Page 43 of Just One Spark

We moved slowly around the space, sharing stories about hiccups in construction, or the arguments we had over design details.

"Are we able to get in the bath?"Clara asked."I want to try it out."

Beck put his arm around her."We did try the bath out that one time."

I closed my eyes, remembering when Beck asked if he could have the space to himself for the night.I tried not to think about what they were doing."Please stop talking.Clara's my sister."

Clara laughed.

Beck directed everyone to the changing rooms."I guess we're serving people in the brew bath tonight."

Even though it was just my family, I was nervous.I wanted everything to run smoothly.It was our first test.

"I'm going to change into my suit."Hattie hugged me and said, "I'm so proud of you."

Before I could respond, she'd moved toward the changing room and disappeared inside.

Dad stood next to me."I'm proud of you too.We weren't sure about the baths, but now that I see them, it was a good addition.It fits here, you know?"

I nodded toward Malcolm, who had a sour expression on his face."Malcolm still has his doubts."

Dad made a noncommittal sound in his throat."Malcolm wants proof that things are going to work out before he does them.But that's not how life works."

"He wants a guarantee of success before he starts something," I said.

He nodded."He's always been the most stubborn."

"Opening the restaurant was risky."

"He opened it after years of debate.He still worries every day that the customers will stop coming, and he will go out of business.That's no way to live.Try to enjoy this.Not make it all about numbers.I'm glad you have Hattie.She will keep you grounded."

"Malcolm thinks she's a distraction."

Dad shook his head."She's going to be your wife.There is no greater pull on your life.She will always come first."

Dad had never given me advice like this before."Is that how you've treated Mom over the years?"

"The business is important but not if it's hurting our family.I worry about Malcolm.He has McCoy, but he's more involved in the restaurant than ever.Sometimes I wish he'd take a step back."

"Is something going on with him?"

"He's talking about getting a nanny for McCoy so he can work nights at the restaurant.I don't like it."

"I didn't realize he was doing that."In the past, he worked evenings every other week, when McCoy's mother had him.

"He feels like sales are slipping, and he could do more if he worked longer hours."

"You don't like how he's handling it," I observed.

"I worry about McCoy.He'll only be a kid for so long."

"I'd say I'll talk to him, but he's the one telling me to focus solely on work and not my personal life.I don't think he's going to be open to listening."

"I'm hoping he'll realize that it's a mistake not being there for his son whenever he can.That work will always be there, but your kid is going to grow up, and eventually you're going to be alone."Dad sighed."But enough about Malcolm.Today's about the brewery and your dreams."

"Thanks for supporting this and believing in me," I said to him, unable to shake the unease from the conversation.

My gaze moved to Hattie, who was walking toward me.She wore a robe, but it fell open to reveal a green bikini and tons of skin.My brain short-circuited.I wasn't prepared for this tonight.I was supposed to be focused on running the brewery.Not fixated on my fake fiancée's body.