Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
“I appreciate it, Callum. I promise you won’t regret this,” Anya says, twisting her hands together.
“So you keep saying,” he says, grabbing his phone off the table and walking out of the room.
She groans and knocks over a chair. “I’m so tired of his negative attitude.”
I move toward her and pick up the chair before reaching out and touching her wrist. Her eyes snap to mine and I immediately let go. “You know how he is. It’s going to take time, but he’ll see what an amazing idea this is.”
She searches my face and leans her hip against the table. “Why did you convince him to let me do this?”
I shrug and stuff my hands into my pockets. “It’s a good idea, Anya. I’m able to see how much money can be made. Callum just takes a little longer to get there.”
Her face lights up as a smile spreads across her kissable lips. “Thank you, again.”
“So we need to carry all the boxes and you get to stay here doing what?” Tripp asks, pulling out a chair and sitting down.
“Anya and I are going to sit down and go over the menu for the party. You’re more than welcome to go into the kitchen and be my sous chef instead,” I say, grinning.
“There’s an idea. Maybe you can get Tripp to stop complaining every five seconds that he’s not on his damn phone,” Paxton says, narrowing his eyes at his youngest brother.
Tripp rolls his eyes and stands up. “Not cool with being in the kitchen. What the hell do we need to do to get out of here?”
Everyone is exhausted and it’s causing frustration that doesn’t need to be here.
“Listen, Callum said we’ll finish up tomorrow. You guys can get out of here,” I say.
Tripp doesn’t wait around, he rushes out the door with his phone in his hand.
“You aren’t leaving?” Paxton asks, sitting on one of the tables.
“Anya and I need to discuss the menu. I promised Callum I’d get it done today.”
Anya pulls out a chair and sits down. “This is supposed to be fun and exciting, but it’s feeling forced and unwanted.”
Shepherd wraps his arm around her shoulders as Paxton shakes his head. She’s not wrong, it does feel that way.
“Come on baby sister, you know that’s not true. I’ve been your advocate since you told me the idea. Don’t let Callum and his bossy attitude get to you. You aren’t new to his personality,” Paxton says.
“He’s right. We support this idea and we’ve got your back. It’s exciting and you should let yourself feel the happiness you’re trying to hide,” Shepherd says.
She looks around at the three of us and forces a smile. “Thanks. I do appreciate all the help and support. It’s been a long day. We should all just go get some sleep and start fresh tomorrow.”
That’s not gonna work for me, but she obviously needs a break.
“Good idea. I’ll lock up,” I say with a nod.
“Come on, Anya, I’ll walk you to your car,” Paxton says, jumping off the table.
“This room is going to be amazing. You’ll see,” Shepherd says, kissing the top of her head. He turns to me and nods. “You sure you don’t mind locking up?”
I shake my head and follow them out of the room. “Yeah, I need to get a few things together for tomorrow. I’ll be out of here in twenty minutes.”
“Griffin, we’ll go over the menu tomorrow if that’s all right?” Anya appears exhausted, but still something in her eyes draws me in, making me want to wrap her into my arms.
“Don’t worry about it. Just go get some rest,” I say, waving as they walk toward the exit.
I head into the kitchen and get a few things ready for tomorrow. When that’s done I grab a pen and paper. There’s no way I’m waiting to figure out a menu. I’ll get one together tonight at home. I know what she’s going for and I know my ideas are going to surpass what she’s thinking about anyway.
I turn everything off and lock up. As I’m walking to my Ford pickup truck, I realize I have a small grin on my face. As I climb into the truck I drop my head against the back of the seat. The idea of staying up late and doing this so that tomorrow Anya will be impressed is the reason I’m smiling.
Callum would kick my ass if he knew.
My phone beeps with a message before I even start my ignition.
Tripp: Hey guys, Shepherd's got a new beer flavor he's been working on. Any guesses on what it is?
I text back.
Knowing Shepherd, it's probably something weird like jalapeño and lime 😂
Callum: Nah, he did that one last year. I'm guessing it's something with fruit. Maybe a peach ale?
Brock: If it’s as good as his last one, I’m in. When can we try it, Shepherd?