Page 103 of Told You So
“Thanks, Sam. It only took eight months.” I nod behind me. “Bethany’s back there.”
Sam kisses my cheek and heads over to the bar.
“Eight months is nothing for a lifetime of living your dream,” Mac admonishes, and I pull her in for the next hug. “I have to say, my photos look great in this lighting.”
Chuckling, I give her a final squeeze and let her go. “I’m glad you think so, Mac. Your happiness is all that matters to me.”
I shake Colton’s hand and glance around for the squirt. “You didn’t bring mini you tonight, Mac? I thought she’d want to see her handy work.” I point to the picture Casey colored for me, hanging front and center on the wall.
Colton laughs. “As much as I like you Nick, I would never let my six-year-old daughter come into your bar.”
“All right,” I say. “All right. We’ll revisit this conversation when she’s seven.”
The front door opens again. Aunt Alison and Cal walk in, she looks like an angel next to a tatted-up biker.
She untwines her arm from his and walks over to give me a hug. “I’m so proud of you, honey,” she says. “I hope we’re not late. This place looks amazing.”
“No, you’re right on time. And thanks. I couldn’t have done it without the crew.” I glance over at Bethany, admiring how hard she’s working behind the counter, especially when I told her she didn’t have to.
“Babe.”
She looks at me, blinking.
“Come here and say hi.” She’s in hiding. Not because she doesn’t know everyone and not because she doesn’t get along with them, but because she wants to give me space to be with my friends and family. “You’re a part of this too,” I remind her.
With a sheepish smile and a nudge from Sam, Bethany sets the limes she’s holding onto the counter, wipes off her hands, and finally steps out from behind the bar to join me.
The door flings open and Bobby comes in, arms out. “Let the festivities begin!” he shouts. Cal glares at him as he walks over and claps me on the shoulder. Bobby grins and beelines for Anna Marie without saying another word.
Shaking his head, Cal looks at me. “Nicholas...” He extends his hand, his eyes shift around the room. He’s a big guy, imposing even, if I didn’t know he was such a softy on the inside. “I’m proud of you, kid.”
“Thanks, Cal.”
Bethany stops beside me and twines her fingers in mine. “I’m not sure if you’ve met Bethany yet, but—”
“Mac’s filled me in, I think,” he says and dips his head in hello. “Nice to meet you, Bethany. You’ve got yourself a good man right here,” he says. “Even if he does have questionable habits.” He glares at me, and I have to laugh.
“Dad,” Mac says, smacking his shoulder. “Nick’s a grown-ass man, he can do whatever he wants. Plus, he quit smoking months ago. Leave him alone.”
“Hmm.” He mutters something and Aunt Alison smiles. “Come on, Cal, I’ll get you a drink.”
“Try the Russell’s Reserve,” I tell him, knowing he’s a bourbon man. “It’s my favorite.”
“Oh, God,” Mac grumbles. “Here we go.”
I flash Mac a shit-eating grin. “I’m gonna get your dad faded tonight,” I mouth.
She smacks my shoulder this time. “You better not.”
Laughing, I glance around the room, taking it all in as my friends chat amongst themselves and order drinks at the bar. Trent and Anna look like they know what they’re doing, which makes me breathe a little easier, and I let out a content sigh. The doors haven’t even opened yet to what I hope will be the masses, and I take the silent moment to bask in the glory of it all.
I’m shaking, I realize. Standing here, in my own bar is the most surreal experience I’ve ever had. It’s exhilarating and exhausting, and part of me can’t believe Shortstop is an actual place.
“Oh, look at all the people!” my mom exclaims as she comes out of the bathroom. Her makeup is done and her clothes are changed after a day of helping us set up and prepare. “I was only gone for a blink and now look. How exciting!”
“Ma, you were hogging the bathroom for like, an hour. You could’ve gotten ready in the office.Orgone home to change.”
She waves me away. “Hush. I’m finished now.” She leans in to kiss Bethany’s cheek. “I’m so proud of you two. Nick, your father’s on his way. Oh—and before I forget, family dinner’s at your father’s house next week. I’m having my carpets redone.”
