All around, the brewery boomed with life, people enjoying the newest apple of Briar's eye, and rightfully so. The place was amazing; the restaurant surrounding a sprawling bar made of logs and machinery. Saw blades and beer bottles made up a massive chandelier that dangled above. The furniture was similarly styled, with dark woods and metals sticking to the industrial vibe, unlike anything else in our quaint sea village of shiplap and shingles. Like Luke, it bucked traditional, standing apart without apology.
As we trudged up the staircase, I got a better look at things over the railing, a mural covering the rear wall of the restaurant. It mixed women, beer paraphernalia, and brew names in a swirl of shapes and colors. I had no clue where they found an artist like that locally, but whoever they were, they'd make a killing with the exposure.
The ambiance upstairs shifted, the event space sleeker, the brick walls bare. Plenty of tables dotted the room, though they were more upscale than the casual setting below, adorned with linens and fresh floral centerpieces.
"Are you family?" Abby asked as we approached a table for two in front of a window.
"Old friends," I replied, smiling.
We'd been friends at some point, and we were both old. Well, older.
"Aw, that's sweet. It seems like everyone is in Briar." She gestured at the table, an adorable wooden vase in its center. "This is the best seat in the house."
I glanced around, surprised, and sure enough, our table had the best view by far, looking straight down into the brooks behind the mill. "We can sit somewhere simple," I insisted, uncomfortable hogging such seats.
"This is your table," she declared, a smirk emerging. "Boss's orders."
My eyes flicked to the other tables, noticing their centerpieces held sunflowers. Ours was the only one adorned with peonies and daisies -my favorites. He'd planned it, knowing I'd give in. Knowing I couldn't resist.
I ignored the urge to run, to flee the storm on the horizon. It'd been years since he'd had me under his spell. I wouldn't fall for it again. I didn't know what game he was playing, but I wouldn't lose.
"You new in town?" I asked, shoving worries aside.
"Is it that obvious?" she laughed, handing us menus. "Yes, I live in Portland."
"I never thought I'd see the day when people drove from Portland to Briar for work."
"Yeah, this place was too special to pass up." She smiled, scanning the room. "I've never worked anywhere like this. Luke did an incredible job."
I nodded in agreement. Luke pulled out a miracle reviving the dilapidated building that long served as an eyesore, not a landmark. At one point, it was slated for demolition, but like so many things, plans fell through.
She left in a flash, and before long, Linc tried his first barbecue from a sample platter of smoked meats and sides we shared. I didn't want to take advantage of Luke's hospitality, and there was no way Linc could finish a plate from their children's menu judging by the pictures.
Everything was as amazing as Luke promised, Linc falling in love with brisket while I happily ate the pulled pork he wanted no part of. Despite it being a brewery, I stuck to water, letting Luke try sweet tea for the first time, his entire face scrunching up in horror with one sip.
After we were stuffed, we set out to mix and mingle with the crowds upstairs. I spied a few people from school, including Marsh. He stood by the bar with a curly-haired woman rocking the hell out of a plunging maxi dress.
I took the opportunity to give him a proper greeting, still uneasy about our brief run-in at Greg's. It wasn't his fault that Luke was an ass, and we'd been good friends back in the day. He deserved more than a quick wave.
"Hey," I greeted, smiling.
"Hi!" Marsh beamed, pulling me in for a quick hug, a cold tumbler of whiskey touching my arm. The woman immediately scowled at his side, but Marsh was still smiling when he turned his attention to Linc. "Who's this little guy?"
"This is my son, Lincoln. Lincoln, this is my friend, Marsh."
Linc offered a hand, catching Marsh by surprise as he'd done to Luke. It was a move I taught him alongside please and thank you, knowing the importance of a proper handshake.
He turned to the beauty by his side. "Alanna, this is Josie. We grew up together. Josie, this is Alanna… my friend."
I smirked at his explanation of their status, knowing all too well what that meant in Marsh speak. He was always with a new "friend" when we were younger.
"Josie?" Her glossed lips pulled into a snarl. "Luke's Josie?"
I glanced at Marsh, surprised she knew of me and referred to me as Luke's Josie. After so long, it seemed like most had forgotten we'd dated. How did a stranger know?
"Yeah," he muttered, blushing. "Nice to see you again, Josie."
I kept a smile on my face despite the churning in my guts. They weren't acting like Luke was the bad guy in our situation, but it wasn't the time to ask questions. Not with Linc at my side. "You too. See you around, I guess."
It didn't take a genius to figure out I wasn't welcome, and I wouldn't stick around with his date shooting daggers my way with each glance. Marsh had once been a friend, but it seemed like that was shot to hell.
I wandered from the bar, keeping Linc close, scanning the room for someone else from the past. But no matter who I locked eyes with, they turned their attention away, treating me like a social pariah. Classmates. Former friends. Enemies.
Why would he stick my son and me in a hornet's nest? What did he tell people?
Or did they feel bad that I'd had to flee his sins? That I'd been humiliated to the worst degree, stripped from my family and my life?
After
