the games were being utilized, the liquor was flowing, food was steadily leaving the kitchen, and the band I’d hired was keeping the mood lively but not crazed.
If I hadn’t been worrying that my relationship had suffered a fatal blow, I’d be ecstatic.
“Dude,” Brody said as he slung an arm around my neck. “This is awesome.”
I turned and smiled at my friend. “It is. And shouldn’t you be behind the bar?”
“Killjoy,” Brody said, the name sounding affectionate.
“I hate to interrupt this bro-ment, but I need drinks,” Aamee said as she approached us. Her gaze flitted to the bar. “Oh, never mind. Xander’s back from break. His drinks are better than yours.”
“Wait…what?” Brody called as he trailed behind her, his tone indignant.
I smiled as I watched him chase her, but my face couldn’t hold the expression long. As I looked around again, I wished I could be…happier. Part of me was angry at Sophia for taking that from me—for taking what was supposed to be one of my proudest moments and souring it. Everything seemed a little less bright than it should’ve been.
But hell, I had to admit it was my fault too. She was right. I hadn’t asked how she felt about what had happened or how all of this would affect her. My lens had only seen my own focal point, completely ignoring her interests that existed in the periphery.
That probably didn’t make me the best boyfriend in the world. And as I watched Brody snuggle into Aamee, I had to admit I probably wasn’t even the best boyfriend in this space.
I gave myself a shake. This emo shit needed to stop. I had a deck to run.
And run it I did. Over the next hour, I circled the room and checked in with guests, made small talk, grabbed ice, ran food. Whatever was needed, I did. Keeping busy helped me stay in the moment and kept my mind from wandering to the one person whose lack of presence cast a melancholy gloom over the entire evening.
Nope, none of that.
I saw a table that had been vacated, and not seeing a busboy around, I rushed over to clear the glassware that had been left behind. With martini and pint glasses dangling from every finger, I turned to make my way to the small dishwasher behind the bar. But I only made it one step before I stopped dead in my tracks.
Because there, at the top of the stairs that led to the deck, surrounded by fairy lights that gave her an otherworldly glow, was Sophia. She looked around for a second, Taylor close at her side, before she spotted me.
She smiled shyly.
Taylor followed her line of sight and smiled as well. She lightly grazed Sophia’s arm, said something to her, and made her way toward me.
“I’ll take those from you,” Taylor said, gathering the glasses into her arms. “She’s really sorry.”
“So am I.” I huffed out a laugh before closing the distance between Sophia and me. She did the same, meeting me halfway.
“You came,” I said.
“Yeah, I’m…I’m sorry about earlier. I—”
I reached out and ran my hand lightly down her arm before taking her hand and twining our fingers. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I’m glad I’m here too.”
I smiled. “We can figure the rest out later.”
She smiled back. “Sounds like a plan.”
I pulled her close and pressed a soft kiss to her lips, feeling her smile against mine.
We had a lot to talk through, but for the first time since I’d arrived at the Yard that night, I felt like I could breathe. With Sophia by my side, I gave myself over to the euphoric moment of finally opening this place.
Everything else could wait.
S O P H I A
I was so glad I’d gotten my head out of my ass and come to Drew’s grand opening. I’d never have forgiven myself if I’d missed it, not just because I would’ve missed one of the biggest moments of his life to date but because I would’ve missed how happy he was. He simply glowed in this role, and it was a sight to behold.
The sun was starting to set, and things were ramping up.
Brody bustled over to us. “Aamee was right.”
“Ew, about what?” I asked.
“Xander’s drinks are better than mine. Maybe I should take classes.”
“This is what’s going to finally drive you to school?” I asked. “Your lackluster cocktail-making skills?”
Brody stared at me. “I know you’re making fun of me, but…yes.”
Drew and I laughed, and I got a small thrill