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Wiping the damp cloth across the smooth wooden bar top for the millionth time, my mind wanders back to the barbecue at Brody’s place. Seeing them all with their families was shocking to me, and I can’t quite figure out why. I know them all individually or as couples, but seeing them all together with their kids was a revelation I wasn’t ready for. It made me realize just how much my life has changed since moving to Logan Creek.
When I lived in the city, all my friends were single and childless. We went to the bars and partied when we weren’t in school or working. We did all the stupid shit young people do without thinking. Now, my friends are all married with kids, and I’m searching for the next hook up like it’s my next fix, which I guess it is.
When Zach called and asked me to come up to Logan Creek, I knew I’d be moving to a small town. I just didn’t realizehowsmall. There isn’t much of a singles scene, which is why I usually end up in Kelowna to get my next hit. But seeing them all with their families made me wonder just how much I really want to keep doing that. Fuck, even Dyllan has been less grumpy since Skylar came along.
“Hey, can you help me with something?” Zach asks, walking through the front doors carrying so many boxes, I can only see his legs.
“Yeah, man.” I rush from behind the bar, taking the top two boxes from him.
He smiles at me, a light sheen of sweat on his forehead. “Thanks. I didn’t want to make another trip.”
“What’s all this?” I follow him through the main tasting room into the event room.
“Skylar asked me to pick up the tablecloths and chair…something since I was going to Okanagan Falls, anyway. She’ll be here any minute to set up for the tech awards.”
I set the boxes down on the closest table. “She’s doing a great job in here.” The normally empty room has been transformed into a banquet-style setting with a stage and large screen along one wall.
“She always does,” Zach adds, placing his boxes next to mine. “Rachel should also be here soon to drop off the flowers. I’m sure she knows the drill, but she just needs to put them in here. Her and Skylar have a system.” He doesn’t look at me as he starts fussing with the bar we installed by the door.
I try not to show my heightened interest in the florist that will be stopping by. “Uh, yeah, okay.”
Zach stops what he’s doing and looks up at me. “What was that?”
“What was what?” I fidget with the top of the box in front of me, opening to find stacks of neatly folded white linen inside.
“You’re acting weird.” His eyes flare open. “You like Rachel?”
“What? No. I mean, I don’t know. I don’t even know her.”
The smug smile on his face almost makes me want to punch him. Almost. “Well then, get to know her. Wasn’t she at Brody’s place the other day?”
“No. I take it she was supposed to come, but she didn’t show.” I take a deep breath, seeing this as my way to get to know more about her, even if it’s going to give Zach endless reasons to stick his nose in more than he should. “So, uh, Lila said something that made me think she does this a lot. Does she not like parties or something?”
“I wouldn’t say that. She’s more…introverted, I guess? She’s quiet, but really sweet once you get her talking.”
“I don’t think I’ve seen her in here other than setting up for events.”
“No, I know Mandy and the girls have tried getting her out before, but I think she likes to stay in.” He tilts his head as he assesses me. “How serious are you about her?”
“Why?” I ask, cautiously.
“She’s a sweet girl, Mitch. She’s not your usual type.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” I know I’m getting defensive and deep down, I know the answer. She’s not a hook up. She’s not a booty call. She’s a forever kind of girl. The girls I usually stay far away from because I’m no good for them.
“You know I love you, man.”
I roll my eyes. “Here we go.”
“Just listen, asshole,” he says with a smirk. “I don’t want you to get hurt—either of you to get hurt. You’re the opposites attract type.”
“Opposites…are you reading one of those books the girls are always talking about?”
“Listen, if you aren’t able to pick up a book to find out what your woman is into, you’re missing out. Believe me.” The smile on his face is so wide I’m tempted to ask what he’s reading, but I don’t know if I’m ready to open that can of worms.
“Anyway…” I need to change the subject. “I don’t know what I’m thinking other than she interests me. She’s pretty, that’s all I know.”
Zach sighs, dropping his shoulders. “If you’re serious about getting to know her better, just remember to be careful, okay?”
