I rested my forehead against hers.
“I’ll save you a seat,” she whispered.
Squeezing her hand, I felt like a teenager again. “I’ll be there. I promise.”
13
CLARA
Every tablein the Beardog Brewery was full. Like The Last Chance, Charlie's craft brewery attracted both Rapidians and skiers from up the mountain. Unlike The Last Chance, the Beardog had a selection of mocktails and loose-leaf tea mixes, so I never felt out of place.
Megan snagged us the big corner table. Charlotte sat across from me with Emma next to her. All the player’s girlfriends and wives were at the table, waiting for the Beardog Growlers to arrive. Evie perched on a stool she'd dragged over. GJ claimed the head of the table, her boyfriend Clarence seated to her right. Mr. Plow's wife, whose actual name I'd already forgotten, laughed at something Evan's wife, Sarah, said.
It was a lot. But it felt good, and thanks to the Beardog Growlers, we all had something in common tying us together.
"So." Megan leaned in. "It looks like you two sorted things out?"
My cheeks burned. "You could say that."
"Really." Megan set down her glass and lowered her voice to a whisper. "Clara, are you sure about this? I know how badly he hurt you."
I looked down at my chamomile and hibiscus blend. "People can change," I said quietly. "I understand what happened in the past. I forgive him."
Megan reached across the table and squeezed my hand. "Then I'm happy for you."
GJ elbowed me hard enough to leave a bruise. "That boy is head over skates for you, dear. Anyone with eyeballs free of glaucoma can see it."
Evie shook her head. "GJ…"
"It's alright," I said. "We've got quite a bit of history."
"Oh, we know." Charlotte, Evie, and Sarah all spoke at the same time, then laughed. I joined them.
I couldn't stop glancing at the door, my heart leaping into my throat every time it opened. I'd forgotten what it felt like to be excited about a man. Then the door opened and the men of the Growlers poured in, including mine.
The energy was chaotic, but joyful. Beck's hair was still damp, curling slightly at the ends. He wore a flannel shirt and jeans, the most Chance Rapids outfit he'd worn since he'd been home.
Home. Was that how he saw it?
Our eyes locked and his face brightened. I had to grip the edge of the table to keep from jumping up and pulling him from the restaurant to a secluded alleyway.
GJ elbowed me again. "Told you."
Instead of socializing, Beck crossed the room and kissed me in front of everyone.
"Hi." He sat down beside me. "Ladies." He spoke to the rest of the table and was met with giggles. As the rest of the team joined us, his hand found my thigh under the table. I rested my palm on the back of his hand, threading my fingers through his.
"Hi." The noise of the restaurant disappeared as Beck focused all his attention on me.
Charlie appeared with pitchers of beer, setting them down with a grin. "Half price for the winning team."
Emma leaned in. "Just so you know, it would've been half price for the losing team too."
Laughter spread around the table, and everyone relaxed, taking turns filling glasses from the pitchers. Beck waved him off when Logan tried to pour him one.
"I'm good. Thanks. I'll stick with the water."
I leaned closer. "You don't have to not drink because of me. I'm fine with it."
