Chaos Machine was off-limits.
Seth changed the subject. “We’re going to need to order lots of ingredients. We want to support local whenever we can. Do you have those connections?”
Troy shrugged while his eyes continued to laugh at Seth. “I can point you in the direction of local farmers. I carry small amounts of everything for when Fiona isn’t open, but she’s the expert. She’ll be able to connect you with the right people. I’ll let her know you’re coming before you head over to Phail Phoods.”
Seth shook his head. “You know that sounds awful, right? Food shouldn’t fail.”
“Says the guy cooking for the No Phailed Apples Inn.”
Seth glowered. “Exactly. People are going to be shocked when they enjoy my food.”
Troy laughed. “Which means the pressure’s off. Low expectations. High results. Your reviews are going to rock.”
Seth rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t stop the smile. Epic had an answer for everything.
When the women worked their way back to the counter, he straightened.
Piper smiled at him. “Did the two of you have lunch before you left the farm? Both the diner and the Saloon are open, so you’ve got a choice. That way, you can see more of Phail before you grab your groceries.”
Troy slapped him on the shoulder. “We’ll close up and join you for a bit. Let’s head to the Saloon. Falcon’s working in one of the upper rooms today.”
Sean Falcone, another member of Troy’s army team, ran a construction business in town. His wife, Branna, ran the Saloon. Seth turned to Mara. “You okay with that?”
It didn’t surprise him when Mara nodded with a smile. She appeared to enjoy people. She probably liked parties and other forms of chaos as well. The quiet of rural life might send her screaming back to New York in no time.
That should make him happy. He’d have his kitchen to himself. There’d be no worries about cleaning up after her. No music playing.
But the thought irritated him. She shouldn’t have told her brother she was coming to an isolated area if she wasn’t cut out for it. She’d only end up disappointing Ford.
Troy locked up their store and left a sign telling people to call them if they needed anything. No phone number on the sign meant everyone had their numbers. That made Seth shudder. Imagine an entire town having access to you at any time.
The Saloon sat on the far side of the park from Phail Phoods. The other names made Mara laugh, and he couldn’t contain his own grin. Doc’s sat beside the Saloon. Yoganna Love It offered yoga classes. And Phail Jail sat at the end of the street. “Your town suits you, Epic. It’s absurd.”
Troy laughed. “Thanks. We’re aiming for memorable.”
Mara grinned. “You’ve achieved that. This is amazing. I bet tourists talk about their visits here all the time.”
Troy slapped Seth on the back. “See. We’re amazing.”
The Saloon lived up to its name. Long, gleaming bar with bottle-filled glass shelves behind it. Round wooden tables and chairs. A staircase rose to a second-floor balcony overlooking the main space, just like in old-time western movies.
A gorgeous redhead behind the bar smiled at them. “Hey Troy, Piper. Have a seat anywhere. I’ll be with you and your friends in a minute.”
Chalkboard signs around the room showcased the food and drink selections. The beer list made him grin again. Epic Phail Pale Ale. Falcon Blonde. The Pilsner of Oz. Slick and Smooth Dark Lager. Scooby’s Sweet Porter. Straight Arrow Stout.
Seth knew the call signs of the members of Troy’s army team and the co-owners of Phail brewery. One beer for each of them. There was also a Seamus’s Guinness and a selection of wine.
Because he was driving, Seth stuck with a soda, but he’d get a few cans of each brew to bring back to the farm. It would be fun to experiment with the beer in recipes. And play with their callsigns to name the dishes. Epic Ale Brisket. Falcon Blonde mac’n’cheese. Yep, it would be fun.
The redhead turned out to be Falcon’s wife, Branna. When they were introduced, she whistled loudly. Falcon popped out of one of the second-floor rooms and searched for her. The concern on his face disappeared when he spotted them and waved. “Babs. I heard you were in town. I’ll be down in a minute.”
By the time they’d ordered some food and drinks, Falcon and Branna sat with them, and introductions were made.
Mara shook their hands. “This is an amazing place. It looks like a movie set.”
Branna laughed. “Thanks. The name was already in place when we took it over, so it’s fun to lean into it.”
Falcon surveyed Seth. “Glad you made it up here. Very different from LA, but you’re going to love it. Running your own place suits you.”
