Page 15 of Reeling for His Omega

I walked away, thinking of how much I owed the omega. The mural was incredible, but now I had to rethink how much to pay him and how this would positively impact everything from the customer’s experience to the draw of the theater.

The mural was priceless. And by bringing in community members, they would feel a vested interest. They’d want to come back and visit their art as well as see us succeed.

We stood in front of his art, their art, and I now saw it through new eyes. Oliver Creek came together to work on a mural for the theater, for me.

“I had several awful fights with my father while I was in the city.”

Joaquin reached out and took my hand in his. “I’m sorry.”

I shrugged one shoulder but continued, “He told me I was going to fail. That all of this was a dream not a career. I would never make money, but you know what stung the most?”

“Tell me.”

“He told me that this community would never accept me. That small towns like Oliver Creek didn’t take to newcomers. I’d never be a part of this place like those who already lived here.”

“First of all, what a rotten thing to say to anyone, let alone a son. Second, I think this proves that wrong, don’t you? They all came in and added something. They branded this theater as approved. This is their seal. You belong here, Eryx. Fuck anyone who says otherwise.”

I snorted. It was the first time I’d heard the omega curse. Maybe he did all the time and I didn’t know him well enough to realize it yet, but it seemed forced. Like someone who never did, but the occasion called for it.

And he was right. Fuck my father.

“I can’t thank you enough. I owe you double your rate.”

“No.” He turned and took the other hand and squeezed both of them. We were standing so close, and somehow the room had emptied since he ran away. “I…we did this for you. For the town. Seeing the smile on your face is worth every stroke of the brush.”

We stayed there, staring at each other. Sharing a moment that didn’t require words to understand or convey.

“I’d like to take you out to eat. Tonight. Now if you’re available.” I pushed the words out before I lost my courage.

“Eryx, I told you, there’s no need for repayment. I…”

I stepped closer, so close that our chests touched. Lifting my hand, I grazed my knuckles across his cheek. “Joaquin, I’d like to take you out to eat. Not work. Not payment. Eating together.”

“Oh. Yes, I’d love that. I know a place.”

Chapter Fourteen

Joaquin

“I know just the place.”

Eryx had asked me to go out for something to eat, and I was far too covered in paint to go anywhere formal.

“Where would you like to go?”

“Somewhere special.” I grinned at him.

“I’m not very dressed up,” he protested.

I looked him up and down. He wore a button-down and nice slacks. I wore paint-splattered overalls, and what was under them was not much better. I’d never figured out how I managed to get so much paint under the overalls, but I always did. Which was why I had other clothes with me, but they were just jeans and a T-shirt. “This place has no dress code. Let’s lock up and go.”

“I’ll trust you.” He followed me out the door and out onto the sidewalk. “Do we need to drive?”

“No, it’s close by. We can walk.”

When we approached the PBJ place, he cast me a funny look. “Is that what it looks like?”

“You haven’t been here yet, I take it.” I opened the door and held it for him. “It’s very good, much more than it sounds like.”