Page 68 of Love Is Brewing

“Told us what?” Braylon asked.

“Nothing,” he said.

“Don’t even go there,” West said, laughing. “You always tried to do that and it doesn’t work now any more than it did fifteen years ago.”

“Fine,” he said. “I’m dating someone.” Must have been the guilt that he was keeping this from them that had him thinking they figured it out.

“Oh,” Braylon said. “This is getting interesting. You don’t normally say anything. No one knows?”

“Foster knows,” he said. “Talia too.”

“And Talia didn’t tell Mom?” Braylon asked. “What the hell? She’s blackmailing you, isn’t she?”

“No,” he said. “She kept it quiet, but she’s only been in the office a few days a week. Last week she was busy and this week too.”

“Glad she’s doing something,” Braylon said.

“She’s got something she’s enjoying,” he said. “You’ll hear more about it I’m sure.”

“Tell us about this woman,” West said. “Then I’ve got to go. I’m just shocked Mom hasn’t figured it out with her being so close.”

“Her name is Phoebe Kelly. Coincidentally her brother is Ben Kelly, the head brewmaster for Fierce.”

“Is that how you met?” West asked.

“No,” he said. “That’s a funny story.”

“Let’s hear it,” Braylon said.

“I thought West was in a rush.”

“Not yet,” West said. “How did you meet?”

He appreciated West gave them all the time they needed.

Prior to Abby, they were lucky if they talked to West once every few months.

Elias told them the chain of events and had them laughing on the other line.

“I’m not sure I could handle living in such a small town,” Braylon said.

“Because you like people more than the rest of us,” he said. “Anyway, there you go.”

“Bring her to Laken’s wedding,” West said.

“What?” he asked.

“Bring her,” West said. “Don’t tell Mom either. Just show up with a date.”

Braylon burst out laughing, followed by West.

“Very funny. You guys just want me to be in the shit house because of how close I am to Mom.”

“Yep,” Braylon said. “Are you going to tell Mom?”

“At some point,” he said.

“Better make it soon if you’re going to bring Phoebe to the wedding,” West said. “I’m out of here.”

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