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“I mean, you’re not wrong. I love doing things to make the lives easier or better for the ones I love, but I didn’t think anyone really noticed it. It’s usually just subtle little things. How do you know she saw it?”
“That’s easy. It’s the way she looked at you. She saw all the potential in the world when it came to you, and it wasn’t wishful thinking or the bragging rights that half the women who tried to pin you down wanted. She saw your potential and believed in a chance of having more with her because you showed her the man you could be. That first date you had here was next level and so over the top. You also showed up and took care of her when she was sick. It’s all those little things where you put her wants and needs first that made me think this was actually the real deal for you both.”
“Damn, I knew I was doing those things, but it was just because I care for her. She’s always helping others and putting their wants and needs before her own that it wasn’t hard to want to do the same exact thing for her. I loved seeing her smile or being able to bear some of her burdens with her.”
“I can see that, and I think she did too. So, what are you going to do now?”
“I want her back, but I still have a few things I need to figure out. I can’t keep letting the shit from Bianca hold me back. I know I can trust Spencer with my heart, but I need to let all the toxicity with Bianca go. I already started, but I need to show Spencer that I heard her, and I am willing to make some changes and do what’s needed to be done so she knows she’s my top priority and always will be.”
“That sounds like an awesome plan, man. Let me know if there’s anything I can help you with and I’ll be there.”
“Thanks. I’m gonna head to my office to go over some stuff. Thanks for being here for me, man.” I pull Gage to me and give him a huge hug. It’s not one of those douchey slapping the back hugs, but one that’s genuine and fucking thankful for having a kick ass best friend like him.
“No worries man. I’m just going to check that last tank and then probably head out.”
“Sounds good.” I start to walk away but realize I have no idea what he’s brewing since it’s been almost two weeks since I was focusing on this aspect because of the festival.
“What’s that batch?”
“We are so low on the pumpkin beer that I had to start a new batch. Thankfully I was able to make it work, but I honestly thought it would be a one run and done beer for us. This one would probably be a good one to bottle or can if we have the time.”
“Hell yeah, that’s awesome dude.”
Gage smiles one of his rare smiles and it makes me happy that my best friend is opening up more. He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever met, and I’m dying for him to be ready to tell me what he’s been running from for the past few years. I want to ask, but as selfish as it sounds, I need to focus on my shit and make sure I get things with Spencer fixed.
I head back to my office and start going over all the tedious paperwork that builds up after being off for a week. Olive has mentioned hiring a manager, but I didn’t see the benefit for paying that large of a salary when we were first opening, but it’s been two years and I think now is the perfect time. My sales are almost double what I projected when I opened this place, and it’s been that much higher for the past six months.
That’s partly due to the wonderful people of Sparrow Falls. They have shown up and supported not only my business, but my sister and I since we moved here. I finally understand the essence of being a part of a community and it's fucking awesome.
Hiring a manager is the first, and fastest, step to me being able to take a little step back and not clock 60-hour work weeks every week. I’d be able to do more dates and spend more time with Spencer, and that’s a no brainer for me.
After I get through the inventory list for the liquor for the bar and the food order list left by Sasha, I realize that those are also tasks that I could entrust to my employees. I pull out a notepad and start a list and can’t help but laugh at how much Spencer would appreciate my bullet point list of things to do.
Number one on that list is get Spencer back, because really, that’s the most important one. I addhire a managerand also totalk to Sashaabout her being able to approve the grocery order for the kitchen.
It takes me all day, but I finally feel caught up enough to head home and check in with Olive. I’m ready for that heart to heart and I need her help figuring out the best way to ask Spencer to take me back. I know I hurt her, and I’ll need to convince her that I do want everything that she’s been dreaming about, but more specifically, I want it all with her.
When I get home, I find Olive and Patrick raking leaves in the backyard. Well, Olive is raking leaves and Pat is jumping in them and making more work for his mama. But Olive doesn’t seem to mind as I watch her laugh at her goof ball as she rakes the pile, and he proceeds to jump into it again.
“Hey kid, are you helping your mom or creating more work for her?”
“Both! But jumping in the leaves is the bestest Uncle Mav! Want to come play with us?”
“Hmm, that does sound like fun, but why don’t I head inside and start making us something for dinner. Then you and your mama can come over and eat with me.”
“Mmmm, okay. I’m starved! Raking leaves is a lot of hard work.”
I just laugh and ruffle his hair because the kid isn’t wrong. It’s just funny because I know we only have one rake, so there’s not much “help” coming from him as his mom works on ridding the leaves from our shared backyard.
I decide to whip up some homemade pizzas. I made a batch of dough the other week that needs to be eaten or frozen. I always like to have some on hand because it’s Patrick’s favorite, but it’s also a quick and easy dinner when I don’t feel like slaving away in the kitchen. You’d honestly be surprised how often that happens.
I’ve just placed the pizzas in the oven when the back door comes banging open and Pat rips through the kitchen. I turn to head towards the door to shut it, but Olive is close behind him.
“Mmm, it smells yummy! Did you make us pizzas Uncle Mav?”
“I sure did. Why don’t you go wash up and then head to the living room and watch a show while I get this mess cleaned up and talk to your mama for a bit, okay?”
“Okay.” Patrick tears out of the kitchen to go wash his hand and have uninterrupted tv time.
