Page 14 of Whiskey Neat

“I think two grand a month would meet my needs.”

“One sec.”

More muffled talking in the background, then he comes back on the line.

“We can offer you thirty-four a month.”

“Thirty-four hundred?”

“Yes, for full time work. Once we have revenue coming in we can discuss how the role looks in the future and revisit salary. We’re calling it an inventory specialist. Does that work for you?”

I can’t believe my luck right now. “Yes, definitely.”

“Great.” He sounds relieved and tense at the same time. “We’d like to offer it to you then and have you start on Monday.”

I bite my bottom lip to keep from laughing with joy. “I accept. Thank you. I’m so excited.”

“We are too.”

“Do I report to you directly or all of you?”

“Technically all of us but I’ll be your point of contact.”

“Perfect. What should I wear?”

“Whatever you like. We’re working on uniform t-shirts, but that’s a ways off. It’ll be casual once the doors open.”

“Sounds great. Thanks, Indy. I’m really looking forward to getting to know you. All of you.”

He clears his throat. “Yeah. Me too. Us. Us too.”

Smiling, I lean back in my seat. “See you Monday then.”

“Bye.”

Once the call ends, I kick my legs and squeeze the steering wheel. Not only did I land a job that pays way more than enough for Willow Bay, I get to work with the finest man in existence. Things are finally looking up.

“Thanks, universe.”

FIVE

INDY

The week flies by until we find ourselves schlepping back inside Moby’s. The name has grown on me, and we’ve had fun with Low’s designs for our t-shirts and other merchandise. We take our spots around the bar, our daily ritual now, to touch base before the contractors show up and start work again.

Sometimes I still can’t believe this is all happening. It feels a little bit like fate that my life crisis aligned perfectly with my friends being ready for changes in their own lives. It’s been a roller-coaster ride for all of us since we graduated, and while I think we’ve all handled it well, the only one of us who worries me just a little is Lowen.

Sure, he’s all business and pulled together like he always is, but that’s exactly what’s got me concerned. He’s been through the worst of it. Reaching out, I rub his back, drawing his pretty eyes to me.

He raises a perfectly groomed eyebrow. No makeup today, but somehow he’s just as glamorous.

“Yes?”

“You good?”

He nods, smiling slightly. “Slept well last night despite the drafts in my bedroom. Oh, speaking of… Hey, Rid?”

“What’s up?”

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