Page 73 of Rookie Season
Then I kiss her and cheers go up.
Those are all the holiday vibes I need.
EPILOGUE
SIERRA
“Busy night,” Julie comments as we cross paths behind the bar.
“Fridays are the busiest.”
Our dance is a well-practiced routine that keeps us filling beer pints and pitchers from the taps of local brews and mixing the occasional cocktail. It keeps me fresh.
We’re both going full tilt, serving the happy patrons who watched the game here, not to mention the overflow we’ll get once fans flood out of the stadium and over to the bar in about twenty minutes. Mile High does a good business, win or lose. Lately, there’ve been a lot of wins.
“The team’s on a hot streak since January,” I toss back.
“Which has nothing to do with you.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m a humble bartender.”
“You’re not humble. The other part is true.”
We both laugh.
“There you boys go.” I drop off an order for Pete and his friends.
“This the new one?” He lifts the glass and turns it. “Nice color.”
“It’s great. A local brewery. We only have it for a limited time.”
“So don’t get hooked,” he jokes.
I lean a hip against the side of their booth. “That’s what Dad said. But vote with your wallet, and if you love it, we’ll get more where that came from.” I point at the poster on the wall with our list of newly rotating taps from local microbreweries.
The doors open and a group sweeps in wearing jerseys. The start of the game crowd.
It feels good, the energy.
My dad agreed to let me have more rein with the bar. I recently went on a trip to Miami to check out some bars there for inspiration.
I go back behind the bar and keep working.
“Sorry we’re late!” Nova exclaims as she and Brooke drop onto two empty stools. “The guys are on their way. Ryan was extra popular in media, and Chloe’s looking out for him.”
“Never apologize,” I say and mean it. “How are you feeling?” I glance at her stomach, the discreet baby bump that’s starting to show.
“Great. As for our excuse, traffic was brutal, but we’re going to make it up to you. We have big news.”
I pause to lean over the bar. “Tell me.”
Brooke folds her hands and crosses one leg over the other. “I finally picked a designer for the wedding.”
“Wow! Congrats.” I cut a look at Nova. “Was that harder or easier than choosing a groom?”
Brooke laughs.
It’s good to see them doing well. Lately, I’ve been busy at the bar but also spending more time with the girls.
