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“Really?” Jasmine tilted her head, considering it. “I’ve never thought about trying to make money. It’s just a fun hobby.”
Everyone seemed to have an opinion on that, so while they voiced it, I opened Ethan’s card.October, it said. Suddenly I understood.
Because by October, I’d be back from the AT and ready to take the helm of Goat’s Tavern again.IfI were actually going through with it, which I wasn’t.
My eyes met Ethan’s across the room.
“You didn’t even talk to me first.” His voice was rough. “You made the decision like you always do. By yourself. Like I’m still just a kid and my input isn’t worth anything. That’sbullshit, man.”
The room fell so silent I could have sworn I heard snowflakes falling outside.
“You said you needed to get out of Hart’s Ridge,” I said, almost pleading for him to understand.
“Yeah. I did. The operative word beingsaid. Meaning, I came to you and had a conversation before making a decision. I talked to you about what I wanted and why. I listened to what you had to say, because it wasn’t only about me, it affected you, too.”
“You didn’t have to do that,” I said. “Youarean adult. I know that. You don’t have to wait for permission from me to go live your life.”
Ethan shook his head, looking thoroughly exasperated. “I wasn’t asking for your permission. It was aconversation. A one-sided conversation, apparently. I thought it was us working through the logistics together, but I guess I was wrong. Because the whole time, you wanted to leave and you didn’t say a damn thing about it. You didn’t trust me with that.”
I stared at him, my forehead scrunching. “Why are you so mad about this?” I demanded. “You’re getting what you want.”
“You thinkthisis what I want?” Ethan asked incredulously. “You think I want you to be miserable? I never asked you to be a martyr.”
“I’m not miserable. I love Hart’s Ridge. I love Goat’s Tavern. I love everything I’ve built here. Is it frustrating to feel tied to a place even when you love it? Sure. Which means I’m not going to let that happen to you. You should live the life you want to live, not the life someone forced on you. I know what that’s like and I won’t do that to you. I don’t want you to resent me.”
Ethan’s head jerked like I had smacked him. “Doyouresent me?”
“No.” I grabbed his shoulder, gave him a little shake. “You’re my little brother, Ethan. You didn’t ask for any of this.”
“Neither did you.” He shook his head. “You don’t get it. I’m not going to resent you if I wait until October to leave. You’re not forcing anything on me. It’s a choice. One I’m happy to make, for both of us. Hell, the second Bethany told me you wanted to leave, I felt relief. Like I could stick around a couple months longer, save more money, visit the neighborhoods in Asheville and figure out where I really wanted to be. I could take my time with it. You should have talked to me. We could have made the decision together.”
“Instead, we’re making it for you,” Jasmine chimed in. “I’m happy to manage the business end of things while you’re gone. I’m probably better at it than you, anyway.”
“I guess that explains the drawing,” I muttered. But I didn’t argue. She had a good head for business. And I hated paperwork.
“You’ve helped all of us at one time or another,” Max said. “Let us do the same for you.”
“Obviously, the most ideal situation is hiring more staff,” Eli said. “But if that doesn’t work out, we’re here. Each of us chose a day. We’ve got you covered.”
I looked from face to face, looking for the truth. “Are you sure about this? Seriously?”
“Helping a friend is not a burden,” Bethany said softly. “It’s a privilege. We’re so happy to do this.”
Finally, what they were all saying penetrated my thick skull. Penetrated my heart. I blinked back the sudden dampness in my eyes.
“I don’t know what to say,” I said at last, my voice choked. “Thank you.” I looked at each of them in turn.
My gaze landed on Bethany last, her eyes shining with so much love and hope that my breath caught in my throat.
There was no way I could say goodbye to her.
Chapter 29
Bethany
“Youdidn’topenmycard,” I said.
We were snuggled up on the couch. All our friends had gone home to their families. Ethan had headed out for a hike. Luke had thrown a few logs into the fireplace and now everything was cozy.
