“Nope. They’ve got an amazing setup: exposed brick walls, craft beer on tap, and vintage logging equipment everywhere. It’s like a hipster lumberjack paradise. They even have league nights where tech bros compete in flannel shirts with team names on them.” Before I could stop myself, I added, “We should go sometime.” But when I saw Noah’s smile drop, Iquickly added, “I mean, you know, if you ever find yourself in Los Angeles. Not that you ever would.”
Noah ran a hand through his hair, then mercifully changed the subject. “You know, your having an ax-throwing sponsorship feels like cheating. I mean, you’re basically a professional.”
“A deal’s a deal.” I poked his chest. “Besides, you let me win. It was obvious.”
“It was?”
“That last throw? Please.” I crossed my arms. “You just wanted to know what I’d pick.”
Noah’s lips twitched. “So what’ll it be?”
“Well, obviously ...” I drew out the moment, enjoying the anticipation on his face. “Muffins.”
His face broke into another smile, the kind that made my tummy feel like it was pumped full of butterflies. “Muffins, huh?” He glanced at the setting sun, its golden light casting long shadows across the festival grounds. “I know just the spot.”
Noah’s hand bumped mine as we navigated through the thickening festival crowd, the accidental brush sending zaps of lightning up my arm and a whirlwind of butterflies in my tummy. In the distance, the band struck up a slower tune, fiddle notes hanging in the air.
Noah steered me toward another line of tents at the far edge of the square, where a rustic wooden table had a hand-painted sign reading “Coffee.” The rich aroma of freshly ground beans hit me as Brie leaned over and waved, smiling ear to ear.
“Brie’s here? At the festival?”
“She sets up shop every weekend while one of her other baristas covers the airport location. A lot more foot traffic here.”
“So I get muffins and coffee!” I clapped my hands like I had just won the grand prize on a game show.
“Well, well, well,” said Brie as we approached. Her gazealternated between us with undisguised interest. “If it isn’t my big brother and the big-city influencer. Together. Without visible injuries.”
“We’ve called a temporary truce,” I said.
“Only for the sake of authentic Colorado content,” Noah added.
“I’m just glad he doesn’t still hate me,” I said, hoping it was true.
“I never hated you,” said Noah. “I just disliked you. Strongly.”
I was afraid to ask my next question, but asked it anyway. “Do you still dislike me strongly?”
“Actually, you’re kind of growing on me. Like a foot fungus after hiking all day in wet boots.”
“So what can I get you two?” Brie asked, still smiling.
“Two of your special light roasts,” said Noah. “The one you roasted last week.”
“Coming right up.” Brie was still grinning.
“And Noah promised me muffins,” I said, getting straight down to business. “However, while I’m sure your muffins are wonderful, Brie, I highly doubt they taste better than Noah’s.”
Brie laughed so hard she almost choked. “Where do you think I get all mymuffins from?”
“Wait, what?” I turned to Noah. “You make muffins for your sister’s coffee shop?”
“Noah’s baked goods are the reason our morning rush is insane,” said Brie. “Between the airport location and the festivals, I can’t keep them in stock.”
“Oh no, you’re out?”
“Well ...” She held up one finger, then disappeared beneath the table. She popped back up with a small, misshapen mound. “This is the only one I have left.”
She peeled back the layer of plastic wrap, revealing amushed-up muffin spotted with smears of purple. “I accidentally sat on it while I was setting up shop this morning. Figured it was too ugly to sell.”
