Page 10 of Brewing Brilliance

“That’s good to hear, Sweets, and an even better reason to go out with me.”

“Mav, did you just hear what I said? You’re known for not settling down and not wanting to any time soon, while I literally just told you I want kids, and sooner rather than later. As much as I enjoyed our night together, that’s all it can be, one night.”

I give him a smile and reach up on my tiptoes to place a quick kiss to his cheek. His beard tickles and reminds me of the delicious scrape when he nuzzles my neck and I almost lean into him instead of pulling away. I don’t trust myself to turn him down again, so I quickly step around him and head away from the man that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about since the moment I met him.

Chapter Six

Maverick

It’sbeenseveralweekssince my run in with Spencer at the grocery store, but I still can’t get her off my mind. I know she was probably right to turn me down, but I can honestly say I’ve never had sex as hot as it was with her in my life. But the craziest part of all of this is that it isn’t just about the sex. I actually enjoyed the time I spent talking to her. She asked thoughtful questions in a way that seemed like she genuinely wanted to get to know me better and our conversations were so easy.

I’ve been so distracted by her that I haven’t even been with anyone else since that night. I just don’t know how they would compare. It’s actually a little frustrating that she had to come in and turn my life upside down when I was finally in a place where I was feeling content. And of course, I haven’t seen her since. I’m almost positive she’s avoiding the bar.

I don’t even realize I’m standing in my kitchen so lost in thought until I hear Olive clear her throat. When I turn she’s giving me a questioning look, but I easily brush it off.

“Hey, Punk. What’s up?”

“What’s up with you? I’ve been standing here for at least five minutes and Pat blew past you and you didn’t even realize it.”

“Eh, I was just thinking about making a drive out to that farm on the outskirts of town to talk to them about using their produce for some of the fall menu. I’m thinking I’ll keep our regular bar fair, but I’d like to maybe go a farm-to-table route for the fall menu depending on what crops they have. I also figured they would know best if there are any other local farms that would be interested in a partnership as well.”

“Oh Mav, I love that idea!”

“Thanks. I’m drawing a blank on his name right now, but I met that guy who was around our age at the farmer market, and he was a pretty cool dude. He gave me his card, but it’s at my office at the bar.” I don’t love lying to Olive, but I have been going over this idea for a week or two, it just wasn’t what had me miss the fact that my baby sister and nephew were hanging out in my house without me even realizing it.

“So, what brings you two over? I’m not on Pat duty tonight, am I? Not that it really matters because I don’t have anything going on. I was just going to go for a drive on the bike.”

“Nope, you’re not on Patrick duty. I have the next two days off, but I did get my new schedule for the next two weeks, so I figured we could go over yours and see when I will need you to watch him.”

“Absolutely, Punk. You know that’s what I got that big dry erase calendar for. I don’t want to mess up your schedule.” Olive makes her way over to me and hugs my middle like she’s done since she was a little girl. I squeeze her close and give her a kiss on the top of her head. I will never complain about helping her out, but sometimes it really fucking sucks that she has to depend on me for the help instead of Pat’s dad.

“Thanks, Mav. I know this wasn’t necessarily what you had in mind for your future, but I’m so glad you talked me into moving here with you instead of going back home with mom and dad. I know they would’ve helped in any way, but I needed a little more independence, and you’ve made that possible. I couldn’t have made it through all of this shit without you.”

I squeeze her tighter as I try to reign in my emotions. Nothing like your little sister getting you all up in your feels. But, I can’t help but agree with her. This isn’t what I imagined, but I honestly wouldn’t trade it for anything. Needing to make things a little less serious, I give her a noogie. She instantly starts laughing before elbowing me hard in the ribs. Damn, are her elbows boney!

“Jerk! Alright, let's get this schedule figured out.”

We both pull up our schedules and start filling out the next few days. I will only need to switch one shift at the bar because it seems like Olive is finally getting some better shifts at the ER. We have it all about figured out when she swears and pulls my attention away from the calendar to her.

“What’s up?”

“I completely forgot about the kindergarten orientation, and I forgot to request it off. Maybe I can get someone to switch shifts with me.”

My heart rate picks up as I realize this might be exactly what I need to see Spencer again. I’m sure there will be chances throughout the year with pick up and drop offs, but this will give me a chance to get her one-on-one.

“I can do it. I already have that evening off and it wouldn’t hurt for me to go and meet the teacher and get the lay of the land since I’ll be doing drop offs and pick ups just as much as you.”

“Are you sure? There’s going to be a lot of paperwork that night. Not saying that you can’t do it. I know you know all of his pertinent information, but I feel like it’s not setting a very good first impression if I miss this. I think I’m still going to try and find someone to switch shifts with.”

“Oh, cut yourself a break. I do know his information, and I won’t hesitate to explain why I’m there instead of you. If nothing else, then you won’t have to go into the whole being a widow before you’re even thirty.” We both laugh at that because at this point, Olive has heard every sympathetic platitude out there for her and Pat’s situation.

“That is a little tempting to have you handle that instead of me. Yes, I miss him terribly, but it’s been long enough now that I don’t need the sympathetic looks and awkward conversations.”

“I know. So, what time do I need to be there, and do I need to take anything? Oh, and do you know who his teacher is?” I try to ask that last question as casually as possible and I’m glad that Olive is distracted and doesn’t notice my longing.

“Um, you’ll need to be there next Wednesday night at 6 and his teacher is Ms. Wilson.”

My heartbeat immediately increases at Spencer’s name. Could I really get lucky enough to have a legitimate reason to see her again? I try to keep my smile in, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to see her again.

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