Brooklyn Summer

by Maggie Cummings

  “Cheers to that.”

  “Speaking of, let me make you a drink. I’ll use a light hand, I promise. I know it’s going to be a long night.”

  “Why not?”

  Ashleigh watched him whip up a fruity concoction that was mostly ice and juice with some rum. His phone buzzed as he placed the cocktail in front of her. He read the message quickly.

  “Damn. Hang on, Ash. There’s an issue downstairs with one of the draft lines. I’ll be right back. Watch the bar for me?” He was gone instantly, slipping out the side of the bar and taking in twos the steps that led inside.

  “Under control,” she called after him as she raised her glass in testimony.

  The day was bright and warm and she tilted her head back to revel in the sun. She was ready for this. Ready for summer. She loved teaching, but the year had taken its toll. Sure, a lot of her anxiety could be attributed to her freshly divorced status and her less than ideal living situation. As a result, she had poured everything into work, even more than usual. Right now, she could think of no better way to release the tension than a stress-free celebration with her colleagues at her oldest friend’s revamped bar—a spot her ex-wife wouldn’t dare show her face with the new beau.

  A wave of music from inside broke her train of thought, and Ashleigh looked up at the back door, expecting to see Liam returning from his task. But instead there was a person hovering at the top step seeming to survey the courtyard. She peeked her head in the back door, releasing the music once more, before slowly descending the stairs and ambling over to the bar. She looked around the space expectantly before retrieving her phone, alternating between texting and checking over her shoulders.

  Ashleigh sipped her drink and tried not to stare, but it was hard to ignore the person completely since it was just the two of them. She pretended to focus on her own phone but even in her periphery, her attention was drawn to the stranger, a scant few feet away. She had a look Ashleigh found intriguing. Tall and muscular, she was attractive in a handsome sort of a way. Her brown hair was buzzed into a fade on the sides but longer on top, and when it flopped forward, Ashleigh wondered if that was the humidity at work or a deliberate part of the look. She wore a dark gray T-shirt that fit perfectly across broad shoulders, a sleeve of tattoos stretching from biceps to wrist along one arm. The thick band of her boxers was slightly visible when she gripped the edge of the bar and leaned over, apparently checking to see if anyone was behind it.

  “Are you looking for someone?” Ashleigh asked.

  The answer was a killer smile and green eyes that didn’t quit.

  “Ugh. That’s not what I meant,” Ashleigh said, not entertaining the come-on for even a second. “Don’t even tell me that works?”

  “You’d be surprised.” A soft, confident chuckle accompanied the answer.

  “I was only asking because it seemed like you were looking for someone, and a bunch of the teachers from the school where I work are meeting up here. I thought maybe you were a friend of a friend, that’s all.”

  “Which school is that?”

  “Brooklyn Tech,” she offered, hearing the lilt in her own tone, as though she was asking a question, rather than stating a fact.

  “College?” The response was a question.

  “High school. Over in Fort Greene.”

  The woman paused, seeming to think for a second, then squinting one eye for effect. “Mm, nope. Don’t know it.”

  “So that’s a no.” Ashleigh tried to keep the snark out of her voice, but she was trying to be kind, and this person seemed intent on flirting.

  “I’m sorry.” Another soft low chuckle slid out. “I was just kidding around. I am actually meeting someone.” She ran her hand through her hair, pushing it off her forehead. It fell forward immediately. “Not meeting someone, but…” She checked her phone again as she rubbed the back of her neck. Ashleigh wondered if it was a nervous habit or if this was just another part of her shtick. “Do you know if Liam Connolly is here?”

  “He is.”

  “Oh, cool.” She drummed her fingers on the bar top.

  “He just went downstairs. He should be back in a second.”

  The woman nodded, seeming appreciative for the information. “So, do you come here often?”

  Ashleigh nearly choked on her drink. “Oh my God, stop. That is the cheesiest line.”

  A dashing smile spread across the stranger’s face, and there was a genuine twinkle in her lively green eyes. “I was actually just making conversation. Wondering if you knew Liam.”

  “Oh.” Ashleigh fidgeted nervously at the hem of her dress. “I just thought—” She was completely embarrassed at her assumption. “I mean, I do. Know Liam, that is. He’s my friend.” Why was she so flustered at the thought this gorgeous butch might be hitting on her?

  “Excellent.” Her grin was sexy, and against Ashleigh’s will it made her stomach flutter. With a wink, she added, “He’s my friend too. I’m Kellan—”

  “Dwyer.” Liam’s shriek was a full octave higher than Ashleigh had ever heard from him. Before she could process what was happening, Liam was there, throwing his arms around Kellan and pulling her into a tight hug that lasted several seconds. Stepping back, Ashleigh saw his real smile. “Kellan freaking Dwyer. How the hell are you?”

  “Better now.”

  “My God, it is good to see you stateside.” He stepped back to get a good look and Ashleigh felt a twinge of awkwardness to be part of such an emotional moment. “I’m sorry, I still can’t believe it. Let me get you a drink.” He slipped behind the bar with ease. “Ash, you were supposed to watch the bar. That means get people drinks.” His tone was as playful as ever and she knew he wasn’t really mad.

  “I just got here, Liam. It’s all good.”

  Liam poured an IPA and Kellan raised it in thanks before taking the first sip.

  “Did you two meet?” Liam asked waving back and forth between Kellan and Ashleigh.

  “We were just getting to that,” Kellan said.

  “Ashleigh McAllister, Kellan Dwyer.” Liam looked at Ashleigh. “Kellan and I were in the Army together.”

  “Thank you for your service.” Ashleigh pulled herself together and extended her hand, finally completing their aborted introduction. Kellan’s handshake was the perfect balance of firm and sincere, her soft palm strong and delicate. Out of nowhere, Ashleigh felt a shiver down her spine. What the fuck was happening to her?

  “It’s nice to meet you, Ashleigh.” Without releasing Ashleigh’s hand, Kellan turned to Liam. “Is this…the Ashleigh?”

  “The one and only,” he answered.

  Her expression turned serious as she spoke. “I’m honored. Liam talked about you. Quite a lot. Your support got him through a lot of rough times. Don’t worry—I’m not gonna make him cry right here and ruin his tough-guy soldier rep. Suffice it to say he’s lucky to have a friend like you.” She raised her glass, toasting the moment.

  “Thank you.” Ashleigh felt her cheeks flush at the sincerity of Kellan’s comment. She hated that she was blushing.

  “So, Kellan, what gives? You’re really out for good?” Liam asked, interrupting the moment.

  “One hundred percent civilian.”

  “Wow. Retired. How fucking old are we?”

  “Young at heart, Liam.” She thumped her chest twice and held up her fist for him to pound.

  “Also, like, young in age.” Ashleigh stuttered out. “He’s not even forty. I can’t imagine you’re not right around that vicinity.” Was she fishing? Scratch that, she knew she was—the real question was why?

  “I’m thirty-eight.” Kellan didn’t miss a beat. “Signed up right after high school graduation.” She raised her glass. “To the military. If you don’t get killed or PTSD, it’s a dream career.”

  “Boo-yah.” Liam toasted her with his bottled water. “Anyway, what brings you to Brooklyn? The way you used to talk, I thought for sure you’d never leave Colorado again once you made it home.”

>   “I guess my love for Vail might have slipped out here and there.” Her laugh was low and easy.

  “Slipped out.” Liam laughed out loud. “It’s all you talked about for the entire six months we were sweating it out in the desert in Afghanistan.” Ashleigh watched Liam lean his weight against the beam supporting the top-shelf booze. “Everything was skiing and the mountains and the trails and how you couldn’t wait to get home and start working at your family’s resort.”

  “That is the ultimate plan. It’s gorgeous there.” Kellan looked momentarily transported, the light in her eye glinting over an obvious memory. “But, alas. Duty called.”

  Ashleigh was enjoying listening to their back and forth. She liked the deep easy cadence of Kellan’s speech and the way her smooth fingers caressed the curve of her beer stein as she spoke.

  “My aunt’s company transferred her for the summer. Some last-minute thing, I don’t really know. She runs a nonprofit that I barely understand. Anyway, normally it’d be no big deal, but she just adopted a cat a few months back. She couldn’t take him along, and she didn’t want to hire a sitter she wasn’t able to vet properly, so my mom asked me if I’d step in for the summer.” She shrugged. “How could I say no?”

  “All summer.” Liam clapped in excitement. “That’s fantastic news. What do you have planned?”

  Kellan responded with a shrug and a smile. “You’re looking at it, bud.” She met his high five. “My entire responsibilities are to feed the cat and collect the mail. That’s it.” She fingered the edges of a cardboard coaster. “I know you’re busy with this place, but I was hoping I might steal you here and there to show me some of the sights.”

  “Sure, sure.” He didn’t make eye contact, though, and Ashleigh knew it was stress over his time commitment to the bar. She also knew this was where she should step in and offer her services as ambassador to New York.

  “Hey, party people!”

  Shauna’s dramatic entrance saved her. Calling out and striking a pose at the top of the stoop as she arrived, Shauna Williams had a way of commanding an audience, and today was no exception. “We ready for summer?” She bounced over, her fiancé following behind.

  “What took you so long?” Ashleigh hugged her old friend. “Hi, Mike,” she said over her embrace, waving him in to join the love.

  “No fair, I’m all the way back here.” Liam pouted.

  “Snooze you lose, brother.” Mike’s voice was deep and playful, and in a second he broke off and gave Liam a hearty handshake. Liam leaned over the bar and kissed Shauna’s cheek.

  “What can I start you guys off with? Beers, shots, something fruity?”

  “You know me,” Shauna said. “Tito’s and cranberry all the way.”

  As Mike leaned close to read the draft list and discuss options with Liam, Shauna looked between Ashleigh and Kellan waiting for an introduction. Ashleigh snapped into action.

  “Shauna, this is Kellan. She was in the Army with Liam.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Shauna extended her hand, and while still holding it, she turned back to Ashleigh openmouthed, leaving no room to question what she thought of Kellan.

  “Behave yourself,” Ashleigh ordered.

  “Never,” Shauna countered.

  “You’re taken, anyway.”

  “Don’t play.” Shauna shook her head and waved one finger. “We both know I’m not talking about me.” She gave Kellan another once-over. “Last I checked, you don’t have a date for my wedding, and I bet she cleans up real nice.”

  Ashleigh shot her a look that could kill, but before she could further scold her, a crowd of their colleagues burst through the back door into the courtyard.

  “Saved!” Shauna laughed at her timely joke, waving their friends over hurriedly. Liam sprang into action, ready to get everyone served. The group multiplied quickly, and before long, Ashleigh fell into a small circle discussing summer plans. She listened idly, but her attention kept drifting over to a different clique where Kellan seemed to be in deep conversation with Lisa Carmichael, an over-the-top flirt who loved attention. Ashleigh rolled her eyes as she watched Lisa run her fingers over the ink covering Kellan’s forearm. Gag.

  “You could go over there and insert yourself right into that convo.” Shauna’s taunt was barely above a whisper, but Ashleigh heard her loud and clear. “Make a play for that sexy soldier. You’re a thousand times hotter than Lisa.”

  “Not interested.”

  “Yeah, right.” Shauna raised her eyebrows in challenge but seemed intent on entertaining her for the moment. “Okay, fine. Give me one good reason why?”

  Ashleigh scrunched her nose trying to come up with something plausible. “For one, she’s not my type.”

  “Please, girl.” Shauna dismissed her with a wave of her hand. “You dated one person your whole life. And then you married her. You have no idea what your type is.”

  It was technically true, and it annoyed her that Shauna had a point. But even putting Reagan aside, she had always been drawn to women who leaned toward the feminine end of the spectrum. Not that she wasn’t into androgynous people or butches per se—it was more that none had caught her attention. Until tonight. But she wasn’t entirely sure intrigue equaled attraction. Either way, she was still staring.

  “Imma snap a pic for you. Give you something to look at when you’re alone in bed tonight.” Shauna lifted her phone, tilting for the right angle. Ashleigh wrenched her arm down.

  “Are you out of your mind?”

  “Are you?” Shauna stirred the ice in her drink. “Kellan is smoking and you’re clearly into it. So why are you still talking to me?”

  “I’m not into it. I’m not anything. Anyway, she’s only here for the summer.”

  “Does this story get more perfect?”

  “What does that even mean?”

  “Ashleigh, I’m being your friend here.” For a moment Shauna seemed uncharacteristically serious. “You should be dating. And I know you’re nervous. I get it—I was single for a long time.” She smiled at Mike across the yard. “It can be brutal out there. What better way to ease back into the scene than by testing the waters with a hot visitor, someone whose days here are literally numbered.”

  For a split second she pondered how the evening might unfold if she listened to Shauna and chucked her straight edge rules out the window. She felt a head rush when an image of Kellan passionately kissing her in the crowded courtyard filled her brain. She blinked it away just as quickly. “I don’t do that.”

  “What? Have fun? You’re divorced now. Carte blanche to do whatever and whoever you want. I say you start with that sexy beast over there.” She pointed her tumbler right at Kellan. “But what do I know?” Shauna kicked back the rest of her vodka cranberry and sauntered over to Mike.

  Alone, Ashleigh found herself considering the option, as she assessed Kellan from afar. She was all confidence and charm as she leaned on the staircase railing, drinking her beer and listening to Lisa and the science staff talk about God knew what. What could she possibly get out of that conversation? Ashleigh lost track of how long she was staring, but Kellan caught her eye and smiled.

  Embarrassed, Ashleigh shifted her glance around the courtyard, thankful for the rescue when Liam signaled her over from behind the bar.

  “You having fun?” he asked.

  “Definitely. Good turnout, right?”

  “You’re the best, Ash. I owe you.”

  “No, you don’t. Everyone’s having a great time. That’s good PR for me too.”

  “Oh my God, I have the best idea.” He was talking fast, like he always did when he was excited about something. “It just came to me. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it before. Kellan!” he called out, before she could press him for specifics. “Kellan, get over here.”

  His urgency must have counted for something, because Kellan was there in a second.

  “What’s up, buddy?”

  “I’m a genius.” Liam worked away, straightening up
the bar as he spoke. “The thing is, I know you’re here for the summer. And I want you to have a great time. God knows, if I was out in Colorado you’d show me around for sure. But the timing…it’s just that I’ve invested a lot in this place, and I sort of need to be here—”

  “No worries, bro. I can take care of myself. Honest.”

  “That’s just it. You don’t have to.”

  Ashleigh felt her heart rate speed up, knowing where Liam was headed. As if reading her mind, he nodded right at her. “Just the other day, Ashleigh told me how she’s got this whole summer plan to see the city. Right, Ash?” There was no chance to answer as Liam launched into a hard sell. “You know how it is when you grow up someplace, and you take all the cool stuff for granted? Ashleigh pointed out that we have this amazing city right at our fingertips and we haven’t done squat.”

  She let Liam talk, barely listening as she racked her brain for a way out. It wasn’t that she didn’t want company. She’d loved the idea of Liam coming along. But Kellan unsettled her in a way she couldn’t quite understand, and even though she knew it would be the hospitable thing to do, she longed for an excuse to bail.

  Kellan must have read the distress on her face. “That’s all right.” She smiled, but it didn’t have the same spirit as before. Ashleigh couldn’t help being affected.

  “You should come,” she said, surprising herself at the offer. “If you want.”

  “I don’t want to horn in on your plan. It’s fine.”

  She seemed so earnest that it tugged at Ashleigh’s sensitivity. “Well, you don’t have to. But it might be nice to have company.” She cast a glance at Liam and then back to Kellan. “Any friend of Liam’s is good people in my book.”

  “If you mean that, I might take you up on it. Only when you’re in the mood for company, though. I don’t want to hijack your entire summer.” Gone was the cocky charmer who’d walked into the bar full of swagger. That person had been seemingly replaced by this well-mannered, chivalrous twin. Just as captivating, perhaps more dangerous.

  “How about this.” Ashleigh took out her phone and handed it to Kellan. “Put your number in and I’ll send you my itinerary. You can take a look and tell me what interests you.”