Page 166 of On The Rocks

She narrowed her eyes. “What’s he going to do?”

“We’re going to find out.” I shut the door and rounded the front of my truck. Once inside, I started the engine, and I could feel her staring me. “Don’t look at me like that.”

“Like what? As if you’re hatching something that is going to piss me off, perhaps?”

“Would I do that?”

“Yes.”

I laughed. “Only works if Baron is in.”

“Give me a hint?”

“Nope.” I pulled onto Sterling Street, the main road in Turnbull. “Think Laverne will feed us?”

“She always feeds you, Mr. Special Delivery.”

I grinned. “I can’t help it if she adopted me.”

“Oh, brother.”

The drive to the orchard was quick, especially since the Lodge was at the front of the orchard. I parked, texting Baron to meet us downstairs as we crossed to the large building. It had previously been a smaller bed and breakfast that had been expanded upon, like most of the things at the orchard.

Cara waved at us when we passed the check-in desk. She had a half-dozen people checking in.

The lobby branched out to a few conference rooms and banquet rooms for weddings. For the regular guests, which I had been once upon a time, there was an eatery. Baron was alreadyseated there at a table by the windows. He was staring out at the orchard with a mug in his hand and a carafe beside it.

“Well, hello, Griffin.”

I turned at Laverne’s voice. “Hello, love of my life.”

She pinked up and tucked her white hair around her ear. “Charmer. Lennon, we haven’t seen you over here in an age.”

“Taproom keeps me busy.”

“We’re here to visit my friend over there.”

“Oh, Mr. Sad Eyes. Yes, he’s been lovely, but is always staring out that window or wandering the grove.”

“I’m sure you’re taking good care of him.” I bent to kiss her cheek.

“We always do. Go on in.” She craned her neck toward the lobby and waved. “I’ll send Mel over to take your order. Specials are on the chalkboard. We have a small wedding here tonight, so it’ll be a little crazy.”

“Don’t worry about us,” I said and ushered Lennon toward the table.

There were a handful of people eating, but it was in-between lunch and dinner, which I was thankful for. I could walk around unknown for the most part but putting me and Baron together was asking for trouble.

Handily, I didn’t think these patrons were fans of an alt-rock band. “Hey, man.”

Baron swiveled his head to look up at me. The sadness buttoned up and he plastered an easy smile on his face. One I’d seen for too many years. How had I missed so much?

Because it had been easier to ignore it. Blame all the problems in our band on the fraught threesome-slash-love triangle, depending on the day.

I pulled out a chair for Lennon, then I sat beside her, across from Baron. Before I could say anything, the server came over. She was painfully young and earnest.

“Hi, I’m Mel. What can I get you?”

I glanced up over at the chalkboard over a self-serve area that they set up for mornings. “I’ll have the BLT club, add turkey?”

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