Page 51 of Tap (Men of Lovibond 1)

After six months, I don’t think I can deal with not having her in my life. Fuck. Can I?

“There’s been a lot going on in Lawry’s life lately. She’s busy doing stuff. You won’t run into her.”

“What kind of stuff?” And what’s going on in her life?

“The biggest change would be her selling Law of Attraction.”

“Why? She loves her boho shop.” A million different possibilities are running through my head. But none can possibly have anything to do with me.

“She no longer feels safe after what happened.”

I’d wondered if their birth mother had continued to cause problems for Wren. Guess so. “Can’t say I blame her. Christie is mentally unstable. I’m afraid she’s capable of more than Lawrence believes.”

“I don’t mean the incident with Christie. I’m talking about Lawry being assaulted and robbed at gunpoint in the alley behind the shop.”

I’ve not heard a word about this. “What the fuck, Stout? Is she all right?”

“Yeah. She was a little banged up, and scared shitless, but she’s okay now.”

Banged up? Okay now? “When did this happen?”

“About a month ago.”

Wren was attacked a month ago and not a single word was mentioned? “Why is this the first time I’m hearing about this?”

“Dude, you ended your relationship with her. I took that as a clear indication you were no longer interested in what happened in my sister’s life.” Both of those statements couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Wren ended things with me. But to hell with who ended what. She was attacked. Of course I would want to know.” He’s very well aware of that. He chose to not say anything because he’s still pissed off at me. This is my punishment for hurting her.

Stout shrugs. “Okay. Now you know.”

Based on his tone, I hear a variety of silent comments attached to the end of that statement.

Okay. Now you know. So what are you going to do about it?

Okay. Now you know. So why do you care? You broke my sister’s heart.

Okay. Now you know. And it doesn’t change a motherfucking thing.

“Lawry handed over the deposit bag. Fucker didn’t have to knock her down and kick the hell out of her. The worst part is our piece-of-shit birth mother was the one who set up the whole thing. But her ass is sitting in jail now so that’s a win.”

My sweet Wren was beaten. She shouldn’t have been in that alley at night by herself. She should have been in Birmingham with me.

This is my fucking fault.

“I have to check on her.” Wren probably thinks I’ve known about this but chose to not call. She needs to know I care.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

What the fuck does that mean? “Why not?”

“Lawry’s life is coming together again. She doesn’t need the added confusion of you thrown into the mix.”

“All I want to do is check on her and let her know I’m concerned.” And hear her sweet voice.

“It’s been a rough few months but she’s finally getting her life back together. She’s dating again. I’m afraid hearing from you will turn her world upside down again.”

What.

The.

Fuck.

“She’s already dating? Who?” That fucking hippie restaurant owner again?

“I don’t understand why you act so surprised. It’s been months since you told her you’d never marry her. You had to know she’d start dating again at some point.”

“Doesn’t mean I have to accept it.” Or like it. Because I don’t. I fucking hate it.

All I can see is red as I imagine some fucker touching her. Tasting what’s mine. I don’t know if I can wait until Friday to see her.

“I’m done talking about shit that ended six months ago. Can you go to Savannah to talk to Savan Cider on Friday, or not?”

“Yeah.” Wouldn’t miss it for the fucking world. “What time?”

“Train pulls out at eight.”

No worries. I’ll be on that motherfucking choo-choo. “Are we spending the weekend in Savannah?”

“Wasn’t planning on it. But I guess we can if you want. I sure as hell don’t have anything going on here.”

Me either. “I need to see her, man.” He shakes his head at me, and saunters out of the room. I have to see her and put a damn stop to this dating shit.

She’s mine. Has been since the first time I saw her. Always will be.

* * *

“Books appear well kept and legit. The numbers are there to support their evaluation. I predict it’ll take two years to become profitable at the rate they’re going. With our help, I think we can push that to nine months. Twelve at most.”

“Does that mean you’re in favor of buying in?”

“I’m in if you and Porter are.” Most of the work would fall on them so it’s win-win for me.

“Would you be up for Lovibond buying two-thirds of Savan Cider if they sold the other third to a different investor? Or maybe even fifty-fifty depending on the purchase price?”

Stout didn’t mention a second investor. I’m not up for that. “You said you wanted to buy a third and become partners with the founders. What’s this shit you’re dumping on me last minute about a totally new investor?”

“Savan Cider has a great basis for the brewery but not the heart for it. They’re willing to sell cheap. I think we can get them well below asking price; they want out that badly. And Lawry wants in. She has the money for her part, and she’s ready to invest if you say it’s a go.”

Wren wants to go into business with us?

With me?

; “It’s a no-brainer. The numbers are there to support the purchase but what does going into business together mean for Lawrence and me?”

“It means nothing. You’re in Birmingham. She’s in Savannah. You’ll be partners from afar.” Stout’s wrong. This doesn’t mean nothing. I’d be in charge of the numbers. I’d have to talk to her. See her.

“Lawrence wants this?” To be my business partner?

“She does if you believe it’s profitable.” She’s putting her future in my hands. This is huge. And a very good sign for where our future could be going.

“Is this why you encouraged me to not call her?”

“I needed to hear your honest opinion before you knew she was the interested investor. I didn’t want you jumping at the opportunity because you thought it was a way to bring her back into your life.” He knows I want Wren. And . . . he’s not stopping me here.

“So she’s not dating?”

“That part is true. I think she’s back with that guy she was going out with before you got together. The one with the restaurant.” Fuck. Not what I wanted to hear. But something can be done about that.

There’s no reason to not push forward with this merger but I want to see Wren first. “Will you drive me to her apartment?”

“Sure that’s the best idea tonight?”

“I have to find out if there’s potential for a successful business partnership.” With any luck, much more will work out for us. I hope I haven’t fucked up beyond repair.

I opt to not call Wren but I suspect Stout may have texted to give her a heads-up. It’s his brotherly duty. But if he didn’t, she was aware we were looking at books today. She knows I’m in Savannah. Surely, she expects me to come to her.

“Want me to go up with you?” Fuck, no. Stout’s presence would completely ruin our reunion.

“Nah, I’d rather see her alone first.”

“Okay. I can go to Mom and Dad’s. Call me when you’re finished and I’ll run by to get you.” I hope that’s not the case. I plan on staying with her tonight.

“Wish me luck, bro,” I tell Stout as he lets me out in front of Wren’s building.