Page 79 of All Along

We walk toRumrunnersince it’s not too far. The bar is a speakeasy complete with a hidden entrance in an alley. Tourists are required to get a password from their website but locals are admitted without one.

“Hey, Trent,” Chloe greets when he opens the speakeasy window.

He opens the door and motions us in. “Try to be on your best behavior.”

I duck my chin to hide my amusement. My friends on their best behavior? Not in this lifetime.

Sophia and Chloe march straight to the bar.

Nova threads her arm through mine. “This is going to be fun. I haven’t been out since Iliana was born.”

“Harper!” Sophia shouts and slaps her palm on the bar.

The owner ofRumrunnersaunters her way. “Uh oh. Trouble has arrived.”

“Five shots of moonshine, please.”

“I hope you’re celebrating today,” Harper says as she pours our shots. “You tend to cause less destruction when you’recelebrating as opposed to commiserating over someone’s broken heart.”

Sophia grins. “Don’t you worry. We’re celebrating. Because we are awesome.”

Harper rolls her eyes as she hands out the shots. Sophia holds up her glass. “Here’s to the bootleggers. Masters of the sneaky sips and secret stashes. Thanks for keeping the party alive.”

We raise our glasses. “To the bootleggers.”

I throw back the shot. The alcohol burns. Moonshine on Smuggler’s Hideaway isn’t similar to moonshine anywhere else. It’s strong as hell, doesn’t have any flavor, and is oddly addictive.

Chloe elbows Paisley and points to a man exiting the storeroom. “Isn’t that Eli?”

Paisley growls at her. “I don’t care if it is. Would you stop obsessing over him?”

She snorts. “Stop obsessing over a local boy we went to high school with who is now a billionaire? Not in this lifetime.”

“Plus, he ownsBuccaneer’s Whiskey & Distillery,” Sophia adds. “Our biggest competitor.”

Paisley scowls. “We brew beer. A distillery is not our competition.”

“It is Eli. Eli!” Chloe waves. “Over here!”

Eli glances over at us, and Paisley drops to her knees. He starts toward us, and Paisley crawls behind the bar. Harper raises an eyebrow at her, and Paisley places a finger over her mouth.

I scoot behind Nova. I’m fine interacting with my friends, but I haven’t spoken to Eli since high school. He’s practically a stranger. Nova pats my hip. She’s got my back.

“What are you celebrating?” Eli asks in greeting.

Chloe puffs out her chest. “A deal withGourmet Corner.”

“Congrats.” He nods to Harper. “Next round is on me.”

Harper sighs. “They’re going to pick the most expensive drink in the bar.”

He chuckles. “I figured as much.” He nods to Chloe and Sophia. “Good to see you.”

I watch the door close behind him. Once the coast is clear, I kneel down in front of Paisley. “He’s gone.”

She frowns as she stands. “I don’t know who you mean. I was searching for my phone.”

“Behind my bar?” Harper asks.

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