Page 27 of Delayed
“From this cad?” Brady nodded in Rex’sdirection. “Don’t believe a word of it.”
They chuckled.
“And you must be Taylor.” She shifted in hisdirection and thrust out her hand.
“You betcha.” Taylor squeezed her hand.“Nice to meet you.”
Brady held the door for them.
“Wow!” Anna squawked. “This is amazing.”With her eyes wide, she scanned the large industrial styleroom.
They’d left the metal beam and A/C ductsexposed. The room was filled with long hard maple tabletops overgraphite grey metal legs. Benches of the same material provided thepatrons with places to sit while enjoying their drinks.
“I love the fact that you’ve sort of createda community with the longer tables for people to share.” Shepointed to one of the tables that stretched a good part of theroom. “I’m sure there is a lot of mingling amongst customers. Greatway to meet people.”
“That was kind of the plan,” Brady conceded.“We were looking more for a place to socialize as opposed to aquiet date with a table for two. You can get that anywhere.”
“It works.” Anna nodded.
Rex stood a little taller watching Anna’samazement at seeing Dog Tired for the first time. They had spent somuch time planning out this place—the only physical location forpatrons to visit despite their beer distribution being nationwide.To have someone acknowledge their accomplishment, to have Anna seeit and get it, had his chest bubbling with pride.
She pointed to behind the bar where platesof glass let the patrons get a glimpse of the brewing operation.Several floor-to-ceiling fermentation vessels lined the wall. “CanI get a tour back there?” She looked over at him with her sultryeyes.
“Of course. Though Taylor is really the besttour guide back there.” He squeezed her hand.
“I’d be happy to give you a tour,” Taylorsaid. “We’ve started on our summer ale, but it’s not quite readyfor any tastings. But I heard you like our winter stout and I stillhave some fresh batches of that back there for the brewery.”
“I’d like that.” Anna replied.
Taylor held out his arm for Anna to take.Rex’s chest tightened. He didn’t like the idea of letting her gowhen she’d only just arrived. He hadn’t seen her in four plus days.But giving her time with Taylor so that she could get to know hisfriends and his livelihood would be beneficial.
Rex leaned down and kissed her forehead,then lips. “Don’t be too long.”
She smiled up at him. “I guess it depends onhow good the stories about you are.” She winked.
“Taylor, keep the storytelling to aminimum.” Rex eyed his friend.
Taylor chuckled. “No way, man. And Anna, Ihave some great stories.”
Anna slid her arm through Taylor’s and theystalked off behind the bar and into the plant where the beer wasmade.
“I think someone is falling in love.” Bradysnickered. “I never thought I’d see the day.” Brady waved to theirbartender to bring them a pint of the stout.
“I never thought I would either. I don’tknow what it is about her.” Rex shook his head. “Something abouther got under my skin immediately and took root.”
The bartender slid two pints of the darkbeer across the bar.
“Thanks, Sam.” Rex nodded at the bartender.He picked up the glass and sipped.
Brady did the same. “You seem happy.”
“I am. Like in a way I’ve never beenbefore.” He let that realization settle over him. Life had seemedlighter. He looked forward to seeing her, to spending time withher. In fact, it motivated him to get his work done efficiently.For the first time in a long time, if ever, he stopped toappreciate what occurred around him.
Brady grinned at this. “Good. You deserveit.”
Rex rocked in place as he and Brady talkedabout Rex’s latest trip to the Carolinas. He kept an eye on Anna asshe wandered through the plant, clearly asking a myriad ofquestions of Taylor, who ate up having someone’s rapt attentionwhile he explained the chemistry behind beer making. Anna looked upand met his gaze. She offered a small wave and smile.
His heart squeezed. He did deserve this.
