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Of course, when the guys found out that I was going with the girls to Holiday Brews, the local microbrewery, where Claire’s friend Lindsay worked, it was an event. They had a few choice words to say about tourist season and made me promise to let them pick me up afterward.
It had only been a couple days since our conversation, but everything felt different. But still, I was glad for a moment to catch up with Claire and meet the friends she’d told me so much about. Plus, her mate Riley who I adored, and was so thrilled to find out they were finally together. He got a pass because he was apparently a part of girls’ night long before they were together.
“Why do I feel like this night is going to end up with one of us getting arrested?” I questioned. “People are still talking about the party you threw for Cole and I’s graduation.”
“That’s because I keep on spreading it,” my grandma cackled from the living room. “Now go. I’ve got money to win, and I need to practice my gloating.”
We took Claire’s car since the guys were giving me a ride home. One thing I loved about Holiday Hollow was how close everything was. If I wasn’t wearing heels for the first time in ages, I would have said we could have walked.
There was something so magical about this place and the people in it. The sense of community that everyone had. I felt it once again as I entered the bar, the locals greeting me like a long-lost friend.
“We’re over here,” Claire said, pointing to a reserved high-top table front and center between the bar, small stage, and dance floor.
Three people were waiting there for us, drinks already in hand, one of which I recognized immediately.
“Do my eyes deceive me, or is little Summer Wagner all grown up?” Riley exclaimed as he jumped off his stool and gave me the up-down while holding out his arms for a hug.
I was wearing a dress from my pre-Theo days, since I hadn’t needed to buy one after. Even I could acknowledge that motherhood had been kind to me, my breast slightly fuller and my hips no longer stick straight.
Laughing, I gave the beta a hug, noting how his and Claire’s scents now clung to his skin, along with others. I couldn’t wait for that to be me.
Already I was planning on how I could take a few pieces of my own pack’s stuff to sleep in. I knew I could ask, and they’d be all for it, but I didn’t want to admit just how much I wanted to roll around in their used clothes just yet.
“Summer, these are our besties, Autumn and Lindsay,” Claire said, making the introductions. “You probably remember Lindsay, but Autumn just moved here about a year ago and owns the orchard.”
“I couldn’t do anything without these two,” Autumn said, laughing it off. “Riley keeps everything running, and Claire is a mastermind using my product in all her sweet treats.”
“Well, it’s nice to finally meet you,” I said. “I’ve heard nothing but good things. And hi again, Lindsay. It’s good to see you.”
“You look like you could use a drink,” she said in lieu of greeting. “And trust me, if there’s one thing I know from working here since they opened is when someone needs a cold one.”
“I think you’re going to be my new best friend,” I said, nodding my head in agreement while Claire and Riley both claimed mock offense.
Lindsay looked over to the bar for a moment, and the next thing I knew, a beta was cutting through the tables and heading our way.
“Need something, Linds?” he asked, his eyes only momentarily sweeping the tables before focusing on ours.
“How do you feel about mojitos?” Lindsay asked me.
“I love them,” I agreed, remembering the mintiness of Miller’s scent.
“Will you make us a pitcher please, Dustin?” she asked, batting her eyes at the man who was clearly infatuated with her.
His lips twitched at her expression, but he agreed, letting her know that the next round would be waters.
My phone vibrated and I pulled it out to take a look not wanting to chance that Theo might need something.
Cole: Hope you have fun tonight, Shortcake. Don’t worry about a thing, we have everything covered!
Miles: Enjoy yourself, and have fun. Be sure to hydrate between drinks.
Bash: Send pictures if you get a chance, Sunshine <3
“Okay, which one is texting you?” Riley said, leaning into me and whispering while keeping an eye on Lindsay, who was still chatting up the guy who had come over. “Your cheeks are as pink as pie.”
“A few of them,” I told him, showing him the screen.
“Oh girl, I got you,” he said, taking the phone. “Say big dick energy!”
