Well, that made sense.
Yara and Clyde had been married for two decades but were notorious for splitting up and reconciling every other year. The reasons for the breakups were never clear. Silas patted the big man’s back before leaving with his drinks.
With its kitschy neon-lit signs, spacious interior, and reliable service, Blue’s was the go-to place locals patronized after work and on the weekends. Silas wove his way through the busy bar toward Mountaintop’s usual table at the back.
Doc and Bodie were the only ones seated when he arrived, and they were arguing about Chestnut the squirrel’s language acquisition progress.
“You can’t tell me that doesn’t sound like he’s saying hello,” Bodie said, pressing his phone to Doc’s ear.
“It literally sounds like a bunch of squeaking,” Doc replied.
“But the cadence. Hell-o. Hell-o. How can’t you hear that?” Bodie asked.
When Halo joined them minutes later, it was with a stronger glower than usual; she’d received a call as they were stepping into the bar.
“Everything okay?” Silas asked Halo as she took a seat on the stool beside him.
“Teenagers. It’s fine. Her dad’s handling it,” Halo said, and she reached for one of the glasses, raising it in the air. “Okay, cheers, everyone. To getting through another busy week.”
Once they’d all taken a sip, Bodie asked, “Should we have invited her?”
None of them had to clarify who Bodie was referring to. Silas had notnotinvited Raven; he just hadn’t filled her in that they’d be heading to Blue’s after work. Plus, he didn’t think she’d like the reminder that Silas was paying for the drinks because of a bet made against her.
“I’m going to put it out there that I wouldn’t have minded,” Bodie said, shrugging. “She’s nice. She called me the fire god Hepatitis, so.”
“Bud, I think you mean Hephaestus,” Doc said.
Bodie blinked. “Hm. Maybe.”
“Anyway, I think she’s done some cool work around Mountaintop,” Doc said.
“Like what? Removing old calendars from the wall?” Halo asked, laughing.
“I guess you guys haven’t seen the website, then,” Doc said.
“The website?” Silas asked.
“Yeah, she changed it. Made it actually look good,” Doc said, grabbing his phone and pulling up Mountaintop’s site for Silas and Halo to see.
Silas could tell within seconds of scrolling that Raven had completely revamped the site. The previously dry and minimal page now had accent colors, their logo, and animation. She’d also added notes to each of the classes and tours they provided, disclosing the level of physical exertion one could expect.
It was a fantastic addition because sometimes tourists didn’t realize they’d be participating in physically demanding activities. Then there were the separate pages she’d included that addressed accessibility, accommodations, and frequently asked questions.
“It’s good,” Halo said with blatant awe.
“Yeah,” Silas said, but the more accurate description was “excellent.”
It felt odd to admire something Raven had done when he’d spent all his time since meeting her resentful about her presence. But it was also just a website. It didn’t mean she was fit to run Mountaintop. He knew that, and hopefully she’d realize that too.
“I was thinking of asking her to do the band’s site,” Doc said with an inflection that made the statement sound like a question. Silas might’ve dismissed the moment if not for everyone turning to look at him.
Itwasa question. Specifically, a request for permission.
Silas tensed. His brother had told him not to let Raven get under his skin, but she had, and he’d telegraphed that irritation to the team to the point where they thought he needed absolute fealty.
“Listen, man, you’re free to do whatever you want,” Silas said, desperately hoping they’d all take that to heart.
But as the evening progressed, the group’s reaction continued to nag him, and he decided he’d douse whatever annoyances Raven stirred. He needed to foster a work environment where people weren’t walking on eggshells.
