Finding the Forward, Part One (HockeyVerse)

Chapter Eighteen

Verity

O ut of all of my big sister’s mates, I got along with Spencer best because we mostly talked science. He might not have a PhD, but he was always up on the latest scientific trends and innovations.

I unlocked my greenhouse, checking the monitors like always before letting Grace and Spencer inside. She was here to speak to the math department, given she was a theoretical mathematician and working on some incredible projects.

The heady smell of omega lilies greeted us, as did rows and rows of miniature white and pink lilies. They were a perennial that grew wild all over the Mediterranean, and many people cultivated them outside or in pots.

Happiness coursed through me as I entered the humid warmth of my greenhouse. It wasn’t just because being around plants was my happy place.

Grace, dwarfed by her alpha, closed her blue-gray eyes and inhaled. “I miss this.”

“I left you some.” Over the summer, her backyard played host not only to my research rescued from Briar but all my plants from home, including the contents of my backyard greenhouse.

Some stayed at her place–like the roses I’d created for Dad. He hadn’t been able to take them to London. They now festooned a trellis by her hot tub.

“I know, but it’s not like this.” She gestured at all the flowers.

Spencer’s gaze fell on the still-locked area behind us with a respirator warning.

“As you can smell, my special lilies are fine. I’ve started the next phase to up their output even further, which is why the back portion of the greenhouse is closed off,” I told them.

In flower lore, these lilies brought peace and happiness to homes where they grew. It turned out that they mildly increased serotonin production. I’d been genetically engineering them to have an even greater ability.

However, too much serotonin could cause impulse aggression or even be toxic. Hence, having a separate area and using respirators with new, untested strains, as I worked to refine them to promote optimum happiness.

While it was a genetic feat, it was also a bit silly and fluffy for most academic tastes. Even NYIT had encouraged me to stretch what I was doing.

Though there were definite pharmaceutical and commercial applications. That wasn’t entirely why I was doing it.

Spencer probably knew that.

He took out a small device from his pocket and waved it around. A bug detector. Compass BioTek used them to help prevent corporate sabotage. Satisfied, he tucked it back in his coat pocket.

“What is the actual objective of your research, Verity?” Spencer asked, brown eyes gazing at the closed-off part of the greenhouse.

“Not everyone has an ulterior motive. Why can’t we have happier flowers for happiness's sake?” Grace took a deep sniff, her blonde head resting against his chest.

“This is my research. Happier omega lilies,” I told him.

It wasn’t that I didn’t trust him. I’d just grown up guarding my research. Partly because the parents had taught me about avoiding sabotage, and partially because I didn’t like them making fun of my silly flowers .

“Oh, I know.” Spencer looked toward the other part of the greenhouse. “But what did you find that you’re saving for later?”

I gave him a what, me? look, tilting my head a little as I leaned on my crutch.

Spencer admired one of my blooms. “Do you know any of the Greek myths behind these flowers?”

Oh yes, he knew exactly what I was doing. Then again, he used to be in pharmaceuticals. Also, he was Greek and knew a lot of myths–and was well aware of the time I spent studying abroad in Greece in undergrad.

“Lilies are under the domain of Hera, goddess of marriage and family. These specific lilies were a marriage gift to the omega daughter of a Greek king. That's why we know them colloquially as omega lilies, ” I replied. Hera was one of several goddesses that favored omegas in Greek mythology.

His tanned hand combed his dark hair as he nodded. “Do you know any others?”

Oh, he knew. He’d probably been sitting on this question for some time, too.

“I know a few. One I find particularly fascinating was that once there was a great alpha war on an island off the coast of Greece over something silly. The omegas and betas of the isle tired of it. None of the other gods listened, so they prayed to Hera out of desperation. Hera was already annoyed at alphas in general. So, she turned their battlefield into a field of flowers so intoxicating that the alphas fell asleep. The beta and omega spouses made their own truce for the sake of dinner and family, then dragged their alphas back home and tied them to chairs at the dinner table. When the alphas woke up, they were informed their war was over since it was time for dinner. The flowers continued to grow in that field, and people on the island always filled their homes with them to keep the alphas peaceful and their island free of war,” I told him as I took my tablet out of my bag and started making my daily notations.

“That island is still full of wild omega lilies. I visited there many times as a boy,” he told me.

“The best family vacation I ever had was when a university brought Baba out to Greece for an entire month one summer. Mama, me, and little Dare got to go with him. Chance wasn’t born yet. It was back when he was still a professor, before he went into the private sector,” I moved to the closed shelf of lilies.

It had been a fun trip, even though I’d missed Creed terribly.

“One day we had a picnic in a field of lilies on an island. I fell in love with the smell. That’s where I first heard the story about the battle. We were all in the best mood. The next day I bought some at the flower market. When we left, the student who told me the story gave me a bunch of bulbs and taught me how to grow them.” I gestured to my greenhouse. “Now look where I am.”

Grace put a hand to her heart. “That is the best story. I didn’t realize that was how you got interested in plants.”

“That was when I became interested in manipulating very specific properties in plants,” I replied, moving to another row of lilies. I’d been interested in plants all my life. Mama always loved growing herbs and vegetables.

I continued with my notations. “There could be some unusual properties to research beyond my current interests.”

Ultimately, I was interested in genetic engineering the specific alpha-subduing properties of the lilies.

“Indeed. Are you considering pharmaceutical applications?” Spencer asked.

I moved to another bank of flowers. “My immediate interests for the second lean more towards... aromatherapy.”

While I’m sure medicinal applications existed, I simply wanted a way to make households and public spaces a little more harmonious

Watching Grace’s face as she worked it out was priceless.

She beamed at me. “Oh. That’s my little sister. Though the potential ramifications.”

“Yes.” It made my chest tighten. Because the alpha-subduing properties absolutely could be weaponized.

But I’d take her pride. After a lifetime of having to earn the parents’ love, and often failing, I adored that she gave it to me so freely.

“That’s unexpected. I was thinking more... pharmaceutical,” he told me. “Who knows about this? Is your research promised elsewhere?”

“You. Creed. Dad or Dr. Winters may have guessed that there are other properties that I’m researching. I own my research. I’ve been careful about that. But I’m not ready for external funding.” Elation at Spencer’s interest in my work shot through me.

My research belonged to me. But I couldn’t just promise it to him or take his funding. I had university rules to navigate.

“I understand that you might have a specific vision, but I’d very much like to be considered first, whether it’s for external funding or your employment,” he told me.

“Of course. I’m honored. I won’t graduate for a while. But...” I was a little torn given the opportunities it represented, but I had to be honest with him. “I know we haven’t been together very long, but if things go well with Grif, I might not want to leave New York.” I looked at Grace. “Is it silly to be thinking of this so soon?”

“No, it’s not silly at all. Sometimes you just know. I’m so happy for you. I hope it turns out exactly how you want,” she assured.

“Thanks.” I wanted that happily-ever-after like she had.

“I’ll just buy the hockey team in Rockland, then get them traded to it.” Spencer’s face went deadpan.

“Spence. We don’t buy things to get our way.” Grace laughed, giving him a play smack. “When do I get to meet your boy? Soon?”

“I hope so.” It wasn’t that I didn’t want him to meet the rest of my family. They just were a lot. Even Grace, who was a tiny, delightful, weirdo genius.

Spencer smiled. “Take all the time you need. You have a lot of responsibilities. I’m just getting a little overexcited, since it might help with some of our other special projects. Thank you for giving me a personal tour. We’ll leave you to your work.”

“Always. I don’t mean to be vague. I’m just not at a point where I can share details,” I confessed, hoping he understood.

I could help some of his special projects? Huh.

“I understand and appreciate that.” He turned to Grace. “My good doctor, it’s almost time for your presentation. Are you ready?”

“Oh, it is. Yes, I’m ready. Thank you for letting us see your flowers.” Grace smiled at me.

“I’ll walk you out.” I’d do more work later. First, I had to meet with Dr. Winters. Locking up my greenhouse, we left.

“Hey, are you okay? Do you need grocery money? Pizza money? Present money? The holidays are coming up. Are you still staying with us?” Grace asked quietly as we hugged and said our goodbyes in front of the building.

Grace pretty much starved through her PhD program, and now that she had plenty to share, constantly wanted to make sure us students were okay.

“Grocery money is always helpful with how much Mercy eats but never needed. We’re planning on spending the holidays with you.” While I had six weeks off for winter break, Mercy got four days. “Thank you,” I added. “Good luck with your talk.”

“See you soon.” She waved.

With a wave, I returned inside. It was November, and cold. The one thing I hadn’t considered when I moved to New York was the weather.

At least it was nice and warm in my greenhouse.