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“You still display this ol’ thing from being named Prom King back in high school?”
Our laughter fills the air as I replace it back on the shelf. “Yep.”
Not that it’s anyone's business.
“How about some coffee?” I suggest, leading him back out to the shop.
Bren prepares a mug for each of us, and we take a seat at a little table next to a window.
“So what’s new?” Paxton asks.
“What do you know about February Frost?”
He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “Oh, February,” he begins with a smirk. “Well, she’s the owner of Deja Brew. She’s super friendly, always smiling. She’s got a great laugh and gets along with everyone in town. She’s funny. She has an older sister, January. I guess her parents have a sense of humor too. Anyway, her sister is a big marketing executive in New York for Brighting Gaming.”
“No shit, I’ve played a bunch of their games.”
“Me too. Cool graphics for sure.”
I give a nod, sipping my hot coffee, anticipating his next words.
“Damn, this coffee’s good.”
“Thanks, but can we get back to February?”
He grins, wrapping his hands around his mug. “Oh yeah, she’s lived here a few years now. She’s gorgeous, and best of all, she’s single, my man.”
My brow dips as I stare at him. “Pax, I don’t give a shit about any of that. I’m more interested in her coffee shop. She’s my competition and today she came in here, went behind the counter, and acted like she worked here.”
A chuckle escapes him as he shakes his head. “What the hell?”
“Exactly. So, what’s her deal?”
He lifts his shoulders in a shrug as he stares at me. “Maybe she was trying to get a leg up on you. See how you run things?”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking. Have you ever been to Deja Brew?”
“Of course, it’s nice. Completely different atmosphere than this place,” he says.
I wasn’t looking for a fierce competition, but it appears February has different plans.
“Maybe you need to pay her a little visit. If she’s gonna spy on you, you should return the favor,” Pax suggests.
I flash a grin, raising my gaze to meet his. “I like your thinking.”
“Come out with me tonight. We can come up with a plan.”
“I don’t know, Pax. I have to make the schedule for the week and talk to a few musicians who are interested in playing.”
He rests his arms on the table and shakes his head. “Harrison, you need to make time for yourself. You need to go out and have some fun. Come to the Diddled Fiddle tonight. You can catch up with everyone.”
It does sound good. Since returning, I've been confined to setting up this shop, not going out anywhere. Perhaps indulging in a night out could be just what I need to lift my spirits and break the monotony.
Paxton and I have been at the bar for just over an hour. I almost canceled but I’m glad I didn’t. Being here, catching up with friends from my past, makes it feel like I’m home for the first time since I’ve been back.
I didn’t expect to see so many familiar faces.
“Harrison, you look incredible. How are you?”
