by Karigan Hale
Brendan's voice coming through the swinging door interrupted him. "I appreciate all the time, Detective. I'll be sure to put together a list of damages just in case the vandals are caught."
Brendan appeared pale and still a little shaky as he shook the detective's hand. His eyes were bloodshot; his hair disheveled. Lizzie could picture him running his hands through it over and over as he did when he was stressed. He caught her eye and gave her a half smile and a shrug. Brendan's fiancé, Essix, and Gabby also came through the door.
When Essix, known to everyone but her grandmother as Six, saw Lizzie, she ran to her and threw her arms around her, "Oh Lizzie. It's just so stupid! Why would anyone want to do this? I knew when I drew the Ten of Swords card during my morning tarot something bad would happen today." Then quieter, just so Lizzie could hear, she whispered, "Brendan thinks it has something to do with his brother, Dylan."
Lizzie leaned back. "All that nonsense was over a year ago. I'm sure this isn't related. Besides, I thought his brother was clean?" Lizzie said.
"He is! He's doing so well. But you remember what it was like last year. Dylan was adamant his dealer wanted to kill him," Six reminded her. "And now this." Six gestured to the mess around them. "It doesn't take an acrobat to make that leap."
Brendan's brother and former business partner, Dylan, was a super nice guy—when he wasn't high. He had a pretty serious drug problem and almost lost them McConnell's a few years ago. Luckily, Brendan was able to save the bar by taking out loans. Unfortunately, about a year ago, Dylan had a relapse and got in deep with one of his dealers. He came to Brendan for money to help pay him off. Brendan, just getting back into the black from the last time Dylan messed up, couldn't swing it on his own and struggled between saving his bar or saving his brother. That's when Lizzie offered to buy out Dylan's shares, and become Brendan's new business partner. Although, despite Brendan's reassurances, she really thought of herself as more of an investor.
"I'm sure the insurance will cover most of what's lost. And the community has a way of taking care of its own," Lizzie explained. She wanted to reassure Six she could pay for the repairs. But she also didn't want to reveal her socio-economic status to her friends. She finally had friends who liked her for being Lizzie and not because of what she could buy for them. Brendan was also super stubborn and wouldn't take her help even if she did offer it.
No. She'd have to find a way to donate the money anonymously. Or pay for things out of pocket.
"We're lucky to have you, Liz. You always see the bright side of things," Six said and hugged her again. She finally noticed Zander standing just off to the side. "Who's this hunk?" Before either of them could answer, she glanced at Zander then at Xavier. "Wait. You must be Xavier's brother. You guys look so much alike."
"Zander Drake," he said, holding out his hand. A pang of disappointment hit Lizzie when she saw he put his shirt back on.
"Essix Miller. But just call me Six. I'm Brendan's fiancé. It's a good thing, too, or else I'd scoop you right up," she said.
Zander chuckled. Lizzie said, "You don't have enough boob acreage for him. And your skirt is too loose."
"Oh, Lizzie," Six said swatting her shoulder. "Nice to meet you, Zander. Sorry it was under these circumstances."
"Nice to meet you, too, Six," Zander said. Six went to stand by Brendan while he talked with Xavier and Gabby.
"Boob acreage?" he asked when Six was out of earshot.
"I've seen some of your exes," she said turning away from him to continue sweeping.
"So, you've got me all figured out, huh?" Zander asked sounding a bit miffed. She wasn't wrong, though.
"Not you. Just your type," Lizzie clarified.
"Lizzie!" Brendan called and waved her over.
"Duty calls," she said to Zander. She handed him the broom. "Make yourself useful in the meantime."
"I'm so sorry, Lizzie," Brendan started when she approached.
"For what? None of this was your fault," she said squeezing his arm.
"You asked for a surveillance system a while back, and I drug my feet about it. We could have gotten the bastards that did this on video. Or maybe prevented it all together," he said.
"As usual, you are trying to put this all on yourself. All this is just stuff, Brendan. No one was hurt. It looks like nothing was stolen except a few bottles of liquor and the televisions. I know we have good insurance," she said. "How's the kitchen look? I didn't have a chance to go back there."
"Untouched, thank God," he said.
"See! It could have been so much worse. The kitchen is where all the expensive equipment is. We got off lucky. And we wanted to get new barstools any—" Brendan's chuckle interrupted her. "What?"
"Always the optimist. What would I do without you, Lizzie?"
"Wallow in self-pity, probably."
"The bar room looks great, by the way. Thanks for getting started on clean-up. I'm sending Zay to the hardware store to get some plywood to cover the broken window until we can get it replaced." He sighed and ran a hand through his already disheveled hair. "We'll probably have to shut down for a day or two until we can reorder the stock and get all the glass cleared."
"We'll be okay, Bren," Lizzie assured him. "Let's get started on the list for the insurance while Zay and his brother go get the plywood." If she gave him a task, it would take his mind off the overall destruction.
"Yeah. Good idea. I'll get the laptop. We'll make a spreadsheet." He glanced at his coworkers in turn. "Thanks so much guys for being here. For helping. Even though it's your day off."
"Don't be silly. We're family," Lizzie said and pulled him in for a hug. Xavier wrapped his arms around both of them, pulling Gabby with him.
"Okay. Okay," Brendan chuckled. "No need to get weird." He disentangled and handed Xavier a credit card. "Zay, measure before you go so you know what to get."
"You got it, Boss," he said. "Come on, Zee. You're coming with me." Zander nodded.
"Gabby, please go home and rest. You've had quite a shock. We've got it from here. And don't worry, you'll still be paid for any shifts you're missing," Brendan said.
"I'd rather stay, if that's okay. I'll keep sweeping while you guys do the inventory. It'll help for me to have something to do," she said wringing her hands.
"Of course. Thank you," Brendan said. He went through the swinging door to grab the laptop from his office.
"Zay!" Lizzie called as the brothers started to exit. "Wait up."
"How you holding up, kid?" Xavier asked.
"Fine. Quite a shock to see the beautiful bar shredded, but like I said, it's just stuff. It's all replaceable. Speaking of which, use my credit card, not the bar one," Lizzie said handing him another card.
"Won't Brendan notice?" Zander asked.
"Probably not, since Zay and I do the financial spreadsheets," she explained.
"Alright. We'll be back in a few," Xavier said.
"Why don't you just tell him you can pay for all the broken stuff?" Zander asked. "You have the money."
"Because Brendan doesn't like charity. And they don't know about my trust fund. Please, don't mention it okay?" she said.
"Whatever you say. I don't know why you feel the need to hide it, though," he said heading to the car. Of course he didn't. He was Mr. Cool Guy Everyone Loves Me.
"Oh, and Zay?" she said as the brothers walked across the parking lot. He turned to walk backwards. "See if they have a home surveillance something, too. Even if it's cheap, it's better than nothing for the time being."
He saluted and got into his truck on the driver's side. Zander gave her a dimpled, half-smile and slid into the passenger seat. She pretended she didn't notice her naughty bits having a parade.
Lizzie went back into the bar where Brendan counted the stools, chairs, and tables Zander had stacked in the keep pile. Six and Gabby continued to sweep up glass and debris. They'd probably be finding pieces of glass and splintered wood for months.
"If you're done flirting, I co
uld use some help here," Brendan said with a wink.
Lizzie rolled her eyes, "Not you, too. Why does everyone think we're flirting?"
"Liz, I thought I'd have to call the fire department with the amount of heat coming off you two."
"Don't be ridiculous. Zander is my brother's best friend. I've known him since high school."
"Curious you knew I was talking about Zander when I never mentioned a name," Brendan teased.
Lizzie pursed her lips at him. "Give me the laptop. I type faster than you."
By the time the Drake brothers returned, Lizzie and Brendan had finished the furniture inventory and moved on to the bar area. This was a bit more tricky since they had to cross-check with their recent orders and the overstock in the back room. Between the three of them—Gabby included—they were able to remember most of what was on the shelves, mainly from muscle memory of grabbing the bottles to mix drinks every night.
Brendan excused himself from inventory to help the brothers with the front window. Lizzie, Six, and Gabby all stopped to watch the three men hoist the plywood and hammer it in place.
"Quite the sight, huh?" Six said. "Maybe if we turn on the heat, they'll take their shirts off."
"Six!" Lizzie said. "You're engaged!" But she didn't take her eyes off the muscular forms of the men. Their arm and back muscles were stretching against their shirts. Zander's had ridden up just a little as he raised his arms to hold the top of the board revealing, once again, a delicious V heading straight for his...
"Yeah, but not dead," Six's voice interrupted Lizzie's naughty thoughts. "Those are three fine looking specimens of the male species. One of which I get to take home with me. And Brendan always says he doesn't care where I get my appetite as long as I eat at home," Six winked.
Gabby giggled and blushed. Lizzie gave her a glance. "He always says that, huh?"
"Okay. Well maybe just once. When I went to Nora's bachelorette party," Six admitted referencing her best friend who got married last year. Nora and Andrew's bridal shower was the first event McConnell's catered. And had brought Six and Brendan back together after a not-so-pleasant break-up.
"Oh, the catering!" Lizzie exclaimed loudly. The boys regarded her with raised eyebrows. "Even if the bar has to close for a while, the catering can still continue since the kitchen wasn't touched. Right?"
Brendan smiled at her genuinely. "Thanks, Ms. Brightside. You are correct. We'll be okay. Once I get over the emotional part of it. This still isn't as bad as it was when my brother first bought the bar. You should have seen it then."
"See. Isn't it nice to have a positive outlook?" Lizzie said brightly.
When they finished the initial inventory and securing the building—Xavier spent some time hooking up the home video cameras he found at the hardware store—Brendan pulled out a table and some chairs into the middle of the floor. He disappeared into the kitchen for a bit and soon the building was full of the savory aromas of something Irish and wonderful. Lizzie's stomach rumbled reminding her she hadn't eaten all day.
"I guess I'll have to tell Nick you and Zay aren't coming on Thursday after all," Zander said.
"What? No!" Lizzie said. "I think we'll all need a break by then. In fact, Gabby and Six and Brendan should come, too. Get our minds off this mess. We don't ever get to all hang out together since some of us are always working."
"What are we being dragged to now?" Brendan said, pushing through the swinging door holding a tray with steaming plates.
"Is that the stew? Please tell me it's the stew," Gabby said.
"It's the stew. I had some left over from the catering gig on Sunday. Just needed to be warmed up."
"Wait until you try this, Zander. It's melt in your mouth goodness," Lizzie said. Then blushed because she mentioned mouths to Zander. Which made her think of other things they could be doing with their mouths.
Zander smirked and licked his lips. Did he know what she was thinking? It certainly seemed so. "Can't wait to taste it," he said looking right at her.
Xavier cleared his throat and said, "Lizzie's brother, Nick, and Zander were planning on having a bonfire by the reservoir like we used to when we were kids. It's on Thursday. Everyone is welcome to come now that we won't be here."
"Sounds fun," Gabby said.
"Six has to work on Friday, but we could probably come for a little while," Brendan said.
"Great! I'll text everyone details. We can meet here and carpool to our bonfire spot," Lizzie said.
"I'll bring some snacks," Brendan said.
"That's why we invited you in the first place," Lizzie laughed.
"I can bring my guitar," Xavier said.
"I'll make sure Nick brings a bathing suit," Zander said. Then he leaned into Lizzie and whispered, "Yours is optional."
Her lady bits tingled in response to his hot breath on her neck.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Lizzie rechecked her shoulder bag one more time while waiting for the others to arrive. She'd gotten to McConnell's first. Lizzie ducked in the building to check on the progress. Brendan had contracted a local company to help with the clean-up and structural damage—which thankfully wasn't too bad. Just some holes in the drywall and the door and window damage. Things were shaping up. They were hoping to be able to open with limited services this weekend.
Whenever she could sneak it in, Lizzie used her own money instead of the company card. She hoped to set up an anonymous fund through her bank next week to help with costs as well. She hated lying, but she didn't see any other way.
Gabby pulled into a parking spot as Lizzie stepped back outside. Brendan and Six were the next to arrive in two separate cars.
"You can leave at least one car here. The reservoir isn't far, so one of us can bring you back to get it when you get tired, Six," Lizzie said as they pulled up.
"Thanks!" Six said.
"Just waiting on the Drake brothers," Lizzie announced when Brendan and Six approached after parking their cars. As if on cue, Xavier's truck came rumbling into the parking lot. He paused long enough for Zander to jump out, then pulled into a parking spot to turn around.
"Nick just texted. He's at the spot getting the fire ready. Xavier's got enough room for three, so I figure I'll ride with Lizzie if you three want to go with him," Zander said.
"I've only got my motorcycle," Lizzie said. "We may need to take another car."
"This's fine," he said, shuffling the others to the truck.
"Zee, there's no need for people to squish into the truck when we can easily just take another car," Lizzie protested, but Gabby, Brendan, and Six had already thrown their stuff into the bed of the truck and were settling in.
Six leaned out her window, "We're fine. See you there!" She shot a look between Zander and Lizzie, then winked at her friend. Lizzie shook her head.
She turned back to look at Zander with hands on hips and head cocked to one side. "What gives?"
"I want to drive your bike," he said simply.
"You could have just said that," she said. "And no. Not a chance. When was the last time you rode anyway?"
"Not too long ago. And you know what they say about riding a bike," he winked at her and started towards her motorcycle.
"Riding a bicycle is different from a motorcycle, and you know it!" When he didn't turn around, she stormed after him. "What are you doing?" she asked when he walked passed it and started digging around in the back of Xavier's truck.
"I brought one of Nick's extra helmets. Just getting it out," he said.
"How presumptuous of you. I should just leave your ass here," she said loud enough for him to hear and then stomped over to her bike. She slung her leg over and adjusted her own helmet on her head.
"I'm glad you're wearing your helmet already," Zander said coming up beside her.
"Why's that?" she asked.
"Just in case you hit your head when I do this," he said as he placed one hand under her thigh and lifted. She was caught so off guard he easily unseated her. She fe
ll to the pavement on her ass as he deftly took her spot on the bike.
Xavier laughed from the truck and then headed out of the parking lot.
"Don't just sit there all day," he said from the driver's seat smiling down at her. "Get on so we can go."
"I can't believe you just did that!" she exclaimed. She stood, and although her ass and her hands smarted from where she'd caught herself, she didn't give him the satisfaction of rubbing them. "You're such an ass!"
"Yup. Can we go now?" he said and revved the engine. She grudgingly climbed on behind him. Her front fit right up against his back and she could feel his muscles shifting against her as he prepped the bike to ride. Gingerly, she placed her hands on his shoulders.
"You better hang on tighter, Lizard. Like I said, it's been a while since I rode, and I want to fly," he said over his shoulder.
"I'll take my chances," she said over the engine.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," he cautioned on a laugh and before she could even really brace herself, he took off across the parking lot. She quickly gripped him around the waist for fear of falling off.
"You'll pay for that," she said into his neck.
"I hope so. Maybe you can tell me all the ways you want to punish me on our way there. In as much detail as possible. Then I'll pick my favorite," he said with a smirk.
"Not what I meant," she said, but couldn't help the heat spreading through her body at his innuendo. He flirted with anyone who had tits, she reminded herself. Regardless of how small apparently. She wasn't special. Zander had always taken an interest in flustering his best friend's little sister. And this was nothing different. She wouldn't let him get to her.
She just had to convince her pink parts and her latent high school crushy heart. She'd forgotten what it felt like to be snug up against him—hugging him with her thighs and her arms—with the bike rumbling beneath her.
Okay. She didn't forget entirely. But her memories were a poor substitute for the real thing. Which she was experiencing right now. And thanking her stars she had on a helmet, so she wasn't tempted to bite his neck.
