Chapter 27: Jack

The next morning, we sleep in a bit, and then shower together before getting dressed and heading to Estes Park for brunch. I take her to the best little café I've ever been to for pancakes and coffee.

"Feel like going on a hike?" I ask her when we're just about done eating. "There's a lake not far from here. It's supposed to be nice. It gets good reviews." I show her the ratings on my phone screen.

She nods as she sips the last bit of her second cup of coffee. "Sure."

Lake Belleview is about as picturesque as lakes come. The water is crystal clear, and the undulating shoreline is punctuated by patches of sandy beaches, waving grasses, and shade trees. It looks like something you'd see on a postcard or a travel brochure. It's an easy three-mile hike around the perimeter, along a level, well-worn path.

The weather's mild, and it's a beautiful day. Fortunately, we seem to be the only ones on this path. The only other person here is a lone, middle-aged woman with dark, curly hair who's kayaking alone on the lake.

"We picked the right time," Ruth says, referring to the quiet.

I hold out my hand, and she takes it. We walk hand-in-hand for the entire three miles, neither one of us saying a word. We're just enjoying the scenery and each other's company.

When we reach the parking lot, Ruth steps up to me and kisses me. "Thank you for a perfect morning." She seems more relaxed than I've ever seen her.

I place my hands on her hips and pull her close. "My pleasure."

We're back in Bryce by two, in plenty of time to get the tavern ready to open. I think back to what Ruth told me about her ex trying to pressure her into selling the bar, or at least letting someone else run it for her. If he didn't understand how important this place is to her—how integral it is to her sense of identity—he was a fool, and he got what he deserved. This place is more than just a business to her—it's her family legacy.

"Test me," I tell Ruth as we're standing at the bar. We just opened the doors, and customers are steadily filing in.

"How about… a fuzzy navel?" she suggests.

I roll my eyes at her. "Is that even a drink?"

"It is," she says. "Look it up."

I open Ruth's handmade, spiral-bound notebook and, sure enough, she has a recipe in here for a fuzzy navel. "That's just wrong," I say, but nevertheless, I collect the ingredients to make one.

It's not hard. Three ounces of Peach Schnapps, three ounces of fresh-squeezed orange juice, and ice. I mix the ingredients in a tumbler and pour into a glass.

"Don't forget the garnish," she says, pointing to a dish of fresh orange slices.

There seems to be an unusual number of young women lining up at the bar to place orders. Pretty soon, it's standing room only, as all the barstools are taken.

"What the hell's going on?" Tom asks as he takes in the surge of young women. "Is someone filming an episode of The Bachelor?"

I roll my eyes at Tom.

Ruth stands back, her arms crossed over her chest, and gives me an I-told-you-so look. "I said you could have your pick."

Shaking my head, I lean over and kiss her. "I already made my choice."

Around eight that night, Mike and Aleksa walk in through the rear entrance, surprising the hell out of me. They knew I was back in Bryce and planning to stay, but they never mentioned anything about coming out here again.

"Hey, guys!" I say when they walk up to the bar. I come around to greet them, giving them each a bear hug.

Ruth walks around the bar and hugs them as well. "It's good to see you guys again."

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

"We had to come see for ourselves," Mike says.

"See what?" I ask.

Mike gestures to me. "You, playing bartender."

"Hey, I'm pretty good at this. Try me."

Mike ponders a moment, then says, "How about a Blue Balls Shot. I'm sure you're familiar with that."

I ignore his comment about the color of my balls. "A what?"

"It's in the book," Ruth says, trying not to laugh.

It turns out that's an easy enough cocktail to make: coconut rum, Blue Curacao, Peach Schnapps, and sweet and sour. I mix one up and hand it to Mike. It's fluorescent blue.

"How about you?" I ask Aleksa.

Before he can even answer, a pretty blonde with curves that don't stop steps up to the bar and says, "I'll have a Pink Panty Dropper."

I check the book. Sure enough, it's in there—beer, vodka, tequila, and pink lemonade. I make a face as I mix the girl's drink. It sounds awful.

"So, how's he doing really?" Mike asks Ruth.

She's smiling as she watches me move on to the next customer's request. "Pretty well. As it turns out, he's more than just a pretty face."

Mike and Lexi end up getting a table, and before they know it, they've got a small group of girls hanging around them.

Ruth offers my friends dinner, on the house, and after eating burgers and fries, they inform me they got a room at The Lone Wolf.

"So, you guys are planning to stay a while?" I ask.

"For a few days," Lexi says.

Mike knocks back the last of his beer. "Yeah, we're thinking about making a career change."

After we close up the bar that night, I walk Ruth to the back door. "Stay with me tonight?"

She nods. "I'd like that."

"Stay with me forever?"

She smiles. "I might be tempted."