Chapter 20

Alex

I sat in my office, staring blankly at the papers scattered across my desk. The numbers and reports blurred together, my mind unable to focus. All I could think about was Finn.

Earlier today, when we'd talked on the phone, I'd almost told him I loved him. The words had been right there, on the tip of my tongue, but I'd chickened out at the last second. What kind of timing was that, anyway?

I sighed, rubbing my temples. Rationalizing it didn't make me feel any better. I wanted to be there for Finn, to support him through this mess. Maybe now wasn't the best time to confess my feelings, but it didn't stop the ache in my chest every time I thought about him.

My phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. It was a text message from Finn.

I'm on my way to the Joy Garden.

I felt a rush of relief mixed with nervous excitement. I quickly tapped out a response.

Great, I'll be there soon.

I stood up, grabbing my jacket and keys. As I locked up my office, I couldn't help but hope that tonight would be the night I found the courage to tell Finn how I truly felt.

Traffic on I-64 was horrendous, and it took almost an hour to get from the west end to the restaurant. When I got there I pulled up to the curb, my range rover gliding to a smooth stop. My eyes scanned the street for any sign of Finn, but then I spotted him through the window of The Joy Garden. He was hunched over a cocktail, his usually sharp features drooping with exhaustion.

I took a deep breath and got out of the car, my dress shoes clicking against the pavement. As I walked towards the restaurant, I felt a surge of protective instinct towards Finn. Seeing him like this, so vulnerable and defeated, stirred something in me.

I pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside, greeted by the familiar buzz of voices and smells of Chinese food. The Joy Garden had been a Richmond institution for as long as I could remember, with its iconic neon sign and worn down exterior. It may not have been the fanciest place in town, but I'd always loved coming here.

My eyes found Finn at a corner booth, his shoulders slumped and his head in his hands. My heart clenched at the sight of him like this. Without hesitation, I made my way over and slid into the seat across from him.

"Hey," I said softly.

Finn's head snapped up at the sound of my voice, surprise evident on his face.

"Alex," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

I reached out to take his hand in mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. "How are you holding up?"

Finn let out a tired laugh. "Honestly? Not great."

"I can imagine." I took a moment to study him closely. His normally neat hair was disheveled and there were dark circles under his eyes.

"I'm glad you're here," Finn said quietly.

"I wouldn't be anywhere else," I replied honestly.

As I sat across from Finn, my heart ached at the sight of him so lost and broken. But before I could say anything else, a waitress appeared at our table, breaking the tension.

She was an older woman with dyed red hair, her name tag reading 'Marge'. She snapped gum loudly as she handed me a menu and asked for our drink orders.

"I'll just have water for now," I said, glancing over at Finn.

Finn shook his head. "I don't need a menu. Just bring me another flaming volcano."

I raised an eyebrow in concern but didn't protest. Marge gave Finn a knowing look before sauntering away to get our drinks.

"What's going on, Finn?" I asked softly, reaching out to put my hand on his arm.

He shrugged me off roughly. "I just want to drink my cares away right now. The less I remember of this shitty day, the better."

Marge returned with our drinks, placing a glass of water in front of me and a cocktail in front of Finn.

"Here you go, hon," she said with a wink. "But be careful, drinking on an empty stomach can lead to some wild nights."

Finn let out a bitter laugh. "Trust me Marge, I don't need your advice."

Marge raised her hands in mock surrender and scurried away before Finn could say anything else. I watched her leave with amusement before turning back to Finn.

"You know the waitress," I asked, taking a sip of my water.

Finn rolled his eyes. "She's been working here since the earth cooled."

I couldn't help but smile at his choice of words. "Well, she seems like quite the character."

Finn snorted. "That's one way to put it." He took a gulp of his drink before slamming his fist on the table.

I reached out cautiously and placed my hand on top of his clenched fist. "Hey," I said gently. "It's going to be okay."

Finn pulled his hand away from mine and my heart clenched. I gazed into his bloodshot eyes, seeing the despair and pain in them. I wanted to take away all of his troubles, to make him smile again.

"I'll do anything to help you, Finn," I said softly.

Finn shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "I don't need your pity or your help, Alex. I'll fix my problems with the fermentation tank myself."

But I knew deep down that he couldn't do it alone. He was drowning in his own sorrow and pride wouldn't let him reach for a lifeline. Without thinking, I blurted out the words that had been on my mind since the moment I saw him hunched over his drink through the window.

"Take one of my tanks," I said firmly. "It's just sitting in a warehouse gathering dust anyway. Or let me loan you the money for the repairs. Please, let me help you."

Finn's words were slurred as he snapped at me, "I don't need your help, Alex. I can handle my own problems."

My heart sank as I watched the man I cared about push me away. But I refused to give up on him.

"You're wasted," I said softly, trying to remain calm despite the frustration and worry bubbling in my chest.

Finn let out a bitter laugh. "And what does it matter? Rich people like you always think they can fix everything with their money."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I'd never seen this side of Finn before, fueled by alcohol and pain. But even in his drunken state, he was still fiercely independent and stubborn.

"That's not true," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I genuinely want to help you."

Finn scoffed and leaned back in his chair. "Oh please, Alex. You just want to buy my brewery and control me like all the other rich people do."

His accusations stung deep within me. This wasn't about business or control for me anymore - I was in love with Finn, flaws and all.

"I don't want your brewery, Finn," I said firmly, meeting his bloodshot eyes with determination. "I want you."

Finn's expression softened for a moment before his walls came crashing down again.

"You don't even know me," he muttered bitterly. "All you see is a broken man who doesn't fit into your perfect preppy world."

My heart broke at his words. How could he think that? How could he not see how much I cared about him?

"I may not know everything about you," I replied quietly. "But what I do know is that you're strong and talented and passionate about your craft."

Finn let out a hollow laugh. "Talented? Look where it got me." He gestured to the empty glasses in front of him.

From the first moment I met Finn, I knew he was a proud and independent man. And now, as I watched him angrily chug down another drink, that pride was holding him back from accepting my help.

But I couldn't give up on him. I refused to let his stubbornness ruin everything he'd worked so hard for.

"Please, Finn," I pleaded, reaching across the table to grab his hand. "I know you have your pride, but pride won't keep your brewery afloat."

Finn snatched his hand away from mine and stood up abruptly, jostling the table and spilling what was left of his drink.

"I can't take this anymore," he growled before stalking out of the restaurant.

I sat there in shock as I watched Finn's retreating figure. Tears stung at the corners of my eyes as I realized how much pain he must be in to push me away like this.

But even in that moment, all I could think about was how much I wanted to help him. My heart ached at the thought of losing him, and for what? Money?

Finn was right about most rich people. Many of them got their money by exploiting others, but I wasn't one of them. Was it my fault that my grandfather left me a trust? Good God, I wanted nothing more than to shower him with cash so he could do what he loved the most.

I pulled out my wallet and threw money on the table to cover our tabs.

"Sugar, your food will be ready any minute now," the waitress said, placing her hand on my arm. "You're shaking. Hon, I've known Finn for awhile now, and I've never seen him like this before. Is he going to be alright?"

"I don't know," I replied, and forced a smile. "Can I get my food to go please?"