Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 83718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
When Brayden returns, he has a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and a glass of water in the other. “Caffeinate and hydrate,” he says, setting them on my desk. “Rock this luncheon, and then tonight, after the taproom grand opening, sleep. If you need help finishing packing, I’ll come over.”
“I think you have enough to do without packing my stuff.”
He shrugs. “Trust me, I’ve helped my siblings move enough times that I’m practically a pro.”
I groan. “Why do you have to be so nice?”
His lips twitch like he’s fighting a losing battle with a smile. “Would you rather have an asshole as a boss?”
“At least I know how to deal with assholes. I literally have years of experience.”
He shakes his head slowly. “Drink your coffee, Molly. I’ll come get you when Mr. Yuseki arrives.”
“Here’s to Jackson Brews,” Nic says, hoisting her glass in the air. “And another booming success.”
“Hear, hear!” Teagan says, clinking her beer against Nic’s.
The tasting room is so packed with the grand opening that the girls and I took our beers and snuck over to one of the small party rooms in the banquet center. Originally, I was going to manage the tasting room as well as the banquet center, but when interest poured in from people who wanted to use our facility for their events, it quickly became clear that we’d need someone for each position. Since Levi recently retired his motocross helmet to join the family business, it worked out perfectly. Tonight, that means I get to enjoy my friends and let him make sure everything up front is running smoothly.
Friends. Warmth sweeps over me at the realization. I spent years avoiding Jackson Harbor at all costs—avoiding my past and my family. Some days it feels like this incredible group of friends was my reward for finding the courage to return.
“And to Molly,” Nic says. “I heard today’s luncheon went off without a hitch.”
I smile. “Mr. Yuseki already booked three more luncheons, so I would call it a success.”
“That’s awesome,” Shay says. “Great work.”
“Okay,” Teagan says, glancing around the table. She points to Ava, who hasn’t stopped yawning since we settled into our table in this quiet room. “You’re knocked up and don’t want to stay out past eight most of the time.” She turns to her right to point to Nic. “And your wedding is in two weeks, and you’ll probably be knocked up shortly thereafter.”
Nic shrugs. “I wouldn’t mind, but I’d rather get through school first.”
“So pretty much,” Teagan continues, “it’s going to be me and all you bitches with your fabulous sex lives and adorable babies.”
“Um, hello?” Shay says. “Am I invisible or something?”
“Of course not, but your dissertation gets more of your attention than any hot guy in your bed would.”
Shay shrugs as if to say “fair enough.” She’s Brayden’s only sister, and though I haven’t spent a lot of time with her since moving back home, I’ve always liked her. Even when half our high school was talking shit about me, Shayleigh Jackson was always kind.
I clear my throat and raise my hand. “No fabulous sex life here. I’m single, remember?”
“But you have an adorable little boy, so shut up.”
“You want a baby?” I ask, arching a brow.
Teagan makes a face, her dark hair swinging around her face. “No. I’m just lamenting the fact that my fun, single friends are no longer . . .”
“Fun?” Ava supplies with a frown. “I don’t feel like much fun, to be honest. I’m so tired and bloated. I slept through half my honeymoon. I mean, when we weren’t . . .”
Shay holds up a hand. “We get the idea.” She shudders. “I really need to find friends who aren’t sleeping with my brothers.”
“I think it’s exciting,” Nic says. “So much awesome stuff happening.”
Teagan nods. “I’m happy for everyone. I just don’t want you bitches to forget me when you’re doing your playdates or whatever.”
Nic wraps her arm around Teagan and squeezes her. “We’re not gonna forget you.”
“How are the wedding plans coming?” Teagan asks her.
I clear my throat. “Shouldn’t you ask her official wedding planner that question?”
Nic beams. “I’m so excited. I can’t believe I get to get married in front of the lighthouse. Lilly keeps calling it the Frozen wedding and is trying to convince me to bleach my hair so I’ll look like Elsa.” She shakes her head, love for the little girl all over her face. “Don’t worry. We’ll keep the ceremony short so you don’t literally freeze.”
I smile at Nic—my friend and the first bride to trust me with her reception. “Then we’ll come back here and party. It’s going to be perfect.”
Jake appears in the doorway to the kitchenette, a tray of “The Jackson 5” flights in each hand. “I thought you ladies might be hiding back here.” He steps up to our table and slides the flights into the middle.