Chapter 17
Rue
I rummage through my closet once more, trying to find something decent to wear to the ball at the end of the week. I never made a lot of money fighting, just enough to survive until the next fight, so fancy dresses really weren’t my thing. The training camp paid a steady sum of money already allocated to expenses and any little extra that Reece required, so I couldn’t splurge on a dress either. I picked up my phone and searched for second-hand shops. You’d be surprised what rich New York and Jersey people donated or sold to second-hand shops.
A video chat suddenly sounded on my phone, and I smiled at James’s crazy face picture, which filled the screen. James’s father and mine were childhood friends, so I spent a lot of time hanging out with him growing up. When we lost my mother, James was the only person who would check up on me. Everyone else was too busy caring for the Alpha to care if his only heir ate that day. James would come over at least every other day to bring snacks and candy or take me to lunch. He was my oldest and dearest friend. His father’s relocation of their pack to the West Coast devastated both of us. Luckily, we kept in touch through letters and other communications.
When I first moved to the West Coast, James’s help allowed me to enter the fighting scene soon after Reece was born. He also found someone affordable to assist me in child care
when I was at a match or training. Basically, the man had become my rock when I was floating helplessly in an ocean of despair. I couldn’t have done anything like what I was doing now if it hadn’t been for him. I was beyond grateful and would spend the rest of my existence trying to repay him. That’s why I immediately said yes when he asked me to be his plus-one. I would do anything for this man. I swiped to answer the call.
“How is my favorite filler date today?” James sing-songed after I said hello. His pearly
white teeth were on full display with the huge grin he wore. I watched the ocean breeze toss his dark hair, making me miss the relaxing beach days at his house. I returned his
smile with a small, toothless one.
“In a minor panic over the fact I don’t have a dress for this weekend. I get paid on Friday, so I was going to hit up the thrift stores to see if there was something worthwhile.”
“Thrift store?” The doubt in James’s voice and his arched eyebrow made me pause. “Babes, this is a black-tie event.”
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I sigh, “I know, James, but onlike some people…” I raised my eye at him in the same way, “I can’t drop a couple grand on cortes”
James chuckles, “Alright, I knew this was going to happen, so I make you an appen at the local boutique my sister ones and Bought your Dress already
“James, you didn’t have to do that I pout. His face iftens, and he leans against th railing on his deck, giving me a glimpse of the heatful beach of
“I’m the one who needs a date to this thing: You’re doing me a favor keeping the guit dizzing social-climbing harpies away, the least I can do is by your dates for you James says. “Plus, I want to match so everyone will know I’m your date!
He wiggles his eyebrows, winking at me. I chuckled. It was not ideal, but I didn’t have any other options. I didn’t want to embarrass James after all the kindness he’s shown me “Thank you very much. I appreciate it.”
“The only catch is you have to go try it on in-store. So I’ll text you the address, and you’ll have to go there.” James says, “Your appointment is in an hom
I smile, “Okay, I’ll head that way now, as Reece is still in school No afternoon taining today*
“I’m glad you are getting some you time. I know that is hard to get as a single parent. James’s face sobers a tiny bit, If only you had a partner-
I cut him off. I’ve got it, James, Reece is adjusting and making friends, and I get enough downtime.
I know you do, Rue. James rubs the back of his neck, looking away from the camera. He continues, “You know I’m always here for you. No matter what you need, I’m here.”
I smile at him, “Of course I know that. You are my best friend, I couldn’t have made it without you. I am also here to help with whatever you need. But right now, I have to get going, Ta-Ta for now!
James waves, Later, Babes!
I hung up on James and tried to think of someone who could watch Reece for me, but the only person I knew here was my father. I opened my phone, hovering over his name,
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debating whether this was a good idea. I didn’t really have any other options. I clicked on his name in my contacts.
“Rue? Is everything okay?” My father’s voice is laced with concern.
“Yes, Dad. Everything is okay. I was just wondering if you wanted to watch Reece for the night.” I quickly explain.
“Why? Where are you going?” He asks suspiciously. I try not to let the negative feelings. his suspicions bring up seep into my voice.
“James called and needed a date to the Alpha Heirs Ball. So I hoped you could watch
Reece for me while I-attend.”
My father cleared his throat. “James is a good man. Of course, I’ll watch Reece for you. It will give him and me time to bond, as I just got a new model car kit delivered to the
house.”
I smiled, “Thanks, Dad. I really appreciate the effort you’re making to be a part of his life.
I’ll drop him off before the ball.”
I hesitated, leaving a long silent pause to think through my words, but my father beat me
to it: “Amber and Cassie will be away for the weekend. So it will just be Reece and me.”
I nodded even though he couldn’t see me. I cleared my throat and tears, “Thanks, Dad. I
don’t want to be difficult–”
“It’s okay, Rue. Give the girls some time to adjust to the new dynamics.”
I bit my lip, knowing they would never accept me or my son. “I gotta go, Dad.”
“Okay, sweetie, talk to you later.”
I walked into the very upscale boutique where James bought the dress. I felt so out of place in my shabby clothes, but the woman behind the counter smiled at me, “How can I
help you today?”
“I’m Rue, James Knight sent me to pick up my dress?” My voice sounded more like a question than a statement. I’m unsure why I’m so nervous, but I wipe my sweaty palms on
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my pants before shaking the woman’s hand over the counter.
“Aw! Yes, right this way.” The woman shuffled from around the counter and escorted me to the fitting rooms. She opened one that already had a dress bag in it. “Let me know if
you
need anything or assistance.”
I nod and turn toward the bag, unzipping it and gasping at the beauty of the fabric. I stripped down to just my underwear. I pulled the gorgeous dress from the pack and gently slipped it on. Be careful not to damage anything. I felt like a princess in this dress. The lea length of the satin fabric was a deep violet color. The bodice had a plunging v in the back but arched into frilled cup sleeves with an A-frame front. The perfect periwinkle bow sat at the base of my spine, matching the bow on the back of my closed-toe three-inch heels. I was in love with this dress.”
“James, you have impeccable taste.”
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Mark Sabrina Tyler
James is going to be a problem. He wants her as his mate. This will make Travis very jealous.
V
