I rest my left hand on my chin as I think it over. Hunter is staring at me like a kid on Christmas morning.
“Why would you even want to help with this and give us the money you make from the videos? That’s a lot of work for you for nothing in return.” I drop my arm. “We also don’t even know if we can locate these people; many of the things were written before I worked here.”
“We can help with that,” Rick pipes up. “We’ve been coming here basically since the bar opened. As you know, we’re old.” He chuckles. “Which is an advantage right now, because Johnny and I know a lot of the history.”
Johnny grins. “Yup, this is all true.”
“What if people don’t want to talk on camera?” I shoot back.
Rick responds, “Trust me. When it comes to saving Whiskey’s, they will. People care about this place and most importantly, they care about Seymour and Jane’s legacy.”
“Missy and I can cover for you behind the bar while you guys go and film the stories if need,” Rob adds. “I’m usually just back here reading anyway.”
Hunter nods earnestly towards each of them. “That would be awesome. Thank you.” He looks at me next. “As for why I want to help you with this, I can’t explain. I just need to. So please let me. I haven’t had an idea make me excited like this in a long time.” He looks at me shyly through his lashes, his brown eyes full of hope.
He speaks up again, more confident this time. “Will you do this with me? Let’s save the bar, Olive.”
I let out a deep breath. “Alright, fine. We can try.”
All four men let out a cheer in victory.
Chapter 18
Hunter
Iwalk out of the bar fifteen minutes later and put my hands in the pockets of my Levi’s. Looking around, I take in the mountain view that was behind me and smile to myself. Somehow, I just convinced Olive that we can save this place together and that means I will get to spend a lot more time with her.
We decided to meet here tomorrow morning before Whiskey Jane’s opens for the day. That way I can shoot some footage of the atmosphere, and I can pick something written on one of the walls that jumps out to me for the first video.
I unlock my truck and hear someone yell for me to wait. I turn to see the big guy that works in the kitchen walking towards me. I step away from my car and meet him halfway in the parking lot.
“Hey, man,” I say.
“Hi. I never formally introduced myself. I'm Rob.”
“Rob,” I reply, looking up to him. “You’re massive, dude. Has anyone ever told you that you should play football?”
He snorts. “Yeah, I’ve heard that a few hundred times in my life before. I hate sports, though. Not my thing.”
“You don't say.” I laugh.
“I just wanted to catch you before you left and let you know that I really appreciate what you’re trying to do for the bar.”
“Yeah, no problem. I want to help if I can. The bar seems really special.”
He looks back at me quizzically. “Yeah, well, I wanted to let you know thebaris a tough nut to crack. It can be intimidating and stuck in its ways but if you are worth it, thebarwill notice.”
I stare at him and give a small smile. This guy is on to me way too quickly. “Listen, I only have good intentions with thebar.I promise. I just want to make thebarsmile.”
“Her smile really does light up a room, huh?” he replies.
I raise my eyebrows in response.
“I mean thebar, of course.” Rob chuckles. “It’s been alone for a long time, and I think it’s lonely. No one wants to be lonely.”
“Yeah, I feel the same,” I say.
Rob leans in towards me suddenly and says in a low tone, “And you better not do anything to hurt her if she does end up liking you. Olive is like a little sister to me. You hurt her and I will hurt you.”
