Trouble Brewing (In Ashwood Book 2)

by Kinney Scott

  “That’s not why I called, Wade. But, to answer your question, she is doing as well as can be expected. Ravenna has made some difficult decisions. I don’t feel comfortable going into details. Not right now.”

  “Just tell her I’m sorry, Leo. Please.”

  “I will, and she knows. Now, the reason for my call. I was asked, to complete one last official duty, when I resigned from the Coalition Craft Board.”

  “You resigned?”

  “Yes, I’ve been nothing but a figure head for years, and I don’t want my name associated with them any longer.” Leo said, anger tinting his voice an angry shade of red.

  “And Silver Raven?”

  “They saw the wisdom in letting my label revert back to me as well, but again, that is not why I called.”

  Leo paused and cleared his throat, “The board decided that if you are willing to sign a confidentiality agreement, Coalition will forgive their investment made in your expansion.”

  “What?” Wade gasped, “I’m not about to let Steven get away with the mess he caused and continue as if nothing has happened!”

  “Oh, no. That my friend would not happen while I’m still alive. Leo was fiercely protective of those he loved, and his love for Ravenna was limitless.

  Wade sighed. He needed to mend the damage between himself and the man he admired, “Leo, I have to ask you to forgive me… I love Ravenna. Please forgive me for hurting your daughter,” Wade begged.

  “I am saddened that you didn’t trust her. Steven’s ability to deceive amazed us all. I understand that Mosquito Creek Brewing was your dream. I forgive you… but I just wish my daughter had meant more to you.”

  Wade barely heard the rest of the conversation…something about paperwork and lawyers and signatures…then his debt would be gone. If only he could find a way to erase the pain that came from losing Ravenna. It seemed to grow more potent each day.

  ***

  Linnea and Natalie sat together at Goldfinch bakery, going over last minute details for the small reception to celebrate their recent marriage.

  Natalie took her seat across from Wade’s sister and stirred her coffee, “Thank you for helping with this party, Linn. My Mom seemed so disappointed when Seth and I eloped, it seemed like a small special dinner while she visited would be perfect.” When the two girls stopped by the bakery to increase the cupcake order they also decided to take a break and have coffee and a double chocolate cookie.

  “I can’t eat one of these cookies without thinking of Ravenna.” Linnea said as she took another bite.

  “I invited her to the party, but doubt she will consider it. I wish Ravenna would come and help us all celebrate. I miss her so much.” Natalie shared with Linnea.

  Linnea smiled, “Last time I talked to her she told me she’s trying to keep herself busy. She seemed happier. I miss her too.”

  “Silver Raven, I can’t believe she is taking on that challenge. But I know it was always her dream.” Natalie added. “Have you told Wade about the brewery Ravenna plans to run?”

  “No, I haven’t told him. He seems better lately. I don’t want to ruin the progress he’s made in the last month.”

  Goldfinch Bakery was the last place Wade normally spent time, but lately he made it there at least once a week to deliver spent grain from his brewery. Maggie began using it as a key ingredient in her popular protein bars.

  The product was a huge hit with climbers taking on Mount Adams. At the sound of his sister’s voice, he had almost made it from the back, when Ravenna’s name flew into the air. He froze. Linnea never brought up Ravenna, and he wondered if his sister was still keeping in touch.

  Silver Raven. Wade smiled. He knew how much that meant to her. The brewery had been her second childhood home. Knowing she was happy, only slightly eased the ache he had grown accustomed to feeling since she left.

  That evening Wade opened his laptop. Every night he scanned the listings looking to buy a house in town. He kept his eye on all sources for a place to become available.

  After the dust settled from the break with Coalition, he approached Erik and Trish. They loved Old Mosquito, and dreamed of producing a few batches of their own line from that location. Now that his finances allowed it, Wade worked out a deal with Erik and Trish. Over time, Erik would buy the home and original brewery from Wade.

  Their decision sped up his plans. It was time for him to set down roots in town, to call Ashwood home. He would try to move on by establishing a fresh routine.

  After finding a new home listing, a farm on the edge of town, he curiously typed Silver Raven into the search engine.

  An updated logo filled his screen. Clicking through the images, he saw links that displayed the history, featured old favorites, and the release date for a new beer.

  Wade looked forward to trying some of Ravenna’s creations. One click on the about us tab, and her image filled his screen. He couldn’t breathe, when he spotted the bracelet he had given her almost glowing on her wrist. The pain sharpened as he stared. How long will this hurt go on?

  A tab for employment caught his eye. She was hiring. Several positions were open. His fingers hovered over the keys…and almost on their own began filling in the fields, varying details that might give his identity away.

  A nondescript seldom-used email listed his only contact information. Happy with the content, he sat back and looked at the document. He hoped he listed just enough experience to get an interview, but not so much that she would find him overqualified.

  “Should I send this?” he said aloud. Click. It was out of his hands. Fate could decide if he had one more chance to change her mind.

  Keeping the laptop open felt like a connection to her now. He stared at her image, willing Ravenna to choose his application. Please, please, please. He needed this chance more than oxygen.

  ***

  Leo groaned after a day of heavy lifting, “You need to hire some help. You are too small and I am too old to keep up with the physical demands of this place.”

  “But I’m having too much fun. If I hire someone, it will seem too much like work. Right now its freedom and creativity. My own delicious workshop.” She smiled at her father. “I know you need to get back to Mom and the resort. Thank you for helping me today, Papa. I’ve needed this time with you.”

  She was putting herself back together. Steven, Coalition, and Wade had taken bits of her. Knitting each wounded piece took time. Leo was proud of the progress Ravenna had made.

  Years ago when she left for Chicago, he knew he would miss her, but hadn’t realized how acute the loss would be. Having a second chance to spend time with his daughter made him feel ten, even twenty years younger.

  As Leo studied her recovery, he knew she needed more. This solitary existence, so far from a large city, was no place for his daughter to find a fulfilling life. Bringing in employees might at least give her and opportunity to make younger friends.

  “I’ll be fine Papa, go home for a few days. The apartment here is fantastic. Do you know what I would have given for an industrial loft like this in Chicago?” A week earlier her belongings arrived, but unpacking and decorating took second place to Silver Raven.

  “All right. You promise to call me, for any reason at all.” He added as they exchanged hugs, and she locked the door behind him.

  ***

  After making a salad and roasted chicken breast, Ravenna began opening boxes. As books filled shelves, and carefully packed pottery from a little shop in Portland found a home, she found herself settling happily. A few days earlier Natalie sent three framed photos as a house-warming gift. Nate’s photography captured exactly what she loved about Ashwood. The rugged landscape, hugging the seam of the cascades, captured the wild beauty of both the east and west side of the state.

  Early the next morning she received a shipment of hops. The smell reminded her of Wade. She chose the best, the hops just happened to be grown on his family farm in Yakima.

  So many details invaded to conjure
up the memory of a man she walked away from six weeks ago. The smell of fresh cut lumber, the sound of a logging truck rolling down the road, even the taste of home cut fries. She knew she would never escape the smell of the brewery - it was the most potent reminder.

  Ravenna had forgiven him weeks ago. All the blame lay entirely on Steven, and he would pay for his deception with incarceration. She and Wade paid in loneliness. Victims of circumstance, distance, and her stubborn wounded pride.

  ***

  For the third time today, Wade checked his e-mail. Nothing. Not a word from the owner of Silver Raven, Ravenna. Should he make up another false name, fill out a slightly different application? What type of employee was she looking for?

  She needed someone to provide the strength to do the heavy lifting that was part of everyday work in a brewery. His jealousy spiked. Maybe he needed to get down there. What if some muscle grunt was already making moves on her. “Answer to my application!” he yelled at the screen.

  ***

  “Thanks for coming in, I will let you know within a week.” She said as the reasonably qualified candidate left. For some reason he didn’t seem like a good fit. Ravenna had already chosen one employee. Two more slots needed filling. She preferred to train, rather than hire a candidate with experience.

  As she flipped through the stack of applications, her eyes were drawn again to the guy from Portland. He looked good on paper. His cover letter said he was looking for a permanent change to a smaller town. An employee with his experience would allow her a bit of freedom.

  Fine, why not at least give him a shot. She sent an email offering to complete the interview via skype if he preferred, if a drive this far into southern Oregon was an inconvenience. Her finger hovered over the keyboard, and hit send just as her next appointment knocked on the office door.

  Brandi was a girl she remembered from high school. While they had not hung in the same crowd, she recalled Brandi was friendly. This should be fun. They could catch up on news about her old classmates.

  After the interview, she hired her on the spot. “If you don’t’ have plans I’d like to take you out for a drink to celebrate.” Ravenna asked as the evening approached happy hour.

  “Sure, I’d love that. We can meet at Azteca in about an hour.”

  Looking forward to a night away from the brewery, Ravenna dressed up a bit, quickly applying mascara and lip-gloss. Feeling confident, she slipped on her raven bracelet before she grabbed her keys and walked out the door. It occurred to her as she pulled onto the road, that she had not bothered much with her appearance since leaving Ashwood. It felt nice to care again.

  Brandi was perfect for the job. Even if she couldn’t start for three weeks. Ravenna found her at a booth, already munching on chips. Earlier she learned that Brandi and her brother Tyler brewed a little in their garage, but stopped when he left to join the Navy.

  “It just wasn’t as much fun on my own. I think there is something social about the process, don’t you?”

  “Absolutely, it spurs creativity. Where’s your brother now?” Ravenna asked as the Nachos and Mango Margaritas arrived.

  “Right now, Tyler’s in the Pacific on a missile cruiser. He loves the Navy, and I’m happy for him, but miss him too.”

  Ravenna had just downed a big bite of cheesy nachos when Brandi asked, “Why did you come back? This isn’t Chicago. I’d heard you were working for some big beer corporation.”

  She nodded, and sipped her tequila-mango drink before she answered. “Actually those are two reasons I came back. I wanted to get out of Chicago, and I’m looking forward to working for myself, instead of a big corporation.” She sighed, as the heat of the tequila sank to her toes.

  “Can I order us another appetizer, unless you have somewhere to go?”

  “Sure, Ravenna. I’d like that. And, by the way, thanks again for the job. I’m looking forward to starting. Have you hired anyone else? The brewery looks like it needs a lot of work. Don’t get me wrong, I look forward to it, but the work could be a little beyond my skill set.”

  “Yes, a couple of days ago I hired a guy with construction experience. I will need to train him on the brewing side of things. He’s married and his wife is expecting their first baby.”

  Enthusiasm poured off Ravenna “I hope you enjoy brewing half as much as I do.” She relaxed, happy that she was assembling the right team of people.

  “I think I will. So, Ravenna. Was there a boyfriend in Chicago? Did you leave someone in tears when you left?” as soon as Brandi asked the question, she regretted it.

  The physical reaction altered Ravenna immediately. It took a moment for her smile to reappear. “Yes, there was a guy in Chicago. Let’s just say for now, I won’t be trusting another man anytime soon. Or, maybe I don’t trust myself to see beyond the facade men create. I’m a fool for a man who pretends he wants to take care of me.”

  “Who isn’t? Is deception something they teach hot men after they develop a six pack?” Brandi tried to laugh, and just in time, the quesadillas arrived, along with water and sodas.

  Brandi filled Ravenna in on the news of those families she remembered, who still lived in the area. She asked questions about locally owned restaurants and bars that would be a good fit for her beer.

  No matter how far the conversation drifted, Ravenna could not shake the lingering ache. Steven’s betrayal no longer stung. The pain of losing Wade lingered long and deep. After leaving Ashwood, when the initial hurt faded, Ravenna knew she had fallen in love with Wade, and wondered if it was too late to repair the damage.

  ***

  Wade checked his e-mail one last time before going to bed. “Yes!” he said loud enough to fill the tiny house with his voice, and startle nesting birds from nearby trees.

  He could hear her lilting voice as he read the words on the screen. Now to reply without sounding like a stalker - Thank you for your offer. I would be available to complete the interview at Silver Raven. Next week I will be staying in the area with friends. Please let me know what time and day works with your schedule…He looked over the message three times, making sure he did not sound too desperate, or too aloof. Just a few more days. He needed a plan to figure out a way to get her back.

  Ravenna woke early, pulled on her canvas coveralls, and made a pot of coffee. Her home attached to the brewery smelled a little like bread this morning. Healthy fermentation bubbled away nearby. Ravenna knew this routine, but it had never been entirely her own.

  She liked the way this felt, possessing her own dream, not merely helping someone else reach their goal. After dinner last night, thoughts of Wade invaded. She imagined that his movements probably mirrored her own. Measurements, readings, tasting, working to perfect each step of the process.

  Picturing him, she imagined Wade with his hair tied back at the nape of his neck, and his concentration focused. Broad shoulders flexing as he worked, faded jeans slung low on his hips, he may now be jotting information on his clipboard. Ravenna allowed her mind to drift to a shared routine and a slim thread of connection.

  Someday their paths would cross again, she was sure of it. Maybe at a festival or a conference. This world of craft brewing was growing, but still small enough that she did not give up hope of seeing him again…someday.

  As she popped another slice of apple in her mouth, Ravenna took a moment to check her e-mail. Great! That Portland guy had replied. Maybe he would perfectly fill the final spot on her team. If not, she had another candidate in mind. Sending one quick message to him, she set a time for an interview next Monday at two in the afternoon, and typed the time into her appointment calendar.

  TWENTY-FIVE

  “How many houses have you looked at?” Linnea asked as she followed her brother into a small farmhouse that had just hit the market.

  “Four, including this one. There was the old Keller place out by the highway. It was huge. I don’t know if I need three thousand square feet. It did have a shop.”

  “What is it with men and
shops?” Linnea said looking at her brother.

  “Hey, don’t even ask. A boat, snowmobiles, and quads, the shop is all about the potential of filling it with awesome toys.”

  Linnea shrugged, and laughed, “And the other places?”

  “A cabin, but it was too dark. Then there was an old but livable doublewide. The land was awesome, on the river. I could build a place while I live in the manufactured home. So far, that’s the spot that tempts me the most.”

  “This farm house is nice, but all these outbuildings would be a waste, unless you plan on farming.”

  “Nope, I left Yakima for a reason. I don’t ever want to be that tied down. Oh, I forgot to let you know, I’m going on a road trip tomorrow. Can you keep an eye on Mosquito Creek?”

  “Where? How long?”

  He studied his sister, and decided that the last time he kept information from her the consequences were disastrous. “Klamath Falls. But please, Linnea, don’t tell anyone.”

  “Thank God!” she moaned. “I wondered when one of you would swallow your pride, get on the road and patch things up. Does Ravenna know you are coming?”

  Wade stood dumb as a post staring at his sister, “you’ve been expecting me to do this?”

  “Hell yes. All this dragging your ass around in a fog of sadness, and Ravenna is just as miserable. Oh crap, I wasn’t supposed to say anything.”

  “She’s miserable?” his smile could not have been wider.

  “Try not to look so happy about it, Wade.” Her hands rested on her hips, but her stern expression didn’t fool him. “Yes, Ravenna has been keeping busy, but the nonstop work can’t mask how much she misses you.”

  “Do you think I have a chance? When I planned this, I knew it would be my last desperate Hail Mary attempt to win her back.”

  “Planned what? Wade please tell me you aren’t deceiving her again.” He winced. “What have you done this time?” Linnea asked.