Page 20 of On The Rocks

I grabbed my bag, as well as two shirts for the St. Patrick’s Day event. “Think I’m going to head out. I came right from my storage unit and need groceries—as well as to wash off the road trip.”

“Oh, you didn’t need to come in today.”

I waved her off. “I wanted to. Feels like it’s been more than four months since I’ve been here.” I rounded the bar and stopped near Kira. I didn’t know much about babies, but I couldn’t stop myself from dragging a gentle finger over the baby’s soft curls behind her ear.

Ella shoved a fist into her mouth and stared at me with those big fathomless baby eyes. They still had a blue tinge to them, but they were firmly heading into brown territory. Or perhaps the amber of their mother.

“She sure is pretty.”

“Yeah, I’m partial to her and her sister.”

I grinned. “I just bet. Motherhood looks good on you, Kira.”

Her amber eyes softened. “I’m scared witless most days, but it’s pretty amazing.”

“What are you guys doing when we open?” I glanced at the play area. “Not sure that will work when we’ve got chairs and booths everywhere.”

“We’re going to set-up in a corner of Ronan’s workshop for part of the day while we interview nannies. Finding someone to take care of twins is already hard enough, but ones that we trust…” She sighed. “It’s been a lot. Ronan’s mother is coming in this weekend to stay with us for a few weeks until we figure it all out.”

“Are we cool with the mother-in-law?”

“Thankfully, she’s amazing. And Brighid wants more time with them so win-win.”

“Good. I’m glad.” I gave Kira a pat. “You’ll figure it out. We always do around here.”

“That’s the truth.”

Ronan was coming up the stairs as I tossed the T-shirts over my shoulder. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“Nice to have you back at the orchard, Lennon.”

I gave him a wide smile. “Nice to be back.” I gave them a little salute and headed out the front of the taproom. The doors were still open, and the breeze felt nice after dealing with dusty boxes.

The drive into town was uneventful. A quick stop at the mom-and-pop market, Gordon’s Grocery, netted me a massive sub for dinner, plus deli meat for the rest of the week. Then I added in a few pre-made dinners that were packed up at the front of the butcher case.

I was in and out within fifteen minutes, adding a bottle of Lambrusco wine from the liquor store next door before heading back to my place.

Mitchell Drive was a sprawling road in Turnbull. Lots of old houses were tucked along the winding road, as well as a few newapartment buildings. While I appreciated vintage for my own personal style, I liked my creature comforts.

I didn’t need much, and my corner unit allowed me a nice view of the woods. I picked an upper-level apartment for the quietness, and the elevator made the trip easy.

I only had my backpack full of work clothes, another smaller black bag with my traveling bar kit, my purse, and my provisions.

“One trip,” I said, speaking to the empty hallway as I hustled down to my door.

Once inside, I dropped everything and sagged against the dark, steel-enforced door. I flicked on the light and the stress instantly flowed off me.

I’d painted the main living space a deep green, offset by cream and saddle-colored furniture. My aloe plant and succulent dish garden were the only living things. I couldn’t kill them.

I’d hired a cleaning service to come in once a month while I was gone so the place wasn’t too dusty and stale, as well as making sure the plants stayed alive.

Taking my time, I left my other bags by the door, hauling the grocery bag and bottle of wine with me.

I stopped at the record player, flicking it on and setting the needle on the album I’d been listening to the night before I left. The easy, acoustic strains of City and Colour filled my whole apartment.

I had speakers all over the place, including in my small kitchen, and in my bedroom.

After I put my groceries away, I cracked the seal on my wine and poured a big glass and padded my way around the corner and down the small hallway to my bedroom. I’d gone with a soothing gray for the walls there that matched my en suite bathroom of marbled tiles.

---