Page 58 of Promise of a New Beginning
“Sage leaves again on Saturday. Since it’s already Thursday, do you want to do it tonight or tomorrow?”
The last thing he wanted to do was delay seeing his family. Throughout the afternoon, he’d been thinking about them, and not only was he anxious to clear the air, but ever since he’d started deconstructing the walls he’d built around his heart, the ache of missing his family had set in.
“Tonight. Your place or Mom and Dad’s?”
“I can do it here at my loft if you want. Do you remember where it is? East Thirteenth, Greenwich Village.”
“Yeah, I remember. Thanks, Siena. This means a lot to me.”
“Me too, Jack. Does seven work for you?” she asked.
“Yes. Perfect. Want me to bring dinner?” Jack felt a surge of hope run through him.It’s my chance to start over.
“Nah. I’ll have something delivered. I gotta run, but I can’t wait to see you.”
“Me too, honey. See you soon.”
After ending the call with Siena, Jack considered reaching out to Rush again, but if Siena couldn’t get through to him, there was no way he would. Rush adored their sister. He’d just have to make it through dinner, and maybe one of his brothers or his parents would have an idea of how to deal with Rush. And if they didn’t, then he’d find a way to make it happen.
He called Savannah, and when it went to voicemail, he felt a pang of disappointment.
“Hey, angel. Siena set up dinner with my family at her place for seven. As much as I would love to take you with me, I think I have to do this by myself. Rush isn’t going, but the others are. Call me when you’re free. Love you.” The final two words sent a hum of happiness through him, and as he made his way up to the attic to put away the box he’d packed, he was still smiling.
SAVANNAH WAS AT her desk poring over a client’s file when Aida came into her office and sat on the edge of the desk.
“How much do you hate me?”
Savannah suppressed a smile, her eyes still trained on the document she was reading. “I don’t hate you.”
“Okay,” Aida said. “How annoyed are you?”
“Not at all. I learned a lot from your inquisition.” Savannah looked up at her and couldn’t help but chuckle at the worried expression in her eyes. “Why are you so worried? I’m not mad, but you could have told me you were coming by.”
“And then you’d have warned him. I wanted to see what he was like with absolutely no prep.”
“You’re such a lawyer,” Savannah teased, and turned her attention back to the document.
“I like him.” Aida crossed her legs and put her hand over the document.
Savannah sighed and leaned back in her chair. “I do, too.”
“I think he’s pretty straight. I didn’t get any evasive vibes from him.”
“I could have told you that.” Savannah leaned on the arm of her chair, thinking about the message he’d left while she was in a meeting. He was going to see his family tonight, and she was so nervous for him that it might as well have been her who was going.
“He’s got it bad for you, by the way. I loved how attentive he was. And did you notice that he didn’t check me out at all? I mean, really, how did he maintainthat?”
Savannah laughed. “He’s respectful. Not all men have no self-control.”
“I’ve never met a guy who didn’t at least check out the girls.” She looked down at her cleavage. “I’d say he was gay, but by the insanely satisfied look you’ve been sporting lately, that’s obviously not the case.” She rose to her feet. “Anyway, he seems like a good guy. I’m happy for you.” Aida began pacing.
“Have you heard from the magnificent lover from Greenberg’s office?”
“Yes, but I’m not going to see him again. Once you’ve been there, why go back? You know what he has to offer.”
Because it just keeps getting better and better.“How can you be like that? Don’t you ever want to settle down?”
Aida shrugged. “I never thought I did, but watching you all googly-eyed and happy almost makes me want to.”
