Page 2 of Whiskey Neat

“What part of leaving the industry did you miss, Steph?” Jayson teases.

She furrows her brow. “Oh, right. What are your plans?”

I have zero plans to announce them to this group. Not that I don’t like or trust them—I do, but I don’t think they’d get it. To my knowledge, I’m the token queer of our team, and my soul is craving something I’m not sure they’d understand.

“Nothing specific yet,” I lie. “Just some thoughts. I have enough in savings to take a break and make plans.”

“Keep us posted, man,” Bill says. “Especially if it involves hiring people.”

Chuckling, I nod. “You guys will be fine. You’re all highly talented, great people. You’ll find your way.”

“You’re right,” Chris says. “We’ll all land on our feet. Sometimes shit like this is a needed kick in the pants, right?”

I consider his words as my idea settles and takes hold. It feels right. My only hangup is deciding whether I’m really ready for this, but Chris has a point. If not now, when?

The following day, I plop onto my couch after two hours spent doing paperwork and cleaning out my desk. After hanging with the team for a few hours yesterday, I left pumped up and ready for the next chapter of my life. I didn’t even get drunk.

Toeing off my shoes, I lean back on the couch and pull my phone out of my pocket. I know exactly who I’m starting with. I press the button next to his name, bouncing my leg as I wait for him to answer. Is he working right now? No doubt, but he’ll answer me. He always does.

“What’s up, loser?”

“Kit Adler. What are you doing?”

“Uh, it’s ten a.m. in LA. I’m working. You?”

“I’m calling you with a proposition.”

I know this is a little risky, but fuck it. I also know that life hasn’t panned out the way Kit hoped at all, so he might surprise me.

“Listening, but if it’s another zip-lining tour in Columbia or some other jungle, count me out. Not interested in another ER visit.”

“You can get an insect bite anywhere.”

“Not from the kind that lays eggs in your skin. Anyway, what’s your proposition?”

“Remember the last time we all met up and went to the Willow Bay Alumni event?”

“Of course.”

“The idea seed was planted then, but I think I’m ready to grow it now.”

“Go on.”

“What if…” I take a deep breath, grinning as the words form on my tongue. “What if we bought Jimmy’s? Fix it up and turn it into the gay bar we all need.”

Kit is dead silent for so long that I look at my screen to make sure the call didn’t disconnect.

“Kit?”

“Yeah. What about your job?”

“I got laid off yesterday. Again. The whole company was bought out.”

“Shit, man. Sorry.”

“It’s okay. It’s a sign.” My phone buzzes in my hand and I look at it. “Ridley’s calling on video chat. One sec.” I switch over, smiling when I see my friend’s face, but quickly becoming concerned when I see his frown. “Hey, man. What’s wrong?”

“I need your help, Indy. I just found out I inherited a shit ton of money from my great-uncle Winston and his big-ass house.”

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