Page 20 of Talk About… History

Mama was still in her garden, but she must have heard the rumble of the old engine. She stood and was dusting off her knees when I rushed back.

Her eyes widened as I practically ran to her, but she didn’t hesitate to meet my enthusiasm as I explained everything in a huge rush.

“Oh my God, Avery, that’s genius! You’re going to do such a good job,” she said excitedly, dancing in a circle with me as I let out another squeal.

She wrapped me in a hug before stepping back and wrinkling her nose.

“Sorry, I’m all covered in sweat. I need to go clean up, but we are going to have a celebration dinner tonight,” she said, giving me a look that was so full of emotion it nearly made me cry. “I’m so proud of you, Avery. So fucking proud and your dads would be, too.”

She turned and rushed inside, and I swear I saw her wipe away a tear. Maybe it was seeing the drastic change in my mood when I arrived and the excitement I had now.

It was funny how fast things could change in life. A few days ago, I was heartbroken and angry; now I was forging a life for myself and so excited about the changes coming my way.

Walking in on my exes was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Avery

The pretty emerald green and gold business card had haunted me for days. The beta I met had seemed so sweet and gave me space, but I hadn’t been brave enough to message him yet.

I knew the scent-matches I thought I had were fakes, but there was a part of me that was afraid this would turn into a mess, too.

Could I have been wrong because of the amazing herby scent of his shop? Did it make his scent seem so much better?

“Ugh, I need coffee to deal with this,” I groaned, not thinking too hard about the fact I was talking to myself. Right then, I just needed to clear my head.

I tucked the card back into my pocket where it had lived, being transferred each night and morning like some sort of fucked up ritual. It wasn’t like I needed to cling to it, I was clearly just losing my damn mind.

Mama was still asleep for once so I took the truck again. I’d grab her a green tea to thank her for letting me use it.

I parked at the start of the business district and chose to walk the rest of the way. It was fresh air and coffee I needed and driving right up to the front door wasn’t going to give me that.

The coffee shop wasn’t busy so I stepped behind the only two people in line. It was a nice change from the long lines and rude people that frequented the shop near my old apartment.

As one person stepped away and the line moved forward, someone stepped up behind me. I tensed all at once as the scent of sweet citrus and rosemary hit me. There were hints of sage and other herbs mixed in and I knew exactly who it was.

I guess fate was done with me going back and forth with this business card in my pocket. Before I could turn around to face him, the man in front of me moved away.

“Can I help you?” the young barista asked, her cheery tone startling me at first. I gave an apologetic smile.

“Sorry, I got distracted,” I laughed, but it sounded off. Nothing like winning over the town by sounding deranged. “I’ll take a medium green tea with honey and lemon, then I’ll have a medium iced mocha latte, please. Also, whatever he is having.”

I stepped aside to reveal a stunned beta behind me. He blinked at me, just as startled at my boldness as I was but I just gave him a smile.

“Can I buy your coffee?”

“Uh… sure?” he asked more than answered. The barista bit back a laugh but forged ahead.

“What can I make for you, sir?”

“I’ll take the same latte she got,” he said quickly.

“Do you even know what I ordered?” I asked. His nervousness was making me feel better about my own now.

“Mocha latte sounds nice,” he countered, his smile going from nervous to devastatingly handsome in seconds.

The barista gave me our total quickly before ushering us over to the pickup side of the counter. Once she left us alone all I could do was flicker an apologetic glance at Cohen.

I pulled out the card to show I still had it. “I’ve been working up the courage to message.”

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