Page 6 of Worth the Risk
I turn back down the hall and make my way across the street.
Angry James, AJ’s, isn’t the only bar in town, but it may as well be as far as locals are concerned. As soon as I walk through the front door I’m hit with memories. Mostly good, only a few bad.
“Rhett!” I hear my name and see Colt’s arm waving around in the air to signal me. The motion isn’t necessary because even though it’s always busy in here, it’s only about 600 square feet. I give him a wave to let him know I’ve seen him and then make my way to the bar to order my one and only beer of the night. I grin when I spot the owner, Buck, behind the counter.
“Barrett Holloway, is it true I’ll be seeing you more around here?”
“Hey Buck, yes it’s true. You’ll have to put up with my mug regularly. I’ll be taking over Coach Reynolds’ position at the high school.”
“Well I'll be. I know your mom and dad are sure gonna be happy to have you around more. A few ladies in town may be as well.” There’s a twinkle in his eyes that seems to always be present. Buck’s been a fixture in our community for as far back as I can remember. He has a booth at every festival this town puts on month after month and donates to local food pantry. He organizes and works the annual toy drive in December, along with playing Santa. He’s also Colt and Winnie’s uncle.
“What can I get ya, son?”
“Can I get whatever IPA’s on tap tonight?”
“You got it.” I glance around the room to see if I recognize more faces in here. Colt’s sitting at a table closer to the corner and it looks like he’s got a couple of women I don’t recognize sitting across from him. I’m really not wanting to chat up anyonefor him tonight but here we are. Buck sets my beer on the bartop and I nod.
“Thanks, Buck.” He nods back and moves on to the couple at the end of the counter. I take a sip, then amble over to Colt’s table. He’s tapping on his phone, but looks up when I reach the table.
“Hey, man!” I set my beer down just in time for Colt to slam into me and lock me in a bear hug. I return the hug and pat his back a few times.
“Hey Colt, how have you been?”
“Good, good. Business has really taken off the last couple of years, so I can’t complain.”
Colt started his own white water rafting business about five years ago. He takes groups to raft all over the state.
“That’s great. Think you’ll have time to get out on the river with me in the next couple weeks? I’ve been itching to get back in a boat.”
“If we end up with a good rain like we did last season, absolutely! You know I’ll make time for you.” He turns back to the table then and introduces me. “Rhett, this is Georgia and Lucy, they’re passing through on their cross country roadtrip and looking to white water raft while they’re here. Ladies, this is Rhett Holloway.” Both their mouths drop open.
“Nice to meet you, ladies.” They both hold their hands up and say ‘hi’.
“Rhett Holloway as in, Rhett Holloway, the Seattle Hornets Right Winger? What are you doing here?” The one with dark hair, Lucy asks.
“Actually, this is my hometown. I blew my knee out at the end of last season and decided to trade my pads for a whistle. I’ll be coaching here in town at the high school this fall.”
“Oh, that sucks. I’m so sorry to hear that,” she says, sounding genuine. I smile. I see Colt check his phone out of the corner of my eye and whisper something to the blonde.
“It may have happened a little differently than I expected but it’s always been the plan to be back here in Silverthorne.”
“Are you gonna miss living in Seattle?” The other one, Georgia, asks.
“A bit, It’ll be an adjustment going from the city scene to small town living, but to be honest I’m not one for big cities.” She smiles brightly.
“I love Seattle!” Lucy interjects, smiling widely. “I’ve been able to visit quite a few times. I love going to the market and taking the ferry! My cousin lives out on Bainbridge Island.” I smile back.
“It was a change of pace for sure. The city is a little too busy for me but I did enjoy the ferry, and getting to hike in Olympic when I actually had some free time. Overall I did enjoy my time there.”
As I’m speaking she leans in and puts her hand on my forearm that's folded on the table next to my beer. I’m trying to think of a way to pull my arm back without it being too awkward.
I notice Colt check his phone again, smile and glance at the door. I follow his line of sight and there standing in the doorway of AJ’s is Winnie. She see’s Colt, waves and smiles and starts toward our table. Her eyes meet mine and her smile dims a little, then she looks down to see Lucy’s hand resting on my arm and it disappears entirely. Great.
“Win!” I hear my brother yell my name as I keep walking towards his table but I’m staring a hole in Rhett’s forearm. A tattooed, more attractive than it should be, forearm, where a hand is attached to a gorgeous brunette I’ve never seen before, is still resting. Seriously. He’s been in town less than a day and already has a woman on his arm. Literally. This does not bode well for my sanity.Get a grip, Winslow. You’re an adult, not some lovestruck teenager with a crush anymore.I scold myself and tear my eyes away and look up at Colt just as he reaches me for a hug.
“Hey, Colt. I’ve got your keys…again.” I say as sweetly as I can. “You’ve got to start checking your pockets. This is the second time this month.” He laughs and when he does it’s hardto stay annoyed at him. I love my brother. He has been my rock since I was thirteen and had to move across the country to a town we had only been to once, to live with an uncle we had only met twice. Thankfully, that uncle was Uncle Buck, who turned out to be exactly who we needed after we lost our parents and a truly amazing man.
“Yeah, Win, I know. I’ll try to keep better track of my truck keys.” He kisses the top of my head. “Thanks for bringing the spare set to me.” I can tell when he gets a good look at me because his eyes widen. “What happened to your face??” I wince. The ice I’ve had on it the last 20 minutes has helped with the swelling but it’s still red and will probably bruise.
