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The bitter taste had me sputtering and barely managing to swallow it. It was full flavored, bold, and awful. Jack didn't look like he was faring any better.
“Wow, that's bad. You don’t have to drink that. Black coffee is for masochists.” He laughed and put his mug on the table, looking relieved. Jack was the type of beta who wore his heart on his sleeve, unable to hide his emotions even from a stranger. It was refreshing, honestly. Coming from the corporate world meant I was met with fake people far too often. “I really need to get supplies.”
“Do you know where the store is?”
“It’s been several years, but I think I can find it. Holiday Hollow isn’t exactly a town you can get easily lost in.”
“If you haven’t unpacked, my pickup probably has more room. Want me to drive you into town? I know an amazing coffee shop we can hit up on the way.”
For a second I hesitated, not sure what his intentions were, but I couldn't help but trust the guy. He seemed so genuine, like he just wanted to help me out. And having a beta by my side meant I might not have to deal with random alphas approaching me.This isn’t the city,I had to remind myself. That would be one thing I’d have to unlearn.
“That’d be really nice,” I admitted. “You said you’re my neighbor?”
“Yup, just over at Halston Farms.” He gestured in the direction of the pumpkin farm that bordered the orchard. “Someone is always around if you need anything. We have a lot of farmhands who handle the day to day but I’m out there making sure things go smoothly as well.” It made sense that a huge pumpkin farm like his would need the help and one man running it all seemed a bit crazy. Hopefully all my work this fall would get the orchard to the same status.
“Perfect. I just need to take a quick shower and change. I can meet you at your house?” I offered.
“Of course,” he said. Grabbing his mug, he went to the sink and rinsed it out before waving and seeing himself out. The moment he walked away with one last tempting tease of his scent, I missed his presence. I never really realized how weird it was to be so alone out here. The quiet was nice, but also unnerving, living out here all alone would definitely be a huge change.
“Well, I didn’t see my morning going in this direction, but I’ll take it,” I laughed to myself before hurrying to my bedroom to grab clothes. I took a quick shower and got ready before heading his way, eager to see the town and get some real caffeine in me.
Despite our properties both being pretty expansive, our houses were on the edges of the property line so the walk wasn’t too bad between them. He was already waiting, leaning against his truck. As soon as he spotted me, his grin lit up his face again, putting me right at ease.
I said a silent thank you to the small town gods as I approached, glad I wasn’t stuck with some uptight neighbors who hated me or pre-judged me before they even knew my name. I was a packless omega trying to take over an entire orchard. That alone was against the norm. But then again, that wasn’t really Holiday Hollow’s style.
“So how long has it been since you've been in our little town?” he asked as we climbed in the cab and he started the truck up with a dull roar.
“Probably the first summer of high school,” I admitted. The familiar guilt hit, knowing I could have made time to come down here during the summers but was just ‘too busy’ being a stubborn teen.
Jack seemed to notice the mood change and quickly redirected the conversation. “Well then, I think you’re due for a quick tour. I’ll point out the main stuff so you can find your way around but if you get lost just call me, I’ll give you my number. You never know when you might need a second or third set of hands on these old farms.”
“That's really sweet. Thanks,” I said, shocked he was being so welcoming. He didn’t even seem like he gave it a second thought, it was just in his nature to be this kind, and that made me like him even more. “I’m sure I won’t get lost too easily. It’s still as small as ever, right?”
He chuckled to himself. “Yeah, except during festival time. Then it gets downright crowded.”
“I’m looking forward to this one. We came back for a few of them throughout the years before I got too old and mom got too busy, but the fall one was always my favorite,” I explained.
“Are you going to be making Cedarwick’s famous apple cider? I know a few people who will be really excited if you are. Your grandpa was a legend here.” And knowing my grandpa, I knew he hated that title. He always said it was grandma’s recipe that got him through and it was a pack effort. He just continued the process alone to honor them when they were gone.
“That's the goal. We'll see if I’m able to make it happen, I have to get my feet under me first. Plus, it's been a while. I'm not sure I even remember the recipe and I don't know if he left it for me. But I want mine to be just as good as his.” Determination warmed my chest. It seemed like such a simple thing, making cider, but to me it was a sign that I’d figured out life on the orchard and I couldn’t wait to give it a go.
“I'm sure it will be,'' he said confidently, even though he didn't even know me that well.
We fell into companionable silence as he drove through the outskirts of town. As soon as we hit the main road, he started noting all the changes that had happened in the last several years.
“Right there used to be a candy shop. It was run by old man Lawry,” he said, gesturing to the tiny building.
“I remember that place, grandpa took me there once after I fell off the ladder at the apple orchard. I just got a little banged up but I think he felt bad so he brought me here for some chocolate. It was a solid move, grandma taught him well,” I joked.
“Well now the only thing you're going to get there is fish or pet food. It’s a small pet supply store now.”
“The candy store was better,” I teased and he didn't bother to disagree. From his hatred of black coffee, I’d wager he was just as much of a sweets lover as I was.
My eyes caught on the old diner that looked like it was stuck in time. “Should I assume that Beatrice doesn't work at the diner anymore?”
He shook his head. “Old Beatty’s still there. I don’t think she even ages anymore, she stopped at seventy and she’ll just be here in Holiday Hollow, making pies for all eternity.”
“Sounds good to me. Her pie was amazing. I’ll have to go visit soon.”
