Page 65 of More Than Words
“Delaney.”
I stared at my brothers.“What?Delaney?”
They all nodded.
“What were you thinking the problem was?”Grayson asked.
“The town,” I said slowly.“Getting a permit to add tables into the plaza and expand my liquor license.”
“Oh.”Brody pretended to consider that for a moment.“Yeah, no.That’s not going to be a problem.The town is all about encouraging business and foot traffic in the plaza.I bet you take it to the next town hall meeting and it’s approved before you walk out.”
“Really?”
“Totally.”Brody shrugged.“I’ve been going to those meetings long enough to know how they’ll turn out.I doubt it’ll be a problem.”
“I agree,” Reid said.“The town’s been pushing for more community spaces and outdoor seating.This fits that vibe.”
I grabbed another wing and dipped it into the ranch before taking a bite while I let myself really think about the possibility of a front patio space for the first time.I had to admit, the additional tables would be great for business, and there was nothing better than enjoying a cold beer on a patio in the summer sun.
“Yes,” I said aloud.“I think this will be good.Low investment, big payoff.”I let the smile cross my face.“Let’s do it.”
“And by let’s…” Reid shot me a look, and I laughed.
“Don’t worry, brother,” I told him.“I know you’re busy.I don’t think this project will require too much in the way of construction.I might even be able to handle it on my own.”
It was Brody’s turn to laugh.“Yeah, right.You know we’ll help out.”
The conversation drifted away from the brewery and expansion plans into talk about sports and whatever new adventure Preston had just signed up for, and it wasn’t long before I’d completely forgotten all about what the real concern regarding the brewery’s patio should have been.
ChapterSeventeen
Delaney
“You know this is a bold choice, right?”Ethan handed me a mug of hot chocolate.
At least, I assumed it was hot chocolate.There was so much whipped cream on the top that I couldn’t really tell what was underneath it all.
“How so?”I raised an eyebrow and reached for the tray of hot chocolate toppings.
“You went full classic.”Ethan grinned as he sat next to me on the couch.His thigh pressed up against mine in a way that sent sparks flying through me, and made me wiggle a little bit closer.“Not just anoldclassic, but a really old classic.Quinn thinks the nineties were old and the eighties were ancient.”
I sprinkled chocolate chips on the top of my drink.“That’s a problem?”For the first time, I was genuinely concerned that maybe I’d not chosen my very first movie night selection well.As soon as I’d received the invite from Quinn, the day before when she burst through the door of Plot Twist with a grin and more of a demand that I attend, rather than an invitation, I knew exactly what movie I wanted to bring.
“She’s a teenager.”Ethan raised an eyebrow.“Teens are a fickle bunch.”
“She’s not a teenager yet.”I laughed.“We still have a few months before we need to face that particular battle.”
We.
“Besides,” I continued as if I hadn’t just casually referenced the fact that I hoped to be around and involved for Quinn’stroubling teenyears.“She’s going to loveGone with the Wind.I think she may even find a kindred spirit in Scarlett.”
“I wouldn’t know.”Ethan shrugged.“I’ve never seen it.”
My mouth fell open, and I sat back on the couch, rethinking all of my life choices.“Seriously?”
He nodded.
“I don’t know if I can date you,” I joked as Quinn joined us with a mug in hand and the biggest bowl of popcorn I’d ever seen.
