So when Finn’s business partner swindled him and took part of Finn’s savings with him, Harry had offered an unexpected option. This. An English pub in the middle of the small town of Wisteria.
Harry surveyed the room and gestured with his head toward a wood carving Finn had hung over the bar. “Ah, you finally decided on a name?”
Finn followed his gaze and nodded. “Lucy and I agreed.”
“The Green Dragon, then?” Harry’s eyes sparkled as he sent Lucy a wink. “Prancing Pony was taken, was it?”
“We’re more inclined toward dragons,” Finn answered with a nod down to Lucy. “Besides, Gandalf never got thrown out of The Green Dragon.”
“Fair point.” Harry chuckled, giving the space another assessing look. “Though I suspect even the Grey Wizard himself might’ve met his match in our local welcoming committee.” Harry brought his attention back to Finn. “Jack said the last bit of the restaurant furniture comes in this afternoon and your apartment furniture tomorrow evening?”
“Aye. The kitchen’s in good shape, the prep work’s all sorted. No reason to wait.” Finn nodded. “With what you’ve done to prepare the place before our arrival and the final touches I’m making this week, we’re in good shape to open as planned.”
“The end of next week then?” Harry’s lips twitched. “Ambitious.”
“Assuming the permits come through without any trouble, but you’ve helped me navigate all of that fairly successfully.”
“I’m happy to have you and Lucy here, Finn.” Harry shrugged ashoulder. “And you should have an easier adjustment than I did moving to Wisteria.”
Finn raised a brow in question.
“A Black man with an English accent who married one of their darling white lily Southern women?” His eyes squinted a bit as his grin crooked. “They weren’t certain what to make of me.” His smile softened. “It’s been a good fit, though. I like the pace and the people, but it will take some getting used to. Emotions are usually... enthusiastic.”
That was an understatement. And as far as getting used to? Finn had no doubt, especially after the recent invasion of Southern food, curious neighbors, and potent perfume.
“So you’re saying it’s always like this?” Finn waved toward the door the ladies had exited.
“If you mean nosy, then yes. But they mean well. They’re a good lot once you find your place among them.” He nodded toward the casserole. “And I’d eat that if I were you. Trudy’s chicken and dumplings are extraordinary.”
Finn grunted, glancing at the dish. Why did everyone bring food? He was a chef, for heaven’s sake! “I’ll take your word for it.”
“Had any visits from the tea shop owner next door?” Harry tilted his head in the direction of the shop.
Finn’s smirk vanished. “Why?”
“It would be like her to try and make you feel welcome.” Harry’s grin brimmed. “One of the most generous neighbors to have, I’d say. Much like her grandmother, even though I only knew the latter for a short while before she passed.”
Finn exhaled, heat climbing up the back of his neck. “She did pop in this morning with scones.”
“Sounds like her.”
Finn ran a hand through his hair. “And I was a bit of a prat about it.”
Harry hummed. “Also sounds like you.”
Finn shot him a look.
“Well, you’ve not been yourself since the divorce, and then to have Chase betray you?” Harry sighed. “It’s a lot to bear. And good to start over, I think.” Harry cupped Finn’s shoulder, giving it a squeeze Finn felt to his heart.
He’d missed Harry’s camaraderie. In fact, Finn hadn’t realized how much he’d been isolating himself from others until Harry made that simple gesture. When everything came out about Chase’s betrayal, Finn forced his smile, as usual, and cocooned into his father role. He’d spent a year in a legal battle and tending his own wounds.
Charm had always been his defense. It distracted people from peering too close and from caring too much. A skill he’d honed during his father’s illness to hide his own pain at watching cancer eat away at the best man he’d ever known. A talent he’d flashed to his customers even as his wife left him to tend to a baby girl on his own. Play the game. Keep the customers happy.
Protect your heart.
Finn pushed up a grin, despite the emotion lodging in his throat. “The start has certainly been... interesting.”
“You’ll get used to Wisteria, lad.” Harry laughed, slapping a hand on the bar. “But a bit of advice?”
