Grayden
Hearthstone Brewing Companywas already crowded and lively when I walked through the door. Laughing faces, the aroma of fried food and hoppy beer, the sound of glasses clinking and conversations overlapping. I didn’t see Piper or Ollie yet, though I definitely felt plenty of eyes on me.
That was life in a small town for you. Especially when you were the newly returned ne’er-do-well.
At least there were plenty of people here who seemed more like tourists than locals, probably here for the skiing. They didn’t know who I was or what I’d done. To them, I was just another guy here to grab dinner and a beer.
I spotted Callum near the bar and headed that way, weaving through the crowd. When he saw me, his face lit up, and he pulled me into a tight hug.
I still wasn’t used to this yet, the easy affection with him, but I liked it.
“Grayden! Good to see you. Didn’t know you were swinging by tonight.”
“Grabbing dinner. Still hard at work?”
“I’m finishing up manager duties for the day, making sure these knuckleheads stay in line.” Callum gestured behind himself,where a couple of bartenders were busy pouring brews from the taps.
“Where’s Zandra?”
“She’s in the office in the back right now. But later, we’re going to try out this new restaurant in Hartley that does everything gluten-free. We’re meeting up with Ashford, Emma, and Maisie.”
There was a beat of awkwardness as Callum seemed to realize what he’d just said. His smile deflated at the edges.
I waved it off. “I don’t mind hearing what Ashford’s up to. It’s the opposite, really. I like hearing that he’s doing well and his family’s happy.”
“I’ve been talking to him about giving you a chance. Grace has too. He’s been stubborn so far, but we won’t give up.”
“It’s only been a week. I’m here whenever he wants to talk, but I’m not going to push it. That’s got to be his call. And I don’t want you or Grace stressing about it either.”
Callum leaned against the bar, studying me. “So how are things going? You settling in okay?”
“Actually, yeah. I found a rental where I’ll be able to open up a tattoo studio after some work to the building.” I would need to comply with health protocols as well, but there were no state-level licensing requirements. Passing the inspection and finding clients would be the main obstacle.
At least I still had friends in the community in Seattle who’d vouch for my skills. If that helped.
Callum’s eyebrows shot up. “Seriously? That’s big!”
“It’ll be good once I’m done. Drove out to a hardware superstore today to pick up supplies.” I rubbed a hand over my beard. “I’m thinking of doing a mural on one wall inside. To showcase the kinds of artwork I do.”
Callum grinned. “That sounds awesome. I can’t wait to see that. Is the location close to Main Street?”
“Uh, about ten minutes away. Not too far.”
It felt good to have something to work toward. Somethingproductive instead of being so much in my head, a place I didn’t always love being.
Also, I’d finished reading the sci-fi novel, and I hadn’t had the chance to grab a new one.
Last night had been a little strange, spending the night in the Landry house. Sleeping in a cold, dusty sunporch under a pile of threadbare blankets, surrounded by boxes of sewing supplies and the ghosts of old memories.
It was just a house. A house that needed some TLC, and I was happy to provide it. Especially knowing it would benefit Piper too.
For some reason, though, I hesitated to mention to Callum that Piper was my landlord.
And that was probably theexactreason I should be open about it.
“Actually, I’m renting the place from Piper. It’s her mom’s old house.”
Before Callum could say anything to that, I heard a familiar voice behind me.
