Page 94 of Make My Heart Malt

I park the SUV and push my door open. I round the hood and meet her at hers. With her hand in mine, I help her out, and we stroll to the entrance. As we reach the awning-covered doorway, a small sign with Northwest Distillery on it catches her attention.

Dessa halts in her tracks. “Wait. I’ve heard of this place. They were voted the number one vodka distillery in the United States.”

“And I got you a meeting with the owner.”

Her eyes bulge with terror, and her face pales as she slowly turns her gaze to meet mine. Then she peers down at her outfit. “We’re meeting Rebecca Langley, and I look like I just rolled out of bed.”

I lift her hand up and place a kiss on her knuckles. “First off, you look absolutely beautiful and second, she’s not here to judge you on your outfit.” Her hand trembles in mine as her eyes flit back and forth as if she’s on the verge of a panic attack. “We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, but I thought it would be a great opportunity for you.”

She blows out a deep breath and nods. “I really wish you would’ve given me a heads-up so I could prepare.”

“So you could over analyze every detail, including your outfit?” I raise an eyebrow.

Her shoulders sag. “No. So then I would know what questions to ask instead of gawking at her like an obsessed fan.”

“Be yourself. She’ll love you. Just as much as I do.”

A small smile spreads over her lips. Dessa is the most amazing, fearless woman I know. There isn’t anything shecan’t do when she puts her mind to it. Including this. She shines the brightest when she’s herself. I want her to move out here with me, and since she doesn’t want to lose a part of herself, I’m hoping this meeting will help make that decision a little easier.

FORTY

CARPE DIEM THE FUCK OUT OF MY LIFE

Dessa

Garrett pulls the handle and holds the door open for me. With his warm, comforting hand on my lower back, we stroll down a dimly lit hallway until it opens to a large bar area. Behind the floor-to-ceiling glass wall sits large stainless steel fermenter vessels for the vodka. Pipes run back and forth from one distillation system to another. In the middle of the room sits a dark mahogany horseshoe-shaped bar with small chandeliers dangling from the ceiling creating a warm ambiance.

On the far side of the room, a woman with light brown hair spots us from behind a small private bar. She strolls out wearing jeans and a Northwest Distillery t-shirt.

She stops in front of us, and Garrett holds out his hand. “Good to see you again, Rebecca.”

Her hand clasps around his. “Likewise.”

My heart hammers in my chest as I try to control my breathing so I don’t pass out. It’s like meeting Isabella Rossi all over again, except without the notice. Garrett turns his attention to me. “This is my girlfriend, Dessa.”

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Rebecca says.

I blink away my shock. “You too,” I stammer, “I’m a huge fan of your vodka. It’s one of the smoothest I’ve ever tasted.”

“Thank you. That means so much to me. It’s something we strive for here at Northwest.” Rebecca waves for us to follow her to the private bar. “Let’s get a few drinks and chat.”

Garrett pulls out a stool and motions for me to sit as he takes the seat next to me. Rebecca stands behind the bar, grabs a couple of glasses, and proceeds to make us a drink using a bottle of vodka from the private collection. I lean forward for a better view of Rebecca artfully crafting our drinks when I spot the same book Garrett gave me with all my drink recipes. A giant knot sits in the pit of my stomach, and my wide-eyed gaze shoots to Garrett. “Why does she have my book?” I mouth.

All he does is smile smugly. He’s up to something, and I don’t know what it is.

Rebecca slides the drinks across the bar to us. “So, Garrett tells me you’re a mixologist.”

My fingers grip the glass. The cocktails sloshes back and forth as my hand shakes with nerves. Garrett’s hand brushes over my shoulder, offering a comforting touch, and it helps. Knowing he’s here with me, by my side, I know I have nothing to be nervous about.

“I dabble in mixing drinks.” I take a sip of the drink she made. Maybe the alcohol will calm me.

“Let me say, I’ve made some of your drinks, and theyare phenomenal.” She grabs the book and sets it on the bar.

“Where did you get that?” I ask.

“Garrett passed it along to me and threatened that I needed to try these drinks because I’ll never drink anything better.”

Garrett laughs. “’Threatened’ is a strong word. I advised her that it’s in her best interest to try some, as they are some of the best drinks I’ve ever had.”

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