Page 6 of Gamers' Omega

“Not like it’s any of our business,” Tony replied.

I laughed. “I only know because I covered an evening shift when they came in for a family dinner. There are so many of them, that they don’t even fit at our biggest table. We had to pull tables together. Nine alphas, including Owen, two omegas—one of them pregnant—and two babies.”

“That’s a lot of people,” Ian mused.

I nodded, then remembered where I was. “Do y’all need anything else?”

Tony looked around. “Not right now. Drink refills soon though.”

I grinned. “You got it.”

I scurried back to the kitchen to run out more plates, and we were busy enough that I didn’t get more than a chance to give the guys refills or clear the table until they were packing up to leave.

“Same time next week?” I asked as I stood at the host stand, preparing for the end of my shift.

“You know it!” Ian quipped.

“See you then!”

They started to file out, but Beck stopped and slid over a piece of paper.

“You said you wanted the details about the game night we run, then got busy. Here’s the info… if you still want it.”

A grin spread across my face. “Thank you!”

He smiled shyly. “We’d like to see you there.”

I laughed. “I love games. So I’ll definitely check it out.” I glanced down at the paper and sighed. “Probably not until January though. I’m covering several Thursday evening shifts until then.”

“We’ll be there,” he stated. “We’ve been the standing hosts for a while.”

“I’m always down for games, so once I’m free you can count me in.”

“We’ll be happy to have you.”

“Come on,” Freddie called from the door. “We don’t want to get stuck in rush-hour traffic.”

Beck smiled. “See you next week.”

Chapter 4

~January~

The Bosque Mall was smaller than I expected, clearly built before the heyday of the American shopping mall. There were only spaces for three anchor stores, rather than the much higher number in newer builds.

The department stores that had once occupied those spaces were long defunct, having been taken over by two grocers and an office supply store. But other than that, it was clear that the management was invested in the mall’s success.

Somebody had known how to pivot as newer malls were built, and as shopping habits changed. That had kept the place relevant when many others like it had closed.

I found a parking spot close to one entrance and stepped from my car, only to be hit by a blast of frigid air. A smattering of snowflakes swirled as I hurried to the doors.

I understood how the old mall had survived as soon as I walked inside. Missing were the glaring signs of retail chains found in almost every other mall across the country. Instead, it had become a place for local merchants. A quiet bookstore occupied one of the larger spaces, while—instead of the standardteen clothing—a place that seemed to focus on quinceañera dresses was a few doors down. Missing was the bright store with rows upon rows of mass-produced sneakers, replaced with one that smelled of leather and a sign proclaiming the boots within were handmade.

I strolled past a tobacco shop, a store that seemed to exclusively sell fancy pens and stationery, and a place dedicated to kitchen wares. There wasn’t a food court, but there were several restaurants.

I loved it! I’d have to return another day just to browse all the little niche shops.

The game store was about halfway between the entrance I’d used, and what looked like another. As I approached, I could see that it was abuzz with activity—people chatting and finding spots around plastic tables.