Tonight, you were working the late shift at the Railspur Bar, covering for your cousin Bailey. She’d taken off to the city, hoping to find a fresh start away from the whispers and sideways glances that followed her every step back home. Bailey’s family had made life difficult for her — her brothers and dad had a way of making the whole town see her as less than. You wanted to help, so you’d stepped in to keep the bar running while she went to interviews and looked for a new place.

The bar was lively but manageable, the hum of chatter and clinking glasses filling the space as you moved from table to table, taking orders and delivering drinks. It was nearing 9 p.m. when the door creaked open, letting in a slight breeze and a familiar group — the Eaton brothers, laughing and talking as usual, but tonight they weren’t alone. Jasper Gervais walked beside them, calm and composed, wearing a casual jacket that barely concealed his broad shoulders.

You caught your breath for a moment, watching as they settled into their usual spot — the battered leather couch near the back corner, the one everyone knew was their favourite. They lounged down, flashing quiet smiles at each other as they waited for someone to come over.

You wiped your hands on your apron and approached, careful to keep your voice steady despite the flutter in your chest. “Evening, guys. The usual?”

Rhett grinned, nodding. “Yeah, you know us too well.”

Beau glanced at Jasper, who gave a small, polite smile. “I’ll have whatever you’re having, and a soda, please.”

You nodded and jotted down the order. “Coming right up.”

Cade leaned forward, his eyes twinkling. “So, Jasper, still planning to take us all to the championship game this season, or are you just promising that to make us come here more?”

Jasper chuckled softly, the sound low but genuine. “You know I don’t make promises I can’t keep, Cade. The Grizzlies are going all the way this year.”

Harvey, sitting back with a satisfied sigh, added, “That’s what we like to hear. Maybe after, we’ll have a proper celebration right here.”

You returned with the drinks, setting them carefully on the table. Jasper caught your eye briefly and gave a nod of thanks. It was the kind of gesture that felt bigger than the simple act — respectful, genuine.

“So,” you found yourself saying, “how’s the season been treating you, Jasper? Heard the team’s been killing it.”

He shrugged modestly. “It’s been good. A lot of hard work, but it’s paying off. I wouldn’t be here without the boys’ support.”

Rhett bumped Jasper’s shoulder playfully. “Yeah, we keep him grounded.”