Page 21 of Love Is Ale You Need

“So, thank you for the wonderful dining experience. That’s why I came over today.”

“Anytime. It’s kind of what SBL members do for each other.” One thing that sticks out, is he never mentioned how his date with Melony went, only about the restaurant.

“Even if it’s the complete opposite of its namesake?”

“We’re... evolving.” I shrug a shoulder.

“I like that.”

“How did the rest of your date go?”

“Oh. Um. It was good.”

“That’s… good.” He’s hiding something. No one should be that excited to talk about food and then say nothing about the date. But I don’t want to push him.

“So, Porter’s Thursday night? Even though the man cave is finished.” He quickly changes the subject.

“Thursday. Porter’s.” I hold my beer up in salute before taking a swig.

Miles rises to his feet. “Relationships don’t have to be scary.”

“Until you've found yourself in the most toxic one imaginable,” I mumble mostly to myself. One bad relationship can traumatize you, it did exactly that to me.

“I know you’ve had a string of bad luck in the past, but it’s evident there’s something different about Rylee since you’re pursuing her so hard.”

I want to say because she keeps turning me down, but that’s kind of an asshole thing to say. This is more than wanting what you can’t have. But he’s right. There’s something that I do like about her.

“You’re the poster child for cool, confident, and collected. I’m sure you’ll figure something out that will make her swoon at your feet.”

It’s not for the lack of trying, but so far, she’s side stepped all my advances. The only ounce of hope I’m holding on to is she hasn’t told me no.

TEN

NO HEAD AT PORTER’S

Rylee

I flip open the box flaps and pull out two bottles of whiskey and slide them onto the shelf. Grabbing two more bottles, I repeat the process until the box is empty. Turning it over, I break apart the glued flaps, flatten it, and toss it onto a stack of other broken down cardboard.

The liquor delivery came yesterday, but being a Friday, we were slammed, and I wasn’t able to put it all away. I told Jake I’d come in this morning to finish. So far, all the numbers check out. I’m crossing my fingers the ordering stays consistent from here on out. By late afternoon, I’m almost finished.

As I’m emptying the last box, the storage door opens and Dessa’s head peeks through the opening.

“Someone’s here to see you.” She leans her shoulder against the door frame.

“Who?” I wrap my fingers around the edge of the box, praying it isn’t my ex to tell me he’s bailing on Abby once again.

“I’ll give you one guess. Name starts with tee and ends in ray,” she singsongs.

My heart flutters in my chest and I shift my gaze so she can’t see the smile that pulls at my lips. I can’t explain how he does this to me every time I hear his name or think about him. There’s a battle raging between my head and my vagina and it’s the latter that’s winning the war. “I’ll be right there.”

Behind me on the wall is a reflective beer advertisement sign. I use it to smooth down my hair even though it’s more like a funhouse mirror than anything. What the hell am I doing? I shake my head. Strands flying in every direction. I pull open the door, stroll into the hallway, and peer around the corner to the open bar. Sitting front and center is Trey, looking hotter than any man in this bar should. He’s talking to Nora. I feel bad for eavesdropping on their conversation but not that bad.

“Why are you so averse to dating?” Nora asks.

“I have nothing against dating. I just prefer short term. One night. Maybe two if it’s good. But that’s it. After that, shit gets complicated with feelings and… more feelings.”

“You’re going to what? Stay single forever?”

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