Page 37 of Roommates' Alpha

“Owen!”

I glanced over to where Eric stood at the entrance to the kitchen. “Yeah?”

“Phone call.”

“Take a message and tell them I’ll call back. We’re too busy for me to deal with customer complaints right now.”

“Says he’s your cousin, and your other cousin just went into labor.”

I froze.Bug!

I yanked off my apron and headed to the front. “Pull somebody from a slow station to expo,” I shouted over my shoulder. “I’m probably out for the day.”

“You got it, boss,” called back the chef. “John! Finish that salad then get up to expo.”

Shouted confirmations as I headed to the front and picked up the handset. “Jace?”

“Owen,” he breathed. “We’re heading to Ryan’s place now. He went into labor about twenty minutes ago. We’re at this spa resort getting massages, so we’re about an hour out, but he’s already scared. Can you be there?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you. I’ve already called Linden and the others, but they had a bunch of meetings this afternoon, probably thinking they had a few more days. The soonest they can be there is at least forty-five minutes after I get Ryan home.”

“I’ll make sure I’m there when you arrive.”

“Thank you. We’ll be there as soon as possible.”

“Drive safe.”

“I will.”

We said our goodbyes, and I strode to the office, where I called my assistant manager.

“Mandy,” she answered.

“Hey, it’s me. My cousin Ryan just went into labor, so I’m going to be unavailable for a few days. Might not get back before the weekend.”

“Do you need me to come in now?”

“No, thank you. I think everybody can handle the rest of the afternoon. But I wanted you to know what’s up if I’m not here after my normal days off.”

“Gotcha. You take care of your family, and I’ll make sure the place runs smoothly until you get back.”

“Thanks. You’re a lifesaver.”

She laughed. “It’s not like you wouldn’t cover for me if the situation were reversed. Enjoy your time snuggling that new baby.”

I smiled. “I will.”

Then I was off again. I told the kitchen and floor staff that I’d be out for several days, called Gerald so that he was aware, then I made my way to my car.

It was Monday, and part of me was glad for that. It meant that—except for that afternoon—nothing would be any different at work until Thursday. If Ryan had an easy labor, then I might not miss any days at all.

And I hoped Ryan had an easier labor than Jace—with his thirty-six hours. The thought of my fragile Bug being in pain for so long was excruciating.

I drove to the side of town where Ryan lived, where small mansions spread out at the base of the mountains. I entered the gate code and parked, then went inside. I was pacing the entry, glancing out the window every few seconds, and finally saw Jace’s car pull up behind mine.

Ryan scrambled out of the front seat—well about as well as an omega in labor could scramble—and shuffled to the front door as fast as he could.