“Ah, how about I get back to you?” I smile. “You have my number, right? I’ll text you. Thank you again so much! Bye.”
I’m out of my seat and through the door before they can say another word.
I don’t bother calling for the town car. I pull off my shoes and walk barefoot down the street, trying to ignore the looks I’m getting.
When I see a Hot Topic nearby, I’m filled with relief. Rushing across the street, I browse around until I find a cute, pink mini skirt and a white crop top that says ‘Daddy's Girl’ on it.
Using the money I've made from streaming, I buy it, and a pair of black platform boots.
“Do you have a bathroom I can use to change into this?” I ask the girl at the register with pleading eyes.
She looks me over and laughs. “Yeah, girl, I got you. You can use the employee's bathroom.”
“You are a lifesaver,” I sigh, following her to the back.
I feel better the instant I’m changed. More like me and less like whatever the fuck that was before.
I shove the cocktail dress in the bag I got at checkout, and thank the girl again as I leave.
The sun beats down on me, warming my skin. I smile as I look around, in a much better mood now.
I’m trying to save my money as much as I can, but this is the first time I’ve been out of my house in weeks. I don’t want to go home yet; if I do, Mom will bombard me with questions.
I decide to hit up Starbucks for a latte and then grab some Popeyes chicken.
Sitting on the beach, the warm sand between my toes, I sigh happily as I dig into my meal. The seagulls squawk around me, and I toss them my leftover fries before leaning back and watching the waves.
Today was awful. I’m sure there’s an Omega out there who would love to have those Alphas, but it’s just not going to be me.
I want someone who’s funny, playful, kind, and sweet. Someone who will let me be myself without any judgment. Someone who will care for me, protect me. Someone who’s passionate about me, not my designation.
I want Death, Grim, and Waffle.
It’s stupid of me because I have no idea who they really are.Why am I so invested in people I’ve never met in real life?
I should be giving real Alphas a chance. Maybe not the ones my mother sets me up with, but I could always try a dating app. I’m sure normal people are on there, right?
By the time I get out of my head, the sun has moved. “Shit.” I grab my phone and curse when I see it’s four.
Three missed calls from my mother. Lovely.
Pulling myself up off the ground, I grab my things and hustle to the sidewalk to order an Uber.
When I get home, my mother is waiting for me. She’s glaring with disapproval, and she’s not alone. My stepdad is with her.
“Elliot,” I greet him, excited to see him.
“Addie, sweetie.” He chuckles as he pulls me in for a hug. “It’s wonderful to see you.”
I’m sure he’s been home at some point since I’ve been back, but I’ve been locked up in my room so much that I haven’t noticed.
“Don’t ‘sweetie’ her,” my mother huffs. “She’s been gone all day, ignoring my calls.”
“I wasn’t ignoring them. I got distracted,” I tell her, pulling away from Elliot.
“Where have you been? Why didn’t you come back after brunch?”
“I was out. I didn’t think I had to come straight home. I’m an adult, Mom. I’m twenty-five.”
