“It’s a pale ale, very clean, dry hopped... It’s the Alma.”

Miles gave me a pleased nod while my new coworkers Brionne and Dahlia ogled me. After passing my stage Miles had hired me on as The Haven’s newest bartender. Tonight was my second real shift, and after swearing I already knew the menu I’d volunteered to do a blind taste test, to put my money where my mouth was. I’d never enjoyed a test more.

“You’ve been working here like, two minutes,” Dahlia said, her dark brows knitting together as she eyed at the row of beers I’d been successfully tasting through. “Do you have a photographic memory or something?”

“If we’d ever been in school together you definitely wouldn’t ask that of me. I just really like beer, and I tend to remember when I’ve had something good. You guys brew good beer. I’m not usually a milk stout guy, but the Maclean could like, maybe turn me around.”

“We are the best in town,” Brionne said with a proud grin.

“We’ve got an excellent brewmaster,” Dahlia added. I glanced at Miles.

“Not me,” he said with a laugh.

“Alejandro,” Brionne and Dahlia said in unison, even matching their wistful tone.

“He’s so attractive,” Brionne expanded, her blonde head resting wistfully against her friend’s shoulder.

“And smart, you can just see it in his eyes. I could be bi for him,” Dahlia said, nodding solemnly.

“So like, is he here often or…?” I said, feigning a casual tone.

Brionne shook her head glumly. “Sometimes he comes over from the brewery to do the keg delivery, but only when Roddy isn’t working. We do see him at staff parties and stuff though.”

“Oh my god, last summer when we all went swimming at the lake and he took off--”

“OK,” Miles said, waving his hand. “That’s all the objectification of my business partner I can take in one shift. Harper, you’re doing a great job learning the menu. For tonight you’ll shadow me behind bar, and Brionne and Dahlia will split the floor.” The two women shook their heads good naturedly then returned to their pre-work to prep the bar for opening. I came around to join Miles behind the bar.

The Haven’s bar ran most of the length of the room, affording plenty of space for three wells, though it was just the two of us tonight. Miles had me start on service, which meant making the drinks that Brionne and Dahlia rang in from their tables, so I could acclimate to the menu. The cocktail menu at The Haven was all classics, and most of the non-beer orders that came in were of the “vodka/whiskey and” variety, but it just made it easier for me to pick up the rhythm of service here.

I helped Miles grab the glasses I’d used for tasting and stacked them in the glass rack for cleaning. Then I turned to him with my most innocent expression. “So like, if this guy’s your business partner do I need to interview with Alejandro too, or…”

“Not you too,” Miles groaned.

“Sorry,” I said, holding up my hands. “New in town. If I hear about a beautiful man I’m compelled to ask.”

Miles rolled his eyes. “I already hired you so that’s all the interview process you get. I’m sure you’ll meet Ale at some point but he does stay pretty busy at the brewery. We’re a small operation but we’ve got a pretty solid distribution area. We started canning last fall and that’s been keeping everyone busy.”

“I mean I’m not surprised that the demand is there. I meant it when I said you make really good beer. If I didn’t think that you would have seen what my awkward smile looks like.”

“Thanks,” he said, a smile in his brown eyes. It was still a little dangerous how good looking he was, but I was hoping I’d like being employed enough to keep it in my pants. I supposed that would also extend to any of his business partners, but I’d have to wait to make that decision until I could assess just how beautiful this brewmaster was. If he was half as pretty as his creations, my employment status might be in trouble.

But then again, I reasoned, I was only going to be in town for two months. If the opportunity presented itself, there was no sense to not enjoy my summer.