Chapter 3

Savannah

“Ok girl, dish it. What happened?” Jade is staring at me like I have two heads.

I sit back down at my desk and puff up my cheeks before blowing the air out and looking at her.

“I ran into Nathan Daniels! I literally ran into him.” I barely whisper the words, not wanting anyone to hear me.

“Oh my god! Is he super yummy? Did you guys bang already?” She gives me a lewd hand gesture and makes her eyebrows dance, instantly cracking herself up.

“Shut up Jade! That’s not happening.” I can feel my face turning red instantly.

“Uh huh, that’s what they all say.” She purses her lips at me.

“What about you? Would you deny him, if he tried?” I cross my arms and raise my own brows.

“Girl, there is no way in hell I am giving him this chocolate ass.” She flicks her hair over her shoulder and we both break out in laughter.

“Are we going out tonight? Or are you working again?” She asks me after we both finally stop laughing.

“I have to call Jacob and see, I’m not sure. I worked last Friday, so I really hope not.” I sigh and we both get back to work before Misty can come out and yell at us.

The price of living is so high here. I have to work two jobs just to cover rent, bills and student loans. If I didn’t, I would drown in debt. I know it will all be worth it in the end. I will eventually land my dream job, in my dream office. I just have to stick the course and make it through my current situation.

*****

I grab my purse and head towards the elevator, so thankful that I made it through another week. Jade jumps in at the last moment.

“So, did you ask him?” She gives me a pleading look.

“Jacob begged me to cover him again, and I couldn’t say no.”

“Savannah! Ugh, well, we are going tomorrow night no matter what. Got it?”

“I’m sorry Jade, I need the money. I promise we will go out tomorrow.”

She narrows her eyes at me, but then squeals. “Good!”

I laugh at her and we both exit the elevator. The city is busy, but we both manage to flag down a cab, making arrangements to meet up on Saturday. I let the driver know my address and put my seatbelt on.

I check my phone and rest my head on the window. I don’t know this driver and I am too tired for small talk so I just scroll social media and wait to get home.

We pull up to the long row of different colored brick apartments. I thank him and tip him before getting out and closing the door.

I force myself up the long flight of stairs knowing I don’t have time to rest. When I make it inside, I quickly change into my serving attire and throw my hair into a ponytail. I’ll eat dinner at the restaurant so I take the remaining time I have to freshen up my makeup and down an energy drink.

Luckily, the restaurant I work at is only a few blocks from my apartment, so I always walk there. It’s nice to get some fresh air and I enjoy people watching.

“Hey Savannah! You look so pretty today!” The hostess, Sarah is super bubbly tonight. I’m assuming it’s because she double sat me multiple times last Friday and is trying to get on my good side again.

“Hey Sarah. I’m not mad at you, just try to not screw me over again.” I let out a little laugh to ease the tension and she lets out a breath.

“Oh good! I won’t!” She smiles and greets the customer behind me as I hurry to the waitress station to log in.

“Jacob got you again, huh?” My boss says with a disappointed look on his face.

I shrug, giving my boss a kind smile. “Yup, he sure did. It’s ok though Mike, I really need the money.”

Mike shakes his head and pats me gently on the shoulder. “Well, I enjoy seeing your face over his anyway. Let’s not make it a habit though, ok?”

“Completely agree. Thanks Mike!”

I tie on my waist apron and write down the specials before shoving my pen into my pony. I don’t have time to eat though, because Sarah has already sat me. So much for getting on my good side. Now I’m going to be hangry all night. I just hope I don’t have any dicks for customers.

***

It’s only been an hour and we keep getting busier. Before long I am once again double seated and I can’t help but glare at Sarah. She blushes and scurries back to her hostess stand as I rush over to the first table to grab their drink orders.

“Hello, my name is Savannah and I’ll be your server this evening. Can I start you both off with a drink?” I place a drink menu down and the gentleman to the left turns his head to look at me.

“Hello Miss Moss, so we meet again.” My heart rate instantly speeds up at the sight of Nathan Daniels and I start to stutter like an idiot.

“H-hello, Mr. Daniels! Um, what are you doing here?” Externally I try and retain composure. Cool as a cucumber. Internally, I’m giving myself a massive facepalm.

He just chuckles quietly and cocks his head to the side. He either is trying to figure out what’s wrong with me, or is watching me for whatever stupid move I’ll pull next.

“Well, I’m here for dinner with a friend. This is Derek.” He gestures across the table. Of course he’s here for dinner. Why else would he be here?

I give Derek a tight smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Derek.” This whole situation is extremely awkward and I want to run away immediately.

Derek smiles and nods at me.

“You as well Miss Moss. As for drinks, we’ll take a double whiskey on the rocks and a water for now, thanks.”

I walk away to get their drinks but all I really want to do is just crawl inside a hole and die. I feel so strange around Nathan. Usually I’m not too bad with keeping my cool around good looking guys. Of course, Nathan is also off any charts I was using for previous comparison.

I come back with the waters and place them on the table. Nathan places his hand on mine.

“Thank you Savannah,” he says quietly, his gaze conveying some emotion I can’t place.

I retract my hand when the same electricity shoots up my arm from earlier. Why does that keep happening to me? Derek looks up at me with surprise, and then at Nathan with confusion.

I back away, needing to put as much space between me and whatever this is as I possibly can. “I’ll give you two some time to look over the menus.” I shake my head and hurry to my next table trying to figure out what is going on with me.