The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

Chapter 7 - Autumn

Wow. This guy was making my heart race just by the smallest of conversation. I am damn sure that had never happened in all the times we had spent together growing up. And we had stayed friends well into our teens...

I felt his eyes upon me multiple times... And Theo smiled as he helped me make the drinks for him and his parents. "So, you don't live around here?" he asked, and I couldn't help but notice the genuine interest in his tone as he spoke to me. At least while I am here there may be one person that actually wanted to talk to me.

I shook my head. "I left about five years ago. I live in the city now. Not that my parents will admit that." I winked at him without thinking, because I knew he was aware of what my parents were like. Exceedingly high standards that were almost impossible to meet. His parents were similar, but maybe not quite as bad...

"I may need some advice from you then, sweetheart, because I too, am about to shame the parents and look to move to the city." he winked back, but oddly, when he winked at me I found butterflies filling in my belly. How strange...

"Really? Are you not planning to continue traveling?"

He shook his head. "Maybe a little here and there, but I have offers of regular work here, so I am considering that. Traveling can be for holidays, right?" he grinned at me; and damn... his smile was to die for. His whole face lit up.

I nodded in agreement, unsure quite what to say to that. Yeah, that sounded about right. Though I don't think any holidays would be on my horizon any time soon.

"You and your sister spend much time together?" Theo asked, taking me by surprise, though I may have been distracted by watching him leaning against the counterside.

I looked up at him awkwardly, shaking my head, unsure what he would think by this. Did he expect families to be close? "Erm, not really." I chewed my lip uncomfortably.

"She looks like she is turning into your Mum." he whispered and I held back a giggle. I could not believe he saw the same thing that I did. I truly hope he planned to stay for the duration of the holiday break, because he really could be my savior!

Our eyes met as I held back my laughter and I saw amusement in his eyes, as well as a little mischief...

"For goodness sake Autumn, what is taking you so long? Zara and Leo would die of thirst waiting for those drinks." My Mum's voice interrupted the moment between us, and I felt heat rush over my cheeks, before I quickly picked up the mugs from the countertop, carrying them to the table, with an apologetic smile in the direction of the couple.

"Sorry Mrs Anderson, it was my fault, keeping Autumn talking." Theo said as he followed me to the table.

"Oh, I doubt she has anything interesting to say." Elodie said bluntly, causing Theo to give her what I swear was quite a dark glance. I could only imagine what he was thinking about this sorry mess of a family right now.

"Oh, it has been such a long time since you have all seen each other, hasn't it?!" Zara said with a smile. "I was so happy when Theo said he would be home for the holidays. It will be so wonderful to have him home permanently. You are so lucky to have your girls near." she looked towards my Mum, and I looked at Theo awkwardly, now knowing he planned to move to the city...

He offered me a slight knowing smile. Before my Mum spoke again, making me want to simply disappear. Where was that cupboard I mentioned hiding in for the holidays?!

"Oh, Autumn is rarely here. She decided that here was not good enough for her. But Elodie chose to stay local, and we spend so much time together. It is wonderful. So close as mother and daughter, aren't we dear?" she smiled sweetly at my sister, and it turned my stomach. I hadn't decided here wasn't good enough for me at all. I had decided that somewhere else offered me better opportunities for my career. Something neither my Mum nor my sister would agree with because they both planned to stay as the stay-at-home wife type...

I stood from the table to take my mug to the dishwasher, and also to give myself a break from the humiliation that was my mother. Leaving them to chat among themselves. Once I had placed my mug into the dishwasher, I stood looking out of the large window which overlooked the beautiful gardens to the back of the house. I couldn't help but wish I was back in my own garden at home...

I became aware of someone nearby, and realized Taylor was putting his and Elodie's mugs into the dishwasher too. "Avoiding going back to the fiery pits of hell Autumn?" he asked with a grin. I could only assume he meant sitting at the table with my family.

"Maybe." I offered him a half smile. He clearly knew how I felt. But going off the expression upon his face, he seemed to find it almost amusing.

"You had to know how things were going to be if you came home. Annabel doesn't change, so why come home?" he asked, his brow raised in question.

"Guilt, I guess. And no, I don't think she does change. If anything, she seems to get worse." I glanced over at the table to see my mother gesticulating heavily with her hands as she told some tale to the others. This was going to be a long holiday season. As I looked away, my eyes momentarily met Theo's, and he offered me a warm smile. I could not help but smile back.

"Seems you have got yourself a little admirer there, Autumn. I am assuming he doesn't know you are married, does he?" Taylor's voice was teasing, and my heart dropped at his words and my stomach tightened under his critical look. Of course, they all believed all was good within my marriage. And I had no intention of telling them otherwise. The shame and humiliation they would put upon me if I were to share that with them would be too much.

But, did he really think Theo was interested?!

"He is just being friendly, Taylor. We have been friends since being kids." I dismissed his words quickly, with a roll of my eyes, but I could not help but wonder now if I needed to be a little more careful around Theo...