“More than that. At least it felt like more. And then he... he left.”
“To another town? Another planet?”
“No. He’s still right here. He left me to join a pack.”
“That asshole!” I burst out, slamming my teacup down. “How dare he?”
Her eyes widen in alarm. “Coco?—”
“Come here. Hug attack!”
“What? No?—”
I launch myself at her and tackle her backward until her head hits the backrest. Glomping her for all I’m worth, I plant a noisy kiss on her cheek and squeeze her against my boobs.
What can be more comforting than a soft boob-hug, right? And I’m pretty gifted on that front. Plentiful. Boobiful.
She pulls away after a moment and sniffles. “Sorry. It’s nothing tragic. I just needed a shoulder to cry on.”
“Or a boob,” I say, nodding sagely. “My boobs will always be here for you.”
She laughs and I brighten. “Good to know... I guess? Even if I’m not into girls.”
“It’s never too late,” I say, just to make her laugh again.
I mean, really, it happens. I have a friend who discovered she liked girls later in life. But I don’t know how to mend Ruby’s broken heart. She’s a quiet girl. A steadfast friend. She has a heart of gold, and every injured or abandoned animal has a place in it.
“I’ll find the asshole who left you and break his balls,” I mutter. “How dare he choose another over my friend, even if it’s for an established pack? Self-serving idiot.”
“Anyway, I’ll be fine.” Ruby puts on a brave smile and removes herself from my boob cushion. “I should get back to the shelter.”
“Girl, it’s late! It’s almost dinner time.”
“My animals need me. We just brought in an entire family. You should see the puppies!” Her smile is back, blinding bright. Damn, this girl is pretty when she’s happy. “I’m feeding them with a bottle as the mother doesn’t have enough milk, poor thing. You should come see them!”
Puppies. Kittens. Flowers, Rainbows. I can practically feel my eyes go heart-shaped.
“You know what? Why not,” I decide. “One of these days I’ll come visit you.” Then I make a strategic move. “If you promise to come to a girls’ night out with us.”
“Oh no. Not fair.” Her smile falls. “You know I hate going out.”
“I know, you sleep with the chickens. Sorry, I meant dogs. But one time, Rubes. One time, come join us. After all, you need a rebound guy. Let me find you one. I’m a pretty decent matchmaker.”
“But I don’t want?—”
“Yes, you do. Trust me.”
Ruby may officially be an omega, but she has designation dysphoria like me, which makes me feel close to her even though I know her very little. She thinks she may be a beta, and I think so, too. Those blood tests are not to be trusted. Look at our friend Bee. She was declared a beta but turned out to be an omega.
Just like me. Well, hopefully. One day soon.
“Now, shoo,” I tell her, “go pet the puppies and kiss their cute noses for me. I’ll let you know about our night out.”
I wink at her and laugh when she groans.
I like to be weird, but also kind. I’m in the business of confusing people but also helping them. I want to think they appreciate it.
Ruby will warm up to my methods, I’m sure…
