Page 14 of Something’s Brewing

Perfect. To her surprise, the neon OPEN sign in the window was lit, so she pulled the door open and stepped inside. An upbeat ’80s ballad played over the speakers. Rustic wooden tables held neatly folded stacks of T-shirts, while black pipe racks lined the walls, filled with dresses and shirts in different styles and colors.

“Good morning, welcome to Rural Chic Boutique,” the salesclerk greeted. “What can I help you find today?”

“I’m just going to look around.”

“Absolutely. Anything with a red dot is twenty percent off. Beachwear is on that wall”—the salesclerk pointed behind her—“and shoes are in the back by the dressing rooms. Please let me know if you have any questions.”

“Great, thank you.”

Madison started rummaging through the racks and found several shirts. She draped them over her arm.

“Here, let me take those. I can start a dressing room for you.”

“Thanks.” Madison handed over her clothing choices and continued to peruse the shop.

After an hour of trying on the selection of shirts, skirts, shorts, and beachwear, she made her way to the cash counter. She’d stopped at a table of fun gift items when she heard Chloe’s voice.

“Great work, everyone,” Chloe said, coming down the stairs to greet her employees. “The new display looks awesome. I’ll be out the rest of the day but will stop in before closing.”

She turned and noticed Madison.

“Hey, Madison! How are you?” Chloe was dressed in cutoffs and a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert tee. She gave her a quick hug.

“Hi, Chloe. I had to stop in and do some shopping. I love your boutique.”

“Thank you. What are you doing today?”

“Planning on hanging at the beach, getting some sun and reading a book. Nothing too exciting.”

“How about you join me on the lake? I’m heading to Paige and Ethan’s. We’re spending the day on their pontoon.”

Madison thought that sounded divine. “It sounds fun, but I don’t want to impose.”

The salesclerk finished ringing up her purchases and came around the counter to hand her the bags. Chloe took the bags. “You’re not,” she said. “I asked. Let’s go. We’ll drop these off at your house then head to Paige’s.”

Madison laughed. “Okay, I guess I’m spending the day on the lake. Thanks.”

Chloe whistled. A black lab came out from behind the counter. “Boat ride, Indy!”

Madison bent over and petted the dog. “Is this beautiful girl yours?”

“Nope, I’m dog-sitting for my brother Cole.”

“Wow! What a beautiful home,” Madison said when Chloe turned into Paige’s driveway.

Chloe nodded. “Ethan had it built when he retired from baseball and moved home.”

Madison opened the back door for Indy and grabbed Chloe’s cooler. “Are you sure it’s okay that I’m here?”

“Of course!” Chloe carried an oversized beach bag. They headed toward the lake. “I’ll introduce you to everyone.”

Garrett hadn’t planned on coming out to the lake today. He’d planned on working alone at the brewery. He wanted to keep busy and avoid anything that felt like a distraction, mainly Madison Mitchell. But Ethan had texted him. Come out. Paige wants to celebrate her sixth book. Bring a cooler.

He should have asked who else would be there, but he didn’t, and now the woman he’d been trying to avoid and not think of daily over the last year, stood in front of him.

The second Chloe stepped onto the dock with Madison behind her, everything in Garrett went still. Well, not everything. His pulse kicked up hard. Which annoyed him.

He dragged his gaze away, focusing instead on tightening the strap on the cooler, like that somehow mattered.