Page 74 of Relief Pitcher

TYLER

Ty: Guess what? Hayden finished construction! We get to check it out today.

Coop: Congrats! Pics or it didn’t happen.

Ty: If you want dick pics, you only need to ask.

Coop: Not the pics I was referring to, but I won’t say no to those too.

Ty: Perv. [smirk emoji]

Coop: You love it.

* * *

Rain pissed down from the sky as it did often during spring in Oregon, but not a single drop touched me as I stood outside the brewery. Why? Because Hayden was a fucking beautiful construction wizard.

“I know I said adding electrical might need to be a phase two addition, but I bartered with an electrician buddy who ended up with a gap in his schedule. He put outlets in the posts like you wanted.” Hayden pointed to an outlet at the base of a post with a cover over it.

“Bartering with a ‘buddy?’ Do they even have an electrical license?” Dom scowled at the outlet.

Hayden didn’t even flinch. “It’s the same guy the insurance company hired to rewire the elementary school after last year’s fire. If they trusted him with a building for little squirts, pretty sure he’s reliable.”

I loved watching Dom and Hayden go at it. For the most part, Dom had steered clear of Hayden when he’d been here working, but once in a while, we got a good show of Dom being an asshole and Hayden taking it with a smile. Dom still hadn’t spilled anything about their history, but the rest of us were pretty sure they’d been an item in high school, or it was some sort of unrequited love situation that had blown up.

“Can I finish the rest of the tour, Your Highness?”

Dom rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. I was impressed he didn’t storm off.

“I want to show you something else.”

We followed Hayden around to the back of the brewery. We’d asked him to make a dog waste area back there. It was important to create a comfortable, stay-a-while vibe, and if we wanted to welcome dog owners, we needed to make sure the pooches had a place to do their business. Dom trailed slowly behind us.

Hayden had added some cool features to the waste area that were above and beyond what we’d asked for. He then took us through the rest of the work he’d completed. The covered area fit ten four-top tables and a firepit with several chairs around it. The tables were spread apart far enough for dogs to hang at the tables without being a trip hazard. We could easily add more tables if we needed to or move them for an event.

The firepit was perfect. I couldn’t wait to fire—hehe—that up on a cool night and sit around it BSing with the guys. But the best part was the retractable solar roof we’d splurged on. The only way we’d been able to afford it was because Hayden had given us such an incredible deal on his labor. All the extra money went toward the roof.

We’d debated endlessly over the options for how to cover the patio. Originally, we’d planned to go with clear, corrugated roofing panels to capture natural light, which would be critical in the gloomier months. But during summer, it could get hot as a sweaty taint under those. Instead, we’d upgraded to a clear, retractable roof that we could open or close depending on the weather.

“I think that’s everything.” Hayden stood proudly. Even Dom’s glare couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. And he should be proud. It was even better than we could’ve hoped for.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t tear up at seeing it all finished. We’d not only opened our dream brewery, we’d not only been successful, but we’d hit stretch goals that allowed us to create our outdoor expansion over a year ahead of our original timeline. And thanks to Austin’s great taste in boyfriends, we would soon have a food truck permanently parked at the brewery to make it even more enticing to visit.

“’Bout time you finished,” Dom grumbled.

I looked toward the heavens to give me strength. I understood Dom and Hayden had a history, but the guy had done us one hell of a solid. If there was one time to not be a dick, it was that moment. I opened my mouth to step in, but Hayden beat me to it.

Hayden’s proud smile turned into a teasing grin. “Aww. Dominic gets so grumpy when he doesn’t get his way.”

My mouth fell open, and I looked at the other guys. Dom mumbled something I didn’t catch and stormed off.

Ethan schooled his surprise, then held out his hand to Hayden. “Thank you for this. Not only did you do an even better job than we hoped for, I know what you sacrificed for us. If there’s anything we can do—client references, free beer—”

“Crop dust Dom once in a while,” I added. Once a teenage boy, forever the humor of one.

“Might take you up on the free beer once in a while.” Hayden’s easy smile shifted to an earnest expression. “And I’d appreciate using you as a reference. Even telling potential clients I was doing a project for the brewery has given me credibility. I’m grateful for that.”

“Does that mean you’re planning to stick around?” I might like it when Dom got his panties in a bunch, but he was still one of my best friends. I didn’t want him to get hurt. The thing was, I didn’t know whether Hayden staying or leaving would hurt.

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