“Are they busy? Neither one of them mentioned anything they had going on today when I saw them last night. It’s the weekend, after all.”

Maddie paused before replying. “Well, I know Stuart is really swamped with his show, and Jai’s trying to help as much as possible. Maybe they had to make up for whatever happened yesterday?”

There was likely more to it than what Maddie had said. Stuart’s absence for a lot of this was already somewhat inexplicable, but missing cocktail-tasting went far beyond the strangeness of missing everything else. She couldn’t help but think that the two of them were making themselves conspicuously absent for some reason, and she flashed back to her first conversation with Stuart at the brewery. Maybe he and Jai really were trying to set her up with Maddie.

She glanced at Maddie, glad now that she hadn’t said anything to her at the time or since. Still, the idea that Maddie was in on it had crossed her mind. Maddie glanced over at her, flashing those dimples, and she was quick to return her joy. Whatever the situation, she just had to hope that she was wrong.

Chapter Thirteen

Erin had directed Maddie to come into the brewery through the back. The small beer garden back here was closed currently, and when they went inside, Ryann saw a smaller bar setup, with a short counter and two stools, Erin bustling around behind it. Maddie had explained on the way here that the beer garden was simply an extension of the brewery—open for special occasions and during the summer, but otherwise unused. Right now, she saw only empty taps. Erin had brought a couple boxes of liquor and mixers, as well as what looked like a case of wine.

“Oh, good,” Erin said. “Right on time. I was just getting the first cocktail together. Grab a seat, get comfortable, and I’ll pour it in a sec.”

She and Maddie took off their coats and other winter wear, Maddie hanging it all nearby. Ryann took a seat on a tall stool at the bar and watched a master at work. Erin poured without measuring, with clear practice and assurance, throwing in a little flair here and there.

“So do you make liquor here, too?” she asked.

Erin was shaking the cocktail shaker very hard. She paused and shook her head before starting again.

“No. Darcy has been wanting us to try to make gin, but it’s a much harder license to get. We’re not allowed to sell any other alcohol here at the brewery—only beer.” Ryann was confused, and Erin laughed. “You’re probably wondering what the hell I’m doing then, right?”

“Something like that.”