11. Harlow
Harlow
Afternoon fell into evening, and at some point, Kasey swapped my latte for an espresso martini and made her way to my side of the bar. Sweater Weather was truly multifaceted—a cafe, a bookstore, and some damn good cocktails.
We had gotten lost in conversation as Jude left to help close up the market. I almost missed his presence standing beside me, helping me understand Autumn Creek. But tonight I was putting myself out there.
I was going to enjoy myself.
“Wait, wait.” Kasey wiped away a bit of espresso foam from her top lip. “How are you feeling?” Her light green eyes were full of that same bright sparkle that had been there the day I’d first arrived in town.
“Good, why?”
“Like with the breakup, emotionally. How are you really feeling?” She raised her brows. “Do you want me to set you up with someone?”
I almost choked on my cocktail as I laughed. “I am so over it. Over him.” Right now I was weightless, and I hadn’t felt that way in such a long time. I tried to whisper but definitely did not speak quietly enough. “I’m not sure I was ever into him.”
“Really?” Kasey drew out the word and whistled. “You deserve better than that.”
Maybe it was the espresso martinis talking, or maybe it was my realization from earlier, but I nodded enthusiastically. “Maybe I do.”
The Crabapple wasn’t on Main Street, but it was only a five-minute walk away.
It was a red building that had once been an old general store, and looked like a rustic Pinterest dream.
Even from the street I could see the fairy lights coating the ceiling, making it look like a starry night.
The lighting was dim and their dark wooden bar reminded me of the one at Sweater Weather.
“Wow,” I murmured as Kasey drew me closer to the building, and the sound of guitar wafting through the open door.
“It’s not too bad.” She shrugged. “For being the only one.”
Maybe I was romanticizing this place just a bit. I’d been to some nice bars in lots of different cities, but this one felt so warm and alive.
Kasey grabbed my hand and pulled me through the door, past the crowd of people. Some were swaying or singing along to the live band at the other end of the room, others played darts or chatted loudly.
There were a few scattered wooden tables, but they were hard to make out through the tide of bodies. It seemed like all of Autumn Creek was here for a Saturday night out.
“Sweater Weather serves drinks,” I pointed out to Kasey, as I set my purse down on the bar. “Why do you say this is the only spot?”
“So does Bramley Farm, and the restaurants. It’s great, lots of craft stuff. But I’m not letting anyone get up to the things they do here in my cafe. If you want to let loose you’ve gotta come to The Crabapple.”
A bartender with a lopsided grin and a mullet suddenly appeared in front of us.
Kasey’s eyes quickly snapped to his face.
“What can I get you, ladies?” That was definitely an Australian accent. He shot Kasey her own personal grin before we could even reply.
“Two Bramley ciders, Archie.”
“Coming up.” He grabbed two pint glasses and flicked on the taps, before moving on to the next people leaning against the bar.
I raised a brow. “You and the bartender?”
“Ugh.” She groaned. “Honestly, who knows. He says he’s into me, but wants something different every time I see him. Still a good lay, though.”
I tried to hide a smile behind my hand.
“He’s very casual about everything.” She waved a hand through the air, but spoke quietly so she didn’t catch his attention. “Chill. Fleeting. Just passing through. It’s always like this. My romantic prospects are a mess.” Then her eyes turned pleading. “Maybe I can play matchmaker instead.”
I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth, considering the offer for a moment. I wanted to put myself out there, I wanted new experiences. But I doubted I would find anyone tonight that would give me what I truly needed deep down—loyalty, stability, love.
And bringing someone home meant taking them back to my apartment.
In Jude’s house. I let myself picture it for a second—falling through the door and onto the small bed, but I quickly found myself wondering how thick the walls really were between my space and his.
Okay, definitely not something I wanted to do tonight.
But I could still have fun without going that far.
“Maybeeee.” I drew out the word with a smile. “I might be up for an introduction. Nothing too hopelessly romantic tonight, though.”
“Got it! I’m scouting.” She surveyed the crowd, and I couldn’t help but burst into a fit of laughter. It was only a few seconds before Kasey joined in, too.
Two matching golden pints slid across the bar toward us. Archie leaned beside them, his gaze focused on Kasey.
“Kase, I’m off at midnight.” I caught him shooting her a wink before returning to mixing drinks.
Kasey’s laughter spilled into another anguished groan. Then she held up her cider. “To being casual and not worrying about romance, at least for tonight.”
I cheersed to that.