Page 105 of More Than Words
But for the first time in a long time, I wasn’t wondering what came next.
I was already in it.
Epilogue
Six Months Later
Delaney
It was warm for a spring evening in the mountains.But after what felt like a very long winter, I’d take any indication that summer was well and truly on its way.
The air in the plaza held the freshly sweet scent of the dogwoods that were in full white bloom in the oversized planter beds.The town had recently planted some bright annuals in the gardens as well.A sign of confidence that there shouldn’t be any late-season snowstorms.
The patio at Peaks & Brews was buzzing with conversation and the low hum of acoustic music as I made my way next door.
It had only been open a few weeks, but already the outdoor seating was proving to be a massive hit.The patio had been packed every night, and Ethan was already talking about going ahead with plans to develop the space in the back to accommodate more seating.
I had to admit, he’d done an amazing job creating a welcoming space that didn’t detract from Plot Twist.If anything, the big planters of flowers and string lights that crossed overhead, gently illuminating the space, only enhanced the feel of my own shop.
At the same time that Peaks & Brews had opened the outdoor seating, I’d added a sitting area of my own.Two big cushioned armchairs with a little wrought-iron table between them and a few flower pots from Charli’s shop were set outside the front windows.
The seating was already getting used more than I’d expected, and I’d considered looking for a few more chairs for customers to enjoy.
“I swear,” Lauren said as she joined me in the plaza.“You’ve got half the town reading again with this setup.”She wrapped an arm around my shoulders and squeezed.
“I don’t know if it’s the books or the beer.”I laughed.“Okay, that’s not true.I’m sure the beer helpsa lot.”
“Whatever it is,” my friend smiled, “it’s amazing what you’ve created here.What you’vebothcreated.”
She wasn’t wrong.It was amazing.When Ethan and I had first come up with the idea of Books & Brews, to spin off the table we’d had at the Fall into the Plaza event, we weren’t sure it would work as a regular activity, so we started small.
It was a pairing night where Ethan put together a curated flight of beers to match up with five books that I selected.
People loved it.
Like,reallyloved it.
We’d been blown away at the reception of the event, including how many people bought books to go home with, as well as six-packs of the new cans Ethan had started to produce.
Not only was the event a lot of fun, but it had been successful, too.Everyone in attendance asked about when the next one would be, and word got around so quickly that we had to limit seating.
“I’m glad we can expand outside now.”I looked around.Ethan had the big garage door windows open, creating the perfect inside-to-outside space he’d dreamed of.The entire brewery was packed.
“Do you guys have a table?”I asked Lauren.
“You know we do.”She grinned.“I brought Brett tonight.”
“Brett?”My eyes scanned the brewery, looking for her table.It didn’t take long for my gaze to land on a small table with a man who must be Brett and a very sour-looking Brody, who was nursing the beer in front of him.“Who’s Brett?And why does Brody look so pissed?”
“Brett and I have sort of been dating.”Lauren shrugged in an effort to be casual, but it didn’t work.I saw the way she bit her bottom lip and glanced away when she spoke.“I don’t know what Brody’s issue is.”
I raised an eyebrow.“I think I know very well what his issue is.”
She shook her head.“It’s not like Brody and I are dating.”
“Right.”I dragged out the word.I’d been friends with Lauren for a while now, and I’d seen the two of them together more often than not, and I still couldn’t figure out what was going on between the two of them.But she was correct—they weren’t dating.As for the exact status of their actual relationship, I had no idea.
I let my eyes travel inside, where Ethan was behind the bar, filling pint glasses and grinning from ear to ear.
