20. Ivy

20

IVY

“Thanks so much for coming with me.” I flicked a grateful smile at Olive and Lucy’s reflection in my rearview mirror. Summer ran point in the passenger seat, commandeering the map and playlist.

“Of course,” Olive said immediately. “Thanks for driving, Ivy.”

“Road trip!” Lucy threw her hands up with a loud whoop. “Sort of. Does an hour and a half drive count?”

Summer unearthed a giant bag of M it was the rejection that stung. The reminder of my failure as an omega. Was I an idiot for shopping for my own nest? It didn’t feel like that when I was with the girls and we’d all made purchases today.

So why was I feeling like this now?

All the bags and boxes sitting in my car suddenly felt like a burden.

“I, um, better go,” I mumbled, turning away. “Have a good New Year’s,” I threw over my shoulder quickly.

I wasn’t hungry at all anymore and left Mariposa Market empty handed. I very nearly tripped over Felix in my rush to get back to my car. His big golden eyes shone like medallions as he looked me over.

“I’ll be fine,” I sniffed.

He meowed and curled around my legs. I stroked his fluffy back a few times before retreating to my car, just wanting to be home. Felix sat sentinel-like on the sidewalk, watching me until I had turned out of view.