Page 91 of Love Me, I Dare You

“Is everything ready?” I ask Nash as we drive downtown. The merchandise is secured in a large, refrigerated cooler in the back of the truck. Billie and Monroe are not far behind us in Billie’s jeep, having stopped by Honeybees to pick up a few extra ingredients for the specialty lattes we’ll be selling alongside the cupcakes.

The iced brown sugar shaken espresso with a maple cold foam and a pecan syrup drizzle is one my favorite drinks Billie’s ever crafted. Along with the green matcha oat latte with a peach infused cold foam, today is bound to be a total success.

“Monty, Theo and Beau are downtown with Cam, setting up the tents, tables and fence that needs to be secured around the space. It’s double the size of what we expected, but we have enough tables and Monty built a makeshift bar where we’ll serve the signature cocktails you created.”

With one hand gripping the steering wheel and another tangled with mine resting on the center console, this moment feels right. “What about the HoneyBees booth?” I ask, trying to hide the blush that appears from the way he’s looking at me.

“I set it up this morning. All it needs is your cupcakes and coffees, and you're all set.”

Nash did all this for me. He and his brothers are working alongside mine to ensure today is successful for both my businesses. After last night and the bitter attitude from myparents after what started off as a pretty decent night, I’m surprised any of the Bishops are helping Jase and I. but it only goes to show the type of people they really are.

“Thank you, Nash. You and your brothers have been an enormous help. We wouldn’t have been able to do this without you.”

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he laughs. “Don’t thank me yet, Angel. I’m sure that stunt I pulled in front of your daddy is going to come back and bite me in the ass by the end of the night. As for my brothers, they somehow barter something in return.”

The familiar warmth of his hand reassures me that everything my father said has to be a lie. Our earlier kiss in front of everyone was proof that Nash could have never done what he claimed.

“How’s it feel, all of you guys back in the same place?”

“Oddly, as if no time’s passed. We are all different people, that’s for sure. I kept in touch with Theo and Beau, and saw them pretty often if we were in the same state. They weren’t as much of a threat to me or a reminder of Crossroads and the life I left behind as Monty and Monroe.”

“Are we ever going to talk about that?” I ask, just as Nash pulls into the parking spot behind the tents set up for us.

As we pull up to the venue, Jase is the first one to see us, his gaze hardening as he catches sight of us alone in the truck. Not that he has a right to say anything about the two of us together, regardless of whatever betrayal he might feel on behalf of Nash, but we’ve discussed nothing about my relationship with his friend. He gives me an incredulous look as he nods his head toward the dash window.

“One day, maybe.” The break in Nash’s voice suggests everything is not as clear cut as it seems and dread suddenly consumes me. “But right now, we need to get you out of thiscar and unload everything before your brother comes over and murders me.”

I try to laugh at his playful humor, but realize he’s not joking in the slightest as Jase approaches the truck. Beau and Monty head our way as Billie and Monroe pull up to the spot beside us. Hopping out of the truck, I look toward Billie, who’s also exiting her car, a knowing look on her smug face as she slides up next to me and whispers so only I can hear her.

“That kiss,” she swoons, jokingly fanning herself. “God, I wanted to scream and I almost would have if I weren’t stunned speechless.”

I playfully swat her arm, feeling that blush intensify as I catch Nash looking our way. “You and me both, babe.”

In a matter of minutes, we have the entire truck and jeep unloaded, Billie, Monroe and I working hard to set up all the merchandise on the tables before the event opens its doors at three o’clock in the afternoon. Beside us, the guys have set up the beer taps along the bar Monty built in just a few days' time, connected to the beer kegs that sit on the floor behind it.

The guys will all take turns serving the drinks. Jase and Beau will man the beer station with Raven, while Monty and Nash take care of the cocktail lounge, situated closer to the edge of the cafe’s tent.

As guests arrive, they’ll be met with the opportunity to mingle around the cocktail tables, perch on the many bar stools lined around them, or cozy up on the plush couches forming a circle around the fire pit. The space has transformed into a beer garden oasis, and with a photo booth, decorated with wild flowers and greenery to look like a secret garden, it will be a night for making memories. Beautiful garlands of twinkling lights flicker all around us, creating an unforgettable atmosphere I know so many will enjoy.

“I think the photo booth needs to be a permanent staple at Stingers. It’s a genius idea,” Billie says, as she refills the ice chest. She’s not wrong. Actually, the entire setup is making me wish we had an outdoor space at Stingers, particularly one we can enjoy all throughout the summer. It may have to be something we add on to the property in the coming months.

Glancing toward the photo area, I notice Nash setting up an amp speaker and connecting it to a mic that is propped up on a stand, then setting it to the right of the lounge area. “What’s the mic for?” I ask, hoping to God they aren’t planning to have some karaoke contest going.

“Please don’t say karaoke,” Monroe whines, reading my mind.

“No, actually,” Billie says, sudden excitement brimming from her eyes. “Theo agreed to put on a little pop-up concert for us. Well, I mean for you and Stingers. Apparently, his agent mentioned something about being back in his small town and giving back to the community that raised him will be good for theplayboyimage that’s causing him some trouble.”

“A concert by the Theo Bishop,” I joke, though it’s no joking matter. This is huge for us, and will surely make our space the most sought after tonight. Even better if I can convince him to do it all weekend.

Theo is one of the hottest country music stars of the decade, but primarily in the last four years since his hit song Carolina, remained number one on the country music charts for one hundred and six weeks straight. He’s toured with some of the greatest, sold out arenas all on his own, and is deemed the sexiest cowboy by women and men alike.

Though he currently lives in Tennessee, it’s well known that he arose out of the vast farmlands of Crossroads, North Carolina, which is also why our town has become such a touristdestination over the years. Everyone wants a taste of the town that gave them their country music legend.

“Are you going to jump on stage and sing something with him?” I ask Billie, hoping the answer will be yes. “You know you are amazing with country duets. I don’t know why you don’t post more videos of you singing on your Instagram and TikTok, since they have gone incredibly viral in the past.”

Monroe chimes in, agreeing with me. “We could have ourselves a very own Country Music Princess on our hands, but you refuse to give yourself a chance.”

“How did this turn into being about me?” she asks defensively, but I can see she’s curious about trying it. Since we were kids, it’s been a dream of Billie to be a singer, anyone famous honestly, but she’s also her worst enemy in doubting herself and her talents. She has an incredible voice and even better than her skills as a talented secret songwriter, is her drive and passion in all she does. “Let’s focus back on you, babe. Are you and Nash like officially a couple now?”

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