Chapter 9

Finn

" D id you really think love wouldn't come with a side of drama? It's like ordering nachos without cheese." Ollie took a long sip of his beer and belched. "So, this guy Alex is rich and hot? Man, you hit the jackpot and still complain."

"Shut up, Ollie," Jude muttered, and Ryan strolled behind the bar and entered an order into the computer.

"I need a pitcher of Scorched Earth Lager and three pint glasses," Ryan told Jude, who began pouring the beer. "Do you know if Daniel has any tamales left?"

I bit into the last tamale and said, "Nope. They're all gone. Do you think I should make them a permanent menu item, because they really went fast today?"

"Yes." Jude placed the pitcher of beer and the glasses on a tray and Ryan scampered off with it. "Do you wanna have another beer, boss?"

I knew I shouldn't have any more, but after seeing Alex earlier, I was determined to drink his memory away. "Yes, and pour me a shot of whiskey."

"You drank your secret stash of booze already, Finn." Jude placed a full beer in front of me. "Maybe you should slow down a little."

"Drink up, buddy. Liquid courage is cheaper than therapy." Ollie put down his book and eyed me. "Remember, beer won't solve your problems, but then again, neither will milk."

As Ollie's words lingered in the air, I took a long swig of the cold beer, feeling its bitter taste washing down my throat, mingling with the spicy remnants of the tamale. Ollie was right—I couldn't drown my sorrows in alcohol forever. But tonight, just this night, I wanted to forget.

The bar bustled with laughter and chatter, the clinking of glasses and the distant sound of music creating a comforting chaos that enveloped us. I glimpsed Alex's face in my mind, his smile that once ignited a fire within me now felt like a cruel trick of fate.

Why him? Why did the first man I'd met in ages who actually triggered an emotional response have to be some corporate asshole determined to buy me out? What had I done to deserve this? I worked my ass off, paid my taxes, and helped build a community here. It just wasn't fair.

But there was something else bothering me- my heart. Or was it my dick? I hadn't known the man long enough to be in love with him, but damn, why did I have to be attracted to Alex?

"In all seriousness, Finn, I'm truly sorry about that guy." Ollie sipped his beer and eyed me. "I've only been in love once, and we really tried to make things work. But after 23 years, I threw in the towel because his long-term affair with José became too much to handle."

Ollie never shared anything about his personal life, so I perked up a bit. "José? Was he a friend of…"

"José Cuervo, Finn." Ollie combed his fingers through his bleach blond hair. "Ricardo loved his tequila more than he did me, so I finally got the courage to end things with him. Then he died of Covid at the beginning of the pandemic."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that," I reached over and patted his arm. "That must have been difficult."

Ollie took off his black-framed glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I doubt I'll ever be able to fall in love again, because I don't trust anyone enough to open my heart." He put his glasses back on and sighed. "But you're much younger than me, and your heart hasn't been trampled on yet. Perhaps you could at least try with that guy, Alex."

I cleared my throat. "Ollie, Alex wants to buy this brewery. He said nothing about wanting to go out with me. Oh, and I don't know how old you are, but you look great."

A half-smile graced Ollie's face. "The French writer Edmond Rostand once said ‘a compliment is like a kiss through a veil.'"

"And what does that mean?" Jude asked.

"How the hell should I know? But it certainly sounds glamorous." Ollie waggled his brows and pushed his empty pint glass forward. "One more, then I'll pay my check."

"I've finished my shift and I'm ready for a drink," Daniel said as he took a seat on the bar stool next to me. "Jude, I'll have whatever Finn is drinking."

After Jude placed a foamy glass of beer in front of him, Daniel turned to me. "You're a mess, Finn."

"Shut up, dork."

Daniel giggled, then took a sip of his beer. "Why are you letting that guy get to you? It's not like he can force you to sell the place."

"That's not what's bothering Finn," Ollie said, and Jude placed his check in front of him. "Finn has the hots for the guy."

"Do you ever not say what's on your mind?" I turned to Ollie. "You're getting blisters on your nose from sticking it into other people's business."

Ollie chuckled, pushing himself up from the barstool. "Alright, I'll leave you all to your drama. Kick some sense into Finn for me, will you?" With a playful wink, he sauntered out of the brewery, leaving us in his wake. Daniel raised an eyebrow at me, silently asking for an explanation. I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

"It's just… Alex makes me feel things I haven't in a long time. And now, with the threat of him buying us out looming over everything…" My voice trailed off as I struggled to put my jumbled thoughts into words.

Daniel nodded sympathetically, taking another sip of his beer. "I get it, but don't let fear cloud your judgment. You built this place from the ground up; don't let someone like Alex come in and bulldoze everything you've worked for. Plus, how could he buy you out? Aren't you the sole owner?"

"Yes, but you gotta understand that we only just started turning a profit. One terrible month could change everything." I shook my head. "And two horrible months in a row might mean selling out just so you guys don't lose your jobs. Owning a small business isn't easy."

"Finn, from what you told me, he's a corporate guy who wouldn't touch this place if he didn't see the potential in owning it. I bet Knox, oops, sorry, I mean Alex, wants the brewery to succeed. He makes money as long as you do." Daniel pulled his phone out and started swiping. Probably one of those soulless dating apps.

"But it's more than that." I smacked the bar with the palm of my hand, and Daniel nearly dropped his phone. Shit, maybe I've had enough to drink? "It's like he's not the same man I met on that cruise, like it's all just been a lie."

Daniel sighed loudly and placed his phone face down on the bar. "Dude, if you think that guy went on that cruise just to seduce you out of this brewery, you're nuts. Look, it's all just a coincidence, you know, with him showing up here asking to buy the brewery."

I crossed my arms on the bar, then placed my face in them and moaned, "Why couldn't he come here just to see me?"

"Ah, now this makes more sense," Daniel said, and I sat up. "When he left the cruise early, you wandered around the ship acting like someone kicked your puppy. Pissed off, yet vulnerable at the same time. You aren't upset that he wants to buy Fireside Forge. You're angry that he didn't ask you out."

I couldn't help but let out a sheepish laugh at Daniel's analysis. Maybe he was right. My reaction to Alex wanting to buy Fireside Forge wasn't just about business. It was because I had felt a spark with him on that cruise ship, and now it seemed like I might never have that connection again.

"I guess you're right," I finally admitted, taking another sip of my beer. "I just wish things could have gone differently."

Daniel chuckled and clapped me on the back. "Well, you never know. Maybe he's still interested in you and just saw this as an opportunity to see you again."

A small glimmer of hope ignited inside of me at Daniel's words. Maybe there was a chance for us after all. But then reality set in, and I remembered Alex was a corporate guy who probably had his sights set on expanding his empire, not pursuing a relationship with me.

"Nah, he's probably just here to do business," I said with a shrug.

Daniel gave me a knowing look. "Come on, Finn. You know you want another chance with him."

And he was right. I wanted another chance with Alex. The few hours we spent together on that cruise ship were magical, and I craved the opportunity to get to know him better.

"Okay," I sighed reluctantly. "Maybe I want another chance with him."

"That's the spirit!" Daniel exclaimed, clapping me on the back again.

But deep down, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. Even if Alex had feelings for me, how could we make something work when he represented everything I hated about corporate America? The greed and selfishness were more than I could stomach.

"You know, I'll probably never see him again." I drained half of my beer, then got to my feet. I loved beer, but with that love came the need to piss. "Scared him away, most likely." I swayed for a moment, then stumbled off toward the men's room. When I pushed open the door, the first thing I noticed was fresh graffiti painted on the wall over the urinal.

Love Stinks, But Beer Helps

"Fuckers," I muttered, then unzipped my jeans and groaned as I relieved myself. The graffiti on the wall seemed to mock my current predicament with Alex. Love did indeed stink, especially when mixed with business and uncertainty. "Note to self. Paint over this stupid bullshit."

As I finished up and washed my hands, I heard laughter and chatter coming from the brewery. Daniel's voice stood out amongst the rest, his infectious laugh resonating through the space. Maybe he was right, and I was more upset about Alex not asking me out. Was I focusing on his buyout proposal so I wouldn't feel disappointed?

Steeling myself, I made my way back to the bar where Daniel sat nursing his beer. He gave me a knowing look as I sat down, then he sighed dramatically.

"What?" I mumbled.

"You are a piece of work," Daniel grinned. "At least you got a little action on that cruise. You should be happy about it and stop brooding over something you have no control over."

"I can't help it." I eyed my almost empty glass and wondered if I could handle one more beer. "Ever since the cruise, Alex pops into my head at the strangest times. Like when I can't sleep, I imagine what…"

"All I got on that cruise was a severe case of blisters on my right hand from abusing my dick." Daniel placed his arm over my shoulder. "You, my friend, will always have the memory of the hottest guy on the ship getting naked with you."

"Those blue eyes, I can't stop thinking about them." I looked up to see Jude staring at me. "No, I've had enough. Daniel, would you mind driving me home? I've had too much to drink," I slurred.

Daniel said nothing, and I noticed his brown eyes widening.

"What is it?" I turned on the bar stool, and Daniel squeezed my shoulder.

"Don't look now, but your hunk from the cruise just strolled in."