My nerves calm. The main reason I’m here is to help my grandfather, who can’t get around like he used to. My grandmother passed some years ago, so my mom, sister, and I are all he’s got. His friends have volunteered to help too, so I felt comfortable getting a job.
“Don’t you dare watch the nextBlue Bloodsepisode without me.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he says. “It’s sure nice having you here. It feels like it’s been longer than a week.”
I throw my arms around him and kiss his cheek. “I just love you, Papa.”
“I love you too, girlie.” He looks down, and his face softens. “The Finches are lucky to have you.”
“Even if I don’t drink?”
“Your personality more than makes up for it. Go get ’em.”
“Oh, I will. Have a great day, Papa,” I say, kissing him one last time and grabbing the last of the muffin and my packed lunch.
The drive to Woody Finch Brewery is so whimsical and lovely. The sun is shining, everyone smiles and waves, the birds are singing. It doesn’t get much better than that. First-day nerves are still present, but the day is too beautiful to let them get to me.
I feel light again for the first time in a long time. This move was the right choice.
I park in the employee parking and check my phone. One missed call fromBad News!
There goes my great mood.
Thank goodness he didn’t leave a message. “Don’t you dare talk to him for six months,” my sister Summer whispered in my ear before I drove off in my car a week ago. A voicemail is tough to ignore, but a missed call is okay, I think.
Pulling my shoulders back, I walk to the entrance, the same time as an olive-skinned man with dark hair walks in. He holds the door open.
“Hey, we match.” I point to his shirt and then mine.
“You must be new,” he says.
“Shiloh Abbott.”
“Ramon Veracruz,” he says, shaking my hand.
“I’m so nervous. Were you nervous when you started?”
Ramon chuckles. “You don’t have anything to worry about. The family is very nice, and it’s a great place to work. Emily will do your orientation. Once you’re done, I’ll show you around.”
“I can’t wait,” I say, shaking my fists. Ramon looks at me like I’m nuts, but I get that a lot. Most people don’t know how to take my energy as first. Teachers called me exuberant.Bad News!asked why I got excited about everything.
I touch Ramon’s shoulder. “What are the rest of the siblings like?”
“Reid is a little serious, but an overall nice guy. Cameron is fun. He plans all the events, and he’s good at it.”
“What about the oldest? Jackson is his name?”
Ramon stops and turns. “It’s best to avoid him.”
“Why?”
He shakes his head. “He grunts at people. Seriously, just don’t talk to him.”
“I’m sure a little conversation won’t hurt me. Or him.”
“No, really. He’s a dick. Just leave him alone.”
We walk into the taproom area, and I take a deep breath. Now that I’m here, all the nerves float away. A smile crosses my lips, and I huff out a breath.