Page 17 of Love Is Brewing

“You know where to find me when you’re ready to walk around.”

When Kyle left, he scanned his email. Nothing looked pressing, and he got up to find his head brewmaster.

The two of them walked around until he heard his name over the speaker in the building to report up front. It was easier than trying to call or text his cell phone. He ignored it more than answered it. Most times it was because he didn’t hear it.

Others, he didn’t want to be bothered.

He and Kyle reported to the front of the building. There was Mason Fierce and Ben Kelly standing there. It just hit him now that Ben had the same last name as Phoebe. But it was a common last name too.

“Hi,” he said, moving toward Mason with his hand out. “So glad you could come and check the place out.”

“I’ve been looking forward to it,” Mason said. “And this is Ben. He’s my head brewmaster.”

“Kyle Montgomery,” he said, nodding his head to Kyle. “My head brewmaster too. Hope the place is up to your expectations. Not as big as Fierce, but we are getting there.”

He’d been to Fierce before. Did a few tours when he was building his place. Even told Mason who he was and why he kept coming back. Didn’t want the guy to think he was stealing trade secrets.

Mason had been nice enough that they’d talked and met a few times for Elias to ask some questions.

He’d never once offered the collaboration back then. He hadn’t proven himself enough to do it.

When Mason reached out to him with his thoughts, there wasno wayhe was turning it down.

“It’s great,” Mason said. “The line is long out front. Not as long as at my place for tours.”

Elias laughed. “Well, you’ve been in business much longer than me. But I’ll catch you. Location and the time of year play a part in it.”

“I know that,” Mason said. “But I have to admit, your to-go section is phenomenal. Might have to figure that out for us. We have a few slots, but nothing like you’ve got. I don’t even have the room for it and would have to see if I can get some property somewhere else to bring the beer over.”

“I don’t even want to think about that,” Ben said, shaking his head. “That’s on your shoulders.”

“I’ll pass it off to Ella. That’s my sister,” Mason said. “That’s in her wheelhouse. She and my wife, Jessica. Anyway, show me around, and let’s get tasting and talking. You and Kyle can come to check things out next and see where and how this is all going to work. Logistics and recipes need to be worked out.”

Which was going to take a lot longer to figure out than anything else, but they were planning on having this beer ready before early summer with a big press release, so they’d have to get moving on the important details soon.

Which also meant he’d be spending some time in Charlotte for it since he was going to have a hand in part of the brewing too.

“I’m positive we are going to come to terms. All the paperwork can go in others’ hands. My brother Braylon is ready to meet with Cade whenever you are.”

“I’m with you on this,” Mason said. “It’s going to work out well. Let’s get down to the things you and I know best and leave the legal bullshit to others.”

He laughed. “That’s my kind of thinking.”

And since he knew how successful Fierce was, he wasn’t worried that anyone would give him the shaft.

Not that he’d ever let that happen.

Elias had too much at stake to not be aware of all the players involved.

6

LOOSEN UP

“What are you doing here?” Phoebe asked her brother, Ben, hours later.

“Mason and I were just doing a brewery tour at Fifth Kid.” Her brother looked at his boss and best friend. “Got a few things in the works.”

“Fifth Kid?” she asked.

---