Chapter 29
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Jase
The bar is closed tonight, yet here I am, clearing tables, setting up a spread of BBQ sliders, hot wings, and enough fries to feed an army—the Bishop army that is.
On the bar top, I arrange a few crystal bourbon glasses from my personal collection, while six bottles of Lane & Co.
Special Reserve Bourbon are lined up in a neat row beside them.
Tonight's tasting is special in particular because it’s the first time anyone outside of Lane & Co. is tasting this specific pour. Not to mention, the tasting is with the Bishop brothers, who are currently not my biggest fans. Then again, what’s new?
The front door to Stingers is yanked open, and one by one they file in, boots heavy on the wood floor as they strut toward me.
Monty’s first, arms crossed like he’s already looking for reasons to be pissed off, his natural state.
Beau follows, brooding as always, tossing me a curt nod while Theo trails in last, guitar case slung over his shoulder like it always is.
The country music star, too big for this town, found some time in his busy schedule to drop in on my invitation, and I’ve got to say I’m touched.
“Didn’t realize we were getting the VIP treatment,” Nash mocks, eyeing the bottles, as he and Bailey head down from the apartment they share upstairs.
Seeing them together is no longer shocking as I’ve come to truly understand that if anyone deserves to be happy, it’s my sister and I’m glad she found it with him.
Nash was my best friend for a reason. He’s a good guy, one of the best, actually. Now if only he could reciprocate the feelings with Monroe and me.
“Only the best for my future brothers-in-law,” I say cheerfully, knowing the effect that phrase will have on them, but I’m not above kissing ass tonight. The grunts and groans they all give prove my point.
First, they were pissed I’d slept with Monroe, then came the anger about getting her pregnant.
So, I went and did the right thing, owning up to what we’d done and bringing her in to live with me, proving I’d take care of her.
Now, they’re not fond of the thought of their baby sister spending the rest of her life by my side.
Temperamental bastards.
Tonight, the plan is to change their minds. “Figured if I’m putting this bourbon behind the shelf of my bar, and welcoming it into the Stingers Legacy, you should get the first taste. Family gets priority.”
They all give me a look at the use of the word family, but no one argues.
Family is exactly what we are, in more ways than one, and it’s about time we all realize that.
We were family long before Monroe and I or Nash and Bailey got together, and we’ll be a family long after despite the past feuding between our fathers.
“All right, gentlemen,” Lacey, the newly minted Bourbon Queen herself, says as she enters the room.
She’s a sight to see, cool and confident in her red leather jacket and matching cowboy boots I now know mean business.
A little different from what she used to wear when I met her—which was nothing but flowy sundresses and her boots—she’s fit the part perfectly since deciding to continue her father’s legacy.
“We’ve got three tastings tonight,” she adds, grabbing one of the three bottles I set up on the tall table beside her. “This is our small-batch bourbon we’ve just started pouring. We’ll start light and work our way up.”
Gliding around the room like she owns it, she pours the first round, sliding glasses across the bar, while all the Bishop men, including Nash, stare in amusement at the woman they know nothing about.
They briefly met her on New Year’s Eve, but other than Beau, I don’t believe they were ever introduced.
“Gentlemen,” I say as they lift their glasses, sniffing them like professionals.
“This is Lacey Lane, of Lane & Co. Bourbon. I’ll be exclusively serving her Special Reserve Bourbon at Stingers Tavern starting next weekend, and I figured since she’s in town for the occasion, she could give us all a private tasting. ”
Beau winces at the burn on the first sip while Nash grunts in approval, and Theo leans back with a mischievous grin.
“Smooth,” Theo says, his wide-toothed smile directed at Lacey, who grins in excitement. “I might have to write a song about it, Ms. Lane.”
His flirtatious tone isn’t missed, and Lacey’s cheeks flush in response. Beau clears his throat, rolling his eyes at his younger brother’s charm and uncomfortable with the way they lock eyes. “This’ll sell out quickly.”
Now it’s my turn to smile at the compliment.
Lane & Co. is unlike any other bourbon I’ve ever had.
It’s smooth and subtle, yet potent enough that it’ll have you seeing stars if you’re not careful.
It’s a unique and rich blend of fruit and spice, higher proof than the single-barrel reserve but an excellent choice to sip on or add to a cocktail.
Which will be perfect for our bartenders to mix.
“Not bad,” Nash admits, though his tone suggests he really enjoyed it. Lacey grins wide, moving along to pour the next bottle.
We move through the tasting with ease. The bourbon quickly loosened the guys up, especially when they asked for a second pour of their favorites.
Our conversations shifted from the grand reveal we have planned to the current construction projects Monty’s working on, to Theo’s touring schedule that’s soon coming to a close.
Nash is still being pretty tight-lipped about his extracurriculars, but he’s been picking up a few shifts at the bar for me when I’ve gone out of town or left early to have dinner at home with Monroe.
It might be good to bring him on board full time when the baby’s born since I plan to be at Monroe’s side through it all.
“You should definitely do your farewell stop at the Colton County Country Music Festival this June,” Bailey says, when Theo mentions the opportunity of headlining the festival.
“It will be incredible, and we can even sign up to have a tent up for the bar, exclusively serving this delicious bourbon.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Lacey adds, intrigued and already becoming the savvy businesswoman I didn’t know she could be. “I can even design some exclusive bottles to raffle off, and with your autograph, Theo, I’m sure we could raise some good money for the bar, and Lane & Co. of course.”
Theo straightens up, giving Lacey one of his signature smirks that make the women go mad for him. “I knew I liked you, Lacey darling,” he says so smoothly, yet now that the initial shock of being in front of a legend like Theo is gone, his attempt at seduction has no effect on the woman.
Beau scoffs at Theo’s obvious flirting, making the rest of us laugh. “Looks like you lost your charm,” he mocks.
Theo shrugs his shoulders. “Maybe it’s the bourbon. Seems the alcohol’s gone to your brain, Ms. Lane.”
Lacey shakes her head, laughing. “Sorry to say, Theo, you’re just not my type.”
“I’m everyone’s type,” Theo pouts, causing the laughter to echo through the room.
“I’m more of a simple gal, really. Don’t need the flashy status or sultry southern charm. I prefer a more reserved gentleman. Someone who’s serious and determined. A family man since I have my Lainey to think about.”
“Sounds to me like you’re describing Beau,” Bailey says, and that causes all of us to turn our heads and look at Beau, whose expression gives nothing away.
“He’ll definitely need to let loose and have a little fun,” Lacey adds, raising her brow at the brooding man whose gaze is locked on hers.
“And yeah, never mind,” Bailey laughs. Beau isn’t the type to relax and have fun, but my half-brother seems to be unusually serious these days. Not to blame him, he’s got a lot to work through.
“And maybe Billie can even do her own performance at our tent. You know she loves some karaoke. Her singing at the CCC,” Bailey says, abbreviating the festival’s name the way locals do, “will be huge for her.”
Theo perks up suddenly, more invested in the conversation. “Since when is Billie Cole interested in pursuing a music career?” The question comes off a bit more serious than I’m sure he intended.
Bailey smiles, glad someone’s showing interest. “Since we’ve pushed her to follow her passion. She’s incredible, you know that, and I feel like she could do great if she believed in herself.”
Theo scoffs, “Why hasn’t she asked me for help? Did she suddenly forget who I am and the connections I can give her?”
Bailey rolls her eyes, though I don’t think Theo meant it in a way to show his ego.
“Maybe she wants to do it on her own,” Lacey chimes in. “I’d understand her. The number of people, men particularly, I’ve dealt with who think I don’t deserve any of this because my daddy gave it to me, would make you sick.”
Theo ignores Lacey’s reasoning. “She’s stupid if she tries to make it on her own when I’m right here. At least I can get her in contact with a producer. How is she going to snag a record deal without a demo?”
“Maybe you can bring her in on a song. A duet like the one you guys sang together on New Year’s Eve.
” Theo’s brows furrow at the thought, and he’s quick to change the conversation.
I was there that night, and the song they sang right before midnight, the one I slow danced to with Monroe, proved the amount of chemistry those two would have if they worked on a duet together.
I get a feeling Billie hasn’t reached out because she’s not his biggest fan, and something about Theo’s mood shift at the mention of her makes me think there’s something we’re not understanding about their dynamic.
Nash clears his throat from his spot leaning against the bar. One arm is around Bailey, the other holding his fourth glass of bourbon. “So tell me,” he says, swirling his glass. Any other man would be slurring his words by now, but not Nash. The man is made of steel.