Better Luck Next Time

by Denise Grover Swank

  Rather than make that joke for Adalia, he lifted up the six-pack he’d brought, realizing he probably should have asked what to bring. “I didn’t know we were having lasagna. I guess I should have gotten wine instead.”

  River tilted his head. “Not Big Catch?”

  “The new guy’s stuff isn’t in bottles yet, and I figured it might be a little weird to bring you your own beer. I got the new brown ale from Perplexity.”

  A neutral place they both liked well enough. It had taken him a solid five minutes in front of the cooler case to choose it. Which probably should have told him how nervous he was about this dinner.

  Georgie emerged from the bedroom, giving him a speculative look that did nothing to ease his mind about the evening ahead.

  “Why are you guys standing by the door?” she asked. Which was when Finn realized he still stood just beyond the door. He took a deep breath, steeling himself like he was a vampire entering an Italian restaurant, and finally stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

  On his way to the kitchen, he took a look around the place. He hadn’t been there since Georgie had officially moved in, and it looked different in a dozen subtle ways, plus one big way: she’d updated the living room furniture with a nice transitional set in light tan, with several dark brown and light beige throw pillows. A fluffy throw was draped over one edge of the sofa.

  “It looks great in here,” he said, setting the beer down on the counter. “You did wonders with the place, Georgie.”

  River, following him in, huffed, “How do you know it wasn’t all me?”

  “Oh, I know. Your old coffee table was something you literally grabbed off a street corner.”

  “Waste not, want not.”

  “Thank you,” Georgie said simply, her tone letting him know that flattery would get him nowhere. “Would you like something to drink?”

  “I’ll just have one of these,” Finn said, grabbing one of the bottles. Except then he realized it might be construed as rude to choose the Perplexity beer over all of the Buchanan brews they inevitably had on hand. He glanced at River. “Unless there’s something you’d like me to try?”

  “I made you try all of our new stuff at the launch,” River said.

  “Yeah, twisted my arm,” Finn said with a faint smile. River had poured him a flight, and it had felt like old times. But his friend had been pulled away quickly, leaving Finn in a room full of people he’d pissed off, who hadn’t hesitated to tell him so. He couldn’t even count the number of times the Gazette article had been mentioned. Then he’d spilled his drink on Adalia, and…

  “Let’s all have one of these,” River suggested, interrupting his circling thoughts, which had already found their way to Adalia. River handed Georgie a bottle of the Perplexity and then took one for himself.

  “A brown ale,” Georgie said, scrunching her nose. “I think Beau Brown is the only brown ale I like.”

  “Try it,” River said. “We can use the Georgie Scale to rate it.”

  “You have your own scale?” Finn asked, wondering how he’d rate on it. Probably on the Take it back to the store side.

  “Yes,” River said proudly, “and a palate to go with it. She might not have been a beer drinker for long, but she’s a good one. The Georgie Scale has helped inspire all of our new beers.”

  “You puff me up too much,” Georgie said, giving him a little shove, but it was obvious she was pleased. “Why don’t we all sit down? I just took the lasagna out, but it needs to rest for fifteen minutes.”

  They headed over to the new seating arrangement—Finn opting for a chair while they both sat across from him on the sofa. If he had to be in the hot seat, at least it was comfortable.

  Hops followed them into the room and, after a moment of what looked like nerve-wracking indecision, surprised Finn by settling at his feet rather than near the couch. He’d take it as a much-needed sign of encouragement.

  Georgie sipped the beer and tilted her head as if considering the taste.

  “So, what do you think?” he asked.

  “I’m surprised by how much I like it,” she said. “Not too bitter like some.” Shooting a smile at River, she said, “I declare this a seven on the Georgie Scale.”

  “A rare honor,” River said. “Nice pick, Finn.”

  Silence hung in the room for a moment, but it wasn’t the comfortable kind of silence he used to share with River. Because they were both waiting for him to explain himself.

  “So…” He took a breath, then said the words guaranteed to put a scowl on River’s face. “Bev Corp wants to foster a little more local goodwill. I’ve agreed to help them.” Realizing they might misunderstand and assume he’d gone to work for them, he clarified, “Purely as a consultant.”

  “Is this business conversation about Bev Corp?” River asked, glowering at him. “Because if so, I can tell you right now I pass.”

  Georgie just looked at Finn, that weighing look again—as if she was trying to see what River and Adalia saw in him. He suspected the fact that she kept looking at him that way meant she had yet to figure it out.

  “Please hear me out,” he said.

  River nodded, but he managed to look pissed about it.

  “I don’t want the other employees at Big Catch to have to keep dealing with fallout from the sale. They don’t deserve it. They’re just doing their jobs. Plus, I came up with an idea that should benefit everyone…and Bev Corp wants to move forward with it. They’re going to hold a beer festival with heavily discounted tickets for locals, and all of the local breweries can have tents free of charge. There’ll even be best-in-category contests”—he held up a hand, anticipating their next objection—“juried by outside judges. I know there are a lot of beer festivals in town, but they’re going to put a big push behind this one. This will be incredible publicity for everyone, not just them. It’s a good opportunity.”

  “I don’t want anything to do with them,” River said, overlapping with Georgie, who said, “You suggested this?”

  “Yes, I did,” Finn said. “I get how you feel, River. Trust me, I do. But I wouldn’t have suggested this if I didn’t think it would help everyone. If I didn’t think it would undo a little of the damage I did.” He paused, considering his other motivation, the one he hadn’t shared with anyone yet. He glanced at Georgie, whose study of him had intensified, if anything. “I’ve suggested they do it in January. There aren’t a lot of beer festivals at that time of year, and everyone’s looking for something to do. I figured it could be a practice run for Brewfest.”

  Neither of them said anything for a moment, and he wondered if they really would ask him to leave.

  Finally, Georgie shook her head a little. “If we don’t get on board, this might not happen,” she said. “Am I right?”

  “It’s possible,” Finn acknowledged. “It would send a message to the other brewers, and the community has been known to stick together.” He almost said “our” community, but he knew how that would be received. He’d relinquished his part in it months ago.

  More silence, then Georgie said, “You have a knack for getting people to do what you want, don’t you?”

  The words dug in deep. It wasn’t a compliment, and they all knew it.

  Glancing at River, whose face was unreadable again, Finn said, “This isn’t about me. It’s about making things right. This might be a little thing, but it’s better than nothing.”

  It was true, but it wasn’t the full truth. He also hoped it would help change the way people perceived him. He really had felt like he was part of the beer community in town, but many of the people he’d counted as acquaintances and friends had turned their backs on him. Sure, Bev Corp wasn’t likely to advertise his involvement, but there was no stopping word of mouth. People would know. It would help, although how much, he didn’t know.

  “We’ll think about it,” River said.

  Georgie shot him a look, like maybe she was surprised that he’d said it, or maybe it was his tone that
surprised her. He clearly meant it.

  “But I have to warn you,” River said, “the rules of parley have been broken. You mentioned Bev Corp in my apartment, so now you have to talk to us about Adalia.”

  Finn’s gaze shot to Georgie, who did not look amused. “Um, what do you want to know?”

  “As you probably know, Adalia’s going through a lot,” she said, “and she needs the people in her life to be there for her. Especially when things get rough.”

  What did that mean? Was that Alan guy still bothering her? She hadn’t wanted to watch a movie over video chat the previous night, but she’d insisted it was because she was tired after her dinner with Jack—and because they’d stayed up way too late the previous night—and he’d believed her. Was something else going on?

  “Is Alan still bothering her?” he asked.

  Georgie shot another look at River. “Maybe I’ve said too much. Adalia’s the person you should ask about this.”

  Finn wanted to push for answers, but he knew better. Georgie’s opinion of him had soured further, and if there was more to the Alan story, he’d prefer to hear it from Adalia. In person. So he just nodded, taking her up on her challenge. Because it had been a challenge.

  “I don’t have any intention of going anywhere. If you hadn’t heard, your sister and I are meant for each other. Dottie’s psychic said so, and I don’t argue with people who can read the future.” His words were tongue in cheek, but he tried to communicate with his eyes that he sort of believed it, however crazy it sounded.

  “So Dottie keeps saying,” Georgie said.

  Which meant they’d talked about him. He wanted to know what had been said, but that was the people-pleasing part of him kicking in, and at the end of the day, he didn’t need Georgie to like him. He could live with her tolerating him, so long as she wasn’t actively pushing her sister away from him.

  “Shall we eat?” River said.

  As fast as possible. He wouldn’t ask Adalia to join them. Although part of him thought it would help, having her here, he didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable.

  The lasagna was delicious, and some of the awkwardness leaked away over the course of the meal. Georgie laughed at one of Finn’s stories, and they all hypothesized, with no small amount of trepidation, what Dottie was planning for the company Halloween party. Although Jack was handling most of the brewery events, he’d agreed to let Dottie take the lead on employee events.

  The Halloween party was her favorite, but there was always some sort of fallout. One year, Lurch had superglued a wig to his head as part of his costume and proceeded to wear it around for two weeks afterward. And people still talked about the year Dottie had run a haunted house out of her bungalow. One of the rooms had been haunted by “bad decisions,” and everyone who entered was reminded of all the mistakes they’d made (from the perspective of a former staff member, Josie, who’d been hidden in the closet). Most of them were minor complaints, like finishing all of the half-and-half in the staff fridge and putting the empty carton back in, but Josie knew plenty of gossip too, and had exposed an affair between two staff members.

  Hops had further de-escalated the situation by settling down on top of Finn’s feet and refusing to move.

  After dessert—salted caramel ice cream from one of the local ice cream shops—Finn said goodbye to Georgie, who’d warmed toward him a little (or maybe just thawed), and River offered to walk him out.

  “I wasn’t aware this was a date,” Finn said as they headed for the door.

  “Do you think I make lasagna for just anyone?” his friend quipped.

  Finn stepped outside, and River joined him, shutting the door behind him. “Is this where you tell me that Georgie hates me?” he asked. “Because I kind of already got that impression.” Before River could object, he added, “Not that I blame her. I realize I haven’t made a great impression.”

  “She doesn’t hate you,” River said. “She just worries about the people she cares about. And I won’t lie to you, she’s especially worried about Adalia. You really should talk to Addy. I’m sworn to silence, but I think she could really use the support.”

  “Thanks, man,” Finn said, clapping him on the back. “I intend to. We’re going to spend the day together tomorrow.”

  River smiled. “Huh. So she’s not actually visiting a goat farm to look at paintings of murderous farm animals.”

  Finn laughed. “No, we did that last week, but Adalia’s got a real talent for description.”

  “I haven’t said this to Georgie in so many words,” River said, studying him, “but I think Aunt Dottie’s right about you two. I’ve never seen you like this with anyone else.”

  “Thanks, River. That means a lot.”

  “And about the Bev Corp thing?”

  “Yeah?” he asked cautiously, still worried River would explode. He wasn’t quick to anger, but by God, when someone finally managed to burn up the last of his long fuse…

  “It kind of kills me to say so, but it’s a good idea. I think we’ll probably do it.”

  Finn checked his phone as soon as he got to his car—no messages—and although part of him thought he should wait to text Adalia, they had promised to check in with each other. He wrote: I’m not dead, so there’s that. It’s possible they might go for it. I hope you’re having an epic time and you don’t see this until later.

  He paused, tapping the side of his phone with his thumb, then added, Well, if you’re doing karaoke like you did with your brother and sister, maybe don’t announce that you’re single.

  Adalia had told him about that, but he would have known even if she hadn’t. It had ended up in one of the local blogs the next morning.

  He was about to stow the phone away when her response came: Oh yeah? Does that mean I shouldn’t let the strapping man across the bar buy me a drink?

  He thought for a moment, then responded: Only if you can guarantee you’ll throw it in his face. Are you still thinking of coming over later?

  This time the three dots appeared and lingered for a while before she answered.

  Not sure, she finally said. This might turn out to be a late night. You know, late for a Tuesday, and I want to be 100% for our mystery date. Where should I meet you in the morning if tonight doesn’t work out?

  He couldn’t help but wonder if the Alan situation had something to do with her reticence. But he just said: Text me later if you want to come over. If not, meet me at my house at 10. Dress like a tourist.

  If she came at ten, he’d have plenty of time to talk to Gretchen.

  Her reply made him groan. We’re already doing role-playing? ;) Count me in.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Adalia put her phone down, only to catch Maisie grinning at her. “I’d ask who you’re texting, but it’s obvious from the look on your face.”

  “It isn’t so obvious to me,” Blue said, giving a playful smile. “Unless it’s Finn Hamilton. I noticed the way he was looking at you when you came by my studio last week.”

  Adalia took a sip of her lemon drop martini, lifting her eyebrows.

  “You should have seen them at the shelter on Sunday,” Maisie said. “I’m thinking of renaming the kennel Lover’s Lane.” She waggled her eyebrows, making them all laugh.

  “I like him,” Blue said. “He doesn’t know much about textile art, yet he didn’t try to pretend otherwise. You wouldn’t believe how many people do. He let you take the lead.”

  Adalia felt her cheeks flush. “I like him too.”

  And she did. A lot. But this Alan thing had her on edge and questioning everything.

  “Why does his name sound so familiar?” Blue asked. “It’s been bothering me since I first got his message about the show.”

  “You probably heard about him from the sale of Big Catch Brewing,” Maisie said, sipping a margarita. “He became public enemy number one in Asheville after that.”

  “Because he bought it or sold it?”

  Maisie laughed. “I guess you don�
�t pay much attention to the brewery scene.”

  Blue’s mouth twisted to the side. “Not really.”

  Resting her elbows on the table, Maisie leaned closer. “Finn started Big Catch with my friend River. They met at a beer festival five years ago and became instant friends. River and I have been close since we were teenagers, but it was the first time I’d ever seen him click with anyone else like that.” She glanced down and started playing with the straw in her drink. “Until he met Georgie, anyway.”

  “My sister,” Adalia inserted. “She and River live together now. That’s how I met Finn.”

  Blue nodded. “So what happened next?”

  Maisie was still staring down at her drink, stirring it a tad aggressively, but she looked up at that. “Finn had the money. River had the talent. They started with nothing and created this amazing brewery. I just so happened to have a front-row seat since I was part of the Bro Club.”

  “Bro Club?” Blue asked, her eyes twinkling.

  “I came up with the name,” Maisie said, her lips tipping up just a little bit. “They hated it at first, but then they got used to it. I tend to have that effect on people.”

  Adalia tried not to look too eager for information, but she was desperate to hear an outside opinion of Finn. Georgie obviously didn’t care for him, but Adalia didn’t think she really knew him. Her dislike was born from what she perceived as his betrayal of her boyfriend.

  “Finn really screwed up with the whole Big Catch sale,” Maisie said, “but honestly, I’m surprised River didn’t see it coming. It was obvious Finn’s heart wasn’t in it anymore. But then, River has blinders on sometimes.” She looked like she wanted to say more, but instead she took another sip of her drink.