more he talks, the more obvious his frustration is.
“Don’t worry about me. Honestly, you didn’t miss much. Are you okay?”
He doesn’t answer straight away, and in the background I can hear someone speaking to him before a door shuts.
“You can call me back if you’re busy,” I suggest, hiding my disappointment.
“No. I’m good. The fire department is downstairs going over every inch of Noire for their compliance inspection. I’ve got a couple of minutes.”
“What happened?”
“It seems someone is being a little malicious. The fire department received a complaint from a concerned patron about Noire having various code violations. All of them are complete fabrications of course, but the fire department has a procedure to follow whether the complaint is valid or not.”
“Someone set you up?”
“It’s not the first time, nor will it be the last. It goes hand in hand with grown men being told they’re acting like spoiled children,” he growls but stops, and I can hear him taking a few deep breaths.
“Are you okay?”
“Just pissed off I don’t get to see you before you leave.”
I nod in understanding. “Same. But I have more bad news. I’m leaving for Rejoice earlier because the weather is meant to turn tonight, and they want to beat it if possible. I’m sorry.”
“I’d prefer you to be safe. Honestly, it’s a nightmare here and I suspect it’s only going to get worse before it gets better. The Liquor Licensing people have contacted my lawyer and have requested a meeting. One I can’t get out of.”
“I’ll only be gone a week.”
“And I’ll call you every day. Do you have enough money with you? Can I arrange anything for you?”
“No,” I gush, flooded by a wave of happiness at his concern. It’s strange being on this side of my emotions rather than being constantly anxious.
“All my grand plans of being able to whisk you away while you’re at Rejoice…”
