Page 26 of Something’s Brewing

Nick leaned on the bar, watching him over the rim of his can. “Over what? A woman who clearly has you spinning?”

Garrett didn’t answer. Instead, he picked up the rag again with his good hand and wiped down the bar, even though it was spotless.

“She’s here to help, and then she’ll be on her way, Nick,” he said quietly. “She needs something more than stocking shelves. She’s used to having a purpose. Intel work doesn’t just flip off like a switch. So yeah, I’ve got her helping with the inspection mess. And I signed her up for the festival committee, too.”

Nick blinked. “You did what?”

Garrett grinned. “Think of it as community service. Keeps her sharp.”

Nick shook his head, laughing under his breath. “You are in so much trouble.”

“Story of my life.”

Nick tipped the can toward him in a casual toast. “Let me know if Morty tries anything else before you open. So far, I haven’t found anything illegal, but the timing of these ‘inspections’ stinks.”

Garrett nodded. “Will do.”

After they’d finished their beers, Nick headed for the door, adding over his shoulder, “For the record? That wasn’t a date she won in the auction. That was recon. You just didn’t know it.”

The door clicked shut before Garrett could come up with a comeback.

He stared at the empty taproom for a long moment, then muttered, “Yeah, I’m completely screwed.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

The Eagle’s Nest buzzed with post-meeting chatter, a mix of laughter and the clink of glasses cutting through the soft classic rock playing overhead. Madison slid into the booth beside Paige, who was already sipping something tall and citrusy. “Sorry I’m late, Elsie wanted to talk.”

Chloe and Alexis sat across from them, both with half-finished cocktails and knowing smiles. “No worries,” Alexis said.

A server, a young man, came by to take her drink order. Madison guessed he was college age, and she thought her daughter would appreciate the stylish way his wavy blond hair fell over his eyes.

She quickly perused the drink menu. “A sauvignon blanc, thanks.”

Chloe rested her elbow on the table. “So, Madison, what do you think of our small town?”

Chloe asked the question lightly, like she was making conversation, but something about the way she phrased it, the timing, made Madison pause.

What did she think of Deer Creek Falls?

It wasn’t lost on her that Chloe was Garrett’s sister. And maybe Madison was reading too much into it, but the question felt more like reconnaissance than small talk. Friendly, sure. But strategic. As if Chloe were gauging the terrain. Or trying to figure out if Madison was passing through or planning to stay.

Madison leaned back as her drink was placed in front of her.

“Can I get you ladies anything else?” the server asked.

There were murmured nos and no thank yous.

When the server left, Madison phrased her words carefully. “It’s quieter than I’m used to. Slower. But there’s a rhythm to it that’s kind of addictive. People know your name here. They wave when they drive by. And somehow, even when they don’t know your business, they do.” She laughed. “I didn’t think I’d like the vibe. But it’s starting to grow on me.”

“Garrett seems a little more relaxed since you’ve arrived,” Chloe said.

“I’m guessing that’s not how he reacted when he found out I was coming to help?”

Chloe laughed. “I don’t think he knew you’d show up. He wasn’t pleased that Mason was sending anyone.”

Alexis leaned in and spoke softly. “You mentioned meeting with the mayor. What exactly was your take? You were a little vague in the meeting. It’s only us now, so please don’t hold back.”

“He said all the right things, but the whole interaction felt . . . off.”