Before my tour downstairs, Vaughn had shown me where the old bar started and ended, and where the new restaurant section began. It was pretty much what I guessed when I brought Adley here, but I didn’t want to steal his thunder. The guy looks so proud whenever he talks about his business, as well he should.
“So what really brought you here today, Jasper?”
Shrewd, Vaughn. Very shrewd.
I put on my million-dollar smile, the one that got me all the sponsorships when I played for the league, and begin my pitch.
“You all know that we’re working hard on Springer’s Sanctuary. I thought that maybe we could help each other out.” Not that they need help here.
Vaughn looks amused. “And what were you thinking?”
“Maybe a coupon or something that we can give to local donors? Entice them to come here for a meal if you put a little sign up somewhere with a QR code to scan for information and donations?”
Vaughn exchanges a look with his pack brothers before Quinn says, “That doesn’t sound good enough, does it?”
“Nah. We can do better than that.”
Huh?
“How about this. Why don’t you and your pack work with us to create a special brew recipe. We can work Springer into the name and donate sales proceeds to the sanctuary.”
I think my ears are ringing. Did they just offer to brew a beer for the sanctuary? And sell it at this fancy place?
My mouth works open and closed a few times before I eloquently whisper, “What?”
Vaughn laughs, claps my shoulder. “It’s the least we can do. Everyone supports each other in Crescent Lake, and we all know you’re doing an important thing there.”
“Plus, the expansion sounds pretty great,” Quinn chimes. “Maybe you guys can start offering riding lessons. I know the kids would love that when they’re a bit older.”
Note to self. Talk to Ezra about riding lessons.
“That sounds like a great idea. We, uh, may be getting a few more horses in the next year or so.”
“Sounds like things are getting really busy. I hope my brother is helping out instead of having his nose pressed up against a screen all day.”
I laugh, because, I know Adam. And I know that not long ago, that’s exactly what he’d be doing. But I smile at Ben as I shake my head. “Adam’s been great, man. Really supportive. And any time his nose is to a screen these days, it’s for the sanctuary.”
Ben’s grin is relieved. “Good to hear.”
As his words flow through my ears, this absolutely horrible feeling overtakes me. I grab at my chest, brow furrowing with confusion.
What is this? It’s… terrible.
The sudden urge to rush home is so overwhelming, my feet are moving before I realize it.
“I gotta go. Now.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
My first morning alone since the guys moved in, and I have to say, it’s not that bad. Not that I don’t miss them, but the knowledge they’ll be coming home to me makes me warm inside. And really happy.
I used my new coffee maker to brew some hot coffee, even though it’s starting to get warmer now. Just about time to switch to cold brew.
With my coconut sugar and frothed coconut milk, I watch a bit of local news in the living room, my fuzzy companions all about the room, Nikki curled up into the bend of my knees beside me.
At least our interview won’t be on again. If you could even call it an interview. It felt more like a “gotcha” piece, considering all the personal questions and how they tried to capture Ezra on film when we told them no.
The only good thing to come of it was the deal made with Jasper’s sponsor, who apologized for what that interviewer did.
