Page 39 of Drunk Girl

“Aww, what a sweetheart. We already knew he was one, but I’m glad he’s stepping up like that.”

“Me too. I don’t know what I’d do if he wasn’t so helpful,” she says as he returns to the table.

“I hear congratulations are in order,” I say, pulling him into a hug.

“Thanks,” he says sheepishly.

“How’s it going?” Nick asks everyone at our table a moment later, as he slides up behind me and places a platter down in the center, filled with their appetizer samples. “Thought y’all could use some food to soak up the beer.”

“This is great, man,” Colton tells him, holding up the beer he’s tried first.

“Thanks, that’s what I like to hear,” Nick says, slapping Colton on the back.

“Looks like I’m not the only one who thinks that,” he replies, looking around the packed bar.

“Even better.” Nick laughs. “I just wanted to bring over the food and make sure everyone was doing okay, but I’d better get back behind the bar.” He leans in and presses his lips to mine. “Love you,” he says against them before walking back to the bar.

Nick assumes his place at the tap, filling glass after glass as the orders continue to roll in all night.

* * *

Nick

I’ve filled moreorders tonight than I can count, and I couldn’t ask for more. The turnout tonight, the feedback on the product, just the upbeat atmosphere has me feeling like this is an out-of-body experience. I could have only dreamed things would have gone this smoothly. Not one person has said they didn’t like the beer we’ve launched.

Even with filling glass after glass of the two beers—a light blonde I named The Ash and a slightly darker Raspberry Wheat named The Kat. Both beers were inspired and named for the two women in Kaiden’s and my lives. Kaiden was on board with my idea from the moment I brought it up to him, and the girls were quite honored when we told them about it a few weeks ago, when we had our first samples of the batches.

I watch Ashley’s table from my peripheral vision most of the night. I watch as she visits with her mom and my parents, as well as with Tiffany and Colton. I know she doesn’t get to spend as much time with Tiffany as she wishes she could, so I’m glad to see they came out tonight and that the girls are getting some time together.

“Hey, man,” I hear a familiar voice call out, and I look over to see my friend, Ethan, and his wife, Cam. “Can I get one of each?”

“Nice to see you guys, thanks for coming out tonight,” I say as I slide a pint of each beer across the counter to him and Cam. “How are you guys doing?”

“Great. Looks like a good turnout tonight,” Cam says as she picks up the pint and takes a drink. I closely watch for her reaction to it, as I’ve done with many patrons tonight. But when it comes to my friends, I truly want to know what they think.

“It’s been a great one,” I finally remember to respond.

“Holy moly,” Cam says, as she swaps pint glasses with Ethan. “You have to try this one, it’s fantastic. The raspberry flavor is really good.” I smile at her assessment of the beer and watch as they each sample the opposite drink. “Nick!” Cam smacks the bar top, grabbing my full attention. “These are fantastic! I think I’ve found my new favorite beer with that raspberry one.”

“I’m glad to hear that. We’ll be offering take-home growlers soon,” I tell her. “We had a slight delay in getting our bottles in, as the manufacturer had a defect in our first shipment and had to remake all of them.”

“That sucks.” Ethan sets the glass back on the counter, sliding it back over to me. “I’ll take another one of those,” he tells me. “How’s everything else going? I haven’t seen much of you lately.”

“Been busy over at the other building with the brewing side of things. But life’s been great. How’s Ben?”

“Growing every day. I can’t believe he’s walking and talking already. He gets into everything, but the best thing to happen to us,” Ethan says, gushing over his son.

“That’s great, man. Glad to hear things are going so well. We’ll have to get together soon.”

“Let’s do that,” he agrees.

“Ashley is over there.” I point to her table. “If you guys want a place to hang out for a while.”

“Thanks, I think we’re going to finish these up and head out. Have to go get the boy and head home.”

“No problem, thanks for stopping in tonight,” I tell him, reaching over the bar to shake his hand.

“Our pleasure. And these are excellent. I look forward to whatever else you come up with.”

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