“What was that about?” Jacks asks.
“Yeah, why are you sneaking off behind doors with strangers?” Lacey teases.
“Oh, that was just Jerry. He owns the bar. It was nothing.”
For a split second, I consider telling them, but Jerry asked me not to, and there is no way for me to discuss this with all eight of them quietly.
“Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan starts to play over the speakers, and all four girls scream.
“Let’s dance!” Poppy yells. “Boys, you coming?”
“Let’s go, babe!” Enzo says, grabbing Donovan’s hand.
“I think I’m going to sit this one out,” I say.
“Yeah, me too,” Logan says, making eye contact with Jacks.
“You’re never any fun,” Poppy teases her boyfriend.
The six of them head to the dance floor, leaving me with Logan and Jacks at the table.
“So, now that it’s just the three of us, are you gonna tell us why you were talking to the owner of the bar?” Logan asks.
“Yeah, because it sure as hell didn’t look like nothing,” Jacks adds.
I take another long sip of my beer. Jerry asked me not to say anything, but I know I should talk about it with someone. I exhale.
“You can’t say anything,” I insist.
“You and the secrets lately,” Jacks says.
“What does that mean?” Logan asks.
“Nothing,” I say, cutting my eyes at Jacks, who shrugs his shoulders and sips from his beer.
“We won’t say anything,” he says, and Logan nods. “What’s up?”
I turn completely to face them, lowering my voice so no one else can hear me. “He wants to sell the bar, and he wants me to buy it.”
“That’s fucking awesome man. You said yes, right?” Jacks asks.
“No, it’s complicated. I told him last month I wanted to be considered if he ever thought of selling it, and I wasn’t expecting for him to offer it to me a month later. So now I’m not sure what I want to do. As much as it’s tempting, my grandfather trusted me and my brother to take over the family business one day, and I can’t help but feel a little guilty about considering leaving.”
“That’s bullshit. You hate it there. Take it from someone who let his dad run his life for too long. You shouldn’t sacrifice your happiness to make others happy. Your grandfather wouldn’t have wanted that for you,” Logan says.
“Speaking of your father, whatever happened to his campaign?” I ask.
Logan shrugs. “Last I heard, some of his past infidelities had come to light, and he had backed out.”
“You didn’t?”
“Oh, god, no. I may have cut ties with him, but I wouldn’t slander his name. I think a few women came forward, but I’m not sure.” He pauses. “But we’re not talking about me. We’re talking about you.”
“I think you should buy the bar. I never thought you belonged in the office. Capable—of course you are, man, but it’s not you,” Jacks says.
Deep down, I know he’s right. The suit and the fancy office has never been me. “I was thinking it would be cool if I expanded the bar. Maybe build some pickleball courts, and then people could come play and grab a drink after the games.”
“Fuck yeah, man. I think you know what you need to do. Talk to your dad and Mitch, and then make it happen,” Logan says.
