Page 37 of The Pink House

“Revere went bankrupt.”

“It did. Poor management and a host of other factors.” Charlie’s gaze slid to where Jace spoke with Mackenna before returning to Hannah. “They reopened the place as Skyline Farm Brewery. Jace and his father are the brewmasters. His mother runs the events.”

“What about Jace’s wife?”

“I heard she didn’t like it here.” Charlie shrugged. “They’re divorced now and share custody of their daughter, whose name escapes me.”

Hannah noticed Mackenna talking animatedly to Jace and his child. “Do you think he likes Mackenna?”

“I don’t know.” Charlie turned. “Here they come.”

Mackenna’s smile flashed bright and hot. “Hannah, I’d like to introduce you to some friends. This is Jace and Scarlett. Jace’s parents own Skyline Farm Brewery, and he works there as a brewmaster.”

“It’s nice to meet you both.” To Jace, Hannah added, “I’m eager to see what changes you and your family have made at the brewery.”

Jace, tall and lean with a mop of brown hair and warm brown eyes, reached into his pocket and held out a couple of tickets to Hannah. “Come tonight, and you can see.”

Hannah studied the tickets, then glanced up. “Blues, Brews and Barbecue?”

“We have blues artist Big John Walker performing. Some of our latest IPAs will be offered, and several food trucks will be there to provide amazing barbecue.”

“I’ll definitely be there.” Mackenna shot Jace a sunny smile. “I already have my ticket.”

Hannah stared down at the two tickets in her hand and cast a questioning glance at Charlie.

He nipped one of the tickets out of her fingers. “I’d love to go with you.”

Go with her?Hannah blinked. She hadn’t said anything about them going together. Mackenna was probably expecting she’d go with her.

But when Hannah glanced at her friend, Mackenna’s eyes were on Jace. “I’m coming early and staying late. I’m available to help out in any way I can.”

A clear indication that she didn’t want a friend tagging along.

“I’ll let you know—” Jace began.

“Daddy, you promised we’d go on the rides.” Scarlett’s voice stopped just short of a whine.

“It’s not polite to interrupt,” Jace said to his daughter. “We’ll find some rides you like in a minute. Just remember what we discussed—nothing that spins.”

“What’s wrong with the spinning ones?” Mackenna asked, clearly curious. “Those are my favorite.”

“They’re my favorite, too,” Scarlett said, her voice filled with excitement. Then she glanced at her father, and her expression sobered. “Daddy can’t go on those because he has an ear infection.”

“Inner ear.” Jace’s lips lifted in a rueful smile. “It’s nearly gone, but the vertigo knocked me out for a few days. I’m not taking any chances on resurrecting it.”

“All the fun rides spin,” Scarlett pointed out. “But that’s okay. We can go on the boring ones.”

The child heaved a dramatic sigh, and Hannah had to fight back a smile.

Mackenna brightened. “I’ve an idea. What if I accompany you and Scarlett to the Midway and go on the spinning rides with her?”

“Yes. Yes. Yes.” Scarlett hopped up and down. “Please, Daddy, let her come with us.”

“That sounds great, but,” Jace cast a glance in Charlie and Hannah’s direction, “what about your friends? I don’t want to take you away from them.”

Standing a little behind Jace, Mackenna cast imploring eyes in Hannah’s direction.

Hannah waved an airy hand. “We’ll catch up later.”

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