Page 70 of Save Me
“I’m gonna give Bailey a call,” I say, waving the résumé in the air as I aim for the doorway between the two sides.
“Hey, New Girl, can you get me …”
I shut the door to my tiny office, and Frank’s voice vanishes. But instead of calling Bailey just yet, I text Ronan. It’s midmorning, and I’ve waited as long as I can.
Should I save you a tiki, Captain?
There. Quick and playful. Completely unserious. I’m sure he’s in the middle of some important ass-kissing meeting, but at least I’ve given him a reason to reply, if he wants to. And, while I wait for him to, I might as well get this army veteran in here to see if she’d be a good fit.
I’m halfway through punching in Bailey’s number when my phone chirps with a text.
Ronan:
Too soon to tell, but that wet spot in your bed is mine.
My stomach erupts with flutters.
Gigi:
So? How was your big night at Wolf Hotel?
OMG, Gi. Too much to text about. I’m at the dock now. I’ll come by after to fill you in.
I hopout of the Cherokee and into the stifling heat, my floral captain’s hat dangling from my fingertips as I stroll toward the hut ahead, memories of what happened in there still fresh in my mind.
Skye sits in the window, registering Jeremy’s group—a bunch of twenty-something-year-old couples in string bikinis and board shorts. A group of older women sits on a nearby picnic table, waiting their turn, shopping bags no doubt loaded with booze at their feet. I remember seeing that booking come in—it’s for a sixtieth birthday party, the ladies from all corners of the country. Those groups are always a good time.
Jeremy pounces on me the second I reach the dock, leavingTiki Twoto meet me halfway to mine. “So … Exciting night last night, huh?”
I hop ontoTiki One, tossing my bag onto the floor. Will has come and gone, leaving the coolers and trough well stocked with ice and everything set up. “Yeah, it was something.”
“What was that all about?” he prods.
“I have no idea,” I lie. Well, it’s not entirely a lie. I have ideas but no confirmation.
He leans over the bar on folded arms. “Did Wolf fire him?”
“Not as of a few hours ago, but it’s still early.” I fish out my sunscreen and, squeezing a dollop onto my hand, begin smoothing over my bare skin. “But if he does, I’m going to hire him to runTiki Three.”
Jeremy blinks. “Seriously?”
I know that tone. “Yeah, why not?”
“No reason. It’s just, the last time you dated an employee, it didn’t go so well.”
“This is different. Ronan is not Cody.”
“No, I guess not.” Jeremy hesitates. “Does he know yet?”
“About?”
“Come on, Sloane.”
I look up into a knowing gaze.
Right.“He doesn’t know yet. No one does, except for you and Gigi.” And Abbi Wolf.
He traces the countertop’s woodgrain with his index finger. “Do you know what you’re gonna do?” He doesn’t have to elaborate.
