Page 64 of Broken Rules
She glanced up at the TV. Sails stretched taunt in the wind. Keels sliced through the surface of vibrant blue water. This was her favorite race. She usually took the day off and watched it with a margarita.
“Take a seat,” Roger said, coming to stand beside her. “I’ll man the bar.”
“I’m good,” she said, turning away from the TV. She couldn’t feign interest or pleasure, even for her friends.
“Can I get you another round?” she asked a couple of girls who looked like they were up from Connecticut with their nautical themed Ralph Lauren dresses.
“I’ll take another blueberry ale,” answered the one with tiny anchors on her dress.
Savannah forced her mouth into a smile. “You got it.”
Despair pressed on her heart. Her hand moved as if of its own accord as she reach for the frosted pint glass in the cooler.
“Working Girlis in the lead,” she heard one of the commentators say.
The glass slipped from her hand. She whirled around, her gaze now transfixed on the race. She listened to the commentators.
“A great team. They’ve done well from the start.”
“What an upset if they take the title from the reigning champs. TheBluefinhas dominated this race for the past four years.”
“Working Girlis gaining speed...”
“Are you okay?” Roger asked, appearing at her side.
She brushed past him, moving to stand directly in front of the TV. Her heart hammered in her chest, drowning out the commentators. She turned to the bar. “Everyone shut up!”
“She takes this race very seriously,” she heard Roger apologetically explain to their patrons.
She held her breath, watching, waiting.
“The owner ofWorking Girlis a newcomer to the scene.”
Her heart swelled. A tremor of wonderment shot up her spine. She turned to the register and seized one of the order pads and scribbled out words she longed to shout from the rooftop. Instead, she folded the paper, turned, and threw her arms around Roger’s neck. Then she rushed to the end of the bar to where Brandi waited for her drinks.
“There’s my girl,” Brandi said when Savannah smiled at her. “You look like you’re feeling better.”
Savannah reached over the bar and pulled her into a tight hug. “I’m going to be fine, and so are you.” She pulled away. “I promise.” Then, she kissed Brandi’s cheek before she turned and grabbed her bag from the cabinet beneath the register.
“I love you all,” she yelled.
Her eyes flooded with tears. She placed the folded note on the bar. Then she spun on her heel and raced from The Cove.
