Page 77 of Lavender Lake
“Well, it kind of spilled over onto us. There are people here I’ve never seen before.”
“Rats, I hope people haven’t discovered our town,” Hadley said. “Small and quaint towns never stay that way after they get discovered.”
“Yeah, but who doesn’t love making money?” Wade remarked. “We can finally think about a new roof instead of having to patch this one again.”
“Blessing and a curse, I guess,” Hadley said.
The bluegrass song came to an end, and a moment later a classic country song started. Everyone in the bar cheered and clapped.
I looked at Hadley and grinned. “It’s nice to have things you can count on.”
“Right?” Hadley smiled.
“What are you guys drinking?” Wade asked. “Whatever it is, it’s on me tonight.”
“But then how will you afford a new roof for this place?” I teased.
“You plan on drinking that much?” Wade quipped.
“Hmm. Wearecelebrating,” I reminded him.
“Two microbrews on draft, whatever fun mocktail you feel inclined to make for me, and for Salem?”
“A Manhattan,” I said. “On the rocks.”
“Missing the city, are we?” Wade asked as he grabbed two pint glasses.
“Something like that,” I said.
Wade was quick and before I knew it, we had our drinks, along with a round of shots on a tray. Declan and Bowman had managed to score a table and I carried the tray toward them.
I passed around the drinks, and then took a seat by Bowman in the booth. Hadley slid in next to Declan and he immediately wrapped an arm around her.
Declan grabbed his pint and raised it. “To Connor.”
“To Dad,” Hadley said.
We clinked our glasses together, and then each took a sip.
“Cinnamon whiskey shots?” I asked, passing one to Bowman, and then Declan.
“Not for me,” Declan said. “I’m driving.”
“Salem,” Hadley warned.
“Just this round,” I said. I turned to Bowman. “It’s just you and me.”
He raised his glass, stared into my eyes, and then downed the shot.
I did the same.
Gracie and Cole showed up and after they got a round of drinks, they joined us at the table. Gracie and Hadley began chatting about all things baby related, and Declan and Cole were discussing Cole’s job as a smokejumper.
Bowman leaned his head close to mine and asked, “Are you interested in what they’re talking about?”
“No.”
“Dance with me,” he commanded.
