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“Great.” Jesse gestures to a server. “I’m going to need a drink here.”
We each had only two drinks at dinner—I had Scotch and he had beer, and then we both had wine—so no harm in another.
The server comes quickly. “Yes, sir?”
“Bourbon, neat,” Jesse says.
“Brand?”
“Surprise me.”
She turns to me. “Ma’am?”
“Same, but I’ll have the best you’ve got.”
Jesse gives me an evil eye, but I ignore him. So I can afford good booze. Sue me.
“Bring him the same,” Dave says. “It’s all on me.”
Jesse glares at Dave, but at least he doesn’t say anything. How can he? Brock is paying for his substitute drummer. I know it sticks in his craw, but he’ll soon see that the Steels are generous people who don’t expect anything in return.
I hope so, anyway.
“So seriously,” I say to my cousin. “What made you decide to come here?”
Dave drains the last of his beer. “I need some time off, Bree. I’ve been working with Dad and Uncle Joe nonstop since all the shit went down with the trafficking and then Wendy Madigan. Now that she’s gone and we don’t have any dark shadows hanging over us, I felt it was time to take a vacation.”
I open my mouth, but he gestures me to stay quiet.
“I know, I know. Steels don’t take vacations. Unless they finish college early and want to follow rockers around.” He grins.
I give him a friendly swat.
“Anyway,” Dave continues, “I’ve never seen Europe, and since Don and Brock are both here?—”
“Donny’s leaving after the UK portion,” I remind him.
“Right. I know that. I found out when I talked to Dale. Anyway, once Donny and Callie return to the States, I figured you and Brock might enjoy some company.”
I jump up and hug him. “You mean you’re staying for the whole tour?”
“Yup.” He laughs. “I’ve got all my rooms booked in all the hotels, so I’m here for the duration.”
“Isn’t that great, Jesse? Maddie?”
Maddie’s smile widens. Jesse’s is nonexistent.
“I think it’s wonderful,” Maddie finally says. “The more the merrier.”
Our drinks arrive, and I take a sip of the smooth bourbon. “Mmm. Delicious. What do you think, Jesse?”
After his sip, “Decent.”
I can’t help a laugh. “It’s nearly as good as Peach Street, in my opinion.”
He grunts.
Maddie finally turns to him. “Jess, what the hell is wrong with you? You had what I assume was an enjoyable dinner with Bree?—”
