“It’ll be fine,” he said. “Might be that he just needs to be around some people he’s comfortable with. We’ve got this, Jake.”
I raised my glass. “And the single women in town can rejoice.”
“Well, especially since the possibility of the older Spencer seems to have dried up,” he noted with a smirk.
“What? I mean…,” I stammered.
“Man, no bullshit. The sparks shooting off you and Ivy were enough to send this place up in flames on Saturday.” He raised a brow and gave me a look. “You two serious?”
I looked down at the reclaimed wood table, smoothing my hand over the surface before taking another drink. “I think I’d like to be.”
“Well, that’s progress.”
Sully did not mince words. But he’d known me back when I was devastated by Rachel.
I met his eyes. “You know I’ve had zero desire to get back into anything serious for a while.”
“That would be an understatement. But I’m damn glad to see that the green witch is working some magic on you. I know your ex did a number, but that doesn’t mean you ignore any chance for happiness again.” Sully tipped back his head and took a long drink. Placing his glass on the table, he glanced out the window into the brewery. “And speak of the devil.”
I followed his gaze to see Ivy walking in with Addie’s hand clasped in hers. Without a word to Sully, I headed toward the door.
“No worries, I’ll take care of the glasses,” Sully called out, chuckling.
I ignored him and headed toward the hostess stand. Ivy’s name hadn’t been on the list for tonight. It had been four days since I’d seen her or Addie since the sitter had been back this week. I talked to Ivy each day through random texts, but it wasn’t enough. I was worried about her. She was cleaning out her nana’s place, and I’d assume that would bring up some memories.
“Jakey,” Addie called, catching sight of me. She dropped Ivy’s hand and sprinted in my direction. I stopped moving because I knew what was coming. Sure enough, a few feet from me, Ads sprang up and her arms reached out. The trust that I would catch her, that she was safe with me, got me every single time.
“Hey, Jakey, Momma said we can eat in your beerary.” Her arms went up for her jazz hands as she shimmied as well as she could while sitting on my hip.
I laughed. “Brewery, Ads. And yeah, you are always welcome here.” I looked over to Ivy and Laurie, who had now reached us.
“Hey, Ivy.” I said, taking in her T-shirt with some type of constellations on it. It was knotted at her waist, and she had a flowy kimono as well as jeans that hugged every curve and some more of her boots that she loved. Her hair was down, and I longed to run my hands through it, tug out the headband she wore, and toss it to the side.
Ivy was clearly oblivious to my one-track mind. She looked worn out.
“Hey, Jake.” She gave me a tired smile. “Sorry I didn’t let you know ahead of time. It was a long day, and someone else cooking sounded like the way to go.”
I glanced to Laurie and nodded to a leather sofa and armchairs in one corner. “That open?”
Laurie nodded, moving to lead us that way. I followed, carrying Addie, who was bouncing and telling me all about school today and the glitter she got to use for art.Brave teacher, was all I could think. Looking at Ivy, who sank onto the couch, I asked, “Mind if I join you guys?”
Ivy’s face registered some surprise and, I was happy to note, a smile. “Of course not,” she said.
“Woo-hoo!” Addie said as she squirmed to get down and proceeded to spin, making her dress billow out.
“Ads, you need to sit down.” Ivy said quietly. “We’re in a restaurant.”
“Momma.” Addie put her little hands on her hips. Throwing those arms up, she cried, “There’s music. It’s time to dance!”
I heard Laurie snort a laugh as she placed the menus and silverware on the low table. “I’ll be back with another set,” she said.
I smiled and sat down next to Ivy on the couch. Leaning over, I murmured, “Absolutely your call, but I had Laurie put us here because Ads can dance in the corner to her heart’s content and not be in anyone’s way. She can also spread out down there and color if she wants.”
Her expression immediately relaxed. “Smart man. You sure you aren’t keeping some kids of yours secret somewhere?”
“Nieces, babe, nieces. This isn’t my first rodeo or my first time eating out with a four-year-old.”
She nodded. “Ads, Jake says you can dance in the corner or color back here.”
