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“Hmm… I think I like the rye most,” I announce.
“Good choice!” he beams. “That’s my favorite, too. Want anything, Liam?”
Liam shakes his head. “The tasting was perfect. Really good shit, Hammer.”
Hammer pats Liam on the back, then walks away. I raise my brow at him, “Nothing for you?”
He shakes his head. “Gotta keep my girlfriend safe. No more for me tonight.”
My stomach flutters again. “Thank you for bringing me here. I hope he didn’t close the shop on my behalf.”
Liam grins, “He would have if I asked him too, but no. He’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.”
“And I’m happy to always help, Liam,” Hammer chimes in, placing the bourbon in front of me. “He never asks for it, so it’s nice to be able to do this for you both.”
“Thanks, Hammer,” I say, taking the sip. I love the smokey flavor as it slides down my throat. “I live a strange life. It’s nice to feel almost normal for a moment.”
“No problem. Enjoy,” he winks before turning to walk away, but I stop him.
“Why don’t you join us for a drink? It’s your day off, after all.”
Hammer looks at Liam as if to ask for permission. Liam’s face is surprised, but not in a bad way. He looks a little excited that I’ve asked.
“I don’t want to intrude,” Hammer says.
“Nonsense. I’m sure Liam doesn’t get to see you that much, and I’d love to hear stories about him if you’ve got 'em.”
Hammer lets out a deep belly laugh. “I do have some pretty funny stories. Including the time we went to Cabo and he woke up next to—”
“Not that story, Hammer.” Liam looks annoyed now. “Maybe you shouldn’t join us.”
Hammer chuckles. “Okay, I won’t tell that one.”
“Now you have to tell it!” I laugh.
Liam winces. “No, he really doesn’t. It’s not something I’d like to relive.”
“Oh Liam, you have become so boring since your accident.”
My stomach sinks. Accident? The air suddenly becomes heavy, and my eyes shift to Liam. He’s staring at Hammer, his eyes taut.
“What accident?” My voice is quiet when I ask. Hammer’s shoulders shift back. He knows he’s messed up.
“Sorry, man. I thought—”
“It’s fine, Hammer.”
“Really I—”
Liam shakes his head. “Mind giving us a moment?”
“Yeah, of course.” With one last look of apology, Hammer retreats to the backroom, presumably so he can’t hear us. I stare at Liam, who’s running his fingers over the rim of an empty tasting glass.
“Liam,” I say breathily after a few moments. “What accident?”
“Can we talk outside? I need some air. There are some grounds in the back that are safe for us to move around.”
“Yes, of course.”
