Page 30 of More Than Words
As a self-declared introvert, I didn’t usually go in for such big crowds, but when Ethan asked me personally if I’d be at his opening, there was no way I could say no.
People were everywhere, standing shoulder to shoulder, laughing and toasting to the new brewery with the samples in hand.There was music playing at just the right volume to provide a nice background without overwhelming the conversation.
I had to admit, Ethan had done an excellent job pulling it all together.
I stood for a moment and took in the scene before me.
Sure, it was only opening night.But by all accounts, Peaks & Brews looked like it was going to be a huge success.
“Okay, it’s official.”Kat appeared at my side, her baby boy in her arms.“Ethan did a great job.This place looks great.Who knew the old Chinese food place could look so good?”
I laughed and gave my new friend a side hug in greeting.
“I’m still going to miss the ginger beef, though.”
“I thought this place had been closed for years.”
“Still.”She stared at me in faux shock.“Now I’ll never have it again.”
I shook my head.“You’ll be glad to know then that Ethan created a ginger beer in honor of the building’s roots.”
Kat spun and her mouth dropped open.“He did not!”
“He did.”
Kat threw her head back, her beautiful red hair cascading down her shoulders, and laughed.“Wait until I tell Andy.”She blew me a kiss.“I’ll see you in a bit.”And then she was gone.
I watched my friend with a smile on my face.Kat was a force of nature.I had to admit, she’d been a good influence in bringing me out of my shell a little bit.
“Hey there.”Lauren joined me and passed me a small tasting cup.“And IPA, I’m told,” she said as I took a sip.“You okay?”
“I’m fine.”I shook my head a little.“Just…there are a lot of people here.”
“Right?”Together, we moved to the side and leaned up against the wall.“I feel like half the town is here.It’s great.”
“It is.”I sipped at my beer.
Lauren raised an eyebrow.“Someone’s had a change of attitude.”
“How could I not?Ethan’s put everything he has into this place.And it shows.”Before I could say more, I spotted Quinn weaving her way through the crowd toward us.
She popped up at my side, her face flushed from excitement.
“Hey,” she said, beaming up at me.“You made it.”
“Of course I did.I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Thanks again,” she said, her voice dipping a little.“For career day yesterday.”
“It was my pleasure,” I answered honestly.I had no idea what to expect when I arrived at the middle school, but it turned out to be a really fun afternoon, with Quinn giving a small presentation about me and what I did before I answered questions.“You rocked it.I don’t think I’ve ever been described as akeeper of imagination and fantasy worldsbefore.”
“Thanks.”Quinn straightened her shoulders.“I hope it wasn’t too much, but I had to make it sound super cool.”
“Super cool?”
She shrugged.“Middle schoolers can be brutal.”
“Fair enough.I think they liked it, though.”
