Page 13 of A Farmer’s Guide To Gamers

I hurried out the door, locking it behind me, and sliding into the passenger seat. She turned it down with a smirk.

“Your musical taste is wild, bestie,” I commented as I put on my sunglasses and rolled the window down. I needed to cool down after running around to get ready for this impromptu dinner.

“Before you share your tea, I also have some to share with you,” she said with a wide grin. “My big brother is home!”

“Dean?! When did he get back?” I asked, nervous and hoping that my scent wasn’t giving away how much that news affected me.

It’s been years and that teenage crush had never fully faded for my best friend’s older brother. Dean had always been this older guy, muscular, a man’s man kind of vibe— but not in a toxic way. He was my ideal damn alpha in most of my fantasies to this day even though I hadn’t seen him in years.

“Girl, you’ve met this alpha and just the mention of Dean gets you that worked up?” she teased before taking mercy on me and starting down the drive.

“I’m sure seeing him now will take care of my teenage crush,” I brushed it off and smiled as I thought of Jack from last night. “Plus, the alpha from last night is definitely a great way to help me move past that. It was just a one night thing, though.”

“Oh really, a one night stand brought that smile to your face? Hmmm, must have been some night.”

“It was. He messaged asking me to have dinner and meet his pack but then he cancelled right after. Apparently, he didn’t realize the pack had plans tonight,” I admitted. “And for some reason, I’m genuinely upset by it. Even though it wasn’t a brush off or rejection.”

“Our omegas are wild sometimes,” she said with a small chuckle. “And maybe he wasn’t one night stand material. Did he reschedule?”

“Yes,” I said quickly. “For tomorrow. That’s why it feels so crazy that I’m upset.”

“We feel what we feel. Maybe we can find something cute for you to wear tomorrow while we’re out.” That did sound better than overthinking.

We caught up for a bit, staying off the topic of alphas and crushes as we got our boba in town and started thrifting before dinner. We talked about small town stuff— what was going on with some of the people around town, the gossip, and of course the shenanigans of the town council of Magnolia Ridge.

“I need to know more about this alpha, though,” Sabrina stated as soon as we got back in the car. “I could tell you didn’t want to share too much as we walked around the store but you’re sharing details with me before we go anywhere. And you know my mom will hate it if we’re late.”

“That’s evil!” I half-protested as I finished off my boba and then let my head fall back. “He was amazing, Sabrina. He let me take the lead. Could follow directions. A great sense of humor. He was… very enthusiastic."

“Are you sure he was an alpha?” she joked, but I could see some of her skepticism there.

“He’s unlike any alpha I’ve ever met. Not too experienced but excited for me to show him what I liked. He didn’t talk over me and was a bit on the nerdy side.”

“A unicorn among alphas. Does he have a brother?” she joked as she finally started to drive. Even she wasn’t willing to be late to dinner.

Jade was a force to be reckoned with on a good day. Even more so when there was food involved.

“So, any new alphas in your life?” I asked now that she had some of the details. At least, the ones I was willing to share.

“Ugh, fine, keep the dirty details,” she pouted. “And no. We need some fresh meat in Magnolia Ridge.”

The closer she drove to her family home, the more my nerves spiked up. Dean was my first big crush and way out of my league. That and our few years apart felt a lot bigger back then.

“We’re here.”

The prospect of seeing Dean again had my omega all up in a tizzy like she knew something I didn’t.

Tillie

“Tillie you made it!”

Jade greeted me loudly with a warm smile and hug.

I hugged her back, loving the way Sabrina’s family had always felt like a natural extension of my own.

Smiling, I pulled back and thanked her for letting me borrow Sabrina this afternoon for some bestie time.

“Of course.” Jade patted my cheek. “She told me you needed to share about some alpha you met. I can’t wait to hear the tea later, girls.” She gave us both a look that said this talk later was inescapable.