Page 113 of Small Town Firsts
I shook my head. “It’s a tasting, you asshole. Not a party.”
Justin’s eyes crinkled at the corners. He was wearing his typical work clothes of a Brothers Three black T-shirt and dusty jeans. Evidently everyone was starting early that day. “It’s always a party when I’m here.”
Hayes hustled after him in his usual work attire of khakis and the more colorful line of the Brothers Three logo shirts—today it was bright yellow. His sunglasses were firmly on his nose and there was still a crease in his pants.
This brother didn’t start as early as the others.
He was carrying a small cooler. “Justin might be ready to put his liver through its paces, but I needed food.”
My stomach roared at the idea of it.
Hayes grinned. “I’ve got a few of the first apples ready for harvest. You mentioned you were eager for the Ginger Golds. And some bread and cheese to soak up the alcohol.”
“Excellent. Because I’ve got a few fourteens on the menu.”
“Oh, yeah, buddy.” Justin uncapped his water jug and took a glug. “I am ready.”
Beckett rolled his eyes. “I see you’re going to be productive today.”
“I already fixed the fridges at Laverne’s. So, if I need a nap…well, the orchard will survive.”
“I don’t think it’ll be a rager, guys.” I led them into the workshop.
“Does this mean you have names, too? Zoe’s graphic design friend is trying to make a home in my ass,” Beckett muttered.
It would tip my hand about Kira, but I had the names. I ignored my nerves and shook out my hands as I went to thefridge. “I do have names.” I pulled out the first three pitchers and returned to my bench.
It was long and wide enough to hold drinks for all of us. Handily it was bolted into the floor, as Justin was leaning his hip against the edge with his arms crossed. Hayes stood beside him, hands in his pockets, the cooler set on the end of the bench. Beckett mirrored him with a wider set to his feet. A wall of Mannings with just a hint of fuck you in their stance.
I swallowed. “Kira kicked my ass last night about locking everyone out of the workshop. I almost made a mess of things, but she set me straight.”
Beckett relaxed a little. “There’s a reason why I put her in the taproom.”
“Yeah, she’s the backbone here. That’s for sure.”
Justin took another swig of his water. “Key was never the wildcard. Now, let’s see if Beckett was right about you, too.”
I set the first pitcher in front of them as I stood on the other side of the bench. “First is The B3. This is what I see as the signature hard cider that will be easy to pasteurize, bottle, and distribute. It will also make an excellent mixer for the bar. Lennon’s already been excited to get her hands on it.”
I went to my shelves and found a crate of taster glasses and brought four over for them to pour off the first taste.
Beckett did the honors, splashing about half a glass for each of us. He stuck his nose in the glass like a seasoned taster. Hayes did the same, while Justin just went in for a taste.
Justin hissed. “Oh, yeah.” He winked at me. “That’s what I’m talking about. Dry and perfectly tart. My mouth is watering for more.” Justin picked up the pitcher and splashed more in his glass.
Hayes was still swishing his around, looking at the clarity. Hard cider ran the gamut of clear and cloudy, but the signatureB3 was clear as champagne in color. He took a tiny taste, but his face betrayed nothing as he set the glass down. “Next.”
I swallowed hard. Okay then.
Beck sampled and made a noncommittalhmmsound before setting his glass down.
I forced my nerves to settle as I brought over the box of taster glasses and set up another trio in front of the Mannings and one for myself. “This is Firefly. The lead for opening night. It’s a sweet, small batch that could be extended for a limited seasonal run.”
“Good name.” Beckett picked up the cloudier, more carbonated cider. He repeated the process, with another less than stellar bit of feedback.
Justin gave a smacking, “Ahh. This is gonna be a chick drink. Sweet and tart and that…” He snapped his fingers together. “What’s that? Honey?”
I nodded with a half laugh. “Yes. Wildflower honey from bees from the pear orchard.”
