AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes, Dad,” Hunter said, rolling his eyes.
“So now what?” Boone asked. “How do we show her this is where she belongs?”
“We stop holding back,” I said, giving Hunter a pointed look. “We ask her on dates, we enjoy the festival and all the stuff leading up to it. We court her.”
It sounded so easy when I said the words out loud. I just hoped it played through exactly as we planned. Because Autumn wasn’t just any omega, she wasouromega.
Chapter18
Autumn
Carl’s news had been on par with what I’d expected, which only had me even more convinced to go ahead with my plan for the orchard. Janet and I were still flushing out some details and legalities, but I had a feeling it’d be just what this town and I both needed.
Claire’s shop was busy when I walked in so I simply joined the line. I was a patient person and my laptop was in my bag, so I could wait out a lull in customers before approaching her.
“Oh my god! Autumn!” Claire yelled excitedly, waving me over.
Well, nevermind about waiting her out. She was giving me the perfect opportunity.
“Hey, Claire,” I greeted her. “I wanted to speak to you about something if you have time some time soon?”
“Give me your order and about ten minutes to clear this line, then I’m yours,” she promised.
“You’re so sweet,” I said with a relieved smile. She was a much easier person to approach than Adrien had been. Between her bubbly personality and the way she focused on you, it felt like talking with a friend.
After telling her to surprise me I went off to claim one of the few empty chairs. It was about two seconds flat before a group of older women approached me. They were a cloud of perfume, permed hair, and bright lipstick in varying shades.
“Hello ladies,” I greeted with a smile.
“Autumn,” one of the women gushed. “I’m Edith. This is Fran and Patty.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said. “Do you want to join me? I’m meeting Claire in a bit but you’re welcome to sit, there aren’t many options left today.”
“Thank you, dear,” Patty said as she sat down, the two omegas following the beta’s lead. “It’s almost festival time, everyone will be scrambling for the next few weeks. And that means that coffee is essential.”
I laughed at her words. “I couldn’t agree more. Without coffee, I’d never accomplish anything.”
“You and me both,” Fran said, saluting with her cup. The paper was stained with a bright pink lip mark.
“Have you decided yet what you’re going to be doing with the orchard?” Edith asked. She was trying to be sly.She failed. This was very clearly a gossip session.
“I did,” I said mysteriously, giving them a wink. “But the plans aren’t fully laid out yet so I don’t want to spoil the fun.”
“I told you that she wouldn’t just spill her guts because we wanted to know,” Patty cackled at her and her friends’ expense. “Sorry about that, Autumn. We’re nosy, it’s a problem.”
I chuckled. “It’s okay. I promise the wait will be worth it. And to give you a glimpse, I’ve been trying my hand at making cider lately. Not quite there but I’m determined.”
They all let out an excited squeal before Fran gave me a grin. “I can’t wait to try it.”
“Oh my god. Did you guys hear about Landon, Mary’s boy?” Patty said in a hushed whisper that literally everyone around us could hear.
“No,” Edith gasped, fully invested. “Is he the one with acne or the one with that awful girlfriend?”
“That’s exactly the story. Apparently that girl met a new alpha and they ran off to the city,” she stage whispered.
“No!” Fran gasped. “But he’s handsome and has a job.”
“The other alpha had a motorcycle,” she countered with a wistful sigh. “How can an omega resist that?”
