“Nah.” I waved a hand. “You don’t serve food. We’ll just pretend he’s a throw rug.” I winked at him and left before he could say anything more.
I grabbed us a big booth at the back of the brewery, and Summit immediately curled up under the table at my feet, finally worn out from the hike. His head rested on my boot, and he quickly fell asleep.
Jess walked in just as Ethan set the jug and a stack of glasses on the table. I watched her scan the room, and the moment her eyes met mine, there was a ghost of a smile. But when she realized I was alone, it slipped away.
For a moment, I thought she might turn around and walk out, but to my surprise, she made her way across the room and slid into the booth opposite me.
I was already pouring when she sat down. “Hope whatever this is is okay.” I handed her a glass. “Ethan brought it over.”
“I’m sure it’ll be great.” She took the glass with a nod of thanks.
“You’re probably not much of a beer drinker.” I had Jess pegged as more of a martini girl. Or just a glass of chardonnay. But I had to admit, she looked good with a pint glass in her hand.
“What makes you say that?” She lifted her beer in a little toast before taking a big sip. “I’ve tried most of Ethan’s brews.” She set her glass down. “In fact, his lager and wheat beers are my favorite, but I don’t mind an IPA from time to time if it’s nottoohoppy.” She smirked at me. “Even if it is mostly hipsters and backcountry mountain bikers who fancy themselves the IPA connoisseurs.”
I couldn’t help it, I laughed.
“Am I wrong?” she pushed.
“No.” I wiped my lips and shook my head. “And guilty as charged. I do enjoy an IPA after a day on the trails.”
Satisfied with her assessment, Jess nodded, the smile still on her face. “Speaking of trails. Looks like he finally crashed, huh?” She glanced down at the softly snoring puppy.
“He earned it,” I said. “Longest hike of his life.”
For a moment, it felt almost normal sitting there with Jess. Just two people enjoying a pleasant beer.
Then my phone buzzed. Across the table, Jess reached for her phone at the same time.
Committee Group Chat
Chase:
Sorry. Annie needs me. Next time.
I looked up and met Jess’s eyes as we read the group text at the same time. Before either of us could say anything, both phones buzzed again.
Becky:
Rain check for me tonight. I’m exhausted.
“Becky’s out, too,” Jess said unnecessarily.
We exchanged a glance, both of us no doubt concerned about Tilley getting us alone to suck us into countless festival committees. It was bad enough that she had my brother Grayson on the hook for almost every physical labor job she could think of.
“You think that?—”
The phones buzzed a final time.
I read out Tilley’s text message to the group. “I’m out, too. I got a scoop on some hot gos.”
“Gos?” Jess raised a brow.
I tucked my phone away. “Guess it’s just the two of us.”
Ethan appeared then, looking between Jess and me. “I thought you said this was a committee meeting?”
I saw the flash in his eyes and moved quickly to shut it down. “It was supposed to be.”
