Page 30 of Mate Match: Curtis & Jae
Fuck, I was furious at these two alphas! How dare they treat Brady like that!
“Okay, I’ll do it, but first, cake.”
Brady wanted them to know he knew about their pregnant omega. He wasn’t there to make a scene, just subtly get his proof, then leave. I’d get my appointment set up and help out my friend. Two wins for the day. Once that was done, I’d take him home to my place, okay Curtis’, for the night. I was starting to think of it as home.
Jae
Brady’s upset, can he stay with us tonight?
I sent the message over our lunch of the gooiest chocolate cake, fully not expecting a reply until much later. My alpha seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to me, though, and messaged back quickly.
Curtis
Of course. I can crash in the office and you can have a sleepover. I’ll take home pizza if you like.
My boyfriend was the best. After our confession of our feelings, it felt natural to say it often. I sent him back a text thanking him for being the best alpha and telling him that I loved him, which of course he replied with a little love you gif.
The clinic was clean and welcoming, with soft tones decorating the walls and art of beach scenes adding to the serenity they were going for. At the desk, a receptionist took my details and found me an appointment. I checked with Curtis that he couldmake the time I’d picked for our first checkup, even though I knew he’d move heaven and earth to make it.
“Okay, your appointment is all set up. Thanks for putting your details onto the tablet. They’ll start a file for you, which the midwife will see when you come in. Don’t forget to bring a urine sample! I’ll give you a pot.” He went into the back and returned with a sample container just as an examination door opened and three people left, all holding hands with beaming smiles.
Brady, acting quickly, took a photo of the trio. “Aww, what a lovely family!” His acting was on point because I almost believed he was being genuine. I could see how brittle his smile was, though. His eyes were still red from crying.
Truthfully, I didn’t know which one was Gio and which one was Xavier. Nor did I care. Both of them had hurt Brady. If only they’d been honest and not strung him along.
The room went deathly silent, with the trio on one side and me with Brady on the other. The two alphas stared at Brady without speaking, while the pretty dark-haired omega glanced between them. She was very pregnant. They’d likely been seeing her and known she was pregnant before Brady entered their lives.
“Do you know him?” the omega asked in a timid voice, picking up on the tension.
“Oh, no! Sorry, I just thought you looked sweet together. A perfect family.” Brady managed another of his fake smiles. Then he took my hand and practically dragged me from the clinic. I thought I heard one of the alphas protesting behind us. Not that I cared what they said or did. Brady was done with them, so I was, too.
We walked the short distance to the parking lot where Brady had left his car. I left him to his feelings, just holding onto him, offering silent comfort.
At the car, he paused. “Can you drive? I don’t think I should.”
“Of course.”
It had been a while since I’d last driven and took me a minute to get used to Brady’s little car. I used GPS to get back to Curtis’ because I wasn’t used to driving the route, I was always the passenger, either on the bus, in a cab, or when Curtis dropped me off. Living where we did and with a baby on the way, I really needed to pick out a car. Curtis had suggested it more than once.
Brady didn’t speak the whole time. I could tell he was crying. There was a sour note in his pheromones. When we got back to the house, I just led him inside, encouraged him to take off his shoes and pants, and climb into bed with me. I curled around him, my heart breaking for my friend. He sobbed in my arms until we both fell asleep.
“Hey baby, I brought dinner. Would you like to eat it in here?” Curtis’ scent and touch was instantly soothing. He rubbed my back gently. When I sat up, I saw Brady sitting next to me, some tissues bunched in his fist.
“We can eat at the table if you want. I’m not that hungry anyway,” Brady offered.
“Nah, let’s just stay here. C’mon,” I patted the spot next to me for Curtis to join us on the bed.
“No, it’s fine. I’ll leave you to your sleepover. Me and Percy have made a nest in the office so you two can have the bed.”
“I’m not kicking you out of your bed!” Brady protested around a mouthful of pizza. I knew the smell of melted cheese would tempt him into eating. “Besides,” he said when he swallowed, “I want Percy cuddles tonight. Just let me have dinner and some Jae cuddles here, then I’ll sleep in the office.”
“If you’re sure. I’m happy to sleep there, though.” Curtis was being completely genuine. It wouldn’t bother him in the slightest to make room for my best friend. It made me love him more.
“Nah. I appreciate it, Curtis. You’re really great. I think I need the space to feel my feelings. Knowing you two are in the nextroom is enough for me.” I adored how accepting Brady was of my relationship with Curtis.
“Okay.” Curtis settled on the bed and reached for the pizza. “As long as you know, you’re always welcome here. I wouldn’t have minded sleeping apart from Jae for the night if it helped you.”
“I do, and that’s what makes you so special, Curtis. One day, I hope to have what you and Jae have.”
