Chapter 7

The time has flown past, and now it's Saturday, the day of my housewarming party!

I woke up that morning to a beautiful, bright, sunny day. The sunlight streams through my windows, casting a warm glow across my bedroom. I smile to myself as I get out of bed and do a happy dance, feeling the soft carpet beneath my feet. I can't wait for everyone to come over and see my place. I'm so past ready to be able to entertain in my own home.

I go through the motions of getting myself washed and dressed. I dress in something simple today—a comfortable t-shirt and shorts. It's getting a little warmer outside as the summer wears on. If I have to be outside, I try to put on the airiest clothes I have; I really hate being hot. I hate sweating even more.

I have everything all planned out already. Since it was nice out, I'm going to set up the grill to put some hot dogs, sausages, burgers, chicken, and ribs on. I'm going to have some cold salads on the side, not that I'm cooking. I got it catered from this soul food joint called Mama Rey's. Their food is legendary, and I know my guests will love it.

I also hired a chef to operate the grill. What? I'm lazy and just want to relax and get drunk. Besides, I want to enjoy the party without worrying about the food.

The party was scheduled to start at 6 pm, but knowing my friends, they'd be here at 4 pm ready to start. They're always eager to get the festivities going.

The time has just hit 3:30 pm, and I've just walked in the house from a liquor store run when I hear the bell sound behind me. I set the boxes of alcohol, beer, and juice down on the kitchen counter and turn to the door. When I open it, I'm immediately bombarded with hugs from Melissa and Jack, who are making a lot of noise jumping up and down in my hallway. Their energy is infectious, and I can't help but smile.

"I'm so glad you guys are here!" I exclaim, leading them into the living room. "Y'all are here pretty early!"

Melissa grins, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "We wanted to get the party started early and have you a little tipsy by the time the party starts."

I laugh, "Ha ha, no one needs that!"

Jack chuckles, "They're gonna get it anyway!"

We all laugh as I tell Jack to help me take the boxes to the kitchen. I set up all the alcohol on the counter and put the beer and juice in the fridge. Jack pours us shots of tequila that we all throw back, the liquid burning pleasantly down my throat.

Fifteen minutes and two more shots later, the doorbell rings again. I feel like the tequila is starting to hit me as I blink slowly, listening to the doorbell ringing before it registers with me what that sound is.

I jump up and run out of the kitchen to the door. I open it to see Lily, who squeals and throws herself into my arms. I hug her while leaning back because, jeez, the lady is shrieking in my ear!

"Lily, you're going to burst my eardrums!" I tease as I set her back on her feet.

After I set her back on her feet, we walk into the kitchen, and she runs over to greet Melissa and Jack. She's babbling a mile a minute, with hand gestures and everything, her excitement palpable.

So I say, "Easy there, lady! We're here all day!"

She laughs, stops talking, and takes a few deep breaths. After she calms a bit, she asks, "Have you guys ever heard of Chase Logan? He owns Logan Enterprise?"

I stand stock still, "Logan Enterprise? Did you say Chase Logan?"

Chase Logan, as in the Mr. Logan who is currently trying to buy the company of my present employer.

She shrieks, "Yesss!"

"THE number one business company in the state, maybe even all of the states!"

I nod slowly, thinking back to the fact that Mr. Baldoni had a drinking meeting with Mr. Logan a couple of weeks back. I remember how tense Mr. Baldoni was afterward, so I'm curious about what Lily has to say.

"What about him?" I ask, leaning in closer.

She yells, "Drum roll, please…..He's looking for a new personal secretary!"

I pale, shocked. I stutter, "N-no way!"

She shrieks again, "Yes! It's true! A friend of mine is the secretary on his floor. She says his personal secretary was fired because she lied about being a beta and went into heat in front of Mr. Logan, then she tried to sleep with him!"

I shout, "What?! How could anyone be so deceitful and lie about something like that?!"

She sighs, "I know, Mr. Logan was so upset because it turns out the secretary was a dominant omega. She almost sent him into a rut, but he called security immediately and took suppressants."

I say, "Wow, your secretary friend sure knows a lot about what happened."

Melissa chuckles, "That's the grapevine for you, but all you have to do to confirm is go to the company site and check the job listings."

I say, "I would love to do that, guys, but look at the time, it's 5:45 pm. Help me take the salads from the fridge."

As soon as I finish talking, the doorbell rings. I walk out of the kitchen to get the door. I open it to see Linda, George, Kathy, and Paul from my job outside. They're all smiling, and I can tell they're excited to be here.

"Hello, guys! Thank you for coming, come right on in!"

I give short hugs to Linda and Kathy, and handshakes to George and Paul. I can feel the warmth of their greetings, and it makes me happy to have them here.

"Follow me to the kitchen so I can introduce you to my friends!"

We all walk into the kitchen, and pointing as I speak, I say, "Linda, Kathy, George, Paul, meet Melissa, Jack, and Lily."

Everyone choruses their hellos, and I can feel the energy in the room shift as my work friends and my personal friends mingle.

"We were just taking shots, and y'all have to join. We have to get the party started early! Woohoo!" I shout, clapping my hands together.

Everyone laughs as Linda, Kathy, George, and Paul accept the shots handed to them. I take another, and we all down the shots together, the tequila warming our bellies.

"Yes!"

"Let me finish setting up before anyone else comes."

I look in the backyard and notice that the chef is already back there grilling. I chuckle, thinking, "How could I have not known that he arrived? Did he even let me know he was here? I'm not sure; there's been so much going on since everyone started arriving."

After we set up the salads, we put the beer in a tub of ice and set the pitchers of mixed drinks on the counter. The kitchen is buzzing with activity, and I can hear the distant sound of music playing from the living room. It's starting to feel like a real party.

At this time, the doorbell rings again. I walk out to open the door to find my two brothers and sister outside. They are all alphas, and they are all older. My sister Roxanne is closest to me in age at 28, followed by my brother Tim at 30, and then my brother Levi at 34, who is the oldest.

They treat me like I'm a baby because I am. Not a baby, just the baby of the family. I'm also the only beta, which they all try to make sure I don't feel lacking because of. I whoop loudly, my voice filled with joy.

"OMG! It's been ages since I've seen you guys!"

I pass hugs all around, hugging each one of them tightly because I have missed them. Their familiar scents envelop me, and I feel a sense of comfort and belonging.

"I wasn't sure if you guys were gonna make it or not!"

They all laugh, "We weren't sure either." Roxanne says, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

They're all lawyers; they opened a firm together, and business has been booming. I'm proud of them and the success they've achieved.

"Come in! Come in! Let's get out of the door!" I exclaim, ushering them inside.