CHAPTER 31
ABEL
“Alrighty people, listen up!”Aaron carries Hazel in a baby wrap as he gives everyone directions. The vendors for the festival set up last night and we’re just smoothing out day of stuff. “Doors open in an hour. We want to make this as epic as possible. I hope everyone has fun and if you need a runner, don’t hesitate to text the number we gave you on your information packet. We’ll send one of our volunteers over. Does anyone have any questions?”
Buckle grins from his space by the wall with the other volunteers. Perry shakes his head from his spot in the crowd. All three of us wear pink and I’ve got one of my scarves on as well as a beanie with a heart on the front. I wanted to look festive.
But Aaron takes the cake with festive wear. The man is in an honest-to-goodness navy blue suit with big bright red hearts all over the slacks and jacket. His baby wrap is pastel pink and doesn’t clash with the red. He even has a glittery pink headband in his hair. Pax, on the other hand, sits along the wall wearing a soft-looking pink shirt with a heart outline on the chest. I’m sure Aaron insisted.
A few vendors ask questions, but nothing major comes up, so Aaron dismisses everyone back to their spots while we wait for the festival to start. There are a few outdoor things to do, like the carriage rides and food trucks, but everything else is inside to stay warm and toasty.
Buckle makes his way to Perry and me. “Anything I can help my lovely mates with now?”
I take his hand and shake my head. “Now we just wait. Things might get loud when kids start showing up. But right now, all you gotta do is look pretty.” I tug him over and kiss his cheek.
“That I can do.”
Perry squeezes my hand as he looks at the decor. Aaron, me, and a few others decorated before the vendors showed up last night to set up. I can’t wait for everyone to see the dance hall.
“I wanna go on one of the carriage rides,” Perry says. “It’ll be so romantic.”
I nod and hope we get the chance. We should. The vendors are set up from 9am to 4pm. Specifically, so we get the chance to play around with the games and other activities if we want. I plan to take advantage of the jump castle at some point. But a carriage ride with hot chocolate and my mates? That’s what romance dreams are.
Perry pulls me into a kiss, but when it ends, I see someone over his shoulder. Someone that shouldn’t be here. A shiver runs down my spine. Anya needs to go.
“I’ll see you both soon.” Perry pats my cheek. I’m glad he doesn’t notice how fast my heart beats. He gives me another quick peck. “Gotta make sure Molly and Ryan are good.”
“Go with him,” I tell Buckle. “I’m good.” I don’t want them witnessing me go after Anya. Buckle kisses me, soft and sweet, and I wish I could melt into his and Perry’s arms. But I need them to leave for now.
When I’m alone, I run in the direction I saw Anya go. My heart threatens to beat out of my chest, but I have to find her. Have to confront her.
I try not to push people out of my way, but I accidentally trip another vendor. I can’t just leave them and help get them sorted out again. By the time I can look for Anya again, I’ve lost her.
That’s fine. Just fine. Everything is fine. My phone vibrates, reminding me I need to get to my booth. I’ll find her later or I’m sure she’ll find me.
Hours pass and despite the Anya spotting this morning, I can’t wipe the smile from my face.
“Oh, these are adorable.” Elsbeth picks up one of my scarves with hearts all over it. “I’ll take it and the matching hat. Ah! And this cute little star.” She gathers a few more things and the other Beta Bitches show up behind her, essentially wiping out my booth. They go on their merry way, buying from every vendor they come across.
Since I’m empty, I clean up my booth and head over to Perry’s, where he’s swamped with people. I’m glad he has Molly and Ryan helping him. I give him a wave and feel my blush when I notice someone handling a dildo out in the open, flopping it around and giggling.
Buckle and I help Perry with his booth when Molly and Ryan go on a break. There are so many people around Naughty Nook and I’m glad I convinced Aaron to go for it. We’re behind a tinsel curtain, with someone checking ages in front of it.
When 4pm comes around, we’re exhausted, but there’s still so much to do and then the dance later tonight. My stomach rumbles as we tear down Perry’s booth. I still want to play games and do the other activities. Perry looks dead on his feet, though.
I pull him into my arms. “My lovely Omega, how about we go on that carriage ride?” We sway together.
“That sounds perfect,” Buckle says from the other side of the table.
I use a bit of privilege as one of the organizers to reserve a spot ASAP on the carriage. We each grab food from a different truck and share it before our turn. Buckle watches us and I swear if I got up close, his pupils would be heart-shaped.
Maybe I drop my news now. “I saw Anya this morning.”
Perry stiffens in his seat.
“What?” Buckle growls.
I hold up a hand and stuff my face with a donut hole before continuing. “I have a plan.”
