Page 47 of You Chive Me Crazy
Savannah nodded. “Yeah . . . I felt kind of weird calling you, and I didn’t want to just leave a message. I wanted to talk with you in person.”
I laughed quietly. “And here I thought you wanted to get back together with me. When I saw you at the Serendipity Inn, I admit I freaked out a little.”
“Seriously?” she said. “Hey, I’m smart enough to know our relationship ran its course. I admire and respect you and think you are an amazing man, but I don’t want to get back together with you.”
“I’m glad we agree.” I took another sip of my mocha, my curiosity getting the best of me. “So, are you and Damian a couple?”
“We’ve gotten together a few times—mostly for foodie events,” she admitted. “He invited me here because he had a free room through his work, and he knows how much I like food festivals. But, honestly, I thought we were just coming here as friends. Then, suddenly, he’s trying to make it more than that, and I’m just not interested.” She twirled a strand of hair around her finger and let out a small sigh. “To be honest, he’s not who I thought he was. When we first met, he put on the charm and wined and dined me. He said all the things a woman wants to hear, but it didn’t take long before I saw his true colors. Trust me, nothing is happening between us.” She took a sip of her coffee, looking like she was trying to shake off the disappointment. “I have to say that you and Zoe make a very cute couple.”
“Oh, we’re just friends,” I said.
“Who are you trying to kid?” she asked. “I’ve seen the way you look at her.”
I blinked. “What are you talking about? How do I look at her?”
She laughed. “Like you’ve got some school-boy crush going on. Hey, she looks at you the same way. You both have this nervous energy around each other, like you’re on a first date and don’t want the other person to know you like them a lot.” She gave me a cheesy grin. “It’s cute.”
I blew it off. “Yeah, whatever.”
“Trust me, I’m a woman. I know these things.”
I slid my chair back and stood. “And I know I really need to stick that food in the refrigerator. Thanks for the mocha, and the warning.”
“You’re welcome,” she said, standing and pulling out her phone. “Before you go, I need to get a selfie with the famous Lucas Filo.”
“Famous?” I chuckled. “Yeah, right.”
“Seriously. You’re a rock star.”
Savannah sounded a lot like Rolando.
“I’m proud of you,” she added. “You’ve come a long way.” She came around to my side of the table, leaned closer to me, and snapped the picture. “Got it.” She slid the phone back in her purse. “Please, be careful, Lucas.”
“I will,” I said. “And thanks for letting me know.”
I drove to Axel’s garage to unload the food and supplies inside Zoe’s food truck, then got back in my car to drive back to the Serendipity Inn as my phone dinged three times in rapid succession.
It was three text messages from Rolando that practically stopped my heart. In fact, I had to read them more than once to make sure I didn’t misunderstand them.
Especially the last one . . .
Rolando:I tried calling twice, but you didn’t pick up.
Rolando:The Dickster fired me.
Rolando: I have this weird feeling you’re next.
ChapterTen
LUCAS
I was on my way upstairs when Betsy intercepted me to let me know Zoe was taking a nap in the Love Shack. I waited outside on the front porch, so I wouldn’t wake her up with my impending phone conversation with Rolando.
I rocked back and forth in one of the slatted-wood Adirondack rocking chairs, watching the cars go by on Lakeview Drive, as I waited impatiently for his call. He had sent me two more texts following his original three, the first one telling me not to worry. The second text said he’d call me after his meeting with Paisley from HR. That was almost three hours ago, and I was still waiting.
I felt bad for him, but if anybody could put a positive spin on being fired, Rolando would be the one.
Betsy came outside and handed me a glass. “Thought you might like some fresh lemonade, but please don’t write a review about it. It may not live up to your high standards.”
