It was strange how she mentioned friends, but I’d yet to see her with anyone in town, not that I got out much either. From what Lily had told me, most of the townspeople were steering clear of Autumn because she’d been walking around with a scowl since she arrived. I was hopeful that I could help change that. I’d noticed she smiled more when I was around and even more so with her sisters.
“Well, let’s see if it’s as legendary as you say.”
I finished hauling off my skates and tossed them into my duffle bag with my practice clothes and then hurried Autumn’s skates back to the rental booth.
The drive to the restaurant was quick and we found a spot to park across the street. The sign for Angelo’s blinked a few times before illuminating. I could see through the windows that the place was packed, even though it was late, just around eight in the evening.
When we stepped inside the place conversations continued to flow, but I noticed the watchful eyes taking us in. Autumn didn’t seem to as she stepped up to the counter to place our order. In the car, we’d already decided on a large pepperoni pizza and two beers. The eyes of the teen working behind the counter widened as I handed him my black American Express card.
“I’ll have your order right out, Colton. . .er. . . Mr. Crawford. . .er,” the boy squeaked.
“Thanks.” I chuckled as I guided Autumn to the only available table in the middle of the restaurant. I’d really hoped for a bit of privacy so the chance of being interrupted would be minimal.
“To our first official date,” I explained as I held out my beer.
Autumn repeated my statement and we clinked our bottles together before taking a pull of the cold liquid.
As the people around us chattered away, Autumn asked me questions about hockey and then if I’d heard anything more about my potential sister.
I finally confessed to Autumn that I learned the twenty-year-old lived in Knoxville and after she sent me a picture of herself with our mother from her childhood, I was pretty convinced it was the real thing. The girl, Nina, had the woman’s nose and pale skin color, but I had the woman’s eyes. It was like looking in the mirror.
But I still wasn’t sure if I wanted to meet the girl or what she was after in the long run. Thankfully, before Autumn could dissect my hesitation any further, the pizza arrived.
It was covered in cheese that dripped off the edges of the slices and grease that made the first bite even more delicious than I imagined.
“Good, right?” Autumn asked around a mouthful of saucy goodness.
“So good. I can see why you raved about it.”
“This place hasn’t changed in years. Even the pictures on the walls are the same.” She laughed, looking over her shoulder with a wide grin.
“It’s nice, you know.”
“What is?” she pondered as she turned to face me.
“Seeing you smile.”
In response, Autumn shoved another piece of pizza in her mouth and I went ahead and grabbed the last slice.
The bus-boy hurried over to collect our dishes and clean the table as we stood. There was a line out the door, even on a weekday, so I wasn’t surprised they wanted the table.
Just as we were about to exit, a little boy tugged on Autumn’s jacket. She bent down until she was eye level with a kid that could be no more than five or six, then glanced up at me.
“He wants to know if he can get an autograph. You’re his favorite player.” She was hesitant in her question and I knew that was because she didn’t know how I would respond. If I start signing for one, I’d have to sign for whomever else asked while we were here.
But I couldn’t deny the hopeful look in the child’s eyes. I’d regret it for eternity.
“Sure, kid. What’s your name?” I asked him as he handed me the restaurant’s paper children’s menu. The back was blank and I carefully wrote out the name Jackson and thanked him for being my biggest fan. With practiced ease, I scribbled my name and handed the sheet back to the kid’s parents, who were standing behind him.
With Autumn’s help, we posed for a picture with the family and then one with me and Jackson.
“Thank you,” the mother said before they went back to their table.
A few other people gathered and I quickly signed autographs and took pictures with them, all while keeping an eye on Autumn as she stood to the side. I didn’t miss her content smile as she chatted with a few of the people seated close by.
Once I finished with the small group, I was pleasantly shocked that no one else had come up. Not that I wasn’t appreciative of every single person who supported me, but I wanted time with Autumn.
“You’re really good with your fans,” she said as I held the door open for her to exit. She barely had to tuck her head as she passed under my extended arm.
“I am eternally grateful for them all. But I’m glad the entire restaurant didn’t line up.”
“I could see how that would be a bit overwhelming when you just want to grab something to eat.”
“Par for the course, I’m afraid. So far that was the first time anyone has approached me in Ashfield, which is surprising.”
“They may be gossipers, but they’ll respect your privacy at the same time. It’s a weird oxymoron, I know.”
“Nah, I get it.”
We settled into my truck and I headed toward both of our homes, eager to find out if I could convince her to stay the night.
But my worry subsided when Autumn’s voice filled the cab.
“Colton, do you think you could show me the things that were found in the house. . .tonight?”
I know it wasn’t her intention, but my cock jerked from behind the confines of my jeans.
“Absolutely.”
