“You never really know with Eric. I guess it depends how badly they need him at the bar.”
“Why would that matter?”
“He’s the head bartender.”
“Oh. What happened to Angie?”
Wow, she really needs someone to bring her up to speed with everything that’s gone on in Asheville since she left all those years ago. “She owns it now. I’ll fill in the gaps while we eat lunch. I’m surprised Miles hasn’t done it.”
“We didn’t talk much about Asheville when he called or visited.”
That’s…odd. It’s not something I’ll get to the bottom of in one day. The urge to know what made her run off and not look back is a battle I won’t win for long. So much for not caring.
Eric parks in front of the house and we move to meet him at his car. It’s best not to give him a chance to come inside. Not today at least.
“Hey, man.” He wraps me in a hug. “I saw you left early last night. Do we not throw a good enough party for you?”
I disentangle myself from him. He knows I’m not a hugger and he does it to get under my skin. It’s like he finds out what annoys you and does it anyway.
“You know damn well big parties aren’t my thing.” I take a step back. “Besides, I told my sister I was leaving and I had her blessing.”
Eric waves away my confession. I swear he takes it as a personal affront if I leave a function earlier than he wishes. He’s not even the one who was throwing the party it was the bar as a whole.
“So, who is the newest addition to the good town of Asheville?” He glances over at Callie and holds his hand out, waiting for her to do the same.
“She’s not actually new. It’s more of like a return to home.” I offer so he doesn’t make an ass of himself. Not that he would care. Honestly, I’m not sure how people go through life like that. No caring what people think, or expect, of you. Maybe he should be the one helping me reinvent myself.
“Oh, even better.” Eric laughs. “I’m Eric. I’m head bartender at Out of the Ashes.”
“Callie.” She shakes his hand and gives him a small smile. “I’m Miles’s sister and basically doing the walk of shame for having to come back home.”
“There’s nothing wrong about coming back to family.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. So maybe I’m a little upset she abandoned us all those years ago. As frustrating as it was hauling her around everywhere when we were teens, the silence was worst.
“I never said that.” Callie bites back. “You have no idea how grateful I am to Miles for helping me out when I needed it most.”
Eric’s eyes widen as he removes his hand from Callie’s. I—is that a smirk? This jerk is getting enjoyment out of it. As long as he doesn’t try to do his whole match-making thing I keep hearing about. That’s the last freaking thing I need.
“I’m just gonna get your food.” He moves toward his car with a quickness I’ve never seen before. Any other time he’s itching to stick around.
I wonder what has him scurrying away. Then I see Callie’s face. Her scowl is one I remember seeing from our childhood. Nothing good ever followed it.
“I didn’t mean it like that.” The need to diffuse the situation is more important than ever. The last thing I need is for Eric to see her full temper, especially when it’s directed at me. I’m pretty sure I’m his least favorite Summers kid aside from Pierce.
“How else am I supposed to take it?” She crosses her arms over chest. I know she’s trying to be intimidating but it’s actually adorable.
“All I’m saying is you left town and never looked back. It’s like you dropped off the face of the earth and our little town didn’t mean shit to you anymore.”
Instead of arguing with me like I expect her to, she starts laughing. “Geez, Peter, I didn’t know you cared so much.”
“I don’t.”
This time it’s Eric chuckling. “I’m gonna head out, we’re sure to hit the normal rush now that everyone is waking up from their hangovers. Here’s your food.” He hands me two bags and Callie one.
“Wouldn’t a bar be the last place you want to go after a hangover?” Callie tilts her head to the side.
“Hair of the dog,” Eric grins. “You should come by and see us once you’re settled.”
“Yeah, sure.”
