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His words tighten my chest in a way I don’t like—a way that makes me feel like I’m already too attached. “Exactly. She’s only here temporarily. Edna asked her to come and help us with this case, and once it’s over…”
I don’t want to sayshe’ll be gone, but Alex reads my mind.
“Who can say what she’ll do?” His tone is easy. “All Britt’s family and friends are here. If you give her a reason to stay, she might surprise you.”
My meeting with Edna in her office comes to mind, and I think about how she asked me to help her get Britt to stay. Edna and me being on the same team is some kind of through-the-looking-glass level shit, and it increases my unease.
“I don’t want her to change her plans for me.” It feels like the safest thing to say, but it’s a fucking lie and it twists in my gut.
“I understand why you’d say that,” Alex straightens, corking the bottles and starting to clean up the bar. “But I wouldn’t foreclose what could be a good thing because you’re scared.”
“I’m not scared.” The bite in my tone contradicts my words. “Britt’s young. She’s never been married. She’s got a lot of living ahead of her. If she has dreams and things she wants to accomplish, she should do them and not settle for being here…”
I stop short of sayingwith me.
“If I know Britt, she won’t do anything she doesn’t want to do.” Adam clasps my shoulder. “Who’s to say she can’t fulfill her dreams right here in Eureka?”
Pressing my lips together, I polish off my drink wishing the alcohol would make me more comfortable with this conversation. Saying it all out loud makes all the reasons it’s a bad idea too close and too real. I prefer keeping things between Britt and me as they are. Questions lead to decisions, and we’re not there yet.
“At least you’ve made it over the hill with Owen.” Alex collects our empty glasses and loads them in the stainless steel dishwasher. “Penelope’s so little, every day I work late or leave before she’s awake, it’s like I lost another day with her I’ll never get back.”
“Hell, that’s no pressure.” Adam laughs.
“I think you’ve got it backwards,” I add. “She’s so little, any time you spend with her is huge. Owen actually knows when I’m working too much, and he tells me. That’s some guilt right there.”
“At least he’s a boy. I have no idea if I’m giving P enough of whatever girl shit she needs.” He comes out from behind the bar to where we’re standing. “I need to hire a nanny.”
“I bet Mom could help you with that.” Adam slides his backpack onto his shoulder.
“Mom’s got enough on her plate without having to raise more kids.”
“I meant help you find a nanny.” He elbows Alex in the ribs. “You are too stressed out, man. You need to come ride the waves with me tomorrow. Let your mind roam free.”
We walk up the plank-wood floors between the giant barrels towards the exit. Alex refurbished the place so it’s now a destination, complete with a tasting room and a gift shop.
I glance at the clock over the doors, almost midnight. We started off sampling the three new blends my brother is launching, then we wound up in this conversation, which has my chest tight and my mind distracted.
Alex makes some complaint about being too busy to take a day off, and my youngest brother grabs me around the neck. “You need to get laid like this guy.”
He dodges my attempt to punch him in the side, laughing. “You’re getting slow, old man.”
“I’m saving my energy for other things.” My mind is on Britt, and I wonder if she’s still awake. “I’ll see you two tomorrow.”
We climb into our vehicles, and Adam’s the first to leave followed shortly by Alex. I have my phone in my hand, and I send a quick text,How’s the party?
Gray dots appear, and I wait on edge. I had just enough bourbon to heat my blood, and even with all my reservations still hanging in the air, I’d really like to see her.
A dark picture appears followed by the text.Lightweights.I have to spread my fingers to make it larger so I can see Cass and Piper lying side by side in her bed with their eyes closed.So much for Sleepless in Seattle.
Exhaling a chuckle, I text back,Want to go for a drive?
Her answer is quick.Yes… pick me up?
Mine is even quicker.OMW.
Stone Cold distillery is on the outskirts of Eureka, but even on a Friday night, our small town is dead after eleven. I pull up in front of her building in less than ten minutes, and as soon as my truck stops, she steps out of the glass door. I don’t have time to take off my seatbelt before she skips across the sidewalk to climb into my truck.
“How was your night with the guys?” She slams the door, turning to face me.
