Page 83 of Booked on a Feeling

“Well, I made chili, so I’ll tell you after we’ve all had a nice lunch together.”

“Is he trying to butter us up for something?” his dad asked Tara.

Four pairs of suspicious eyes turned to Jack, and he threw his hands up. “Just sit down and eat, for Christ’s sake.”

“Language.” His mom narrowed her eyes at him.

“Sorry.” Jack took a deep breath. “Let’s all have some chili, forgoodness’sake. You guys like chili, don’t you?”

“I love chili,” Alex said, and sat down at the table.

Jack shot his brother a grateful smile as everyone followed his example and sat around the dining table. Warmth spread through his chest as he glanced at his family digging into the chili. Everyone was quiet, which was the best compliment they could give his cooking.

“I need to tell you guys something.” He stirred some sour cream and cheese into his chili.

“Obviously,” Tara said, gulping down some water. “Man, this has a kick.”

“You called a family meetingandcooked lunch for us,” Alex added. “I’m guessing it’s not good news.”

“That depends on how you look at it.” Jack wiped his damp hands on his thighs. “I’m hoping you’ll think of it as good news. Mostly.”

“Well, let’s hear it, then,” his dad said.

Jack wanted to run out of the kitchen and go hide under his bed, but he would have to come out eventually.Just tell them.“I got a job in LA.”

The silence around the table this time was not a good sign.

“But you have a jobhere.” Tara’s eyebrows furrowed together. “What do you mean you got a job in LA?”

“I got a job as a business analyst at McBain Corporation.” This was even harder than he’d thought it would be. “I have someone lined up to take over the brewery’s bookkeeping, and we can start running ads in the local paper for a server.”

“Jack,” Tara said sharply.

His mom put a hand on his sister’s arm before she could continue and asked, “Are you happy you got the job?”

“Yes,” Jack said.

His answer was simple in its truth. He lost Lizzy. He was letting his family down. Despite it all, Jack was glad he was following his own dream at last.

“Then your mom and I are happy for you,” his dad said after exchanging a glance with his mom. “We’ll figure everything else out.”

“Thank you,” Jack said quietly.

He was acutely aware that Alex hadn’t said a single word during the entire conversation. His brother’s uncharacteristic silence and stoic expression made it hard for him to breathe.

Then Alex suddenly pushed back from the table and got to his feet. “Jack and I are going to the brewery.”

Jack stood, too. He wasn’t about to argue. They needed to talk. His parents and Tara understood.

“Go,” his sister said. “I’ll see you guys tonight.”

The car ride to the brewery was encased in icy silence. Jack clenched and unclenched his hands as he sat in the passengerseat. His twin didn’t utter a single word until they walked into Weldon Brewery, then he spun to face Jack.

“The brewery is ourdream.”

“No.” Anger Jack didn’t know he felt surged to the surface. “It’syourdream. Tara’s and your dream. Not mine.”

“I don’t understand.” Alex looked as though Jack had struck him.

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