Page 36 of It Happened Back Then
“We always had fun together.”
The server brings our drinks. “Are you ready to order?”
“What do you say, Bennie? Some apps for old times’ sake?” She winks at me and my stomach flips. I gulp down half my beer and she sits back in her chair with a smug grin.
“Can you give us a few minutes?” The waiter nods and steps away. “Savannah, I don’t think we should?—”
“Oh, Bennie, I’m teasing you. It's been a long time. I’m just happy to be sitting with you again.”
I swallow hard. It’s been a long time since I’ve had sex with anyone. Savannah being the last and that was over two years ago. Being around Blossom is making it very hard to keep control, and I've had to go home and handle business each night. My fortitude is slipping. But I can’t go back there with Savannah. I also know if Blossom knew I was with her right now, she wouldn’t be happy.
There’s a reason you took her out of town, Bennett.
“So, what are you doing for work while you’re here?”
She spins her glass on the table. “I’m not sure. I thought maybe I could try waitressing?” Her eyes come to mine and she raises a brow. “It’d be fun to work together, don't you think?”
“Savannah—”
“Are we ready to order?” the waiter approaches again.
“Sure.” She leans forward looking at the menu. Her deepV-cut shirt hangs loose, and I look away quickly. “I’ll have the Caesar salad.”
“And I’ll have the western burger. Medium rare.” I take both our menus and hand them to the server.
“Yuk. I can’t believe you still eat red meat.”
I chuckle. “You should try it.”
She shakes her head. “There’s only one meat?—”
“Savannah. I get it.” She laughs with me.
“So, I spoke with my dad the other day.”
I take another gulp of my beer. “Oh yeah? How’s he doing?”
Her father was always nice to me and loved food as much as I do. He was always tempting me with the prospect of working in amazing restaurants. Sometimes I think back to that and wonder where I’d be now if I had let him throw me in somewhere across the country.
“He’s good. He asked about you. He said he’s taking a trip to France soon and wanted to know where you were at in your career.”
My heart thumps. He and I spoke about spending time in France to cook when I was still in college. I never told anyone about it, not even my parents. They would have pushed too hard, and though it sounded exciting, it felt so out of reach. Being eleven hours away from home is one thing, but being a whole ocean away seemed too overwhelming.
“And what did you tell him?”
“I told him you had moved back to Bluemoon and were working as the head chef at a local spot.” She sips from her drink holding my stare. “He thinks you’re wasting your talent, and I had to agree.”
I sigh and prepare myself for the same old Savannah. Dropping comments and pushing until she gets what shewants. “An opportunity in France would be great, but it’s just not something that can happen for me.”
“Sure, it can. You’re definitely good enough, Bennie. And I would be right there to support you.”
I need to stop this train before it gets any further off track. “Listen, you should know that Blossom and I… “ I trail off. How do I even explain what Blossom and I are if I’m not sure?
“She’s still your bestie?”
“She is.”
“Did she finally admit to her crush on you?”
