Too late, he noticed the new addition to their party. Adriana Asebedo had come up behind Mugsy in time to hear Charlie’s last remark.
“Am I interrupting something?” Adriana asked.
“Minor security issue,” Mugsy replied.
Adriana looked at Charlie. “The snake?”
“You could say that,” Mugsy muttered. “In the low-down, good-for-nothing sense.”
“That’s unfair,” Charlie protested. “To both of them.”
“You mean her multiple identities?”
“No! Jean and Emma. The snake.”
Mugsy turned to Adriana. “It’s under control.”
“Okay. I trust you.” She hit Mugsy with both dimples.
“Actually, I’ll take care of it.” Charlie realized he had his hand raised like they were in a classroom and quickly lowered it.
Mugsy shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
His father waved at him from the patio. “Come over here, son.”
Charlie sighed. “Promise me you won’t do anything without me, Mugsy.”
“This feels messy. I don’t like it.”
“Sometimes life is messy. You taught me that.” She’d been talking about a spilled glass of orange juice, but the principle was sound.
Mugsy still looked like she had a mouthful of vinegar. “There’s something else I need to tell you.”
“If it’s about Jean, don’t bother. I know what you’re going to say, and I’ve made up my mind. Some risks are worth taking.”
“And some things are too important to gamble on a passing fancy.”
“I don’t think we’re talking about the same thing.” Charlie tried to read Mugsy’s expression, which was locked down even tighter than usual. When he glanced at Emma and Adriana to see if they understood, he got the distinct impression there was another storyline playing in the background, and he’d missed the first four episodes.
“I’mtalking about using your head,” Mugsy said. “Considering the long-term consequences and making sensible choices.”
He was pretty sure that was in reference to the family business, and Charlie’s duty to keep it going. But even if his futurewas here, he wasn’t going to give all of himself to Pike’s Pale Ale. Not tonight, anyway.
“I need to lead with my heart,” he told Mugsy. From the corner of his eye, he saw his father beckoning. “Just as soon as I figure out what Dad wants.”
Heaven and Ale: Pike’s Brewing at 100
Brewer Magazine
One of the country’s first microbrews, Pike’s Pale Ale has long been synonymous with the laid-back lifestyle of the American West. While other brands experiment with maximum IBUs and cask-conditioned porters, Pike’s has continued to peddle the classic taste of their eponymous ale, alongside a few welcome seasonal variations.
Will nostalgia and solid middle-of-the-road flavors be enough to carry them through another century? Current CEO Charles Pike III is confident in the leadership of the next generation.
“My son Charlie was born and bred to this business. Beer is in his blood. We’re all excited to see where he takes Pike’s next.”
Chapter 31
“To recap, there was no revenge banging?” Hildy asked, peeling another strand off her string cheese. Apparently she’d found a stash in the kitchen while everyone else was out having their initials branded into fancy leather belts.
