Page 35 of Promise Me Never

“You’re right. It’s stupid. I’ll take Finn. I can make it part of my daily routine. The exercise is good for me too.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I mean you use the rowing machine every night, so you don’t need the exercise. But I do.” She was still struggling to lose that extra ten pounds, even though she’d never admitted it to Bennett.

“I didn’t want to say anything, but you have been pretty sedentary. The exercise will be good for you.”

She took a deep breath, willing herself to keep her composure. She wouldn’t let him see how hurt she was by that remark. “Maybe you can read my revised chapters? I’d love to get your feedback.”

“Shit, I forgot. I promise, I’ll do it today. I’ll have notes for you tomorrow at the latest.”

She didn’t want to be a nag, but this was the third time she’d asked him. Hopefully he would keep his word. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” He went into the bathroom. She heard the shower turn on. This was good. A routine was exactly what she needed. She and Finn would go to the park, then she’d come home and grab her laptop and go to the coffee shop. Tonight, she’d get home early enough to prepare a nice dinner for the two of them. He’d see that she was doing things for him, and it would make him more amenable to helping her with her book. At least that was what she hoped.

When he was finished in the bathroom, she got up, showered, and dressed. As she entered the kitchen, the aroma of coffee filled the air, and she poured herself a mug. Finn was in his usual spot by the French doors, and Savannah crouched down and gave him a pat on the head. He rolled over on his back and she laughed.

“I can take a hint.” She rubbed his belly and his tail began to wag. She wondered why Bennett didn’t bring him into his office while he worked; she certainly would if it were her. Maybe Finn was a distraction from his writing. She stood up.

“How about a walk, sweetie?”

Finn’s ears perked up at the word walk, and he sprang up. She grabbed the dog coat that she’d ordered from the hook on the wall and put it on him. Bennett had told her that Finn didn’t seem to mind the cold, but it wasn’t like the dog could talk! Besides, she’d looked it up and according to the Internet a Great Dane had a thinner coat and should be protected from the cold. She could tell by Bennett’s expression that he was embarrassed not to have known that, and he said he felt terrible.

When they arrived at the dog park, Savannah paid attention to everyone around her, trying to memorize every face in case there was a repeat of the note incident. She and Finn went inside the fenced area, but she kept him on leash. A few people nodded a hello as they passed, but no one was overly friendly. Even though starting over in a new area was exciting it could be lonely, and she hoped to make a friend or two. She was thinking about signing up for a class at the local community center as a way to meet people.

They finished and returned to the car. She breathed a sigh of relief that there was nothing on the windshield, even though she likely would have noticed had anyone approached the car. She dropped Finn back home and grabbed her laptop. As she was getting ready to leave, Felicia came in—or at least a woman Savannah assumed was Felicia. Felicia had been out of town visiting relatives when Savannah had moved in. She’d returned last week, but she had been out the other day when Felicia had come by to do the shopping. She knew from Bennett that Felicia was in her sixties. She was pretty, her blond hair cut in a stylish bob and her eyes a beautiful cobalt.

“You must be Felicia. I’m Savannah.”

Savannah smiled at her, but Felicia didn’t return the smile. “Nice to meet you, Savannah. Bennett has told me so much about you.

“I go to the market on Tuesdays and Fridays, so make sure to update the list before then if you need anything. Tuesdays are roast nights. If you don’t mind staying out of the kitchen between five and six, I’ll have it ready for the two of you after that.”

“Oh, that’s so nice, but I was planning to cook tonight. Kind of a thank-you. Bennett’s been helping me with my book.”

Felicia’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, he told me you’re trying to be a writer. Already getting his help, I see.”

Hostility oozed from the woman and Savannah swallowed, reminding herself that this was someone Bennett was very fond of. She needed to get along with her. “Just some advice. Actually, a roast sounds wonderful for dinner.”

“If you’re sure?” Felicia said, her tone slightly more conciliatory.

“Absolutely. I’m really not much of a cook. If you weren’t here Bennett would probably starve.” A nervous laugh escaped her.

“He doesn’t have to worry about that. I’m not going anywhere.”

An awkward silence settled between them until finally Savannah broke eye contact.

“Well, I’m off to do some writing. Going to find a café or someplace to work in. Any suggestions?”

“Try Mast Market & Café. Best coffee around. You’ll love it. Poppy always did.”

Savannah took a deep breath, willing herself not to rise to the bait. “Thanks for the tip. Can I bring you anything from there?” she asked as she grabbed her purse. She would kill her with kindness.

“No, I’m fine.”

“Okay, then.”

Savannah got in the Rover and put the address of the café in her phone. She drove down Old Post Road and when she saw the brick façade housing stores, the Bedford Playhouse, and a candy and ice cream parlor, she was struck again by the town’s charm and small-town feel. She parked the car in a lot across the street and walked down the steps to the Mast Café. It was more than a café, a small grocery store with a variety of what looked to be healthy foods and drinks. She was disappointed to see that all the tables were occupied but walked to the counter and ordered a cold brew and an egg-and-cheese sandwich. After she paid, a woman vacated one of the tables and Savannah eagerly claimed it. There were a few people on their computers; others sat looking at their phones. She sipped her drink and took a bite of the sandwich as she waited for her computer to start up.