Page 34 of Knot Gonna Give You Up
“You don’t have to if you don’t want to, man, it’s okay,” I tell him.
He loses a sigh and glances over at me. “No, I should spend more time getting to know you guys. Especially you, since we’re both Matched to Josie. I just… don’t like people.”
I nod and hold out my knuckles for him. He raps them gently, and we head to our cars and drive as a small procession to a nearby pub. Simon rides with me, and his energy is actually really positive. It makes me happy to see him enjoying time with our future Pack. I’m sure we’re all going to bond, even if he isn’t.
We find a nearby pub and grab a table, none of us having been here before. The atmosphere seems chill, but there’s also a fun energy while people move around to play pool and darts. Having both vibes going makes it easier to enjoy ourselves. Once we’re all seated and drinks ordered, we sit in a beat of awkward silence until Henry speaks up.
“I want to make a point and say that I’m really glad you all came today. I’m excited to get to know you all more, and I hope you guys enjoy it too. It’s definitely a lot, I mean I never expected to find my Packanda beautiful Omega in the same year, let alone the same month. So, thank you guys.”
Jesse’s reply is a nod and a shoulder shrug, which seems to be standard for him. Simon rubs the back of his head, and I think he’s uncomfortable with so much candor so quickly. I guess it’s up to me.
“I know we all have our hang-ups or issues, but I’m really glad we found each other and that we’re getting to know each other. So, here’s to group bonding activities!”
Simon puts his hand on his face. “Vic, we don’t have drinks yet.”
“I was on a roll, we’ll just pretend,” I insist.
Small talk overtakes us as we wait for drinks, and even for a bit after. I learn little tidbits about Henry, like he’s the youngest in his family, he hates the color beige (who doesn’t?), and he’s always wanted his own. Simon shares superficial things, favorite colors, and foods, while Jesse shares that he’s used to being alone and usually works remotely in his condo. Alone. That actually explains his earlier comment about not liking people. It’s fitting based on what interactions we’ve had so far. Anyone can tell he’s crazy about Josie, but beyond that, he struggles.
Even though the interactions we’re having are superficial, I can feel our tenuous bonds building as we chat. There’s a way to go yet, but it’s a feeling of contentment that grows in my chest. It feelsrightto be here with these guys. I just hope the rest of them feel it. I can easily see Jesse or Simon dragging their feet. Simon is a little easier to persuade since I’ve known him so long, but Jesse is a complete unknown. He’s a Match for Josie, so that has to mean something, right?
“I have an idea!” I announce in a lull of conversation.
Everyone looks at me silently, waiting for me to continue.
Pitching my voice high, I say, “What’s your idea, Vic?”
“Oh, I’m glad you asked!” I say with a smile, “I think we should each share one big thing with each other, just to rip off the proverbial band-aid.”
“I’m game, but I don’t want to force anyone,” Henry chimes in.
Simon hums thoughtfully, “I guess I’m okay with it.”
We look at Jesse, who just shrugs, so we take that as acquiescence.
“I can go first,” Henry volunteers.
So far, he seems to be the de facto Lead Alpha for us, which I don’t particularly mind. Considering I’m not an Alpha, and neither Simon nor Jesse are stepping up, it makes sense. Henry takes a deep breath, thinking.
“I haven’t had close contact with my direct family in years. It’s like we just drifted apart. No bad feelings, we still talk on occasion, but it’s fuckin’ lonely.” His eyes drift between all of us as he speaks.
Reaching out, I put my hand on his shoulder and squeeze before talking.
“I’ve been in love with Josie since I met her in high school, and we used to have a pact that we’d marry each other by a certain age. I don’t know if she even remembers that, but she’s it for me.” I say, showing how deeply attached to Josie I am.
Nervously, I peek over at Simon, terrified I’ve hurt his feelings by not sharing how deeply I feel about Josie, but he gives me a soft smile. A gentle nod tells me without words that he already knew all this and is glad I’ve said it out loud. A small smile comes to my face in response.
Simon clears his throat, “Uh, I’m not sure how big we’re going here, but I should probably share that I’ve never expected or desired to end up in a Pack since I was in college.”
Henry looks shocked while Jesse looks intrigued. I reach my foot out under the table to bump his foot, trying to convey that I’m here for him. Logically, I know he’s aware of that, but sometimes it’s easy to forget when emotions are involved.
“Wow, I never thought anyone would feel that way,” Henry confesses softly, “Thank you for telling us that.”
Simon nods, clearing his throat again. Jesse looks up at us before turning his attention back to the drink cradled betweenhis hands. He blows out a breath of air but doesn’t speak for a moment. We give him the space he needs before he starts speaking. The silence stretches for another minute as Jesse continues in his internal battle. He doesn’t give us any indication that he’s paying attention to us other than the occasional glances up. Finally, he stands and grabs his wallet, dropping five dollars on the table.
Then he turns and walks out of the pub.
sixteen
