Page 19 of Pitcher Perfect

“You know as well as I do that my work has come between me and every relationship I’ve had.”

Ethan opened his mouth then seemed to think better of it.

“What?”

“You work a lot.”

“I’ve had demanding jobs.”

“So have the rest of us.”

“It just doesn’t work for me, okay? I can’t multitask like that. Either I work hard and the guy I’m with feels neglected, or I give someone the attention they want, and my work suffers, making the guilt eat me alive.”

“Or you haven’t found the person yet who inspires you to find a work-life balance.”

“You going to start talking about having two-point-five kids and living in a house with a white picket fence next?”

Ethan flipped me off. “No. I just want to see you happy. You work too much. Don’t get me wrong. We appreciate it because your hard work helps the rest of us, but it’s not worth sacrificing your happiness.” He stood. “You didn’t see yourself after I interrupted you in the store a few months ago or when you saw Caleb today. It’s worth noting. That’s all I’m saying.”

“Clearly, that’s not all you’re saying.”

Ethan patted my shoulder as he walked by me to the door.

I asked a question that had been percolating under my subconscious. “You really didn’t know who he was? This isn’t some, like, long con setup or something?”

Ethan leaned against my doorframe. “I wish I had that kind of game. That’s something Ty could pull off. Honestly? I didn’t recognize him at all. Clearly, he didn’t make that kind of impression on me. Then again, I didn’t spend all that time flirting with him over ink and paper like a super dork.” With that, he left.

Could I somehow find a way to date and keep up with work?The concept was so foreign it was impossible to imaginehowto do it. It didn’t matter anyway. I needed to focus on finalizing the winter ale and putting together some ideas for the contest. The fact that part of that involved time with Caleb was simply a bonus, but that was all it could be. At least for the time being.

CHAPTER6

AUSTIN

“Ready for your punishment?”Ty handed me the deceptively benign garment bag that held my torture device.

I wanted to smack the gloating smile off his face, but a bet was a bet, and I honored my commitments. Even if I wanted to take the cell phone out of Past Me’s hands to stop from making it.Of courseTy was being a douche canoe the size of Mount Hood and making me wear the costume while strolling up and down Main Street to hand out fliers just beforeCaleb was supposed to show up.

Ty must’ve sensed my thoughts because his smile turned predatory. “Excited to see Caleb?”

“You’re a massive prick.”

“Whythank you. Idohave a massive prick.”

I rolled my eyes and snatched the bag from his hands, then stormed off to the office to change. Hard pass on trying to change in our tiny bathroom stall.

Dom was in there glaring at his computer.

“Mind if I change in here?” I closed the door behind me.

He grunted.

“The numbers talking back?”

He huffed out a sigh and turned his big body toward me. “Bureaucracy for the lot next door. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission needs permission from the lot owner. But he’s still being a pain in my ass about agreeing to lease to us. What’s the big deal about letting us give him money each month so our customers can drink your amazing beer in the fresh air? Jesus Christ.” Dom scrubbed his hands over his face.

I paused with my jeans half off. It was the most I’d heard Dom say consecutively in a while. I really hadn’t thought the whole outdoor seating thing would be that big of a deal. The lot had been empty for ages.What does the owner think will happen? Is he holding out for an In-N-Out or something?

“Has Ty asked around?”

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