Chapter 16
Asher
I felt on edge. I had never hooked up with an employee before.
All my brothers followed that rule while they were single.
Well, technically Phoenix didn’t, because Elyna was working for him, and now she’s, his wife.
Maybe that’s why he said it didn’t matter if I dated Claire.
That she was here for the season, not year round.
Why did the thought of her leaving bother me?
Why did I spend all morning checking her out?
My head wasn’t on straight, and it was bothering the shit out of me.
I never got attached to a woman. I never let myself feel but with the turmoil brewing inside me I found myself walking over to the brewery again.
This was the time of day when Dad was probably stopping in, and Becket too.
Hell, maybe Eric would be off and help me figure out what was going on with me.
This time of year, the brewery was busy with tourists from out of town. The restaurant was packed, but there were some seats at the bar that were empty. I saw Cooper first. He was Phoenix’s best friend.
“Look what the cat dragged in. You look a little tired,” he noted.
“I am,” I said with a yawn. Between Claire going off to meet Nico and the night we shared together, I barely slept a wink.
Phoenix walked out of the kitchen area. “Two days in a row,” he said, looking at me. Then he turned to Cooper. “It’s okay. I got him.”
“I don’t want to drink,” I said.
“Do you want something to eat?” he offered.
I usually watched what I ate because of fighting. I had to be in peak shape, but today I was feeling off. I needed comfort food.
“Earth to Asher,” he said, watching me.
“I want something unhealthy and greasy,” I said to him.
“Oh boy. Is this about the girl?” he asked.
“Don’t start. Just feed me,” I said to my oldest brother.
Phoenix put in an order without telling me what it was.
Dad walked in with Becket. They both sat at the bar and ordered food.
“Nice turnout today,” Dad noted.
“Yup,” Phoenix said.
We all chatted about nothing in particular.
It was a nice sunny day, and Maple Valley was full of tourists, which was good for business.
My food came out. Phoenix had ordered me a pulled beef sandwich with pastrami and coleslaw.
It was a large heaping sandwich and smelled like heaven.
I took a deep breath and went for it. That’s when I felt three sets of eyes on me.
“What?” I paused mid-bite.
“What’s going on?” Dad asked.
“It’s a girl,” Phoenix blurted.
I gave my brother a look that said fuck you, but he just shrugged like he was doing me a favor.
“Wow, little brother,” Becket laughed. “You clearly got it bad.”
“I don’t have anything,” I barked, and I ignored the three of them since they were being annoying as hell. I bit into my sandwich and groaned from the taste. “Damn, that’s good.”
“Thanks,” Phoenix grinned, pleased with himself.
“Asher, what’s going on?” Dad asked, worried.
“Claire went to see Nico last night. Apparently, he was being charming and let her in on some information before he locked down and told her to leave.”
“She went to see Nico Mercier?” Becket asked, alarmed.
“She’s intent on getting answers about her friend’s disappearance.” I nodded.
“But that’s not what’s eating you,” Dad said. “You like this girl.”
“Maybe. How am I supposed to know?” I asked, practically stuttering.
Phoenix laughed so hard his shoulders shook.
“You’re supposed to be a grump,” I said to him. It wasn’t true. He hadn’t been a grump since he got together with Elyna. Now that she was expecting any day, my brother was pure sunshine.
“That’s what the right woman does,” Phoenix replied.
I groaned. “For crying out loud.”
“Okay, just relax, Ash,” Dad said. “I think you like this girl.”
“Oh, I know I like her. That’s the problem,” I blurted.
“Oh damn, he bites the dust,” Becket muttered under his breath.
“Fuck you,” I barked.
“Boys,” Dad said with that stern voice he used when we were kids.
“Look, Ash. Love is scary. I’m the first to admit that.
My heart shattered when your mom left. My world was turned upside down when I was left to raise five kids on my own.
Your sister was so young, and so were you,” he said.
“I didn’t date. I didn’t go out. I just worked and took care of you guys, and then you grew up and had your own lives, and that felt lonely.
I knew I didn’t want to be alone anymore.
I wasn’t looking for Sandy, but love hit me hard. ”
“We all know how that went down,” Becket laughed at Dad’s take on things.
“One day you’ll get it too, when the right woman comes along,” Dad said to him.
“I don’t even make plans,” I murmured.
Dad gave me a sympathetic smile. “I want to say embrace whatever you’re feeling, but I know that’s not going to happen. Knowing you, you’ll need to take things slow. Give yourself time to process what you’re feeling.”
“Dad, this isn’t something I can take out on a punching bag,” I noted.
“But it is in the bedroom,” Becket laughed.
“I’m going to sock you one,” I warned.
“Boys,” Dad said again, his voice sterner this time. Then he followed it with, “Grow up, Becket.”
Becket finally shut his trap.
“The only good advice I can give you is to follow your heart,” Dad said, “and don’t be scared.”
“I’m with Dad on this, Ash,” Phoenix said. “I was a bachelor for a long while. My life got lonely and meaningless. I wasn’t expecting Elyna, but she turned my world upside down in the best way.”
My phone buzzed on the counter, and Kammy’s name lit up my screen. That wasn’t normal. I stepped away from the bar and read the text.
She’s back. Digging. I like her. So I’m telling you before someone else notices.
My jaw tightened.
Phoenix watched me with concern. “What’s wrong?”
“Claire’s asking questions again,” I explained. In a small town, a new person was easy to spot, especially a pretty blonde asking questions the bad elements in our town didn’t like.
Becket straightened immediately.
“About?”
“Bellerose and Nico.”
I didn’t wait. “Thanks for the sandwich,” I said to my brother. “It was fire.”
“You didn’t finish it,” he called as I got up from the stool. I left a fifty on the counter and took off.
“Be careful,” Dad said.
“Always,” I replied. I walked out and headed straight for my truck.