Throwback Thursday 4/6/2023

This week's throwback comes from Whiskey and Moonshine.

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“We’re going to be late,” Colt said from the outer room.

Mal stood in front of the mirror, tying his tie. “No one is ever on time to these things. At least that’s what Audrey tells me.” He wandered from his bedroom to the sitting room. “Stop pacing. You’ll ruin the carpeting.”
An expression of absolute horror crossed Colt’s face. He froze in place and stared down at his feet.

“I was joking,” Mal drawled.

Colt turned and glared. “That was mean.”

“But fun.”

“There’s something I need to say and ask.” Colt sounded suddenly shy and uncertain.

“Shoot,” Mal said. He turned around, leaned back against the credenza, and waited patiently for Colt to say what was on his mind.

“Are you sure you want someone like me representing your company? My parents don’t make an honest living, at least not when I knew them. I never finished high school, and—”

“Colt, stop right there. You’re putting a much-needed face to my company and adding that personal touch. You’ll do a fantastic job and are the perfect combination of hip and stylish. Don’t forget, the American whiskey industry was built by hardworking, enterprising young men who built something from nothing. These people will love you! As for your parents? You’re not them. I don’t care what they did. No, I take that back. I care very much that they tossed you out into the cold. Beyond that, how they live their lives is something I’ll never judge you by.”

“Thank you,” Colt whispered. “I’ll admit I was a bit worried.”

Mal sighed. “Don’t be. Ever.” It angered Mal to think someone had treated Colt as they had, especially his own family. Each passing day together, Mal was coming to know and like Colt more and more. With Colt, what you saw was what you got. He was forthright, honest, and simply pleasant to be around. Mal wanted to make up for the harshness of Colt’s life before he landed at Mal’s distillery.

At the sound of a knock, Colt strode to the door.

Mal held out one hand, trying to stop him. “No, you probably don’t—” He dropped his chin and muttered, “He’ll learn.”

Colt glanced back for a few seconds as he opened the door, and Gwen burst through in a swish of satin. Colt stepped to the side and gasped. “Gwendolyn… you’re gorgeous!”

Gwen stopped in her tracks, her face splitting into a delighted smile. “Thank you.” She twirled around. “What do you think?”

“Perfect,” Colt said.

“He does not lie,” Mal added.

Gwen took hold of Colt’s shoulders and asked very seriously, “What socks are you wearing?”

“Who cares?” Colt spread his arms wide.

She giggled. “No one. You are a sight in that suit.”

Mal turned to Colt and didn’t try to hide how he looked Colt up and down. “He is indeed a sight. A very nice sight.”

Colt look down at himself. “I really look okay?”

“Yes,” Gwen said at the same time as Mal. Colt rolled his shoulders, looking happy and much more confident.

“Is this one seven grand?” Colt asked.

“Oh no,” Mal and Gwen said together.

Gwen turned to Mal and gave him one of her appraising looks. “Not bad for the whiskey heir who insists on dressing himself.”

Whiskey and Moonshine is available in eBook, paperback and
through Kindle Unlimited. This month it's 1/2 off at $2.99.

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