Page 40 of Raised On It (Between the Pines #1)

Miles

D ave clears his throat from the doorway, forcing me to peel my eyes from my computer for the first time in hours. Who knew brewing beer would turn me into a desk jockey? Not exactly what I had planned, but it’s worth it. Right?

The look on his face erases the spreadsheets from my mind. Something’s wrong.

“Hey, man, what’s up?” I say standing and walking around my desk.

“Dude, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but Mel passed in his sleep last night.”

“Mel? Our Mel?”

Not Mel.

Not the man I’ve seen every three weeks like clockwork since I was a toddler.

“I know, man, it fucking sucks. Margie found him this morning when she woke up.”

Losing the strength to hold myself up, I sit in one of the leather chairs in front of my desk. Dave takes the one on my left, and we sit for a few minutes taking in the news.

Feeling helpless, I do the only thing I can think to do. Walking out into the hallway, I ask Bennett to come into my office.

“Okay, Bennett, we need to call George at the funeral home and tell him I have everything covered. No cutting corners. Whatever Margie and the family want. Then we need to call Mrs. Thoms and order every flower she’s got.

If there’s any debt on the shop, I’ll clear it.

It’s not like Mel had a 401k for Margie to cash in.

We need to be sure she’s taken care of.”

“Got it, Boss. I’m on it.”

“Everything!” I yell behind him. “I have it all covered. The family will not spend a dime, got it!”

“Understood!” he yells from down the hall.

Dave and I sit in silence again.

Still letting it sink in.

What is Eastlyn without Mel?

He’s an institution.

My cell phone vibrates on my desk, and when I stand to check it, I see a text from Mason.

City Mouse

Hey baby. Wanted to check on you. Did you hear the news about Mel?

Me

Just found out.

In an instant, her face is lighting up my screen.

“Hey, baby. ”

“Oh, Miles. I am so sorry. Are you okay? I know how much he meant to you.”

“I’m okay, baby. Thanks for checking on me.”

“What can I do?”

She’s just like me. Her first instinct is to help.

“Mase, I have everything covered, but I do think I’m going to have to postpone book club if that’s okay?”

I feel awful because I know her book is a big deal, but I want to give her the attention she deserves, and after this devastating news, I’m not sure I’ll be up for it.

“Miles, of course. Don’t give it another thought. I understand if you can’t get together tonight. I’m sure you want to be with your friends and family. Just let me know what I can do and I’m there. “

“Babe, no. I want to be with you. Let me rephrase that… I need to be with you tonight, but I’m just not sure I’ll be in the right frame of mind to discuss your amazing work, and I want to give you my full attention when we do.”

How could she have possibly thought I wouldn’t want to have her in my arms on a night like this? She says that she understands how deep I’m in with her, but sometimes, I wonder if she really does.

“Okay, I’m yours, you know that. Whatever you need.”

“You. I need you right now. In fact, fuck the office. It will be here tomorrow. I’m gonna wrap things up and head to you right now. Care if we stay at my place tonight?”

“Not at all. In fact, how about I meet you at your place? I’ll let Lou out, and we’ll be waiting for you when you get there.”

“Thank you.”

“No thanks needed. I love you, Miles.”

“Fuck, Mason. I love you too.”

Lying on my bed with one arm and one leg wrapped around Lou is my sleeping beauty.

Lou, who always greets me when I come in the house, is wide-awake and looking at me as if asking me what was he supposed to do when she’s all wrapped up in him like this.

I get it, buddy. I wouldn’t get up to greet me if this was my other option.

After snapping a few pictures of her before waking her up, I cuddle up behind her, and she rolls over as soon as she feels me against her.

Giving her a key to my place was the single smartest thing I’ve ever done.

“Hey, baby. Good nap?”

“It was. You better watch out. Lou’s a pretty good cuddler.”

“Mase, I will never share you with another man, but Lou and I have already talked. We have an understanding.”

“Do you now?”

“Sure do. But that’s between a man and his dog. I’m afraid I can’t share those details with you. Just know that he knows where the line is drawn, and he knows not to cross it.”

“Okay, Mr. Montgomery. I will leave that between you and Lou.”

Her fingers trace my jawline, and she cups my face. “How you doing, sweetheart?”

“Better now that I’m here with you.”