Page 117 of Love Among Vines

He nodded and continued driving. Finally, they arrived at their destination. Solera Taphouse, a hole-in-the-wall with the best cocktails and food this side of the lake. He had stoppedgoing sometime after the breakup with Alexa. It was bad enough having his friends and family grilling him about his feelings, let alone his favorite barkeep.

“I haven’t been here in forever,” he said softly.

“Cindy said it used to be your favorite.” Jade hopped out of the truck, and he hesitated. Did Charlie still work here? Would he remember him?

It was exactly the same as he had left it. Scrappy, clean, and with the intoxicating scent of caramelized onions drifting out.

They ducked inside the building to find a charming, rustic atmosphere. Roughly hewn boards lined the walls and floors, and a handsome bar stretched the full length of the room. A tap menu was handwritten in chalk.

“Well as I live and breathe.” The gentleman behind the bar, a thirty-something in a flannel shirt and baseball cap, put a hand to his chest. “Is that Everett Rhodes darkening my doorstep?”

“Hey, Charlie.” Rett pulled out a barstool and gestured for Jade to sit.

She climbed up and perused the menu.

“It’s good to see you again. Where have you been?”

“Busy with the vineyard,” Rett replied. “How are you? How about the locals?”

“Oh, just fine. Hey, do you remember that time that guy came in with a crossbow strapped to his back?”

“Of course.” Rett leaned forward intently.

“He came back. Now he has a crossbow-wielding wife and baby.”

“No.” Rett slapped the bar. Good for him.

“I swear on my deceased Aunt Norma. May she rest in peace. Anyway, when are you going to introduce me to your lady friend?”

“This is Jade,” Rett said with a note of pride in his voice.

His anxiety had evaporated. It felt so good to be back in the warm little bar. A spicy note of buffalo chicken dip mingled with the sharp scent of whiskey a stranger nursed two stools down. And Jade had planned it all for him. He was supposed to be showing her what he loved about the Finger Lakes. Instead, she had cared enough to resurrect an old favorite that he had all but forgotten. And it felt like home.Shefelt like home.

“You are the most beautiful creature to have walked in here today,” Charlie said to Jade. “Except maybe for the dachshund I saw earlier.”

“Oh, well, in that there’s no contest,” Jade said with a smile.

“What can I get you folks? The usual?”

Rett nodded. Of course Charlie remembered. He had a memory like a steel trap.

“And for you, ma’am?”

“I’ll have the special,” Jade said.

“Spicy bourbon pumpkin smash? Nice choice. It’s made with local pumpkin.”

“There’s nothing I love more than a local pumpkin.”

Charlie left to make their drinks, and Jade leaned over.

“So what’s your usual?” There was a sparkle of amusement in her eyes.

“An old-fashioned.”

“You are such an old man.”

He glowered, but reached over to stroke her knee under the bar. Pink crept into her cheeks.

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