Page 9 of Fall is Brewing

My eye twitches.

Brooks’s voice slides in, low and amused. “If it makes you feel better, I didn’t ask for this.”

I shoot him a look. “That does not make me feel better.”

His grin turns lazy. “Well, I’d hate for you to be bored.”

June makes a sound that is definitely a suppressed squeal.

Lena grabs her water like she’s watching a show.

Marcy claps once, triumphant. “Great! So it’s settled. Willa and Brooks will judge together. We’ll do the tasting a week from Saturday at five at the community hall.”

“But—” I start.

Marcy cuts me off. “It’ll be great!”

I inhale, slow and controlled, like Patty taught me.

Two judges.

And Brooks Calder somehow encroaching on my territory like it’s his new favorite casual hobby.

Marcy scribbles something on her clipboard, then looks up again. “Oh! And Willa, bring your tasting notes list. Brooks will need guidance.”

Brooks’s brows lift. “Guidance.”

“Yes,” Marcy says. “Because Willa is the expert.”

I should feel smug about that. Instead, I feel like I’ve just been volunteered to babysit a handsome problem.

Brooks’s gaze slides to mine, his expression unreadable for half a second—then it’s back to amused.

“Guess I’ll see you next Saturday,” he says.

“It’s my town,” I mutter. “I can’t exactly hide.”

“Good,” he says, like that’s his favorite answer.

Then he turns and follows his brothers toward the bar, leaving a wake of laughter and warmth and the distinct sensation that my life has just gained an unnecessary complication with great shoulders.

I sit there, staring at the empty space where he stood.

June fans herself with the menu. “Oh my God.”

Lena bites her lip like she’s trying not to smile. “Oh my God is right.”

I look between them. “Don’t.”

June ignores me. “You and Brooks Calder judging together? That’s basically the start of every 90s romcom.”

“It’s basically the start of a nightmare,” I correct.

Lena’s eyes gleam. “It’s basically chemistry.”

“It’s basically sabotage,” I say.

June leans forward, dropping her voice. “Wait. He’s literally Calder Cider! You’re judging an event that’s a pregame to the competition with your enemy. Isn’t that⁠—”