Page 38 of Tides of Love

“Looks like they are looking for you at the grill, Mateo.” Antonio played in.

“You’d think the place would burn down without Mateo.” The exasperation in Misha’s voice was not teasing. Antonio winced. “And the overtime better remain a joke.” Misha’s glare turned on Antonio.

He held one hand up defensively. “Understood.” The never-ending argument, Mateo’s schedule versus Misha’s wants. He did not envy his friend. It certainly made him appreciate Lucky’s acceptance all the more.

“Yeah.” Mateo shrugged, walking away and leaving Misha to follow.

As soon as they were alone, Lucky squeezed his hand. “Let’s get set up so you can introduce me to everyone.”

“Of course, mi amor.”

21

Lucky

The food was amazing. Skewers, birria, picanha, pernil, all served with a feast of sides. By the time Lucky got back to his clipboard and fliers, he felt ready to be rolled home. Antonio had stepped away to get them some fresh drinks but as Lucky sat in the shade, he could see the alpha was surrounded by friends.

The names were a blur in his head. Antonio introduced him to numerous people who clapped him on the shoulders and shook his hands before their attention settled fully on their captain. He would know them all with time, but their love for Antonio was heartwarming.

“It’s never ending.” A voice at his shoulder made him jump, surprised to find Misha standing beside him. “Sorry, I came over to add my name to your petition.”

Misha avoided calling it little. Lucky appreciated the effort, sliding the paper across the table with a pen. “What’s never ending?”

“That.” Misha gestured towards where Antonio conversed with his team. “They never stop being needed. It’s constant. The work, the meetings, the prep, the hours and hours and hours spent away. Antonio and Mateo are the first ones in and last ones out.”

“That’s admirable, isn’t it?” Lucky felt like Misha was giving him a warning.

Misha was a beautiful omega. Older than he was, closer to Antonio’s age. He had short blond hair carefully styled in a charmingly casual way that seemed effortless. There was something plastic about him. Like he was trying so hard to be friendly but didn’t really care about the conversation or about Lucky. It was strange. Lucky didn’t like it.

“At first.” Misha agreed with a shrug. “Until he’s missing important events, can never be nailed down, and is constantly leaving you standing around waiting for him to return.”

Lucky wasn’t sure what he was supposed to say to that. “Well… I’m good at keeping busy.”

“I thought I was too.” Misha sighed, “I also thought after a severe injury, I’d be free of all this but here we still are.” The frustration in the blonde’s voice was clear. Whatever long standing argument Misha had with Mateo, Lucky didn’t want to be a part of it.

“I think the work they do is important and it’s kind of them to sacrifice for it.” Lucky pressed harder this time, turning to look at Misha properly.

Misha just shrugged, leaning over to sign the petition. His perfectly manicured nails sparkled with gold shimmer. “Good luck with him, then. Antonio hasn’t even brought anyone to the BBQ until now. That’s how married to the job he is. Just make sure you know what you’re in for.”

“…I think I understand. Thank you.” Lucky worked up his best ‘disarming a professor’ smile. He didn’t understand, not one bit, but he knew when to pick his battles. Misha signed his name with a flourish.

“Sorry for the wait, Lucky.” Antonio appeared at his side with a paper cup fruit juice and a charming smile. “Ah, thanks for signing Misha. I know, with your job, that it might be a conflict…”

The blond waved dismissively, “Shutting down competition is always a positive. Anyway, I’m taking Mateo with me to another event. Make sure people are actually dying before you call him, yes?”

Lucky saw the way Antonio’s smile tightened even as the alpha nodded, “Of course. Have a good evening.”

Patting the bench beside him, Lucky watched Misha walk away. “He’s intense.”

“Did he say something to you?” The way Antonio phrased it and the anxious crack in his voice made Lucky look up at him. There was tension in his face that hadn’t been there when he was talking to the crew.

“He was telling me about Mateo.” Lucky says because the rest are things already covered. Work, scheduling, dedication. What was left to discuss there that they didn’t already understand?

“Ah… He told you about his scars?” Antonio asked softly, leaning into Lucky’s side.

“Not exactly. Just that he mentioned an accident. I think he believes that should be enough to scare people off.” He rested his head on Antonio’s shoulder. “I fear he chose the wrong person for that lesson.”

“It doesn’t scare you?” Antonio almost sounded amused.