Page 6 of Lavender and Honey

But as I handed him his receipt, our fingers brushed, and I couldn't shake the feeling that he was anything but ordinary. As he turned to leave, that lingering scent seemed to whisper of possibilities I'd long since buried. His green eyes glanced at me one more time, giving me a small smirk and wave as he left through the door the sound of the doorbell echoing…leaving me a mess on what this encounter could mean…if anything.

The bell's jingle faded, leaving behind an emptiness that seemed to echo through the store. I stood frozen, my gaze fixed on the space where he'd been, as if I could will him back into existence. His scent lingered, a tantalizing whisper that tugged at memories I'd long buried.

"Get it together, Lydia," I muttered, shaking my head. My hands moved mechanically, reorganizing the paints he'd disturbed, but my mind refused to focus. Why did he affect me so strongly? I'd worked for years to build this life, this carefully constructed cocoon of solitude. One chance encounter shouldn't be enough to unravel everything. Between him and Elias…I didn’t know if moving to this town was such a good idea now.

I grabbed a rag, wiping down the counter with more force than necessary. "It's nothing," I told myself firmly. "Just an alpha. Just a customer. Nothing more." But even as I tried to convince myself, I knew it was a lie. There had been something about him, something that called to a part of me I'd thought long silenced. The omega in me, the part that yearned for pack, for connection, stirred restlessly.

The shrill ring of my phone cut through my spiraling thoughts like a knife. I fumbled in my pocket, grateful for the distraction. The name Avery, flashed on the screen. A small smile tugged at my lips despite my inner turmoil.

Avery had been one of the people who knew me since we were young, she was a Beta and knew a lot of my insecurities and helped me get out of my parent’s house when things had gone south with them trying to almost sell me off to an arranged pack marriage. She had been there and checked on me at least once a week or every other week if she got busy with her job.

"Hey, stranger," I said, leaning against the counter. My fingers traced the worn wood grain, a familiar texture that grounded me as I tried to shake off the lingering effects of the alpha's visit.

"Stranger? That's rich coming from you," Avery's voice came through, light and teasing. "How's life in the land of the small town charm?"

I let out a soft chuckle, but it felt hollow even to my own ears. "Oh, you know," I murmured, my gaze drifting to the window.Outside, leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, a stark contrast to the tumult of emotions swirling within me. "Quiet. Peaceful."

As the words left my mouth, I realized how unconvincing they sounded. My free hand absently reached for my scarf, wrapping it tighter around my neck as if it could shield me from Avery's perceptiveness.

"Lydia," Avery's tone softened, concern seeping through. "What's really going on?" She always was able to tell when something was wrong. I didn’t want to bother her with this…it really was just me overreacting. It was nothing.

I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply. The faint scent of turpentine and canvas mingled with the lingering traces of the alpha's presence. "Nothing," I insisted, even as my inner omega whined in protest. "Just... adjusting. Still."

"Sounds boring," she quipped, her voice carrying a hint of exasperation, but I could tell she was letting the subject drop for now. But I knew she would try to circle back to it before the phone call ended… "You're still hiding out in that art store of yours, aren't you?"

I flinched at her words, my grip tightening on the phone. "I'm not hiding," I protested weakly, even as my eyes darted around the familiar confines of the store. The shelves of neatly arranged supplies suddenly felt less like comfort and more like walls closing in. "I'm just... focusing on my work."

Avery sighed, the sound crackling through the line. "Lydia, when was the last time you actually went out? And I don't mean to restock supplies." My silence was answer enough. I moved to the window, watching as a few people strolled by outside, their easy camaraderie a stark reminder of my self-imposed isolation. A couple walked hand in hand, and I felt a pang of longing that I quickly tried to suppress.

"It's not that simple," I finally murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "You know why I came here. Why I can't just..."I trailed off, unable to finish the thought. The memory of the alpha's scent flashed through my mind again, and I shook my head, trying to clear it. Why was it affecting me so much? I'd been so careful, so determined to keep my distance from pack dynamics and hiding my omega status. But now, with just one brief encounter, I felt my carefully constructed walls beginning to crumble.

Avery's skeptical huff crackled through the phone. "Uh-huh," she said, clearly unconvinced. "You're still going to the farmers' market, right? Please tell me you're at least doing that…and not just going home and stocking up for supplies."

I hesitated, my mind flashing to Elias and his easy smile. "I've been going," I admitted, the words feeling strange on my tongue. The image of his market stall, vibrant with colorful jars of preserves and crusty loaves of bread, rose unbidden in my mind.

"Really?" Avery's voice brightened instantly, though I could tell she was surprised I was even doing that. I didn’t go out for myself. I stayed home and came to work in my art store and painted projects when I had time between the customers, "That's great, Lydia! How is it?"

My fingers toyed with a loose thread on my sleeve as I considered how to respond. "It's... lively," I said carefully, recalling the buzz of conversation and the mingling scents of fresh produce and baked goods. "There's this one vendor, Elias. He sells homemade pasta and preserves."

"Good. It's important to get out there, meet people," Avery said, her enthusiasm palpable even through the phone. "Who knows? You might even make a friend."

I felt a small smile tugging at my lips, despite my usual reservations. "I wouldn't go that far," I murmured, but Elias's warm hazel eyes and gentle demeanor flashed in my memory. "But... it's not as overwhelming as I thought it would be."

"There we go," Avery said, her tone brightening. I could almost see her triumphant grin. "Baby steps. Anyway, I just wanted to check in. Make sure you're not turning into a hermit."

I glanced around my empty store, the familiar sight of neatly arranged art supplies suddenly feeling a bit too still, too quiet. "I'm not a hermit," I protested weakly, even as a small part of me wondered if that's exactly what I'd become. "I interact with customers every day."

But as I said it, I realized how different those interactions were from the warm, genuine connection I'd felt, however briefly, with Elias at the market. The memory of his smile, so open and inviting, made something flutter in my chest – a feeling I quickly tamped down.

“You need more constant interaction with people on a personal level…I won’t push but it has been a year and I am getting worried for you.” Avery’s tone was soft and I withheld a wince. I knew she was worried, but I couldn't help my feelings.

“I can try…but I feel uncomfortable…” I really felt awkward trying to talk to others at the farmers market. In the art store I knew what to say or even ask…it was art…a broad and easy thing to talk about for me.

“Just try.” Avery told me, and I knew she wouldn’t let it go.

"…I can’t promise anything coming out of it though," I said with a laugh, trying to inject some lightness into my voice. My fingers absently traced the edge of a nearby canvas, the rough texture a stark contrast to the smooth phone in my hand. I could feel Avery's concern radiating through the line, even as she tried to keep things casual.

“Thanks for calling to check up on me though. I know you worry way too much.” I told her with a teasing tone to my voice. I did appreciate having her in my life. She was one of my people. Someone I knew I could tell anything and wouldn’t judge me.

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