Page 1 of Don't Fall For Your Brother's Best Friend
Prologue
Griffin
Four Years Earlier
Sunday dinner with the Atwood family is a lifelong tradition, a ritual that holds a special place in my heart. It’s been a while since I was here, but after finishing culinary school, I’m back in Magnolia Ridge. It feels good to be home. It feels great to be with my best friend, Callum, again. He’s the brother I never had, the only person who knows my secrets. Without him and the Atwood family, I’d have no one.
Now that I’ve earned my culinary degree and Callum has finished his training to become a brewmaster, we can finally build our dream—a brewery.
While Carol, Callum’s mom, is busy in the kitchen, and Don, his father, is outside with Tripp and Brock, Callum’s youngest brothers, I’m sitting with Callum, Shepherd, and Paxton at the dining room table. Callum is the oldest, followed by Shepherd, who’s more of a lone wolf. He enjoys staying home and working around his house. Next is Paxton. He’s probably the most rambunctious of the group. He loves beer, and I think the brewery may have even been his idea when we were in high school. After Paxton is Anya, and what can I say about Anya? She’s tough. You’d kind of have to be, to be the only girl with an onslaught of guys in the house. After her is Brock. He’s strong, and confident, and loves the outdoors. Lastly is Tripp, the baby of the family. He’s your typical kid. Loves video games and that’s about it.
The aroma of Carol’s cooking wafts through the house, a comforting mix of spices and roasted meats that brings back countless memories. Laughter and the sounds of clinking glasses fill the room as the family catches up on the week’s events. It’s a lively, bustling atmosphere that I’ve missed dearly.
“So, how does it feel to be back?” Shepherd asks, leaning back in his chair and regarding me with a smile.
“It feels incredible,” I reply. “I’ve missed this—the noise, the chaos, and especially Carol’s cooking.”
Paxton grins. “Yeah, Mom’s food is something else. You’re in for a treat tonight. She’s making her famous lasagna.”
Callum nudges me. “And don’t forget, we’ve got our brewery plans to discuss. We’ve been dreaming about this for years, and now it’s finally happening.”
I nod, excitement bubbling up inside me. “I know. I can’t wait to get started. We’re going to make something amazing.”
The four of us continue talking about getting the brewery going and I can’t remember a time I’ve been more excited about something. Callum will own the brewery outright, and bring me on as the head chef. I wish I had the money to buy-in, but that’s just not in the cards right now. Maybe someday I can.
We’re young, Callum and I are the oldest at twenty-three, while Shepherd is twenty-two, and Paxton is twenty-one, but we’re ready. We’re all in. This idea is something we’ve had for years and I know it’s going to be a success.
“So, the old power plant is for sale and I think it’s the perfect location. The building is huge, the property is great, and there’s so much we can do with it. Dad and I already talked to his realtor friend who has it on the market and he’s willing to cut his commission in half,” Callum says, crossing his arms as he looks between us.
“That sounds amazing,” I say.
“Yeah, I think we should all go for a tour and check it out,” Shepherd replies.
Paxton nods with a big grin. “Let’s do this.”
“Since Dad is our investor, we need to make sure he agrees with it all. I’m sure he will, but until we pay back what he’s invested, there’s a lot at stake for him,” Callum explains.
Imagine having a father who is not only supportive of your dreams, but actually puts his money in to make it a reality? Donald Atwood is that father. He’s not my father, but I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve imagined he was.
Being a part of this makes me feel like I’m more of a son and brother than anything has before. It’s something I will never take for granted and I will be grateful forever.
“This is all so exciting,” Paxton says.
Callum nods. “Okay, let’s go over positions.”
Shepherd nods, and we all lean in closer.
“I’m now a master brewer and I’ve made a spreadsheet of what everyone can do. Obviously, Griffin will be our head chef.” He glances at me and grins. “You ready for it, man?”
“Hell yes. It’s the chance of a lifetime,” I reply, excited to create my own menu.
“You could cook before, I can’t imagine how much better it will be now,” Paxton says.
I chuckle and lean back in the chair. “Just wait, you’re gonna be blown away.”
I’m not a cocky guy, but I am confident in my cooking. I’ve worked my ass off to get to where I am and while everything else in my life may be a mess, my cooking is flawless. I can’t wait to create menus and show off all the new skills I’ve learned.
This brewery will have the best beer and the best food around. I have no doubt about that.