Page 5 of Love Is Ale You Need

Trey

That sounds boring.

Bennett

The thrilling life of running a business.

Trey

Again, sounds boring. I’ll ask Seth.

Bennett

Good luck with that.

Trey

Hey, what are you doing? Beers at Porter’s?

Seth

Currently, I’m cleaning puke off my shirt.

Trey

Have you already started drinking?

Seth

No. The baby isn’t feeling well. Parisa’s sick too. I think the flu’s going around.

Trey

Fuck that. Stay home and away from me.

Trey

I mean, hope everyone gets well soon.

Seth

Thanks asshole.

Trey

Anytime.

My feet drop to the floor with a thud. Sitting up, I rest my elbows on the desktop. Well, shit. My number one and number two are out. I guess this is a solo mission. Wingmen only slow me down, anyway. Decision made. For the rest of the afternoon, I busy myself with checking and answering emails, along with making a few phone calls. Anything to keep my thoughts off Rylee for the last few hours of the workday.

At 4:45 p.m. I’m pulling into the parking lot of Porter’s. I throw my SUV in park and jump out. The moment I open the door, a wave of laughter and conversation greets me, filling the room with lively energy. Immediately, I’m hit with the scent of grilled onions and beer, making my stomach growl.

Every corner is bustling with customers. Some sit at tables and others are shooting darts or playing pool. Luckily, I find an empty stool at the far end of the bar and take a seat. My foot bounces on the foot ring. The new bartender, Nora, is at the opposite end of the bar serving a group of college kids. Glancing over my right shoulder, I scan the bar for anyone else who’s working. Most importantly, Rylee.

Jake pushes through a swinging door from behind the bar and my heart and something else shrivels up. While he'll be perfect for someone, I am not that someone. He jerks his chin in acknowledgment, and I return the gesture. A few minutes later, he stops in front of me, resting his hands on the smooth wood.

“What can I get you?”

I glance at the lineup of beers on tap. “I’ll take an IPA.”

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