Page 1 of Some Like It Hops

Chapter One

Charlie

A little thrill runs up my spine as I pace the warehouse, imagining all the ways I can make this place my own. The back room houses four tanks, which is just enough to get started. I don’t know what brewery was here before me, but chances are they outgrew the space. If all goes well, so will I, but I have no problem starting small, and this is even a bit larger than I’d dared hope for.

I sigh happily as I continue exploring. The front room is open and empty, perfect for a handful of bar height tables clustered in the middle, and a few long tables along the back wall for larger parties. I turn toward the glass that separates the brewing area from the main space and close my eyes, visualizing the blue and yellow walls, the paw prints on the ground—

“Are you picturing it?”

I open my eyes, smiling as I meet Josie’s gaze. This empty warehouse—with its exposed brick walls, glass floor-to-ceiling windows already in place to showcase the tanks, and the smooth cement floors ready for staining and painting—will be the perfect location for Pops & Hops.

She tilts her head as she watches me. “There it is.”

“What?”

“The look of love I’ve been waiting for.” Josie laughs. “And you haven’t even seen the best part.” I follow her toward the back door, eager to see what could possibly be better about this place that is already completely perfect.

The soft flutter of anticipation fills my chest. There’s a feeling of rightness that I can’t really put into words.

Josie opens the door and I gasp, stepping slowly into the gated courtyard behind the warehouse. The sun shines down through the trees, a small oasis in the middle of an industrial plaza. There’s plenty of space for picnic tables, and in the corner against the building, the ideal location for an outside tap area and bar. I spin slowly in a circle and look at Josie. “You would never know this was back here.”

Josie flashes a wicked grin. “I know. The second I saw this listing I justknew.” She points toward the grassy area in the far back corner. “Plus, thepièce de résistance.”

I take a few steps toward the far side of the patio. “Is that… oh my god, Jo!” There, in the center of the grassy area, is a small kidney bean-shaped cement pool. It’s currently empty, but I can picture it full of water, Pops and his friends splashing around on hot summer days. “Pops will love it.”

Josie chuckles. “So… you’renotgoing to make it a koi pond?”

I gasp dramatically, rounding on her. “Bite your tongue, Josephine Gallagher.”

Josie laughs. “Is it a yes?”

I snort. Is it a yes? Seriously? This place was made for me, like it was ripped straight from my imagination. My ultimate vision made real, solid. I nod emphatically.

“Say it, Char.”

“It’s a yes.” I cover my face with my hands. “This doesn’t seem real. I can’t believe something this perfect exists, Jo.”

“Girl, please. I told you to be patient and we’d find your dream place.”

“I can’t believe it.”

“Believe it.”

I slide my hand into Josie’s and give her hand a little squeeze. “Thank you.”

Josie follows me back inside and closes the patio door behind us, then we both head out front. “Who’s your very best friend?” she asks as she locks up and returns the key to the lockbox.

“You are.” I laugh as I imagine a giant Pops & Hops sign above the door. This place is too damn good to be true. “What’s the catch?” The question leaves my lips before I can think better of it. I turn back to look at Josie in time to catch the subtle fall of her shoulders. Damn. “I knew it.”

“No, listen.” Josie grimaces as she steps over to her car. “It’s just… there’s already one other offer on the table.”

Nowmyshoulders fall. Disappointment tightens around my heart. I don’t have the money to get into a bidding war. Turning back to look up at the warehouse, I send a quick prayer to the universe. If it’s meant to be, it will be.

“Char?” Josie asks as we climb into her Highlander.

“Yeah?”

“Do you trust me?”

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