Page 72 of Broken Rules
Joe smiled at her, and for once, she almost believed it was sincere. “I’m happy for you,” he said. Then he rubbed the back of his neck. “Listen, I’ve been trying to take your advice, you know...the thing you wrote in your note.”
Savannah nodded approvingly. “Good for you, boss.”
Once again, Brandi rushed toward her, drawing her gaze, this time with William in tow. “She’s back! And she’s pregnant!”
“Congratulations,” William said, giving Savannah a hug and shaking Damien’s hand.
“Congratulations to you, too,” Damien said.
Savannah turned to Damien. “What do you mean?”
A slight smile curved his lips as he leaned close and whispered. “Look at Brandi’s left hand.”
Savannah turned, her gaze traveling down Brandi’s arm to her hand. “Oh, my gosh! Let me see that rock!”
Brandi flashed her engagement ring. “I’m going to be Mrs. Darcy,” she squealed.
William’s brows drew together in confusion. “Ah...my last name is Vaughan.”
Both Savannah and Brandi broke into laughter.
“It’s a long story,” Brandi told William. “I’ll tell you later.”
Wally patted William on the back. “I don’t know what they’re talking about, but if you have to teach this Mr. Darcy guy a lesson, remember I’ve got your back.”
Savannah smiled. “Considering that Mr. Darcy is more than two-hundred years old, not to mention, fiction, I don’t think William has much to worry about.”
“Hey, Roger and Brandi,” Joe called out. “Get back behind the bar.”
“But we don’t open for another fifteen minutes,” Brandi argued.
Joe looked at his watch. “Just enough time for a toast. Wally, go get the guys from the kitchen and the other servers. Roger and Brandi, start pouring the champagne.”
“Thanks, Joe,” Savannah said as she and Damien took a seat at the bar. “Make mine an orange juice.”
Joe smiled. “I told you. I’m trying to be a better man.” Then he gestured toward the approaching waitresses. “Here comes more evidence.”
Esme led the way.
Savannah stood and raced to meet her, pulling her into a fierce hug. Esme’s hair curled in a soft bob around her ears. “Look at you,” Savannah cried.
Esme smiled. “We’ve been out back getting set up. We had no idea you were here.”
Sam, the bar back came forward and flashed her a goofy grin.
“I missed that smile,” Savannah said, causing a red tint to color his freckled cheeks.
And then another girl came forward who Savannah didn’t recognize. To her surprise, the girl kissed her on the cheek and said, “Welcome back, Savannah.”
“I don’t think we’ve...” Savannah started to say, but then her words trailed off as the girl smiled. “Hold on a minute. Are you Eva?”
The girl nodded while Esme moved to stand at her side, both sporting matching bobs.
“Joe gave her a job,” Esme said, her hand around her sister’s shoulders.
Eva smiled. “I’ve been cancer free for a year and two weeks.”
Roger held up the bottle of champagne. “So many reasons to toast!”
