Adios Pantalones (Fisher Brothers 3)

“But I like hanging out here with you. It’s much more fun.”

“Then be useful.” I pointed at the almost-empty bottles of liquor lining the shelf.

He scowled, not wanting to take inventory since it was my job, and muttered something about our vendors before he disappeared behind the office door. I laughed and went to work restocking before the bar filled with customers.

When Nick eventually showed up, I inhaled a quick breath, grateful that my brothers and best friends were all together in one place. It hadn’t been so long ago when Nick worked for our father and not here at the bar with Frank and me. All that changed one day, and it was the best thing to happen to us. And the bar.

“Ryan,” Nick called out with a smile.

“Where’ve you been?” I scowled at him, pretending to be mad, but couldn’t even fake it.

“Had a meeting with the VP of development,” he said, then filled me in on all the potential plans they discussed.

There were special filters, collaborations, parties, and nationwide exposure ideas that included featured spots on the front page of the app. They’d even talked about global exposure, although I wasn’t sure that realistically suited our needs. But I never ruled anything out, and I trusted Nick implicitly.

“That sounds amazing. Seriously.” I nodded in appreciation. Nick was a fucking genius when it came to online marketing, and we all knew it.

“I’m excited about it.” He was enthusiastic and fired up, and I loved when he was that way.

It was incredible to see someone in their element, the way their eyes lit up with passion as the wheels turned in their head. My brothers both said I got that way whenever I was crafting a new cocktail. But to me, it was about combining unexpected ingredients to create something magical. I loved making drinks, loved seeing people’s reactions to tasting something that I designed. That first sip when they weren’t quite sure what would be hitting their tongue, and then the look on their face when they realized just how damn good it was.

I was good at creating new drinks. And I knew it.

“I’m excited too, little brother.” I smiled because his attitude was infectious.

“You okay? You seem distracted.”

Apparently, I wasn’t so great at hiding my emotions. I filled him in on what had happened earlier with Grant, and Nick squeezed my shoulder in sympathy, saying almost the exact same thing as Frank had.

Even with their reassurance that Grant was a stubborn fighter, I still worried. And the damn hospital hadn’t called yet. How long did it take a grumpy old man to wake up?

Finally, a little after five, I got the call I’d been waiting for. Grant was not only awake but was asking for me.

“You okay if I head to the hospital?” I asked Nick as he drew beer for a couple of our regulars.

He waved me off. “Of course. Just tell the old man to get out here before you go.” He hooked a thumb over his shoulder at the office, referring to Frank.

“I’ll be back.”

“Take your time, and give him our best.”

• • •

Winding my way through the hospital corridors, I slowed as I approached Grant’s room. I peeked through the doorway, wanting to be sure he was alone and not surrounded by hospital staff monitoring his every move. I laughed at the thought, knowing how annoyed he would be at being poked and prodded.

“Get in here, asshole,” his gruff voice called out, and I smirked as I sauntered in. Everything in his room was white and cold, except for the colorful plate of hospital food sitting on the tray in front of him. “Why were you hiding outside like some sissy girl?”

“I wanted to make sure I wasn’t interrupting anything. Excuse me for having manners,” I fired back as I pulled the single chair in the room next to his side. He still looked pale, but at least he was breathing.

“Manners, my ass,” he muttered, and I bristled.

“Hey, I have manners.” When he waved me off with an annoyed expression, I changed the subject. “Scared the hell out of me this morning.”

He took in a deep breath, his tired gaze on the doorway before finally meeting mine. “I can’t even remember what happened.” When I started to speak, to fill him in on everything I knew, he interrupted. “But I will tell you this. I think I saw an angel this morning, kid.”

Grant tried to smile but the move was strained. Even still, I knew exactly who he was referring to.

“That you did.” I grinned as her face flashed in my mind.