Page 71 of More Than Words
ChapterEighteen
Delaney
My trip to the city had been surprisingly smooth.I still didn’t understand why the shipping hub needed to see me in person, requiring a four-hour drive both ways, but considering it got my inventory shipment released, it was time well spent.
At least, that’s how I had to look at it.
And because everything went so smoothly with the shipping hub, I was able to complete my little side quest to pick up Ethan’s labels quicker than expected, too.
I was still about ten minutes away from Trickle Creek when I noticed the time.The community meeting would still be underway.
I didn’t have to go.
It had been a long day.What I really should do was drive straight home, make myself a mug of herbal tea, light a candle, and sink into a big bubble bath where I could soak away the ache in my shoulders from far too long behind the steering wheel.
That would definitely be the better choice.
But it wouldn’t be the choice that would allow me to see Ethan, even for a few minutes.
So, when I pulled up to the four-way stop, instead of turning right, toward my shop and apartment, I took a left and headed to the community hall.
The parking lot was half full when I pulled in.The meeting had been going on a while, but with any luck, things would be winding down soon.
I snuck inside as quietly as possible, pulling my scarf off as I attempted to blend in near the back.
I found a spot along the far wall and had started to scan the room, looking for Ethan when the woman standing next to me nudged me in the ribs and handed me a copy of the agenda.
“We’re almost done,” she whispered.“Just talking about new permit applications.”She jabbed a finger toward the bottom of the paper.
“Thanks.”I smiled at her and continued to scan the full room in search of Ethan.I was glad the meeting was almost over.It wouldn’t be long before I could get a hug and a kiss and head home to my warm, cozy bed.
I spotted Lauren and Brody sitting side by side on the far right.They had their heads tilted together, discussing something in hushed whispers.I shook my head with a smile as the councilwoman at the front of the room said something that caught my attention.
“A patio space in the plaza would offer guests and townspeople another option for a gathering space.”
Apatio?I nodded in agreement.If the Bean Bag put in some outdoor seating, thatwouldbe a welcome addition to the end of the plaza.Sitting in the warm sun, enjoying a fresh cinnamon bun and a cup of coffee would go right to the top of my weekday morning to-do list.
“The council is in agreement that any way we can attract more foot traffic to the plaza and encourage those people to stay longer will be mutually beneficial to all businesses.”
I nodded along, but froze when I heard what she said next.
“As long as the proper liquor licensing was obtained, the council is in full support.”
Liquor licensing?
The Bean Bag didn’t serve alcohol.
Maybe they were talking about the old diner that Willa had run for longer than anyone could remember.But she hadn’t changed anything—including the decor or the menu—for over forty years.It didn’t seem feasible that she would put in patio seating.
I was exhausted and clearly my brain wasn’t keeping up with what was happening, because there was no way that I heard correctly a moment later, when the councilwoman said, “Congratulations, Mr.Lyons.This council member looks forward to enjoying a cold beer on Peaks & Brew’s new patio this summer.”
Peaks & Brews?
My stomach dropped.
As in,Ethan’sbrewery?
As in, the brewery that was only steps away from my quiet little bookshop?
