Tipsy

Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Mikah

It was nice having Sloan as my sister-in-law. When I couldn't quite get the flavors of my newest beer correct, she came through in a pinch. While her pregnancy prevented her from sampling it, she understood the direction I wanted to go, recommending vanilla bean and cinnamon sticks. It was exactly the beer I wanted for the holiday season. She also understood that my next hurdle was her husband. Thankfully, she was keeping this idea to herself. Likely because she knew I was walking into the lion's den with this idea. I needed the perfect brew to bring to Christmas.

"This is perfect," I said, taking another sip, noting the warmth the cinnamon added. It complimented the vanilla.

Sloan's hand grazed over the stomach bump that was now very noticeable. "I can't wait to try it. Ollie's going to love it too."

As nice as the compliment was, I wasn't sold. I gave Sloan a look that told her just that, and she offered a very sympathetic smile. She knew just how right I was. This was a risk. Ollie and I were trying to mend our relationship, and this would either hurt it or help it--nothing between.

"He's in a very good place lately," Sloan said, taking a seat at the counter. "He's really excited to be a dad. I think now would be a good time to ask him. I think it's a great idea. We could revamp the menu for pairings."

My head shook no. "I just don't feel like we are there yet."

Her eyes swirled. "You're both ready and too stubborn to admit it. What if I started having dinners for just us? Some family time during the week?"

"That's just what I need." I laughed and went heavy on the sarcasm, knowing that wasn't going to happen. "I don't want to be a third wheel to my brother and his wife. No offense."

"You could bring a girl," Sloan offered. I shot her another look. "Or a friend..."

My mind instantly thought of Hallie. She'd talk all of our ears off and none of us would have to speak. It defeated the purpose and still I wanted her there. It wasn't as if Shelby was going to be invited. And part of me didn't want her to be.

"What about Hallie?" I asked, crossing my arms awkwardly.

Sloan stood, her smile stretching across her face. "Mikah! Did I just hear you correctly? You want Hallie there? Has the war ceased in this apartment?"

Ceased was a strong word. It was on hold for reasons Sloan would not be hearing of. Maybe part of me had ulterior motives for wanting Hallie at these dinners. Other than we were both kinky freaks who loved sex more than the average person probably should, I knew nothing about her. But the last few days she'd been different. While we'd have fun and fool around almost daily, when we weren't fucking, she wasn't her spunky self. Something had been off with her since Thanksgiving.

"We aren't arguing as much," I clarified for her. "She's just seemed down lately."

Sloan's smile fell. "I haven't been there much for her with my dad coming back into my life, and the baby. I know school stresses her out. You're right. Maybe I should invite her."

Something told me it wasn't school, but I agreed with a nod.

After we'd talked a few more flavors for the beers, focusing on flavors Ollie would like, Sloan left so I could get ready for a shift at the bar. Sloan had lucked out with having the day off, because the restaurant floor was packed for a dinner rush. The bar was empty, but that would change in a few hours when the band would play. I was banking on more people than usual for this show, now that Kit was handling some marketing. Not enough to actually bring her into the building to work.