Pulling out of the parking space, I waved to Hercules who had ventured out into the paddock, silently hoping to see him again. Driving into traffic, I chose to keep the radio off, needing the silence to reflect on my interview. I had plans to meet Jason and Savannah for lunch, and was behind schedule, but Jason would understand. Traffic was heavy, as the rain had just finished, however as I grew closer to my destination, someone was pulling out of a parking space directly in front of me. Giving the customary 'thank you' wave, I pulled into the space.
Savannah was a breath of fresh air for Jason, different from Hannah in so many ways. He smiled more and laughed all the time. It was good to see him like this and I prayed it would continue. As I approached the table, I could see Jason talking on the phone. I also knew it wasn't his phone since it was covered in crystals and a bright pink bow. His eyes were camouflaged behind sunglasses, but his face was happy. Savannah was dancing in her chair to music only she could hear, swirling inside her head. I approached and was about to pull out my chair when Jason announced my arrival to whomever he was speaking to. I smiled as I turned my attention to Savannah, allowing him to conclude his conversation in peace.
"Oh, hey, how was the interview? I just know you got the job. Oh, and you look really nice. I told you that skirt would fit you and still look professional. Don't you just love garlic fries? I am so glad Jason ordered them also, that way we’ll both have garlic breath."
As much as I enjoyed Savannah's company, she was quite excitable and quick to talk. Jason was trying to get my attention when my cell phone began to ring.
"Hello?"
"Kennedy? It's Ella Hart, I'm calling to officially offer you the position. I was serious when I said Hercules isn't normally as welcoming as he was today. I need someone who the horse's trust and he showed me today you’re his choice. Your honesty today was refreshing and frankly, I could use some entertainment on a daily basis. Come in on Monday and let's get you started."
I thanked her several times and then hung up the phone. The feeling of being employed by the one place I wanted to work was the cream of my day. Jason finished his call and he and Savannah looked at me with anticipation.
"I got the job." I blurted out, not wanting to wait a single second to share my joy.Savannah jumped out of her seat and for the first time in my life I let all of my emotions emote from me. I hugged her back with the same exuberance. I didn't care if one of mother’s friends happened by; my plans of being my own person were about to come to fruition. Jason shared joy along with me. It seems Savannah was correct in assuming her brother would be fine going into a blind partnership. Savannah began to rattle on about curtains and pillows.
"Wait a minute, Sweetheart. I know you're excited and all, but this is your brother’s shop as much as it is mine."Savannah waved him off as she proceeded to eat her fries. "Zach is so easy going and has such a good heart. Don't get me wrong, since he joined the military and has done all the things he has, he is a tough guy as well. He just doesn't get upset about things like decorations." Jason placed his hand over hers, as she raised it to place another handful of fries into her mouth.
"No, babe, I was referring to having my sister decorate it."
I was happy for him and excited he wanted my input on the decor of his business, but I was stuck on the part where Savannah said her brother’s name was Zach and was in the military. How many men named Zach were from Georgia? Atlanta to be exact and in the military. It's safe to assume more than one exists; however I wondered if Savannah's Zach was my Zach.
"Savannah, do you by chance have a picture of your brother?" Savannah was still so excited she scanned her phone and pulled up a photo. Handing it to me, I took a long look at the brown eyes that looked back at me. It was the same man I saw in the photos in Ella's office. I took a chance and moved to the next photo and found the same photo, which was framed on her shelf.
"Savannah, how do you know Ella Hart?"