Page 21 of Reach Around

“Oh crap. Oh, no. We have to throw them out,” I blurt out, the words tumbling from my lips before I can stop them.

Beth frowns. “Coasters cost money. I’m on a tight budget for this bar, you know.”

“So, if you have another design for the fancy ones, I’ll be on my way,” Heath says, looking ready to escape the impending drama. “Perhaps one with Christmas Carol trivia and tiny elves shooting slapshots?”

Beth turns to me, expectant. “Joely? Any chance you have the other design somewhere?”

Feeling defeated, I reach into my apron pocket, pulling out the correct coaster, the one that should have been in the box. “I gave him the wrong one,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

“We’ve established that,” Beth says dryly, taking the coaster from my hand. “Thank you, but no thank you, Heath. You’re on my shit list. I hope the joke was worth it.”

“You’re welcome, Beth. Remember: no refunds on custom orders,” Heath reminds her, a playful glint in his eye.

Beth sighs, resigned. “I know. I know. We’ll just… have the logo side up.” Beth glares at Heath like she’s etching his name on the Official Shit List for eternity. “And we’re not even close to being even, Baxter. Oh, no. You’re giving me the fancy cork backs for free. And the next three months of menus. And next Christmas’s coasters. And maybe your left nut while you’re at it.”

Heath blinks, mouth opening to argue—thinks better of it.

“Got it. Free cork backs. Done,” he mumbles, retreating like he’s expecting a frying pan to fly next.

I rest my head down on the bar, the weight of the mistake crushing. “He can’t find out. Not like this,” I murmur, more to myself than anyone else.

Beth’s voice is gentle, almost encouraging. “Don’t you want him to find out someday?” she asks just as Brogan starts walking towards us, a curious look on his face.

“Please, Beth,” I plead, not ready for whatever might come next.

As I lift my head from the bar, Beth is already spinning a story to cover my blunder. She’s the master of quick thinking, and right now, I’m grateful for it—even if my stomach is twisting into knots.

“Okay. So... I guess I’m running a monthly coaster contest. Congratulations. This design won for December,” Beth announces with a flourish that only she can pull off. Her voice is loud enough to draw more attention, possibly more than I’d like right now.

Brogan, intrigued, strides over with that easy charm of his that makes the regulars love him. He reaches into the box, pulling outa coaster with a casual flick of his wrist. “Just the usual logo,” he murmurs, flipping the coaster over. His eyes widen slightly, a grin spreading across his face. “Wow. I guess you do have a favorite son.”

My face heats up as if I’ve been caught in a spotlight. I want to sink into the floor, disappear, anything but endure the amused looks from around the bar.

Bennett joins us, leaning in to peer at the coaster in Brogan’s hand. His eyebrows raise in mock surprise. “I heard I get Valentine’s Day,” he says, smirking in my direction. “Make it happen. I’m all about spreading the love.”

I muster a weak smile, my mind racing for any kind of witty retort that could defuse the situation. But nothing comes.

Beth chuckles, shaking her head. “Always the comedian, Bennett. But seriously, this could be fun. We’ll have patrons vote on their favorite designs each month. Keeps things interesting around here.”

Brogan studies the coaster again, turning it in his hands. “So, this is the winning design, huh?” His tone is teasing, but there’s a hint of curiosity that suggests he’s not entirely in on the joke. “Looks like someone took some artistic liberties.”

“Yeah, about that...” I start, my voice trailing off as I search for the right words.

Beth steps in, her tone playful yet pointed. “Let’s just say, Joely has hidden talents we’re all just now appreciating.”

The laughter that follows does little to ease my embarrassment. I glance over at Brogan, whose attention has returned to the coaster. His expression is thoughtful, almost tender, as if he’s seeing something more than just a misprinted design.

Boone, however, isn’t one to let a moment pass without stirring the pot. “So, when do I getmycustom coaster? I’ve got some ideas that could really spice things up around here.”

Beth rolls her eyes, but her voice is light. “Don’t push your luck, Boone. Let’s not scare away the patrons before they’ve had their first drink.”

The banter continues, each joke and comment weaving a thread of normalcy through the awkwardness I feel. Brogan finally sets the coaster down, his smile lingering as he meets my eyes. There’s a question there, unasked but hanging between us.

I break the gaze first, busying myself with tidying up the bar, though my hands feel clumsy, my thoughts scattered.

Beth leans closer, her voice softening. “Joely, it’s okay. He doesn’t even seem fazed by it, right?”

I nod, more to convince myself than her. “Right,” I murmur. “Just didn’t plan on anyone else ever seeing that coaster, especially him.”

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