Page 32 of Neat
I narrowed my eyes, standing so I could look my uncle in the eyes, too. “I didn’t do this on purpose,” I defended. “And, besides — it’s on our fuckingwebsitethat we make our own barrels. And anyone who takes the tour can easily write up what we tell them about the process. It’s not like it’s a secret, or like we gave away any information that they couldn’t find on Google.”
“The reason we don’t allow photos or videos is because they may know that we make our own barrels, but they don’t knowhow.They don’t know the products we use, the methods, the charring. This barrel process and our natural spring are the only things setting our whiskey apart from the competition — and you just gave one piece of that secret recipe away.”
I had to clench my jaw to keep my mouth shut — mostly because Logan was giving me a warning look from behind Mac.
“It won’t happen again, sir,” Logan said, drawing Mac’s attention back to him. “I’ll make sure of it.”
“Your damn straight it won’t happen again, because until further notice, you’re both suspended from giving tours.”
“What?!” we both exclaimed, Logan taking a step toward Mac with the word.
Mac put his hand up, both as a note to Logan to stop where he stood and to signal that he was done with the conversation.
“I don’t want to hear another word,” he said, still fuming as he eyed us both down. “Now, I’m going to go do as much damage control as I can do and try to get this little fucker’s video down before someone who actually matters sees it. In the meantime, you two are excused.” He turned toward the office door, pausing at the frame. “And tomorrow, I’ll have a new assignment for you.”
“Assignment?” I asked.
“We’re cleaning out the big storage closet, archiving what we need to keep and trashing the rest so we can make room for this year’s files once the New Year passes.” He gave us both a condescending grin. “I’m sure a little time in that dusty closet will be punishment enough for the two of you while I clean up your mess.”
He turned and left at that, leaving Logan and me alone again, and I closed my eyes on a sigh.
Fuck.
It wasmyfault that video had been taken. Mac was right — I’d forgotten to tell them no photos or videos were allowed in that room, and I hadn’tseenanyone filming — but they had. And now, I’d gotten Logan in trouble.
Again.
Here he was trying to get promoted, and was doing a fine job of getting himself there before I showed up and ruined it all. I’d landed him at the top of Mac’s shit list.
And worse, I’d gotten him suspended from giving tours.
I turned, opening my eyes but keeping my gaze on my shoes. “Logan, I am so—”
But before I could get the words out, Logan zipped past me, shoving one arm in the sleeve of his coat before the other.
“Where are you going?”
“You heard Mac,” he said, not looking at me. “We’re excused for the day.”
“So, where are you going?”
“Buck’s.”
He was already out the door, but I chased after him, offering awkward smiles to the other tour guides who watched us like hawks on our way out. When we were in the hallway, I grabbed his sleeve, forcing him to stop.
“Logan, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’ll talk to him, I’ll—”
“It’sfine, Mallory,” he bit out, his gaze hard. “Please, just leave it alone. Mac isn’t going to change his mind.”
I swallowed, nodding as I released his sleeve.
“I really am sorry,” I whispered.
Logan nodded, but didn’t say a word before he turned, making his way toward the door at the end of the hall that led to the employee parking lot. I watched him go, feet glued to the floor, knowing that a glass of whiskey and a game of pool wouldn’t fix what I’d done this time.
When the metal door slammed behind him, I let out a long sigh.
So much for starting over.
