Page 58 of Broken Rules
“Heather, start the closing duties, and give everyone at the bar last call,” she heard Brandi say.
Roger swept her through the kitchen, then up the stairs and carefully placed her down on one of the office chairs. Straightaway, Brandi squatted down in front of her and gently tucked Savannah’s hair behind her ear. “Talk to me, Savvy. What’s going on?”
A sob rushed to Savannah’s lips. Her hand flew to her lips to squelch the noise, forcing the emotion back down into her heart. She shook her head, unable to speak.
“Whatever is going on, I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think.”
Savannah locked eyes with Brandi. Slowly, her hand dropped to her lap.
“What did you say?”
“It’s never as bad as anyone thinks. No matter what is going on.”
Maybe Brandi was right.
Maybe Damien hadn’t been caught. Right at that moment, he could be waiting for her at the mill. What if he was hurt? He couldn’t check into a hospital. He would need her help.
She sat straight.
Anything could have happened, but she shouldn’t assume the worse and panic. “You’re right, Brandi.” Her gaze took in the worried expressions on her friends’ faces. There was no way they were going to let her rush off on her own to search for Damien if they thought she was still having a ‘mental crisis’.
“I’m sorry everyone,” she began, fighting to keep her voice calm. “I received some bad news just a little while ago, but I think Brandi could be right. I don’t think it’s as bad as I fear.”
Brandi squeezed her hand. “Is it Nonna?”
“No, Nonna is fine.” She wiped her wet cheeks. “And so am I. Come on. Let’s get the hell out of here.” She looked at Brandi. “Get me the servers cash-outs so I can finish the money.” Then she turned to Roger. “Go light a fire under everyone’s ass to get the closing done.”
“You got it, boss,” Roger said, following Brandi out the door. Then he stopped and leaned back into the office. “Hey, what was happening up at Joe’s anyway?”
Savannah forced away the fresh dread that entered her mind. She lifted her shoulders. “I’m not sure. The cop only let Joe through. There were some firefighters, so maybe it’s a gas leak or something.”
“Yeah, or maybe someone made a play for that painting the moron posted on Facebook,” Roger said. “He should really put it in a safe or give it to a museum or something.”
Tension bit into her shoulders. “I don’t think the word donate is in Joe’s vocabulary.”
Roger laughed. “You’re right about that. His idea of a good deed is dropping his change into the penny dish at a convenience store.” He flashed her a smile before he left.
When Brandi arrived with the cash-outs, Savannah seized the pile and started checking the numbers. “Does anyone need cash?”
Brandi shook her head. “Nope. They’re all gone. And Roger has taken on the role of wicked queen of the damned. He put the fear of God in everyone. The kitchen guys are just finishing the floors. They should be gone in the next ten minutes.”
“Good,” Savannah said absently as she finished the final tally. Then she turned the computer off and stood up, grabbing her bag.
“Let’s go,” she said to Brandi.
“Hey, Savvy, why don’t you let William and me drive you home.”
Savannah shook her head. “No thanks, I’m good.”
Brandi gently grabbed her arm. “Savvy, you started sobbing on the restaurant floor. You’re not okay.”
“I totally lost it for a moment, but I’m just run down. And like I said, I had some bad news, but everything is going to be okay. I just need some time to think. You go ahead with William. I’m sure you had other plans in mind for tonight other than taking me home.”
Brandi smiled. “He does have a surprise for me.”
Savannah forced a smile to her lips. “I can’t wait to hear all about it.”
Brandi kissed her on the cheek. Then she shot down the stairs.
