Page 5 of The Autumn Leaf Bookshop (Everly Hollow #1)

Honey Lavender Lattes & Honey Buns

Raene

B efore the bookshop…

A light breeze blows over the sidewalk, my feet carrying me in the direction of the café. The coziness in the air of this town suffocates me regardless of whether I want it or not.

Every shop is adorable, quaint, and sprinkled with its own touch of magic. I was too distracted by the sage green sweater on the mannequin in the storefront window of a boutique named The Velvet Petal.

Ivy creeped lazily up the brick storefront, weaving its tendrils toward the carved wooden sign above the front door.

The glossy leaves shimmered with dew. Rose bushes near the window spill over in fragrant, blush pink blooms. The ivy, emphasizing the sign and the flowers, framed the boutique like a whimsical invitation, promising shoppers of charming trinkets and clothing within.

And the vibes? Absolutely spot on. I couldn't resist grabbing that beautiful, soft sweater, a cute pair of jeans, and the most darling pair of brown suede ankle boots—each with a little bow on the side.

After a sweet chat with the store's owner, who gave me a first-time shopper discount, I completed my purchase and tucked the bags safely into the trunk.

My eyes lift from the view of my feet on the sidewalk to the café, the white and yellow striped awning catches slightly in the wind.

Providing shade to the wrought iron bistro tables and chairs below, each table adorned with an amber, honeycomb-shaped lantern, it also provides ample sunshine and stability to the planters above.

Lush greens and vibrant colored petals—yellows, oranges, reds, and pinks—bloom from above. Trailing blooms angle together beautifully, spilling their vines and beauty in every direction.

The little brass bell above the door jingles softly as I step into The Honeybee Café. The scent of honey, cinnamon, butter, and coffee with floral undertones hit me immediately. This place is adorable.

Cute buttery yellow booths line the far wall, each one lit by a delicate beehive-shaped wooden lantern hanging above the center of the table. It’s filled with a floating orb that casts a soft, golden glow like afternoon sunshine.

The walls are dotted with vintage-style honeybee décor—painted tin signs, and framed embroidery hoops of: honeybees pollinating flowers with soft pink and purple blooms beneath them, a jar of honey with a honey dip stick, and cute quotes that say Thanks for buzzing by, Bee Kind, and Sweet as Honey .

One of the largest walls features a honeycomb cutout, its hexagonal pattern filled with everything from small bee-themed paintings to hanging plants, tea tins, and candles for sale.

Wooden tables fill the center of the café, their tops etched in a subtle honeycomb pattern that catches the light just so, surrounded by matching chairs.

The front display window near the counter is packed with rows of treats that look divine. Flaky croissants, muffins bursting with berries, honey buns dripping with glaze. Behind it, the back counter hums with energy, clinking mugs and the quiet hiss of the espresso machine and a tea kettle.

Yeah, this place is freaking adorable.

“Hi there, and welcome!” Says the cheerful voice of the woman behind the counter.

She’s wearing a soft black apron over a crisp white blouse and well-fitted blue jeans, the word Queen stitched in gold thread across the chest with a large, regal-looking bee below it.

Tiny crowns, embroidered flowers, and mini bees dance across the rest of the fabric like they were made just for her.

Her hands rest comfortably on the counter, bangles in teals and golds, jingling softly with each movement of her wrist. Her skin is a smooth, deep olive tone, giving off a beautiful glow in the soft café.

A messy and curly bun sits atop her head, brown curls framing her face. Her eyes are warm and bright green.

“Hi!” I wave, approaching the counter. My voice seems too cheerful, but honestly, I feel a bit overwhelmed .

A few people are sitting in the booths. People? Magical beings? Monsters?

Two trolls are in a booth with their mugs and crossword puzzles.

In the next booth, a gorgon lounges in the sun, her sunglasses perched on her head among her loosely coiled snakes.

A few appear to be napping as she continues to scroll through a crystal tablet, sipping a latte and nibbling on a berry muffin.

“I’m Jasmira, but everyone calls me Jas.” She smiles, then her eyes narrow, her mouth. “Wait a second.” She holds up her finger before running through the swinging back door.

Okay. That was…odd.

“I know you!” She exclaims, coming back through the door, a book in hand—my latest book—shaking it gently in the air.

“I mean, I don't know you,” she sets the book down on the counter, “but we’re reading your book, for book club! I can’t believe you’re here! Why are you here?” She quickly covers her mouth. “I’m sorry…”

I laugh because she seems like a sweet person with energetic vibes. “You’re okay. No worries. This is my first time in Everly Hollow. I’m visiting my grandmother.”

“Hold up, your grandmother is Vera! Raene Hart is Vera's granddaughter? She told us you were visiting, but she didn’t tell us who you were! Just that you love to write!” She laughs, lightly slapping the counter.

“She’s my maternal grandmother, hence the different last name, but she raised me. I’m happy to be here with her, and this place is…it’s pretty neat. ”

She nods her head. “I love it here, it’s home. Do you have time to chat? I don’t want to be a bother, but…”

“Sure! I have some time. Just running some errands before her surgery tomorrow, so I have some time.” I shrug.

“Great!” She sighs in relief. “What would you like to try? It’s on the house, my treat!”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that!” I say quickly.

“I want to! I love your books, and this is your first time here. I would love to do this for you.”

“Well…thank you. I really appreciate it,” I say, smiling back, genuinely this time.

I scan the chalkboard menu above the counter, the loopy handwritten script surrounded by tiny doodles of bees and flowers. “I think I’ll try the honey lavender latte and a honey bun, please. The biggest one you’ve got.”

Like I need the calories, but it’ll be my late morning snack. It could be worse.

“ Perfect!” Jas claps her hands. “Find yourself a seat and I’ll bring it right over.”

“Will do! Thanks, Jas!”

I think I made my first friend here.

Jas approaches the cozy booth with a tray of two steaming lattes and two small plates, each cradling a large iced honey bun .

The moment the tray hits the table, the warm scent of sugar, honey, and coffee fills my senses. My stomach lets out a rude growl that’s loud enough to make me glance around and pray no one noticed.

“I guess that answers whether you’re hungry,” Jas says with a wink, setting one of the plates in front of me.

I let out a small laugh, lifting the mug to my lips. It feels so comfortable here and cozy. “You’re amazing.”

The first sip is smooth, a hit of lavender, and the sweet taste of honey hits my tongue. My eyes widen as it slides down my throat. It might as well be brewed by magic.

“Okay, this is delicious,” I sigh, already clutching the mug like it was a gift to solve all my problems. “and I’m pretty sure I’m about to inhale this honey bun. Did you make this?”

She laughs, lifting her mug to take a small sip, her lips curling up.

“The pastries are from our two local bakeries in town.” She tears off a piece and pops it in her mouth. “They’re to die for,” she groans, licking the sugar from her fingers shamelessly. I get the feeling she’s a carefree spirit.

“It was a dream of my husband and me to open this place.” Jas’s voice is soft, tinged with her memories as she picks up her bun.

I follow suit, chewing slowly and letting the warmth of the cinnamon and honey dance in my mouth. It’s perfect.

“He was a beekeeper, and I love coffee, I mean, I was always drinking copious amounts of it in college.” She laughs, the sound light and melodic .

I pause mid-sip. “I’m sorry, was ? If you don’t mind me asking, why did he stop the beekeeping business?”

“He passed away three years ago,” she says gently, her fingertips slowly stroking the handle of her mug.

My chest tightens. I don’t even know her, but grief recognizes grief. I remember watching my grandmother grieve my mother when I was too young to lose my parents.

I can’t imagine losing someone you thought you’d spend the rest of your life with.

Still, having just met, we’re connected in grief. Having to lose someone so close to you. I reach my hand out to give hers a light squeeze. “I’m sorry, Jas.”

“Thank you, Raene.” She gives me a small smile. The kind of smile that you give when people say those words, yet somehow they still matter. “He was pretty amazing.”

“We met in college. Well, I was in college in the city,” Jas begins, cradling her mug in the palms of her hand. “My roommate, Celeste, is a witch, and she still lives in the city. We stay in touch as often as we can.”

She leans into the table, crossing her forearms as the people around us continue to chat. “She wanted to take a road trip here to Everly Hollow, which is her hometown, during spring break. She invited me to the Spring Festival.” Her eyes glisten with memory as she reminisces.

“Girl,” she says with a half laugh. “I had never seen anything like it before. It was beautiful and just…magical. A week-long celebration of magical flower crowns, delicious foods and treats, like fl uffy-buttery honey biscuits that float off your plate if you’re not quick enough to eat them.”

Her grin widens. “Glowing enchanted brews, dancing in the rain, and petal parades. You never forget an experience like that, you know?”

Nodding my head, I smile. I definitely wouldn’t forget it.

“Dancing in the rain?” I ask. “To honor…Mother Nature?”

She catches the slight tilt of my head and shakes hers, grinning. “Close, but no. The goddesses, Kerathea and Sateathea.”