“Oh, I haven’t even looked at the menu,” Autumn realized as she grabbed one off the table and glanced through it quickly. “How about the fall harvest french toast and a glass of milk. I know it’s lunchtime but I can’t resist.”
“Sure,” she said with more than a little judgment in her voice before turning back to us and smiling bright. “Can I get you anything, Boone?”
She was practically purring her words and I knew how much he was hating this right about now, especially as he shifted back in his seat an inch from her attention.
“Actually, I’d love another coffee and a slice of pie. I’ll take the peach, and he’ll take the cherry,” I said for both of us.
“On it,” she promised before rushing off.
“Tough crowd,” Autumn noted, shooting me a questioning look. “Did I piss off a girlfriend or something?”
“No,” I promised. “She’s been after Boone for years and she’s just not really his type.”
“Does the man speak for himself?” Autumn teased. There was no judgment behind it, the words felt more curious, like she was trying to figure us out.
We weren’t the best example of a pack, with living different places and having Boone be willfully, stubbornly independent. My brother and I were close and Boone had always been our best friend, but the man had trust issues. Honestly they both did. Their issues were understandable, but they also made things difficult. He had a room at the house but rarely used it.
“Sometimes,” Boone said, evenly as he took a sip of his own coffee. “Did you get the place painted?”
She smiled. “I think I underestimated my free time. There’s so much to do but yeah I got some painting done in the house that day. It’s just about all I’ll be able to get done for a while. The whole orchard needs some TLC but we’re hiring some hands and setting plans in motion.”
There was a pride in her that I’d seen in her grandfathers, especially Roger. I was glad someone was taking over the orchard that truly loved it.
Holiday Hollow was a special town and having an outsider come in wasn’t easy for most people. If she had tried to sell it I think we’d all be holding our breath, afraid someone would buy it and try to turn it into a franchise. Our town thrived on family owned and small businesses, something we prided ourselves on and honestly, it gave the town its charm.
“Here you go,” Theresa said as she slid across the coffee, and pie, before turning and offering Autumn her milk and french toast. “I’m Theresa by the way. How long are you in town for?”
“Autumn. I just got to town but I’m taking over my family’s orchard,” she said with a smile. Theresa seemed to relax a bit at that and left with a quick ‘enjoy your food’.
“Looks like your sweet tooth strikes again,” I teased her as she dug into the apple crumble topped french toast. She narrowed her eyes playfully.
“Don’t act like you don’t have just as big of one.” Her pretty eyes flickered to the pie in front of me. “And don’t think I missed how much sugar you keep on hand.”
Boone let out a short laugh that had Autumn beaming. It took a lot to earn one of those from him so it was well deserved pride on her part.
We all ate in companionable silence, throwing out the random town gossip and small talk here and there. By the time she pushed her plate away with a groan, the place had all but cleared out.
“Glad my headache is gone now at least,” she said. “I love marketing and business planning but staring at the screen for too long is the worst, especially when I forget to eat.”
I made a note to make sure to invite her over to dinner more, and if she politely refused, then I’d just make extra servings and leave them on her doorstep.
“At least you have the perfect land to take walks on to clear your mind,” Boone offered. She smiled wistfully at that.
“You haven’t lived until you’ve watched the sun rise against that backdrop,” she agreed. “I’m a lucky woman. It’s definitely not something I got in the city.”
“Just remember we’re around if you need anything,” I said.
“You too,” she challenged. “Friendship goes both ways. But I’m sure Boone will see me soon enough, I need to get some materials to fix the stairs and I’ll be bugging you for some Fall Festival insight. You might regret your hospitable offer.”
“Not a chance,” I promised. Our conversation was cut off as Beatrice came over with our checks. Before Autumn could complain much Boone snatched both and slid out of the booth to go pay at the register. The old woman took his spot without hesitation and started grilling Autumn about everything that had happened since she’d come last as a kid. She was just as open and sweet to her as she was with us. It was rare to find someone who was genuinely just nice.
“I have to get back to work,” Boone announced, just grunting at Autumn’s thanks for paying for her food before waving and rushing out.
“You’ve won over Boone already?” Beatrice asked in shock. “I’m impressed.”
“He’s sweet,” Autumn offered. “I hear he’s responsible for all this gorgeous work.” She waved at the diner and Beatrice nodded enthusiastically.
“Yes! He was a godsend. I mentioned it one day while replacing my stash of lightbulbs and he offered to help. Within six months we had a whole new look and last tourist season I got twice as much business.”