An alpha approached the bar, leaning a little too close to me as he ordered a whiskey, his presence and scent invading my space.
He looked over at me and shot me a smile as polished as the fancy watch on his wrist, which cost more than my tuition.
“Drinking alone, Sweetie? I can fix that,” he slurred.
“Just waiting for someone,” I waved off, not interested in some drunk alpha with a wedding ring.
“Why else would a little thing like you be sitting alone in the bar?” He took a step forward.
Inwardly, I recoiled. Yeah, not hislittle thing.
“I told you, I’m just waiting for my friends.” I picked up my phone and acted like I was texting someone. Then I looked around the bar, both as if looking for my imaginary friend, and to see if I could spy anyone I might be able to pretend was said friend.
There she was–blonde and blue-eyed, wearing a floral dress that looked right out of a sorority rush video, along with heels and perfect accessories.
“There she is.” Waving, I grabbed my drink, glad I’d already paid for it, and went right over to her.
“Could you play along? Some alpha won’t leave me alone and I said I was meeting my friend,” I whispered.
The omega nodded and smiled at me. “I’m here, I’m here. You know allthistakes time.” Leaning in she whispered, “Don’t worry, I’ve got you. I’m Claire.”
“Kai,” I replied.
Claire led me to a high-top table. She had sunglasses hanging from the neckline of her dress and the most beautiful dragonfly clip in her hair.
“The clip is pretty.” I took a sip of my drink.
“Dragonflies are my favorite,” she shared as she waved a server over.
“Me, too.” I gestured to the ones on my jumpsuit.
A server came over and took her order.
“I’m not here for long. I’m just meeting someone. But we can hang out until then. I come to Nashville a lot. What about you?” she replied.
“Spring break. I’m down here in the bar because my matchmaking aunties made me and I didn’t feel like arguing.” I took another drink.
“Ugh, mine’s on my back, too. She seems to think she has to find me an alpha. I don’t need her help. But shewon’t listen.” Her eyes rolled. “Matchmaking aunts, am I right?”
“I feel that. Mine aren’t being super pushy. But they’re paying for the trip, so I guess I can go along with a little of it? They’ll stop if I tell them.” Though listening to my elders was sort of ingrained in me.
“I wish mine would stop. It’s unbearable. Is this where you’re staying? This is my favorite hotel in Nashville.” She texted someone. “Are you having fun? The shopping here is amazing.”
“Yes. Look at some of the things they bought me.” I showed her pictures of the bag and some of the highlights.
She whistled. “I think spending an hour pretending to meet alphas is worth that bag. You can always hook up with somebody. After all, you’re single and on spring break.”
“True.” That was something I hadn’t considered. I wasn’t averse, for the right person. But maybe not an alpha. Perhaps some sweet beta?
“Is this trip a distraction?” She took her drink from the server and paid for it.
“More like a replacement.” I quickly told her what happened.
“The audacity! I hope you stranded them all in Bali.” She texted someone again, probably whoever she was meeting.
“I’m glad you think so. There definitely are people who want to know what I did to make him replace me,” I grumbled. “I canceled the hotel reservation, and I may have canceled their return airplane tickets. They figured something out. I’m sure they’re still having a good time without me.” My shoulders slumped.
“You need to have the best time and document everything,” she assured.
