“I am. It’s nice that I’m getting to spend time with your friends.”
Autumn’s heart exploded in her chest.
“Really?”
“Of course. Your friends are important to you. So, getting to know them is a big deal.”
Autumn pulled Quinn back in for a second kiss.
“Let’s get going.” Autumn started walking and Quinn trailed after her.
Piper’s home was freshly decorated and welcoming. Autumn had always admired how hospitable Piper was. It took Autumn months of hyping herself up to invite a group into her home. Piper on the other hand adored inviting people into her space.
Piper greeted them enthusiastically. Her long dark hair that she typically wore down was put up into a tight bun. Piper pulled Autumn in for a hug first then followed suit with Quinn. Autumn watched as Piper clocked the Jello salad. Piper’s eyebrow arched slightly, but she smiled wide as she took the dish from Quinn.
“Come on in. Everyone is here.”
They walked in and Autumn immediately felt welcome. Mel came up and gave her a huge hug. Willow, who had always been slightly more reserved gave Autumn a side hug. River and Brianna waved from their spot beside the food table. Before Autumn had time to protest, River had grabbed Quinn by the arm and pulled her away. Quinn stood with River, Brianna, and Mel. Quinn looked as though she felt right at home here. Though Autumn had noticed that Quinn always seemed to fit with whatever group of people she was with.
“So, things are going well still?” Piper asked.
“Yeah, things are great. I don’t even mind sharing my space with Quinn. Which for me is a big deal.”
“That is pretty big for you,” Willow agreed.
“As your friends, is there anything we should be concerned about?”
“I don’t think so. Quinn seems to be a walking green flag though it’s still early days.”
“I think it’s so sweet how the two of you waited to go out. And you still make eyes at each other from across the room,” Willow swooned.
“Being in love with Mel has changed you as a person,” Piper laughed.
Willow shot Piper a death glare that only made Autumn burst into laughter.
“Okay, but Piper isn’t wrong on this one. You’ve never been this soft with anyone else we’ve ever seen you with.”
“You’re one to talk. You’ve been a hard nut to crack for years. Suddenly Quinn walks onto the scene and you’re smitten,” Willow teased.
Autumn knew the words rang true. There was something so sweet about Quinn that Autumn found all of her walls almost instantly knocked down. That realization should scare her. On the contrary, Autumn felt at ease. She couldn’t imagine Quinn ever going through with something that would knowingly hurt her.
“You’re not wrong and I can’t explain it,” Autumn offered.
“I wouldn’t over think it. Maybe you just found someone who is worth trusting,” Piper suggested, laying a hand on Autumn’s shoulder.
Autumn’s eyes navigated back to Quinn. She was surprised to find that Quinn was looking at her too. Their eyes met and Autumn felt a sudden jolt. Quinn’s deep almond-colored eyes always drew her in. There was such warmth behind those eyes.
From beside her Piper cleared her throat.
“Earth to Autumn,” Piper laughed.
“What?”
“You zoned out making goo-goo eyes at Quinn,” Willow teased.
Autumn felt a red-hot blush spread across her cheeks.
“I’m going to go interrogate your new girlfriend,” Piper announced with a shrug of her shoulders. Piper poured herself another glass of wine before walking up to Quinn. The two seemed friendly, and that did Autumn’s heart good.
