We stare at each other for another beat, the weight of what we just agreed to settling between us. Then Admiral wanders in from the taproom, takes one look at us, and makes a sound that's halfway between a groan and a sigh.
"I know, buddy," I tell the dog. "I'm confused too."
Merri laughs, and the sound hits me right in the chest. I lean against the counter and watch her, memorizing the way her eyes twinkle.
It’s official: this collaboration is going to wreck me.
But I'm starting to think that might be okay.
Chapter 8
Merri
The produce section of Pelican Point Market smells like fresh herbs and citrus, and I'm debating regular versus heirloom tomatoes, squeezing them gently to test for ripeness. I've been eyeing the same two varieties for probably three minutes now, completely zoned out, when someone taps me on the shoulder.
"Merri Gallagher! Just the person I was looking for."
I turn to find Quinn Kavanaugh, the new owner of Kavanaugh's Korner, Pelican Point's well-known Irish pub. A flowing dress in deep purple drapes around her and, combined with her cascade of red hair and vivid green eyes, the effect is part woodland fairy, part witch. AndveryQuinn.
"Hey Quinn. It’s good to see you."
"I wanted to talk to you about a business proposition," Quinn says, her gaze sparkling with enthusiasm. "I've cut ties with our previous brewer, and I'd love to put The Sassy Siren on tap at Kavanaugh's Korner. Your beers would be perfect for my customers."
My heart does a little jump. Getting my beer into Quinn's pub has been on my wish list for over a year. "Are you serious? Quinn, that would be amazing. Absolutely, we can work thatinto our distribution schedule." I'm already mentally running through my current tap list, figuring out which beers would work best for an Irish pub crowd.
"Wonderful!" Quinn beams at me. "And I heard about your collaboration with Recon Roasters. The whole town's buzzing about it. I'm really looking forward to trying that coffee beer when it's ready." She pulls out her phone, tapping a quick note to herself. "I'll place the initial order through your distributor next week. We can start with three taps and see how it goes from there."
"That sounds perfect. Thank you, Quinn." We exchange a quick hug, and she gives my arm a friendly squeeze before heading toward the bakery section, her purple dress flowing behind her like something out of a storybook.
I'm so lost in thought that I jump when something bumps my hip. Heather Winslow grins at me from behind her shopping cart. We've been friends since grade school, long before she became the town librarian. Her dark hair is pulled back in a cute messy bun, and she looks genuinely happy to see me.
"Heather! Damn, girl. I haven't seen you in forever. How are you?"
"Good! Great, actually." She glances at my empty basket. "Are you in a rush, or do you have time for coffee? Julie just put out fresh cinnamon rolls at Just Desserts, and I'm dying for one."
I check my watch. It's only 10:30 AM, and I don't need to be at the brewery until this afternoon when Wyatt comes by for the second tasting. And then we’re going to dinner afterward… The thought sends a flutter through my stomach that I'm choosing to ignore.
"Sure, why not? I could use a caffeine fix and some girl talk."
"Perfect!"
We abandon our shopping carts at the customer service desk and walk the two blocks to Just Desserts. The smell of fresh bread and sugar hits me the moment we walk in, and my mouth starts watering.
Julie waves from behind the counter. "Heather! Merri! What can I get you ladies?"
"Two coffees and two cinnamon rolls," Heather says, already pulling out her wallet. "My treat."
"You don't have to?—"
"I insist. Consider it payment for the recent entertainment you've been providing the entire town."
I blink. "Excuse me. The what?"
Heather smirks, edging me aside as she pays for our order. We grab a table by the window, and I wait until we're both settled with our massive cinnamon rolls and steaming cups of coffee before the interrogation.
"What did you mean by entertainment?" I hiss.
"Oh, come on." Heather takes a bite of her cinnamon roll, her eyes dancing with amusement. "You and Wyatt Dalton workingtogetheron a competition? Merri, you got the grapevine lit up. Everyone's taking bets on what's going to happen."
