On The Rocks

I laugh, because Henry Coursier is a big talker and a big charmer. He’ll keep Wanda occupied and on her toes. Glancing over at him as he laughs exuberantly at something someone says, I wonder if he’s reviewed Gabby’s bid and what he thinks of it. I want to ask him, and also put in a good word for her, but I’m thinking that might be stepping on Gabby’s toes. Still, it hasn’t escaped my notice that he’s not called me for a reference, and I hope that doesn’t mean he won’t consider her bid for some reason.

I’ll have to think on that for a bit, and maybe by the time I get done talking to Brody, if he’s still here, I’ll bring it up in casual conversation.

“Hey Brody,” I call out to him. “My office. Need to talk.”

By the time I sit down behind my desk, Brody is walking in behind me, shutting the door. He sits down quietly opposite me, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

“If this is about that shit with Alyssa last week—”

“It’s not,” I cut him off, “but I still think that was fucked up. I need to talk to you about the bar.”

Brody straightens up and then leans back in his chair. “I’m listening.”

“I’ve been offered some pretty lucrative endorsements if I agree to go back on the Tour next year. I’m considering it. Only problem is that they want me to jump back on this year’s tour. Sooner rather than later.”

“Can you win this year?”

Shaking my head, I pull a paperclip out of its holder and start fiddling with it. “No, but they want me to go back on Tour now to get the practice and visibility. All in prep for next year.”

Brody’s no dummy. I can see the wheels spinning in his head. “I don’t want a partnership.”

“Not offering it again,” I tell him, although if I thought he’d take it, I’d gladly give it to him. But I’ve decided I’m not going to push past the limits of his pride.

“What do you need?”

“I need you to run Last Call and manage it for me. Take over all the duties I’m doing. I’ll hire a bartender to replace you. Keep it going until I return.”

“And when might that be?” he asks, although he doesn’t really sound all that interested in the answer.

“I don’t know. Maybe after next year’s tour. Maybe I’ll stay on another year… two. Who knows?”

“And you’d need my commitment for that unspecified time period?”

“That’s the gist of it. Can I count on you?”

Brody’s gaze lowers to the floor. I wait for his answer, fully expecting his support. I’m stunned when he says, “I don’t know. I need to think about it.”

Okay, I get that. I’m asking him to take on a lot of responsibility, but fuck… I gave up my career to come home and be there for him. I’d think the least he could do is fucking have my back. Still, it’s with a calm voice that I say, “Fine. But I need an answer soon. My agent says the deals will be pulled soon if I don’t commit.”

“So it’s a definite?” Brody asks, looking back up at me. “You’re definitely doing it?”

“No, it’s not a definite. I’m still considering my options, but it would help if I knew you were on board. Help my decision making a bit easier.”

“Let me have tonight,” he asks.

Taking a deep breath, I say, “Sure.”

Brody stands up and walks to the door. I hesitate for a minute, and then follow him. When we step into the hallway, I ask, “Do you want to talk to me about this? Talk through any concerns?”

Shaking his head, Brody gives me an impassive look and doesn’t answer my question. “Look Hunter… I know what you’ve done for me—what you’ve given up. If I can help you, I will. I’m just trying to sort through some internal shit, and that’s best done alone.”

“Okay,” I tell him. “Understood.”

But I don’t understand shit about my brother.

Brody starts to turn to head back into the bar area, but then turns around. “How does Gabby fit into your decision-making process?”

“She doesn’t, apparently,” I tell him. I see his eyes go dark, so I immediately add on, “I mean that she’s told me not to factor her in the decision. She fully supports whatever I want to do.”

His eyes lighten back up, and he gives me a small smile. “But you’re still going to factor her in, right?”