"Seems to work," I say, watching Kevin's expression go soft when Steph returns with our beers.
She sets them down. Kevin's comes with a lime wedge on the rim. He didn't ask for it, but she put it there anyway. His fingers brush hers when he takes the glass, just for a second, and I see the way his jaw tightens like he's holding himself back from something.
"Food'll be out in fifteen," Steph says, then moves to help another customer.
Levi raises his glass. "To first days and cold beer."
"To not screwing up in front of the boss," Ace adds with a grin.
Kevin and I clink glasses with them. The beer's cold, smooth, and exactly what I needed after a day of hauling lumber and learning the rhythm of a new crew.
"So how was day one?" Levi asks, turning toward me. "Ace treating you okay?"
"Better than you did in basic," I say.
Levi laughs. "That was character-building."
"That's what you're calling it?"
"I'm calling it effective. You're still here, aren't you?"
Ace looks between us. "You two serve together?"
"Different units, but we crossed paths," Levi says. "We kept in touch after we got out."
"Which is how Troy ended up here," Kevin adds, taking a long drink. "We told him Evergreen Lakes was a good place to land."
"And that Thompson Construction was hiring," I finish.
Ace grins. "Well, welcome to the crew. And to the town. It's a good place. Small, but the people are solid." He glances around the bar. "And the beer's cold, the food's good, and the bartenders are—"
"Ace," Levi warns.
"—professionals," Ace finishes innocently. "I was going to say professionals."
"Sure you were."
"Alright, they’re beautiful. My brother-in-law did well with hiring," Ace says, turning back to me. I appreciate he isn’t leering at Ainsley or Steph, because I’d hate to punch out my new co-worker. "Levi mentioned you're staying with someone in town while you get settled. Who'd you end up renting from?"
Before I can answer, Ainsley's voice cuts through the noise.
"Hey, guys."
I look up, and there she is.
She's standing right in front of us now, ponytail swinging, a bar towel slung over one shoulder. Her smile is friendly, and her gaze skips Levi, Ace, and Kevin before landing on me.
For half a second, her smile falters. Her eyes widen, and I see the exact moment she realizes I'm here. At her bar. With her friends.
"Ainsley!" Levi's grin widens. "How's it going?"
"Busy," she says, recovering. She wipes down the bar in front of us even though it's already clean. "Trivia night last nightwiped me out, but Tuesdays are usually quieter. You guys just get off work?"
"These guys did. I’m getting ready for a nature trail with a new group for a long weekend." Levi takes a sip of his beer. "This is good, by the way."
"House brew. Simon's been tinkering with it for a while. He finally got it right." She tucks a stray curl behind her ear, and I try not to stare at the curve of her neck.
"How's Rachel?" Ainsley asks. "And your daughter?"
