Page 70 of Rain or Shine

So why doesn’t it feel like it?

21

HARLOE

The fluorescent lights in the restaurant do nothing to hide the peeling wallpaper. Nora, Elsie, and I squeeze into the stools at the bar in the back of the room, where people are already gathering even though it’s only six o’clock.

“So this is where everyone is hanging out after what happened at Ransack.” I scan the room, noting a number of Ransack’s regulars, including the ladies from the wine club.

Pasta Haven has the best chicken parmesan in town, and it’s one of the fanciest spots to have dinner, but the bar at the back of the restaurant wasn’t designed for this many people. The few barstools are already full, and even if the owner has cleared out a section of tables to accommodate more, it’s not enough space.

Etta, Ruby, and Alice made sure to stop me the moment I walked through the door to tell me all the reasons we should reopen Ransack as soon as possible. Most of which included mentions of their table in the corner that everyone knows to keep open for them on Wednesdays.

Unfortunately, I have little control over when Ransack will be reopening, if ever. The fire department gave us the all clear to go inside tomorrow, but I have no idea how much work is ahead.

As I tried to slip out of that conversation, they switched gears to Shane, making sure to bring up the fact that he hasn’t been seen around town in days—four to be exact. Our rumored breakup is already spreading like wildfire, but I assured them that wasn’t the case.

Honestly, I have no idea if it is or isn’t. Shane texted once two days ago to check in. But other than that, it’s been radio silence. And while we aren’t actually dating, I expected a little bit more. Especially with me sleeping in his bedroom while he’s gone.

I know Aiden and Lawson have heard from him often since they’ve mentioned it in passing. Each time I pretend I’m unaffected because I shouldn’t care where he is or what he’s doing.

My life has never been dependent on a man. I’m not about to change that now.

“When did they say you could start fixing up Ransack?” Nora asks, glancing around at the worn-down bar.

“My brothers are meeting me at the bar tomorrow morning to figure out the next steps. The fire department said we got lucky. Most of the damage was to the exterior since the fire was set from the outside. Structurally, everything is sound, but we’re going to have to strip the bar down and paint because of smoke damage. Liam didn’t sound optimistic about my proposed timeline.”

“Screw the timeline.” Nora shrugs. “Maybe this is your sign to make Ransack what you always wanted. You’ve been talking about remodeling for a year. Your dad already told you he’s not going to stay involved in the bar for much longer. Use the insurance payout to finally make it yours.”

She smiles, passing out our lemon martinis when the bartender drops them off.

“I’ll settle for making it habitable at this point. I don’t know how much the insurance company is paying.”

“Have you heard back from them yet?” Elsie asks.

Her back is to the bar, and there are more than a few sets of eyes on her around the room. Her skintight black-and-white polka-dot dress has her tattoos on display. Paired with her black cowboy boots and ruby-red lipstick, she’s a pinup cowgirl.

“We should have heard from the insurance company a few days ago. I don’t know why we haven’t yet, but Will is helping cover the cost until they cut us a check.” I frown, not happy that my only option is for my brother to dip into his savings account. “I’ll know more once I see the extent of the damage tomorrow. At the bar and my apartment.”

Liam already warned me that most of my belongings will need to be thrown away because of the smoke.

“I think you should modernize everything,” Elsie says. “Ransack has been stuck in the past for too long. I won’t be sad to see some things go. Like that awful floral wallpaper in the bathroom.”

“It was so bad,” Nora agrees.

My nose scrunches. “Terrible. And it didn’t even fit with the theme.”

I have no idea why my mother chose it, other than that yellow was her favorite color. It’s the only reason I didn’t consider changing it until now. The out-of-date touches are reminders of Mom. Now, we’ll have no choice but to erase those memories of her.

I take a sip of my drink, brushing that thought away.

“I can drop by the bar when school is out if you need an extra set of hands. Or on the weekends,” Nora offers.

“You really don’t have to. My brothers refuse to let me do it alone, so I have all the hands I need.”

“Plus me and Rob.” Elsie smiles.

“Exactly.” I wave toward Elsie. She and Rob agreed to help with the remodel even after I had to break the news that I couldn’t cover their salaries while we’re closed. “We have more than enough help. And hopefully once we get the check, I’ll be able to hire a crew to deal with the big stuff. We’ve got it covered.”