Page 4 of Promise Me Never

Savannah

It felt as though an electric current had run through her when Bennett grasped her hand in his. He was even more handsome in person and so eloquent. The way he answered every question thrown at him with brilliance and wit was inspiring. If she’d been in awe of him before, she was now completely enraptured. He had even handled that obnoxious Lucy Love with grace. Trying to make him seem like an old man because she read his book when she was a teenager. Savannah had put that poser in her place. But she needed to up her game if she hoped he could ever return her feelings. He could have anyone he wanted and there were so many women here more beautiful than she.

The next two hours went by quickly as she worked the line, making sure to move each person along as they tried to engage him in a long chat. He was too nice, and people could be so obtuse, oblivious to the fact that they were holding up the line with their endless chatter. It was up to her to politely let them know that there was no more time to talk. When the last person had gone, he looked up at her and gave her a wide smile.

“I couldn’t have gotten through that without you.”

“My pleasure. People can be so…chatty.” She laughed. “Marion asked me to bring you back to the hotel. She made a dinner reservation for nine. Is that okay?”

“Will you be joining us?”

Nothing would make her happier, but he was probably just being polite. Marion hadn’t invited her along. “Um, I’m not sure. I don’t think—”

Bennett gave her a dazzling smile. “Let Marion know to change the reservation and make it for three. Otherwise, I’ll order room service.”

She felt warmth in her chest. “If you say so.”

—

Savannah took great care in getting dressed for the evening. She chose a simple black dress with a V-neck that showed enough cleavage to be alluring without being obvious. She straightened her auburn hair, then used the curling iron so that it fell in soft waves surrounding her face. She assessed herself in the mirror. She wished that she didn’t have so many freckles, even though men had told her they were cute. She knew she was pretty, but she couldn’t help comparing herself to the women gracing the covers of magazines who were breathtaking. She realized they were airbrushed and edited, but still. It must be nice to be so beautiful that you turned heads wherever you went. Stop it, she chastised herself. That kind of thinking was antifeminist and not worthy of her, but she couldn’t help but hear the echo of her mom’s voice in her ear, telling her that she wasn’t good enough. That she would never be a great beauty. She stared at her reflection. She didn’t have to listen anymore.

“You’re interesting. Smart. Charming. Fuck beautiful.”

She looked around the restaurant for Bennett as she and Marion were led to their table. They’d arrived before him. She felt as though she were in a dream. She was actually going to be sitting at a table with Bennett Bryson and sharing a meal with him. This was her chance to make him see that she was perfect for him. They were shown to their table, a prime location by the window, and ordered drinks. She took a deep breath and looked at her boss.

“I hope you don’t mind that I’m joining you.”

Marion gave her a look she couldn’t discern. “I don’t mind, it was just strange for Bennett to request that you come. I guess you made quite an impression on him.”

Savannah looked down at the table and shrugged. “I think he appreciated my help.”

Marion arched an eyebrow. “Bennett doesn’t—”

“Good evening, ladies.” Bennett pulled out a chair and sat down.

Marion smiled at him. “Hope you’re not tired after your talk.”

He laughed. “I may not be as young as Lucy Love, but I’m still young enough.”

“That’s not what I meant!” Marion pointed to the drink in front of him. “I took the liberty of ordering you a Monkey 47 martini.”

“Thanks.” Bennett took a long sip, then leaned back in his chair. “Perfect.”

“I think the talk went great. Although Lucy wasn’t too thrilled.”

Savannah was quiet, observing the two of them.

He arched an eyebrow. “Perhaps you should check with me before pairing me up with someone. I don’t need a moderator. And I definitely don’t need one that’s barely out of diapers.”

Marion pursed her lips. “Fair enough. I have to admit, the look on her face when you announced you would take audience questions was priceless.”

The three of them burst into laughter. “And I loved your ‘question.’ ” Bennett put the word in air quotes. “She was so pissed.”

Savannah finally spoke up. “I couldn’t resist.” She tilted her head. “Although to be fair, Michael was quoting advice Vito gave him.”

“True. A bit of trivia. The line was never in the book. It was added to the screenplay in Two,” Bennett said.

Savannah nodded. “Still one of my favorite books. But to continue on, the advice actually harks back to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. I guess it’s true what they say, there’s nothing new under the sun.”