Page 41 of Pitcher Perfect

The other three guys all sighed in unison.

Ty threw up his hands. “Here we go.”

I looked between them, hoping someone would explain.

Ethan put me out of my misery. “Austin never believes us when we tell him his beer is amazing, particularly if it’s something more unusual. He’s got a gift. Austin is far more adventurous with what he home brews than what makes it to the brewery.”

Austin stared at the bottle, absently scratching Tyler’s face off the label.

“I’ve tried so many beers this week, and this one is seriously fantastic. I immediately got ideas of food I could make to go with it.” I turned in the chair to face Austin. “I really think it could work.”

Austin looked up, his face full of uncertainty. “What kind of food?”

I wanted to grab his cheeks and tell him a hundred ways how great he was at his craft until he believed it. Instead, I rattled off some possible dishes. Tyler whistled appreciatively.

“That cardamom creme brûlée sounds amazing,” Dom said.

“I’ve been trying to get you to bring this to the brewery, Aus. I would be happy to have this beer represent us at the competition. You know it’s my fave,” Ethan said earnestly.

I really liked all three of Austin’s friends, but something about Ethan’s seemingly unwavering support of Austin really gave me a soft spot for the guy.

Austin cracked a smile, but it was clear he was uncomfortable. “It’s not even a new recipe.”

“The only restriction is that the beer and dish have to be new to the businesses. We can’t have sold the beer before, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a brand-new creation,” Dom said.

I nodded. “All of the dishes I’ve suggested are things I’ve made. They’re just foods I haven’t sold yet through the truck or catering.”

“What if it’s tooout there? We should stick to something tried-and-true, like a citrus wheat or something.”

“We should be bold. Take a risk. Isn’t it better to lose after putting yourself out there than to win for something easy when you know it’s not your best? What would feel better?” I pressed.

Austin stared at me for several long moments. He seemed to search for something. “Okay.”

“Yeah?” I felt my smile take over my face.

“Yeah.” He smiled back.

The other guys whooped.

“But we’ve gotta give it a better name.”

“Thank god. That picture needs to go,” Tyler said sharply.

“What about Java Spice Daddy?” I suggested, trying to think of a name that went with their queer-related naming convention.

“Yes!” Tyler enthusiastically jerked his arm in my direction, pointing at me. “Love. It.”

Ethan and Dom looked at each other and nodded.

“You named a beer. You’re officially part of the crew,” Dom said.

I felt like the cool kids invited me to sit with them at lunch. Austin squeezed my thigh under the table. I looked at him and smiled while the other guys erupted into reminiscing about some of their failed attempts at naming beers.

Leaning over, I whispered in Austin’s ear, “I think we’ve really got a chance with this beer.”

“I hope you’re right,” he whispered back, breath tickling my neck and smile warming my heart.

“But there’s something serious we need to cover.”

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