Gabriel could almost see a pulsing aura of charisma around Alex when he shook his head and grinned at his own Cat-Dad goofiness. A certain Mythological quality must run in the family, because Alex really couldn’t be real, either. 

The only things that ran in Gabriel’s family were red hair, freckles, and an argumentative streak.

To keep himself on track and remaining nice and professional, Gabriel circled back to the Cause, “Well, it’s starting to look hopeful on the legal side, and that means hope for real change on the clinical side, too, I think.”

Alex's expression grew serious. “That can't come soon enough. My goal is zero patients, but until then, zero barriers for patients. I don't need to tell you how hard it is for Omegas to get to us for help as things stand.”

“You definitely don’t. Speaking of obstacles… Do you mind a little more shop talk later? I want to pick your brain about something. After I finish absolutely all of my cake, obviously, and talk to a few more people? I won’t take up too much of your time, I promise.”

Gabriel smiled at him hopefully. Professionally, things were going swimmingly. He was pretty confident that Alex would be able to give him some good information about Jaiden's situation.

“Not at all, of course I don’t mind,” Alex assured him. “Let me say goodbye to my mom and a couple of people, and you can chat up a few more board members and finish your cake, and then let’s walk over and grab a cup of coffee at the place across the street. They stay open late, and it should be nice and quiet over there. You can pick my brain all you like. Do you have time for that?”

That was more than Gabriel had been hoping for. He wasn't about to turn down any help he could get for Jaiden. “I do have time. If you really don’t mind, that would be fantastic. I could use the caffeine boost, too. I’ve been prepping for the bar exam since I got the job offer. I try to spend a couple hours a night studying, but I’m flagging tonight.”

“Oh man. The Maryland bar. I’ve heard it’s rough,” said Alex sympathetically. “I have a few lawyer friends.”

“Yeah, I’m taking my first swing at it at the end of the month and I’m hoping for a one-and-done. Those weird old maritime laws are killer, though. Ok. Let me go network and then I’ll meet you by the door when I'm done?”

Alex nodded, and Gabriel walked off feeling very proud that he’d been able to have a rational conversation with a walking, talking Honey Trap. All his not-dating practice must be paying off.

They each worked the room for a little longer and then Alex caught Gabriel’s eye and gestured towards the door with his head, lifting his eyebrows questioningly. Gabriel gave him a quick nod and extracted himself from his conversation. He stopped to thank Victoria again for the cake and the introduction, and then met Alex at the door. 

Alex pulled the door open and held it for him politely. “I know you’re busy, so I won’t keep you out too long,” he said as Gabriel passed through the doorway.

“No, no!  You’re the one doing me the favor here.  Again," Gabriel protested as they headed outside and crossed the street.

Alex gave him a very stern look. “That was pretty close to an illegal thank-you. Watch yourself, sir.”

“My bad, my bad." Gabriel dug in the big leather tote he always carried and produced a slightly crumpled pack of Wrigley’s. “Stick of gum?”

“Hmm? Oh, sure, thank you.” Alex reached for a piece.

Gabriel pulled the pack back slightly with an exultant “Ha!”

Alex gave him a questioning look.

“I thanked you, you thanked me. Now we’re even, technically,” Gabriel argued. “Never trust a lawyer!”

Yeah, we’re “even.” You saved me from my own personal hell, and I offered you a stick of gum, he tacked on in his head.

Alex grinned down at him. “Dirty pool. Very dirty pool. Can I still have the gum?”

Fighting off a case of unprofessional vapors from the grin, Gabriel handed him the pack. “Help yourself. Let the cool mintiness soothe your burn.”

They smiled at each other stupidly for a second. “It makes me happy to see you so happy,”Alex said, finally.

Unsure what to say in response, Gabriel muttered a “Thanks” as his ears got hot. 

“So tell me what’s going on. What can I help with?” Alex asked, pulling open the coffee shop door and holding it for Gabriel before he could reach for it himself.  

Gabriel headed for the counter and looked over his shoulder at his captive local expert. He hoped Alex didn’t mind complicated problems. “My treat, since you’re letting me mine your brain for what is sure to be the first of many times.”

Alex opened his mouth and Gabriel thought he was about to protest. Instead, after a quick pause, he said, “Mm, okay, but I’ll owe you one.” To the barista, he said, “One iced coffee with lots of almond milk and three pumps of chocolate syrup, please.”

Gabriel chuckled. “Did you just order a caffeinated chocolate milk?”

“What if I did? I’m a very secure adult. I can enjoy the simple things in life without shame. Besides, I ordered almond milk… Almond,” Alex repeated for emphasis, “Which is a very refined and mature milk.”

“Did you want whipped cream on that chocolate milk?” the barista asked in a bored voice, apparently unimpressed by the sparkling repartée taking place on the other side of the counter.

“Oh yeah, absolutely,” Alex confirmed.

“I’ll have the same, actually,” Gabriel said with a grin and handed over some cash. “It sounds pretty good.”

He had survived the board meeting. He had not broken down at first contact with Alex even though it had happened at the meeting, which was not what he had planned and prepared for. He was high on facial symmetry. He was saving himself a trip across town  tomorrow, and he was going to get some help for Jaiden. In short, he was absolutely crushing it. A grown-up chocolate milk seemed like a great way to celebrate.

Gabriel tried to summarize the complex Jaiden situation for Alex. “So here’s what’s up. I have a sixteen-year-old Omega, Jaiden, with a six- or seven-week old claim bite from a twenty-seven-year-old Alphan man. His school guidance counselor referred him to us, bless her.”

“Okay,” said Alex calmly enough, but Gabriel both noticed and appreciated the flare of rage in his eyes.

“He lives, or lived, with his dad. Other parent’s not in the picture, I think dead, maybe? Anyway, he hid the claim for about a month before his father finally scented it and threw him out. Since he’s living on his own, he can consent to treatment legally, but I’m not sure if he will consent to treatment. At this point, he’s got his hands full just trying to survive.”

“And, let me guess, he’s emotionally attached to his abuser,” Alex supplied grimly.

“Exactly. His abuser sounds very manipulative— messed with his head a fair amount, I think. So, he feels guilty about the idea of reversing the claim just in case they “work things out.” He needs counseling so that he’ll agree to get some counseling, if you know what I mean,” Gabriel sighed.

“Trust me, I do."

“Anyway, I know the clock is ticking for him on pheromone spread. I tried to talk to the father, because Jaiden could really use people in his corner. I can tell he misses his dad, so I don’t think their relationship was entirely rocky. The dad hung up on me as soon as he heard I was calling from the Legal Fund. Maybe he thought Jaiden was in some kind of legal trouble, I’m not sure.”

Alex nodded. “Maybe.”

Gabriel continued, “On to the next problem—I don’t think the family has a lot of extra money lying around, so I’m also wondering about payment options for treatment if he chooses reversal. Jaiden says he hasn’t gone to the doctor in a long time, and he’s not sure about health insurance. Since I crashed and burned with the father, I’m also wondering what I can do to find some better temporary shelter for him. Which would make him more able to compete any treatment he starts.”

Gabriel sighed again. “I don’t know. It’s all a mess, but he’s so sweet and so young. I don’t want him to end up on the street because he ran out of couches to surf. I thought you might have some ideas.”

The barista, who had apparently been eavesdropping, slid the coffees over the counter with new light of respect in his eye.

“Your coffees. Have a good night.”

Alex picked up both drinks and gestured with his elbow at a group of overstuffed chairs arranged around a low table. “Sit over there?”

“Sure!” Gabriel followed him over to the seating area.

They sat at right angles to each other and after they’d each taken a sip of their drinks, Alex said, “So… There’s actually four problems there, but the first three I know how to solve. First, the clinic has a pretty substantial fund earmarked treatment of uninsured or underinsured patients. If he wants a reversal, we’ll get it covered. Three guesses who got that program up and rolling.” He smiled wryly. 

Gabriel shook his head and snorted lightly. Victoria again. “Terrible and beautiful,” he muttered.