“Are you doing okay?”
“Doing great, thanks.”Savannah immediately felt guilty, wondering if Taryn had seen her standing there daydreaming.Even though she couldn’t have done anything else in those few moments, she still felt bad.
Taryn gave her a puzzled look.“Are you sure?”
She smiled.“I am.Thanks.I’m great.”She held the plates a little higher.“Just delivering these.”
On her way back to collect a drink order from the bar, Dalton gave her a nod.She smiled as she passed, then stopped in her tracks when he said, “Did you have a good time at The Boathouse last night?”
She met his gaze warily, and he let out a short laugh.“Shit, sorry—that came out wrong.What I meant was that it looked like you were having a good time, and that’s good.”He shook his head.“See, this is why I sit here scowling to myself.It makes people not want to talk to me, which works out best for everyone since when I talk, I put my foot in it.”
That made her smile.“You didn’t put your foot in it.I did have a good time, thanks.I didn’t realize you were there.”
“I wasn’t for long.”He glanced over at Taryn.“I had to run over there to see one of the guys.I stuck my head in for a while, that’s all.I would’ve stayed longer, but it doesn’t seem fair while Taryn’s working.”
Taryn grinned as she came to join them.“I’ve told you before, just because I’m working doesn’t mean you can’t go.”
Dalton curled his arm around her waist.“I know, but it’s no fun without you.”
Savannah loved the way Taryn smiled.She was a tough cookie, and it was awesome to see her turn all gooey when Dalton was sweet to her.She left them to it and went to collect her drink order from the servers’ station.
She was grateful that the rest of the night seemed to fly by, and before she knew it she was collecting her bag from her locker.As she came back out through the restaurant, Taryn beckoned her over.
“I’ve been thinking about taking on an assistant manager.”
Savannah smiled.“That makes sense.Apart from anything else, if you had someone you could leave in charge, you and Dalton could go and see Clay play on a Saturday night.”
Taryn chuckled.“See, I knew you were a smart young lady.So—what do you think?”
Savannah gave her a puzzled look.She’d already said what she thought and didn’t understand why Taryn was asking her opinion in the first place.
“Would you be interested?”Taryn clarified.
“Me?”
“Yes, you.I’ve been watching you.You’re good.You’re efficient.You handle the customers well.You know what’s going on, and you handle your teammates well, too.They all look to you.You’re responsible.”
“I guess I am.”
She knew she should probably sound more enthusiastic.She was grateful that Taryn thought so much of her, but it was that word – responsible.She’d always had to be responsible.Not just for herself, but for so many things in life.Her mom had set the tone for that.
Taryn held her gaze for a long moment.“Sorry.I should’ve waited till the beginning of a shift.You probably want to get out of here and get home.Go on.We’ll talk about it tomorrow.And if you’re not interested, it’s fine.I’ll find someone else.Maybe you can help me interview.But it could be a good move for you.”
“I know.Thanks.And I’m sorry—you’re right.I’m just tired.I’m really grateful that you thought of me.”
Taryn smiled.“You don’t need to be grateful, sweetie.You’ve earned it.But go on home.I’ll see you tomorrow.”
As she crossed the parking lot back to her car, Savannah’s mind was spinning.Taryn was right; it would be a good opportunity, and it would no doubt mean more money – more regular money.She wouldn’t have to depend solely on tips.She didn’t know how she felt about being a manager, though.She’d kind of been one over at the diner, but that was different.There were only a few of them who worked there, and everyone automatically looked to her anyway.But the restaurant was different.There was a much bigger team.
More importantly than that, though, if she took the role, she’d probably have to be here almost every night.Her heart sank.What would that mean for her and Jake?She’d enjoyed last night so much and was looking forward to many more nights like it—but the trouble with working in hospitality was that your nights were rarely ever your own.
She sighed and dug her keys out of her purse—then gasped and dropped them when a low, familiar voice behind her said, “Hi, Savannah.It’s been a while.”
Chapter Thirteen
Jake kept glancing over at the clock while he worked on putting a new radiator into a Ford Explorer.It wasn’t too big of a job, and he wanted to get it finished before Savannah arrived.He was hoping that Troy would come in soon, too.Troy was supposed to be dropping off Cara’s Civic this morning, but he was going to need a ride home again.Jake was glad to help the guy out, but he was starting to think about buying a vehicle he could use as a courtesy car that his customers could drive themselves.It probably wasn’t a very practical idea, but it was tempting since he seemed to spend almost as much time picking people up or dropping them home again as he did working on their vehicles.
Harvey appeared in the door from the office, holding two mugs of coffee.“Do you want this out there?”he asked.
