Page 43 of It's a Brewtiful Day

“Not that I ever remember seeing.”

“Hmmph.”

What were we going to do? The wooden chairs were out, there was absolutely no way those would ever be comfortable enough to sleep on when sitting on them for an hour gave me back pain. The wingbacks were comfy for sitting in; however, we’d have no choice but to lean our heads into the wings and hope for the best. Sleeping sitting up? Yeah, that wasn’t ideal either.

I scanned the space. Aside from the chairs Elliot and I sat in, there was nothing with a cushion, so it’s not like we could even make a makeshift bed out of them like you did when you were a child. The bar-height tables were an option, but again, it was a super hard surface.

I turned and stared at Elliot.

“Yeah, I’m thinking the same thing and have already ruled everything out.”

“So, we just plan to spend the night awake?” It was the only option, aside from sleeping sitting up that seemed doable.

He shrugged. “Maybe? Or wait…” He jumped onto his feet and walked to the prep area, calling back. “There should be towels.”

A few heartbeats later, I joined him. “Wouldthere be enough to sleep on and make a somewhat cushioned bed?”

“Do you have back issues?”

“I will if I have to sleep on an unforgiving tabletop.” I tried to let a laugh slip, but it was fake and forced, easy enough to hear through it. “I am a bit of a princess, I’ll have you know.” It was total tongue-in-cheek, but with truth woven in.

“Maybe I should call you Princess Peach, considering how easily you bruise and your need for comfy sleeping quarters.”

“Hey.” I ran my fingers over the bit of a bump on my forehead. It was still tender but thankfully the bump felt smaller. “Even if the name fits, I think that name is already copyrighted because it’s a Mario character, right?”

“Oh, it’s most likely definitely copyrighted, but it’s not going to go on your driver’s license or anything, so I think we’re safe there.” He squatted down and opened a bottom drawer. “Well, we have enough to make…” There was a weighted sigh. “A pillow.”

I sighed, not focusing on the lack of towels. “Well, if you’re givingmea nickname, then I think it’s only fair that you have one, too.”

“And you’re going to come up with it on the fly? Just create something out of thin air? That’s not quite how nicknames come about.”

“Seriously? Do you hear yourself?” I laughed. “How did you come up with Princess Peach? Thatwas totally on the fly.”

“Yeah, well…” He handed me a mediocre stack of towels. “Hold this. There should be more.”

Drawers opened and closed, but my hands didn’t get any heavier.

“No luck, eh?” I hugged what we had to my chest.

“Sadly, no.” He rose and shook his head, then slapped a palm against it. “That’s right, Nina took them all home to do laundry this afternoon.”

Along with my shoulders, my chin fell too. “Oh, well, that doesn’t help us now.”

“No, it doesn’t.” He leaned against the display case and let out a deep, low groan as the back of his head knocked against the glass. “What are we going to do?”

“No doubt we’ll figure it out.”

“I feel like I’m letting you down.”

“Huh? How?” I scrunched my face up as my head tipped to the right.

“Well, I’m the man…” He pointed to his chest. “I’m supposed to make sure the lady is well taken care of, and all her needs are met.” There was a deep undercurrent of pain lancing through his words.

“Hey.” I rubbed his arm with my free hand. “This isn’t the 1950s. We may be trapped, but we’re not lacking shelter or food or bathroom needs. I’ve got clothes on my back, although they may stink to high heaven by the time we get freed, but still. I have a jacket to keep me warm, and we have all these extratowels. Trust me, I’m being well taken care of.” I moved my hand to tip up his chin. “You are doing more than is necessary. And…” I inhaled and exhaled slowly. “And I am sharing this—whatever you want to call it—with someone who is pretty darn amazing.”

“Yeah?” Even in the darkened glow, there was no denying the deep crimson staining his cheeks as a shy smile tickled the edges of his lips.

“Of all the people to be trapped with, I’m glad it’s you.”

---