Read Tap (Lovibond #1) for Free Online Page B

couple of cold beers.”
    “Okay.” I’m grateful to find a table in the shade. We haven’t hit afternoon yet, and it’s already nearing the mid eighties.
    When Lucas doesn’t return, I search the crowd for him. He’s talking to Porter and it looks like an intense conversation. Since they take turns looking in my direction, I get the distinct feeling it’s about me.
    This is shit. I don’t need my brother’s business partner to explain my brother’s whereabouts. I’ll just call him myself and find out what’s going on.
    My call goes straight to voicemail. “Hey, butt plug. I’m in Birmingham to surprise you and you’re not here. What’s going on?”
    Looks like I may be dependent upon Lucas for answers after all.
    There’s an abandoned festival flyer on the table so I use it as a fan while I wait for Lucas. I’m already drenched. So glad I wore my hair up. There’s no way I’d survive this heat if it was down on my neck.
    Lucas eventually joins me at the table and takes a seat across from me. “Sorry about that. I needed to tell Porter the big news about landing a placement in Tapped Beer Emporium.”
    Wow. They’re a huge chain across the south. “That’s fantastic. Was that who you were talking to when I walked up?”
    “It was.”
    “Now I really feel bad for interrupting.”
    “It’s fine. And again, you didn’t interrupt anything.”
    He pushes a clear plastic cup of amber toward me. “Pale Hazel.”
    “It’s my favorite.”
    The corner of his mouth curls. “Then I chose well.”
    “Very well.” I take a drink of the nutty, caramel, toffee ale. “Always a smooth finish. Such a good brew.”
    Lucas grins. “Should be. It was inspired by you.”
    Is he flirting? Or trying to distract me because something is going on with my brother? “Is everything all right with Ollie?”
    “Absolutely.”
    “I don’t understand. Why isn’t he here at one of the most important events of his career?”
    “He called me yesterday and said he had to go see a friend in Memphis.” I didn’t know he had any friends from that area.
    “What friend is that?” And what could be so important he’d miss this beer festival?
    “Oliver never mentioned a name. Only that the friend was going through a severe bout of depression following a divorce, and he could be suicidal. Of course, Porter and I told him to go.”
    “He didn’t mention a word to me.”
    “It happened very quickly. I’m sure he’ll text after things are under control.”
    “I can’t believe I came all this way for nothing.” Coming here without calling was stupid. I shouldn’t have let Ivy and Kelsey talk me into it.
    “It won’t have been for nothing if you stay and have a good time.”
    “Porter is the only person I know. And I don’t see me sticking around to hang with him.” I don’t want to encourage Porter in any way.
    “You know me.”
    “You introduced yourself to me ten minutes ago. I don’t know you. There’s a big difference.”
    “What do you need to know to consider us acquainted? I’ll tell you anything.”
    “You assume I want to know about you.”
    “Don’t you?” Damn. That is a dangerous grin. I bet he uses it to get whatever he wants.
    Lucas Broussard is my brother’s business partner and friend. I suppose I should get to know him.
    I bite my lip to stop my smirk from turning into a full-fledged, dimple-bearing beam. Damn. What is wrong with me? I’m grinning like a Cheshire cat.
    “Where are you from originally?”
    “Lafayette, Louisiana. The heart and soul of Creole country.” I was right. He is Cajun.
    “No surprise there.”
    “No, I ’spect not.”
    “How’d you end up in Birmingham?”
    “My family moved here for my father’s job when I was in high school.”
    “Tell me about your family.”
    “My parents are still married and live in Birmingham. My brother, Briac, is twenty-three. Just graduated from Alabama with a business degree.”
    “Does he have an accent like yours?”