Chapter Fifteen Savannah
| Fifteen |
Savannah
Her father had been a great poker player.
He hosted a game at their house every Friday night.
Savannah used to sneak down the steps and hide as she watched the players in the cigar smoke–filled room, pushing chips into the middle of the table, their faces serious and nonexpressive.
He had taught her how to play, and over the years she’d become as good at bluffing as he was.
Bennett had left two days ago with the promise that she would join him in a few weeks after tying up loose ends in the city.
She picked up her phone and went to his contact number, then pressed FaceTime.
Moments later his face populated the screen. “Hi, babe. I miss you.”
She smiled at him. “I miss you too. Listen, I’ve been thinking—”
The smile left his face. “Uh-oh.”
“No, don’t worry, nothing bad. Just that I think it makes sense for me to keep working until May. I’ll come up to see you on the weekends, but this way you can finish your book without distractions.”
“But I thought we’d settled this. I want you here, now.”
“I want it too, but…well, I was kind of embarrassed to say anything.”
His eyes grew concerned. “What?”
“You’ll think I’m silly.”
“Savannah, what is it?”
“My parents are very religious. I know I don’t go to church regularly, but I do believe. And I just don’t feel right living with you until we’re married.”
His eyes widened. “Oh. I don’t know what to say.”
“It’s only three months. It’ll go by like that.” She snapped her fingers.
“I just didn’t realize that’s how you felt. I mean, we just spent a month living together.”
“Not really. I mean, I went back and forth between my place and the hotel. It’s not the same as moving in together. I can’t ignore my convictions. I hope you can understand that.”
He didn’t answer and the silence grew.
“I can see you don’t really get it. I need more time to think things through.” She choked back a sob. “I have to go.”
She disconnected. This was the biggest bluff of her life, but now was not the time to back down.
She wasn’t about to give up everything she’d worked so hard for without a wedding ring on her finger.
She turned her phone off so that she couldn’t be tempted to answer if he called back.
Let him stew for a day, maybe two. Then he’d come around.
Or at least that was what she was betting on.