Oh God, what have I gotten myself into?
7
Oh, God, what have I gotten myself into?
Hunter pushed open the door to the tavern and stepped inside. It felt like every set of eyes in the place turned to him. He lowered his gaze, instead focusing on his coat. He shrugged out of the garment, throwing it over his arm as he gathered his courage. It had been such a long time since he’d been in town that he knew he’d be the topic of interest and gossip. Still, he didn’t have to like it. Plus, what was he thinking in agreeing to meet with Aaron? Accepting his suggestion they have a drink? This trip was wreaking havoc on his mind, obviously!
He finally pulled himself together, and after a quick look around, saw Aaron at the bar. He took a deep breath and crossed the room.
“Hey, you made it.” Aaron smiled, and it appeared genuine, sending a burst of warmth through Hunter’s chilled body. Then he noticed the binder on the bar in front of him.Of course, it’s work. He’s happy to have someone to pass the tasks on to.He refused to properly acknowledge the disappointment that settled in his gut, snapping instead.
“I said I would, didn’t I?”
Aaron stiffened; the smile wiped from his features. “Right, then. You want a drink?”
Hunter turned to the bartender, feeling like an asshole.’Cause that’s what I am, aren’t I? “A lager, thanks. Whatever you’ve got on tap will be fine.”
“Hunter Cavendish?” the guy said.
Hunter gave the guy a once-over. “Alan?”
Alan smiled broadly. “That’s me. How’ve you been? It’s been a while since we’ve seen you around here.”
“Yeah, a few years. But I don’t think I’ve seen you since school. I thought you were going to head off and explore the world.”
Alan set the beer in front of him. “Oh, I’ve seen my fair share. I’ve been through Europe and spent some time in Asia, but it was hard to stay away for too long. There’s nothing like home, you know?”
Hunter nodded. He’d once thought the same thing, each of his visits back to Cavendish Crossing being the only time he’d felt at home.
Until he hadn’t anymore.
He glanced at Aaron, then back to Alan, forcing a smile. It wasn’t Alan’s fault Hunter had bad memories. “Good on you for taking the leap and following your dreams.”
“Thanks. You too, man. I’ve heard you’re doing great things.”
“Yeah?”
Alan leaned in and lowered his voice. “I probably shouldn’t mention this because it makes her sound like a stalker, but my sister follows you. I get all the gossip passed on whether I like it or not.”
“I’ll have to try to do something more exciting than just work, so you’ll have something more interesting to hear about next time.”
“Great idea.” Alan laughed. “Although Lucy is fine with hearing about your work stuff, and that’s why she takes a keen interest. She’s looking at design schools, and it’s all she ever wants to talk about.”
“Sounds like me at that age.” Hunter chuckled. He’d probably bored everyone he knew senseless with his talk of interior design and the company he hoped to establish one day. Although Hunter sometimes wondered if part of his obsession came from needing something to occupy his thoughts and time, something to be the object of his passion, rather than dwelling on the other stuff in his life at that time. Still, he loved what he did and wouldn’t change his career choice for the world. He dug his wallet from his back pocket and pulled out a business card, passing it across the bar. “Here. Give her my card, and if she ever needs a sounding board or is after some advice, I’m happy to help out. I know it can be a struggle setting yourself on the right course to get where you want to go. There are some great interior design schools across the country, and I can share what I know.”
“Thanks, man. She’ll be over the moon.” Alan tucked the card in to his apron pocket. “I’d better get back to serving. Holler if you need something else.”
Hunter turned to Aaron to find him looking at him with a small smile. “Ah… Shall we move to a table?”
“Sure.”
They sat in a booth toward the back of the tavern where it was relatively quiet, the planning folder on the tabletop between them. Christmas carols floated from hidden speakers and a low hum of conversation filled the room. Flames from an open fireplace not too far away provided a warm and welcoming feel.
“That was nice of you,” Aaron said.
“Offering to talk to Alan’s sister? It’s no trouble. I remember what it was like to be in her position—lots of ambition and trying to determine the best way to achieve my dreams.”
“Still, you don’t know her, so it’s a generous offer. It was a nice thing to do.” Aaron’s eyes were warm, and Hunter basked in the praise.
