“Because you’re my boss. The one I might not have hadmany nice things to say about over the course of time since I started working at your company.”
“Thanks for that reminder.” I toss my empty cup into the garbage bin behind me.
She smirks softly. “We’re new. I’m not sure how to present the change to her. I mean, she has met guys before you?—”
I gawk at her. “No need to finish that sentence.”
She can’t stop smiling. “Okay, well, let me work it into the conversation.”
“Am Ireallysleeping alone tonight?”
The palm of her hand covers my hand on her shoulder. A connection that is calming. “Nah, she’ll be fine and also understands that space is a good idea. I don’t think I could even get in the mood while in the house. Besides, I’ve never actually stayed at the Schoolhouse Inn. It’s the old schoolhouse that was completely refurbished and is now an award-winning bed-and-breakfast. It brings in tourists.”
“Brings in charming men, too.” I flash my eyes at her.
She makes a sound as her head tips to one side. “Charming is a stretch,” she teases. She steps back and offers me her hand after she throws her coffee cup away. “Come on, let’s walk by the Riverbell.”
“Sounds good.”
Our journey to the river is easy. Occasional hellos, little facts, tidbits of gossip, and that feeling nagging me that everything here grabs you to leave the city behind and turn off for a while.
Main Street turns from flat to slightly downhill toward the river and park.We end our walk when we reach the small pier that is big enough only for two small speedboats and the big two-deck steamboat that appears classic. The kind that reminds you of the Mississippi River. I see people sitting attables on the upper deck while waiters, dressed casually, hurry inside the boat, carrying trays of food.
Savannah splays her hands out. “This is the Riverbell.”
“Wow. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it’s impressive.” I take a few steps to the right to get a better view. “You don’t want to head onboard?”
“Not now. They’re busy, and I really want to go see my aunt. But this is the place that hopefully will always remain. A landmark, really. I’ve been to so many parties and weddings on this thing.Everyone loves it. The menu is a staple at lunch, simple comfort food. The chicken salad sandwich is to die for. I would hate to see it all disappear. But corporations have influence, especially if it brings in money that could lower property taxes out here. It’s a great town with excellent schools. That comes at a price, though: high property taxes, and people get influenced easily, those who vote on the city council.”
“All because someone sees tourist potential.”
She nods somberly. “I mean, we get tourists here. But it’s the kind who appreciate quaint towns and want to feel like a local.Not tourists who want souvenirs and casinos. It’s not only tourism, though; the disruption from new construction can really mess with the river's natural currents and dams.”
The way she sighs heavily makes me want to scoop her up in my arms, and I do. I pull her to me, kiss the top of her head, and let her nuzzle her head into my chest. Wrapping my arms tightly around her, I wish they could protect her from powerless choices.
“It’ll be okay.”
She mumbles something, but I don’t hear. When she creates space between her face and my body, I see it written all over her.She’s disheartened. “Enough wallowing. I haven’t even spoken to my aunt, and I still need to give youthe grand tour.” Her attempt to smile is weak, but I appreciate the effort.
“Yeah. I hear I have an exam at the schoolhouse later.” I add a bit of swelter to it, hoping it raises her mood.
“Sounds kind of dirty.”
I crack a grin. “I was going for that.”
The rest of the hour is pure admiration for her honest intention to care for others, and gushing about where she grew up, which adds to it.She’s pure, with zero tolerance for fake ways of life.
“What’s next?”
“Meeting family.”
Right. I’m doing this.I already know that our versions of family are different. We both struggle to conceptualize how the other may be.
Savannah looks at me peculiarly. “Still on board?”
“Yeah. I’m thinking. That’s all.”
Her brows rise, and she searches my eyes. “It’s okay if you changed your mind. We are kind of… new.”
