Page 34 of It Happened Back Then
Why couldn’t she let her guard down? I don’t want to tell Lief that we’d previously had a serious relationship. He doesn’t need to know all the details but clearly, she’s been talking to him.
“I don't know why my sisters do the things they do. Hell, I don't know why any woman does the things they do.”
His tone is loaded with more than just talk of his sisters. “I know it’s been a while but whatever happened to Charlotte? When I left for college, I heard she was going to New York with you.”
He’s silent for a long while before he says, “Going to New York was the worst thing I could have done.”
“I’m sorry, man.”
I watch as he finishes off his beer and calls for another. I have a feeling we’re going to need a ride out of here tonight.
“Well, now what?” he asks.
“I haven’t a clue.” I’m afraid that if I tell Blossom what I want, like, really lay it out on the line, maybe even an ultimatum, she’ll drag my heart along again, side by side with hers, but not in it.
Hearing Lief question my love for her, means he knows something, but even if she's talking to him, it doesn’t change that she isn’t talking to me.
CHAPTER 14 - BENNETT
“Guys! Let’s do it! Last plate for the night and then we wind down.”
I turn and place the two plates on the warmer and ring the bell for the server. It was another busy night, but it made me feel alive. The food kept my mind occupied for the most part, but I can’t shake the things my dad was saying from my mind. If anything, I thought they'd be happy to have me back home. Why is he so dead set on me finding a life outside of Bluemoon?
He and mom always loved Blossom when we were kids. Mom still loves her and on more than one occasion has hinted about us being together. But dad gets quiet when her name comes up, or he gets mad.
“Chef!” I look up when I hear one of my guys call my name. “Something wrong, Chef? I called you three times.”
I shake my head, trying to clear it. “Sorry, just got some stuff on my mind. What’s up?”
“Someone’s out front asking for you.”
“For me?”
“Yeah, some woman.” He shrugs. “Maybe you burned her steak.”
I scoff. “The fuck I did.” I untie my apron from my back and pull it over my head, dropping it on the side counter and push through the doors to the main floor.
Glancing around, I see a woman at the bar. Her blonde hair gives her away instantly.
Savannah.
My heart thuds in my chest as I walk toward her, wondering why she’s here. It’s been some time since I saw her last. We ended things for good when I realized I was only stringing Savannah along and slowly breaking myself in the process. So, I came back to Bluemoon. I didn’t know if Blossom would want me anymore, but I knew one thing was for sure: I couldn’t stay away from her.
Yea, I’m a real catch. I never told Blossom I went back to Savannah, but I’m sure she knew. I’m sure she knew we had to have some kind of conversation, but it never came up.
“Hi.”
She spins around, nerves crossing her face. “Hi.”
She’s beautiful with light eyes and a slender frame. Her blonde hair is shorter now and curls around her shoulders. She bites her lip while I stare at her. I step forward and give her a hug. “You look great.”
“Thanks, you do too.” She looks around the restaurant. “This place is gorgeous, Bennie.”
I smile. “It is.” Silence hangs as I try to piece together what's happening. I motion to the table for two a few feet away. “Do you want to sit?”
She walks to the table and sits and I follow. “I don’t really know why I’m here.” She drops her head and laughs, wringing her hands.
“Is everything okay?”
