Page 61 of Small Town Frenzy
I snort. “It’s hard to escape the family in this county.”
“Or get away with anything.”
“Good point.”Same one Griffin once made.And a billboard? Can’t wait to ask him about that. I bet his ego loved that.
Some of the party goers have started taking off their ties and shoes to get down on the dance floor. This is when I usually take my leave after a long day of making sure everything turns out perfect for the newlyweds and their guests. I stand on my tiptoes to look for Savvy, but don’t see her. “Listen, I need to wrap some stuff up. I’ve been here since ten this morning, and we’re just past eleven. I’m exhausted. Let me think about things, and let’s talk this week. You’re not in a hurry, right?”
“I’m not unhurried either.” That changes things and is highly interesting. My brother doesn’t act on whims. He’s honestly the most uptight guy after my father. For him to be making what must feel like a rash decision, my mind lands on a theory.
“You’re seeing someone. In France.” Cocking an eyebrow up at him, I challenge, “Tell me I’m wrong.” He laughs, but it’s faker than fake, and all for show to throw me off the scent. “Oh brother, I can see right through this ruse.” Grinning like Sherlock Holmes after solving a case, I say, “She must be something special for you to risk the wrath of the Dovers to make this move.” I start to laugh.
“She is.”
It’s then that I see the brother I used to know so well. Maybe he’s been there all along, but villainous was never a good look on him. Though I must admit, he played the role well. I take a step to the side and bump against him before nudging him with my elbow. “You got yourself a deal.”
His arm comes around my shoulders, and he jostles me at his side. “I knew I could count on you, Buggy.”
“About the Buggy . . . let’s end that, okay?”
“You hate it that much, huh?”
“With a passion. It’s cutesy, but it was never used that way when I was little. It was used to make fun of me.”
This time, his side embrace feels genuine. “Consider it retired.”
“Thanks.” With him contemplating a move across the world to be with someone, it has me wondering if I’d move across county lines to be with Griffin. It’s fun to think about, but not something that’s on the table. It’s way too soon for that.
Is it too soon to see him again, though?Knowing Judy is at the house for the night, I check the time on my watch. Is it too late to contact him? For all I know, he could already be asleep. Selfishly, I’m willing to take the chance. But first, I pull the phone from my pocket to text Savvy, requesting her location.
My brother says, “You go on. I can cover with the crew. What do they have, an hour left?”
“Just under.” A text pops up from my cousin. “Savvy is restocking bottled water, but she’s here as well. She can handle it easily if you don’t want to.”
“I’ll stay. It’s been a long time since I’ve been a part of the events at the winery. It’s good to know all the ins and outs.”
I reply to Savvy and let her know I’m taking off. I also text:I’m going to see if I can get lucky. Again.
Her text pops up quickly:I knew it. Kidding aside, you have fun. You deserve all this good coming your way, cuz.
That built-in family best friend really worked out for us. I type:Thank you. Love you.
She replies:Love you.
When I pocket my phone again, I look up at my big brother. “Hey?”
“Yes?” he replies with a chuckle.
“Thank you.”
With a casual shrug, he nods. “It’s good to know all parts of the business.”
“That’s not what I was referring to.” I put my arm around his back because my immediate family of Dovers aren’t really huggers. But my intentions are good.
His arm comes around me as well. “I know,” he says, his eyes trained on the party. “Now get out of here, kid. Get some rest.”
I walk away, feeling good about our conversation. It’s the first time in years I feel we connected as humans, as siblings, even as equals. I smile. As soon as I reach my car, I send a text to Judy to let her know I’ll be out later. Then I send one to Griffin:You awake?
I don’t see an immediate response, but then the three dots rolling across the screen have me grinning. A reply pops up:Wide awake. You?
