Page 7 of Savage

“Listen, I’m starving. How about we grab some lunch at The Rusty Crab? It's a decent place, great food. We could talk more... get to know each other better.”

Savannah's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and wariness crossing her face. She bit her lower lip, clearly conflicted. “I...I don't know if that's a good idea,” she murmured, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her oversized shirt.

Savage sensed her hesitation. He leaned in slightly, his voice low and reassuring. “No pressure, sweetheart. Just lunch. I promise I won't bite... unless you ask nicely.” He winked, trying to lighten the mood.

A small laugh escaped Savannah's lips, but her eyes still held uncertainty. “You're persistent, aren't you? Not used to being told no.” It was a statement, not a question. She was definitely observant.

“There are many things I am good at, little girl. Being told no isn’t one of them,” Savage replied with a half-smile. He watched as she wrestled with her decision, noting the way her eyes darted to the dingy motel room behind her.

After a minute, Savannah nodded slowly. “Okay... just lunch.”

Relief washed over Savage, though he kept his expression neutral. “Great. I'll wait here while you get ready.”

Twenty minutes later, they were seated in a cozy booth at The Rusty Crab. Savage greeted his good friend Corky and waved at Delilah.

“Do you know everyone?” Savannah asked.

Savage watched as her eyes darted around the room, taking in every exit and potential threat. It was a behavior he recognized all too well from his own experiences.

What was she afraid of? Or rather, who?

“Corky is a veteran like I am. Delilah is my good buddy, Tank’s woman. She’s one of the kindest people you will meet.”

“I think I saw her come in at the playdate. I remember her pretty blue and white checkered dress. She reminded me of Dorothy from Wizard of Oz,” Savannah said. “Is she a- a- uh…”

Interesting.

Savannah wasn’t comfortable saying the word, little, out loud.

“The monthly playdate event at The Citadel is only open for those who identify as a little or middle on their membership forms. The littles invite caretakers and friends. Only those with an invitation are allowed in.”

“Oh,” she said, looking down at her lap.

Savage wondered at her reaction. She should have known that. All members were required to attend the club’s orientation program. Perhaps she spaced out during parts of it. It wouldn’t be the first time. They threw a lot of information at new members, quickly.

“So,” he said, leaning back in his seat, “what are you hungry for? I'm thinking I’ll probably get the Philly cheesesteak and onion rings. It’s one of my favorite items on the menu.”

“I’m not sure,” she said. “Are they still serving breakfast?”

Delilah, who’d just approached and placed glasses of ice water in front of them, smiled warmly at her. “We serve breakfast all day and the chocolate chip pancakes are the best!”

Savage leaned forward. “You can have the chocolate chip pancakes, baby girl, but only if you get a side of fruit and some protein to go along with them.”

She adorably fidgeted with the hem of her oversized Care Bear shirt, as she glanced around the restaurant.

“No one heard me, sweetheart,” he said. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

“You, uh, didn’t.”

“Then how about it? Does that sound good to you?” When she nodded, he ordered for both of them, adding a large glass ofmilk and a side of crispy bacon to her pancakes and fruit. Once Delilah walked away, he leaned back and smiled warmly at her.

“Em and Mak really enjoyed getting to know you last night. But they hogged your attention, and I didn’t get to spend nearly as much time with you as they did. What brought you to Grand Ridge? We’re a small town off the beaten path. We don’t get a lot of newcomers unless they know someone here.”

She tensed visibly, her fingers tightening around her glass of water. “Oh, you know... just needed a change of scenery,” she replied, her voice airy, but her eyes guarded.

Savage nodded, choosing to not push further, yet. Her mom had just passed, the grief was likely very fresh for her. It wouldn’t surprise him if she couldn’t talk about it yet. “I get that. Sometimes a fresh start is exactly what we all need. I came here for a fresh start too.”

Their food arrived, and Savage took the opportunity to steer the conversation in a different direction. “Ever hear of the Spartan Watchmen?” he asked casually, taking a bite of his sandwich.

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