Page 42 of Just This Once

Abel’s Brewerystood proudly on the outskirts of town, hugging the rugged Lake Michigan coastline. After running with theBluebirds’ idea of trivia night, MJ managed to convince her brother Abel to host the event, and when I’d made a visit to check the space out, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

The brewery itself was upscale, with the outside highlighting heavy wood and iron accents. The back wall, which faced the lake, was lined with glass garage-style doors that opened during the spring, summer, and fall months. The view was breathtaking. Firepits with cushy seating dotted the exterior. Inside, a large double-sided fireplace could add warmth during winter months. It was the perfect location for townies and tourists to spend money.

The response to the trivia night fundraiser had been overwhelming, and I was relieved when Abel assured me they could open the rolling doors on the side of the building to accommodate additional tables. Over the phone, Abel was efficient, if not a bit surly, and reminded me a touch of Whip’s aunt Bug.

It had taken me the better part of the week to shake off the conversation I’d had with Principal Cartwright. I hated feeling as though I had done something wrong, especially in the eyes of the principal who held the key to my future employment. Surely he wouldn’t be keen on hiring me full time if he didn’t feel like he could trust my judgment.

Still, I had only tried to do right by Robbie. The pained look in my student’s eyes still nagged me.

There had to be a better way.

My phone rang, and Rachel’s name flashed across the screen. I shook off my sour mood before answering.

“Are you there already?” She was frazzled.

I glanced at my watch, relieved I was earlier than planned. “I just pulled up. I’m going to make sure everything is ready and that the DJ is able to get set up. What’s going on?”

“I am having a crisis. I don’t know what to wear. I finally got the guts to ask Brooklyn on a date and figured trivia night would be the perfect opportunity. She agreed to be my plus-one.”

“I love that idea,” I responded. “Casual, but fun.”

“I think it’s a great first date, which brings me to my problem of having nothing to wear. What are you wearing?”

I glanced down at my own outfit and shrugged. “Jeans and a cute top.”

Rachel sighed. “Can you please be more specific? This is imperative.”

I smiled. “Fine. Ankle-cut distressed jeans with light-brown Western-style booties and a silky mushroom-colored camisole top. I couldn’t figure out my bra situation with the thin straps, so I opted to go without, but I brought a cardigan in case it gets chilly in there. I don’t need my nipples broadcasting the temperature of the brewery to the entire town.”

My over-the-top description earned a laugh from my friend. “Are you serious? No bra? I didn’t think you had it in you. I’m proud of you, kid.”

I laughed, glad the tension had eased out of her voice. “What can I say? I hate strapless. It was really just me being practical.”

Rachel’s hum buzzed over the phone. “Of course it was. Okay, I was thinking of going with a skirt, but since you’re going more casual, I think I’m going to do the same. But I need to hurry! She’s going to be here in a few minutes. Thanks, friend.” Rachel ended with a smacking kiss noise on the other end of the phone.

“Good luck and have fun!” I encouraged. “I’ll see you when you get here.”

I smiled as I ended the call and slipped my phone into my brown leather cross-body bag. I glanced around and noticed a few cars had already started to fill the parking lot. An excited giddiness hummed through me.

As expected, the Bluebirds had pulled through and helped generate more buzz for the fundraiser. I gave polite smiles to a few familiar faces as I entered the brewery and stepped inside. MJ had arrived before me and was barking orders with a smile. I headed straight toward her.

“Am I late?” I grinned at MJ. It wasn’t often someone beat me to an event.

“I didn’t have a shift at the nursing home today. I got bored, so I opted to come early and make sure Abel wasn’t terrorizing the staff.”

I softened. “It was so kind of him to let us host the fundraiser here.”

A crash startled us both, and we turned toward the bar. A blonde woman had dropped a glass, and it shattered across the pecan-colored wood floor. “Shit!”

“You good, Sloaney?” MJ asked.

The blonde’s head whipped up, and she blew a strand of hair from her face. “Yep. Just bobbled it.” She was wiping splatters of liquid off her jeans with a white rag.

MJ squeezed my arm as she moved past me. “I’ll find a broom.”

Sloane, a server who worked at Abel’s Brewery, laughed as she straightened. “Maybe try pulling the giant one out of Abel’s ass.”

MJ’s eyes floated over Sloane’s shoulder and went wide. In slow motion, Sloane turned to find her boss standing behind her with his arms crossed.

---