“The brewery is going through a lot of changes. New assistant brewmaster,” he said, gesturing to her and causing her pulse to pick up. “New brews, new investors, and marketing. I’m excited about where it’s headed, and who we have on board. While I’m hoping to expand, I won’t jeopardize the local vibe at Tapp’s. We’re here in Pineridge to stay.”
She loved everything she was hearing. This was exactly what she loved about Tapp’s, about Pineridge. But she couldn’t find words to respond.
He continued, “That’s why, as soon as I saw you in here, I knew you were the one for the job.”
“Are you telling me I have the job? Just like that?” Her brows lifted.
“If you’re for real, and you want it, it’s yours.”
Relief poured through her veins, but also a bit of excitement fluttered in her heart too. The more she’d thought about this opportunity as a possibility, the more she realized how bad she wanted it. “Are you kidding? Of course I want it.”
Kai grinned. “Good. I was hoping that’s what you’d say.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT
DAVIS
As the producer called,“That’s a wrap!” Davis felt the thundering applause that followed in his chest. The emotions that burned in his eyes surprised him if he was being honest. With the finish line to the end of the season of Renovation Dudes always in his vision but seeming far from reach, it was hard to believe it was finally over.
Garrett wrapped him up in a hug, smacking his back and uttering acongratsin his ear. He said it back, the relief thick in his throat. “Congrats. We did it.”
Rearing back, but still holding his shoulders, Garrett said, “See, was that so bad?”
Bad wasn’t the right word. He’d managed to last through the season without quitting. Admittedly, he enjoyed some of the episodes, and not just the work and designing. Being alongside his brother during all the tapings gave him a comfort he wouldn’t have had otherwise. Now that it was over, he realized the show wasn’t all that bad.
“I’m glad we got to do this together,” Davis admitted.
With hopefulness in his eyes, Garrett said, “If you’re up for it, something tells me we’re going to be offered to sign a new contract.”
They hadn’t spoken about Davis wanting to go in as partners with Kelsey since the day at Sweet Cakes. After word got around town she’d decided to sell, Davis didn’t see a point in discussing it again. But as far as the contract with HGTV, that was still up in the air.
Davis glanced down, studying his boots as they shuffled back and forth. “I can’t make any promises.”
“That’s fine.” He held up his palms in surrender. “Take the next six weeks before the next season starts to relax. The new contract won’t come until spring anyway…if it does come.”
Franklin stepped in between them then, interrupting, “Oh, believe me, it will come. Our ratings on the last episode were through the roof. Whatever this new charisma is with you, Davis, it’s working.”
Franklin could thank Kelsey and the rumors circling around town for his newcharisma.Though since their argument at his place over two weeks ago, they hadn’t seen one another or spoken. He’d given her a week of silence before he tried, sending her a text apologizing and letting her know he missed her. It had taken her two days to respond with a text that simply said,I’m still not ready.
“The crew is heading to Tapp’s Brewery to celebrate,” Garrett said, an arm still hooked around Davis’s neck.
He had seen theclosedsign in the front window of O’Henry’s almost a week ago. The sight of the vacant parking lot gave him chills. The realization also hit him hard—Kelsey hadn’t asked him for his help or his advice. Just the very idea that they were drifting apart felt suffocating.
“Count me in,” Davis said.
“All right.” Garrett fist bumped him.
Getting out of the house would do him some good. While he could tell Cooper enjoyed him being home, cuddling on the couch with him while he sipped spiked hot cider and watched stupid romcoms missing Kelsey, it was growing embarrassingly ridiculous.
Inside an abandonedand remodeled industrial building, Tapp’s Brewery had a local, relaxed atmosphere. It was simple and that’s what Davis appreciated most about it. A chill vibe and un-ornamented, made it the kind of place that would make any resident of Pineridge, no matter their income bracket, feel at ease.
While their beer menu was extensive, their food menu was simple. It made ordering quick, easy, and painless. He felt light, all the usual tension in his shoulders and gut released.
When he saw Kai Johnson, the owner of Tapp’s enter the restaurant, he strolled over to him to say hello.
“Hey, Kai?” he called just as Kai was about to leave and enter the brewery side of the building.
Kai spun around and circled back. “Davis Vance. What’s up, brother?” He gave Davis a fist bump.
