Page 247 of One Winter Knight
“I like them a lot.” I grabbed a couple more snacks to take up in case anyone was hungry.
Atticus came over to us. “Fiona, did you know that we have a gala in February that the MASO’s help put on with the foundation, to raise money for the Squires.”
“Yes, I’ll be on the decorations committee. I thoroughly enjoy making raffle baskets, getting auction items donated, creating centerpieces, and covering tables in glitter,” I replied.
“I knew I loved you.” He looked at Saoirse. “How about you?”
“I’ll assist her with what she needs.” Saoirse nodded.
“I love it. I’ll get you all signed up and add you to the chats,” hereplied.
“Thanks! I’m so excited.” I was on a gala committee. Yeah, we had this. If that wasn’t adulting I didn’t know what was.
“I love your mom and not just because she brought me purse enchiladas.” Hale nodded as we all sat at Tito’s.
The Knights had won the game, Carlos’ family had gone home, and we were at the bar for post-game beers and snacks. I’d felt that feeling of being watched again, during the third period of the game, but I didn’t bring it up. Because honestly, everyone watched the MASOs. Someone even ranked our outfits and posted them online. I’d made sure to wear cute shoes and have an extra-nice purse.
Dusty covertly ordered something for Saoirse that looked like a drink, but wasn’t alcoholic, so no one would ask why she wasn’t drinking. What a good mate. Yeah, he was exactly what she needed. I just loved them together.
Also, it was nice to know that she had someone to snuggle when I went off with the guys.
“Your mom is great,” I agreed. She’d even offered to teach me to make some of Carlos’ favorite foods.
Dusty nodded. “Lalo’s family’s pretty fantastic.”
“My sisters were mostly nice to you right?” Carlos looked at my French fries, but didn’t dare steal them. He stole one of Dusty’s.
I didn’t like people stealing my fries. Other food, but not fries.
“Beatriz knows all the stories.” Saoirse’s look went smug.
“Yeah, she does,” Carlos agreed.
“I love Anita. We were talking about going shopping, becauseI need a dress for the gala. I may have signed up to be on the decorating committee,” I announced.
“Oooh. We need to get Hale-i-o-burrito a suit and a tux for all the things that we’ll end up going to, unless you have any?” Dusty asked.
“I have two suits from sister weddings, chosen by sisters. No tux,” Hale replied.
“Oh, yeah, that suit you had for Verity’s wedding wasnice,” Carlos replied. “We need to get your stuff, too. What’s the best way to do it? Hire someone? Take the train? It’s a bit of a drive.”
“It is. I need to go down and take care of some stuff soon anyway. Stupid parking permit has to be picked up in person and with my schedule it’s better to do it now than wait until classes start. It also might also be nice to meet with my mentor face-to-face. So, I’ll just grab some things then. I have no furniture. Just stuff that I can just bring on the train. I’ll leave some of it there for the semester. I do have an old truck. But I’m keeping it there for now,” he replied.
Verity came over to him. “Hale, did you want to go over anything for tomorrow? I know you’re going to do amazing, but I just thought I’d offer.”
“I would, thank you,” Hale replied. The two of them went to another part of the bar.
Dimitri came over and joined us, looking really sad.
Saoirse said something to him in Russian.
“Something is wrong.” Dimitri downed his vodka and ordered another.
“Are Sasha and Valya okay?” Carlos asked.
“My siblings are fine. But something is still not right and I don’t know what.” He looked pretty upset.
“It’ll be okay, Dimitri. Let me know how we can help,” Carlos assured.
