Chapter Twenty
Savannah opened her eyes and sat bolt upright in a panic. At least she had the presence of mind to check her watch before she jumped out of bed. Seeing that it was only eight-thirty was enough to calm her frazzled brain.
She reached for Jake’s pillow and hugged it to her chest. She’d told herself that this morning she was going to do her best to wake up before he left to go to work.
She’d stayed here with him every night this week, and she loved falling asleep with him, and somehow being aware all night that he was there beside her.
But she’d been working so hard at the restaurant that she didn’t manage to wake up when he got out of bed.
She knew that he kissed her forehead when he came in and left her a mug of coffee on the nightstand.
But it was only the mug still being there – full of cold coffee and untouched – when she finally did wake up that convinced her she hadn’t just dreamed him doing that.
She got out of bed and padded into the bathroom to take a shower. She needed to get started on the day, and she had a lot to do. She wanted to go over to the apartment to collect some more of her things. And more importantly, she wanted an hour with Tiffany.
Tiff had been cool about her spending so much time with Jake and not being at the apartment all week. They’d texted and talked on the phone when they could. Tiff had even joked that Savannah and Jake should send Josh over to the apartment if he needed some peace from the lovebirds.
When she went over there this morning, Savannah was going to check what she might think about Harvey’s crazy roommate-swap idea. She’d probably hate it, and Savannah wouldn’t blame her. But it did seem like such a neat solution that she couldn’t not ask.
When she was showered and ready, she headed for the kitchen in search of fresh coffee and something to eat. She hesitated in the doorway when she spotted Josh sitting at the table. He looked up and greeted her with a grin.
“Morning. Do you need a ride over to the restaurant today? I need to go over to Mom and Dom’s at some point, so I can drop you off if you like.”
“Aw, thanks. That’s sweet of you, but I don’t have to be there until the dinner service today. I finally get the afternoon off.”
Josh got up and went to pour himself more coffee. “You want one?”
“I’d love one, please.”
He poured two coffees and gestured toward the table with a sheepish smile. “There’s pancakes if you want some. Jake’s the pancake chef… but I liked the idea of having some this morning, and I made too many.”
She sat down across from him with a big smile. “Thanks. I love these things. But you guys really need to learn to make a protein of some kind to go with them.”
Josh rolled his eyes. “They’re fine just the way they are.” He forked one onto his plate before pushing them toward her.
She chuckled as she watched him pour far too much syrup on. He looked up and shrugged. “What do you want me to say? I love pancakes.”
“I remember when we were kids, your mom was convinced that you only saw pancakes as a transportation means for syrup.”
“And she was right. But they have added meaning now.”
“They do?” she asked.
“Yeah. Shit. I probably shouldn’t tell you if Jake hasn’t.”
A rush of warmth filled her chest. “Oh… you mean about family?”
“I do.”
Savannah looked down at the pancake on her own plate.
“You’ve always felt like family to me, Savvie. And now with you and Jake together, it feels even more that way. I know I’m not related to him, but I feel like I kind of am.”
She had to laugh at the puzzled look on his face as he asked, “If my mom’s with his uncle… does that make us kind of cousins? That’s the closest explanation I can come up with.”
“It sounds about right to me.”
“So, when you and Jake get married, will that make you my cousin-in-law?”
All her breath caught in her chest, but Josh didn’t seem to notice. He waved a hand. “You know what? You feel like my little sister. And a sister is closer than a cousin anyway, so we’ll stick with that, huh, little sis?”
She nodded happily. “Sure thing, brother.”
“I’m guessing I don’t get the honor of your company today, even though you’re not working?”
“No, but that shouldn’t matter since I know you’re supposed to be working.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, you were just my hope of an excuse not to.”
“Sorry. Can’t help you out there. I need to go over to the apartment to see Tiffany. And then I’m going to the garage. I need to get the Camaro in and bleed the brakes.”
“You mean any excuse to go and hang out with Jake?”
“Of course I do, but in this case, I really do need to get the brakes done. We were supposed to do it on Monday. But when Taryn suggested that I should try out the assistant manager position for the week before I make a decision…”
Josh met her gaze. “And have you decided yet?”
She made a face. She kind of enjoyed having more responsibility, but she definitely didn’t enjoy working every single night and staying until the end of the night.
Josh gave her a knowing smile. “I’ve told you before, and I’ll tell you again – you need to find a job doing what you love.”
She rolled her eyes, knowing what he was about to say, then chanted with him, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
“So why are you still working at the restaurant?”
She blew out a sigh. “Because it’s a job. Taryn was so good to take me on, and now she’s being awesome about giving me a chance like this. I…”
“You’re too grateful, Savannah.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“It’s not. It’s a great quality to have. As long as it doesn’t come at the expense of you doing what you really want to in life.”
“Doing what I really want isn’t an option. It never was.”
“Maybe it wasn’t when we were kids, but it is now.”
She stared at him for a long few moments, wishing he was right.
When they were kids, he’d encouraged her to train as a mechanic.
He reckoned that if she were qualified, Art would be able to hire her, and she’d probably manage to build the business up.
It hadn’t been an option for her. And Art, as much as he loved her, was an old-fashioned kind of guy.
Even though he’d taught her so much about cars and engines and everything mechanical, he’d done it to give her an escape from her life – he hadn’t thought that becoming a mechanic and actually working in the garage was a suitable life for a young lady.
Josh got to his feet. “You know I’m right, Savvie. And as much as I hate to admit it, you were right too – I need to get to work.”
When she got to the apartment, Tiffany came out of her room and wrapped Savannah in a big hug. Then she stood back and held her by the shoulders and nodded approvingly.
“It suits you,” she said with a grin.
Savannah dropped her gaze, but Tiffany just laughed.
“Oh my God, I didn’t mean that. I mean, sure, yeah, I know you must be getting some.
More than some – hopefully lots. And I don’t mind telling you that I envy you.
Shoot — not that I mean Jake… damn, you know what I mean.
I was just telling my huge pile of laundry yesterday that it shouldn’t feel bad.
It’s not alone. Nobody’s doing me either. ”
Savannah laughed out loud. “I love you, Tiff.”
Tiffany hugged her again. “And I love you, too, babe. And I’m happy for you – happy with you. Are you here for the talk?”
“No! I mean, I know we’re going to have to have it at some point soon. I’m spending more and more time over there with Jake and …” Savannah blew out a sigh.
“Hey, don’t give yourself a hard time,” said Tiffany.
“I told you I’m happy for you, and I mean it.
Of course I’m sad for me — you’re the best roommate I’ve ever had.
But it’s not as though you’re moving away from town.
I’ll still get to see you sometimes. We’ll still get to hang out when you can.
” She made a face. “Whenever you have five minutes to spare with that pesky job of yours. How’s the assistant manager trial going? ”
Savannah shrugged, and Tiffany nodded sagely.
“What’s that look for?” Savannah asked. “You don’t think I’m cut out for it?”
“No, I don’t. And don’t look like that — I know damn well you could do it standing on your head if you wanted to. But you can’t do it and enjoy it, let alone love it.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” said Savannah. “But it’s a good opportunity.”
“In some ways, maybe. But I don’t think it’s a good one for you.”
“Josh said the exact same thing this morning.” She dug in her bag and pulled out a foil-wrapped package. “He made pancakes this morning — and he made far too many.”
Tiffany snatched the package with a smile. “And he sent them over for me? Is he auditioning?”
“Auditioning?”
“Yeah. Isn’t that what our talk is going to be about?
You need to move out of here – and like I already said, yeah, it makes me sad – but more importantly, it’s awesome for you.
So, get over any guilt you’re feeling, and let’s move on.
A little birdie has been twittering about Josh maybe needing a place to stay. ”
Savannah rolled her eyes even as she laughed. “You’ve been talking to Harvey.”
“I have,” said Tiffany. “Isn’t he awesome? I thought he was going to be one of those grumpy old men — all crabby and closed-minded.”
“Oh, he’s far from that,” said Savannah. “I told you he’s awesome.”
“I know, but you’re much more tolerant than I am. I figured it was just you. But I get it now — now that I know him. He’s awesome.”
“He is, but I’m not thrilled that he came talking to you about this whole deal.”
“Oh, give him a break. He’s only trying to smooth the way for you. And he cares about you – and about Josh.” She looked thoughtful. “He’s Josh’s grandpa, isn’t he?”
“He is – he’s Sadie’s dad.”
“Right, I like her too, but anyway back to the matter at hand. I’m not mad at Harvey and I’m not mad at you.
He has a point that it’s logical. I’m going to have a spare room going when you officially move over there.
Josh is going to feel weird about staying with you two lovebirds, so it makes sense for him to take your old room here.
I don’t have a problem with it if that’s what he wants to do.
In fact, it could be really good – I could pick his brain about all this online marketing stuff.
One of the high school girls in the salon was telling me that people make big money with YouTube channels.
I could do beauty tutorials and nails…” Her voice trailed off and she grinned. “You know me — always full of ideas.”
“I do.”
“But you think I’d drive Josh nuts?” Tiffany asked, looking suddenly serious. “I wouldn’t bug him all the time. And you can tell him that I’m neat and not a terrible roommate.”
“You’re a wonderful roommate. You’re the best roommate I’ve ever had.”
“You too. I’m going to miss you, babe.”
“I’m going to miss you as well. But like you said, it’s not as though I’m moving away. We’ll just have to make sure we make an effort — have a regular weekly date or something.”
“Oh, I’d love that,” said Tiffany. Then she laughed. “I’d love to go on a date again, and it seems like you’re my only hope.”
“Don’t give me that,” said Savannah. “You’d have plenty of offers if you wanted them. You’re just holding out for Brayden, aren’t you?”
“I am — even though I probably shouldn’t. He’s not interested, and I’ll just die lonely, old, and alone.”
Savannah slapped her arm. “You’ll do no such thing. I’ve told you before — I don’t think it’s that he’s not interested. More that he doesn’t actually believe you’re into him.”
Tiffany huffed. “Well, if you really think that’s true, I might just have to up my game.”
“Maybe you’d do better if you toned down your game.”
Tiffany scowled. “What exactly do you mean by that?”
“I don’t mean toning yourself down — so don’t look so offended.
I mean Brayden’s quieter, more thoughtful.
He’s not an in-your-face kind of guy. Stop scowling at me like that — I’m not saying you’re in-your-face or not thoughtful.
I’m saying… you know how they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?
Well, I think with Brayden, it’s more a case of the way to his heart would be…
” She let out a short laugh. “I don’t really know.
But I think you might have to take a quiet path to get there. How about that?”
Tiffany nodded, looking thoughtful. “You might be onto something there, Savvie. Thanks. You’re right.”
She checked her watch, and Tiffany asked, “How long do you have before you need to get to work?”
“I’m not on until later today.”
“Damn, I wish I could hang out for longer, but I’ve only got an hour before I need to go to work.”
“That’s okay — I knew you wouldn’t be able to spend the day with me. And I need to get the Camaro over to the garage and do some work on the brakes this afternoon anyway. Do you mind if I leave the Ford here for now?”
“Of course I don’t. I was going to say you still live here — but even when you don’t, you can park your car here anytime.”
“Only until we get you driving and into a car of your own.”
Tiffany waved a hand at her but didn't discount the idea loudly and immediately like she usually did.
“Are you thinking about maybe learning to drive, then?”
Tiffany made a face. “I may have been studying for the written part of the test. I mean, it can't hurt, right – just studying? And besides, it's starting to get damn cold at night.”
Savannah chuckled. “I told you that you wouldn’t like winter here if you have to walk everywhere.
I know you, so I won’t push, but I’ll just put it out there one more time.
As soon as you’re ready for lessons — when you want to start getting behind the wheel — you let me know. I’ll be upset if you don’t.”
“Okay — but only because I don’t want to upset you.”
“In that case, I’ll also be upset if you don’t let me help you find a car when you’re ready. You won’t need to spend much. I’ll make sure it’s I'll make sure it's safe and dependable for you, and Jake can help too.”
“Thanks, babe.”