Page 30 of Autumn Kissed

“Archer was a great sport to go with me,” she says. “Shows what a great friend he is.”

Clearly, she’s read between the lines and is now comforting me.

How embarrassing.

“He was definitely out of his comfort zone, though,” she continues. “I had to bribe him to get him there. Maple bars seem to be his kryptonite.”

An idea plants in my mind. “He likes those, does he?”

“Can never have enough, I hear.”

Excellent. “Mrs. Keller?” I ask as the other customer leaves. “Can I also get half a dozen maple bars?”

“Sure thing.”

I pay for my new bribery instruments and raise them toward Sadie as I back up toward the door. “Thanks for the tip.”

I push the door open with my backside, but she raises a finger to stop me. “Oh, word to the wise. Archer’s usually at the stables, but on Mondays, he likes to eat lunch at Maple Bar and Grill around one.” She shrugs. “In case anyone wanted to know.”

I have a feeling Sadie and I are going to become quick friends.

I thank her again, then leave the bakery. I’ve got a couple hours to kill before heading to the restaurant, but knowing Archer will be there beats my original plan of trying to find him—grabbing my little pink bike from home and riding it to Horseshoe Holler.

I stand outside the bakehouse and send a quick text to Landrie.

Juliet

I’m so sorry, but do you think we can postpone lunch until tomorrow?

Landrie

OMGosh, yes, please. I’m SWAMPED with all this wedding planning and totally forgot that I’ve got a dress fitting with Gina Stevenson I can’t miss today in Burlington. So sorry, girl! Tomorrow it is! Can’t wait to catch up on all the thiiiiiings!

I heart her response. I’m excited to hear all about the wedding—especially after finding out it’ll be held at Horseshoe Holler.

But that can wait for another day.

With a spring in my step, I make for the library. I may not have school assignments to finish, but I figure going there will alleviate any remaining guilt I have for lying to Dad.

Halfway up Main, however, I spy him leaving Town Hall. He looks left and right down the sidewalk, then casts a lingering gaze across the street at the library doors. Finally, gaze still darting from side-to-side, he climbs into his SUV and pulls out onto the road, heading in the opposite direction of where I stand.

I narrow my eyes at his departing car and license plate—MAYR4LF. Is it just me, or did he look insanely suspicious just now?

My thoughts rush as I absentmindedly arrive at the library, walking past decorated boards with flyers I don’t pay much attention to.

“Morning,” greeted Maggie, one of the librarians, in a dull tone. She twists her hair and stares down at her phone instead of making any effort to look at me.

Another librarian, Emma Harper, walks nearby, wheeling a cart of children’s books before she sees me. “Hey, girl! I didn’t know you were back.”

“Hi, Emma.”

Like Sadie, Emma has red hair, but hers is more auburn with the locks cut in a cute bob. “How long are you back for?”

“As long as possible. I can’t hack being away from Autumn Ridge.”

“Oh, I was the same way,” Emma says. “Hence why I’m still here.”

She’s eight years older than me and has worked at the library since she was in high school herself. She also left Autumn Ridge for college, though she ended up coming back after graduating.