Page 20 of It Happened Back Then (Nilsson Family #3)

“ G uys! Let’s do it! Last plate for the night and then we wind down.”

I turn and place the two plates on the warmer and ring the bell for the server.

It was another busy night, but it made me feel alive.

The food kept my mind occupied for the most part, but I can’t shake the things my dad was saying from my mind.

If anything, I thought they'd be happy to have me back home.

Why is he so dead set on me finding a life outside of Bluemoon?

He and mom always loved Blossom when we were kids. Mom still loves her and on more than one occasion has hinted about us being together. But dad gets quiet when her name comes up, or he gets mad.

“Chef!” I look up when I hear one of my guys call my name. “Something wrong, Chef? I called you three times.”

I shake my head, trying to clear it. “Sorry, just got some stuff on my mind. What’s up?”

“Someone’s out front asking for you.”

“For me? ”

“Yeah, some woman.” He shrugs. “Maybe you burned her steak.”

I scoff. “The fuck I did.” I untie my apron from my back and pull it over my head, dropping it on the side counter and push through the doors to the main floor.

Glancing around, I see a woman at the bar. Her blonde hair gives her away instantly.

Savannah.

My heart thuds in my chest as I walk toward her, wondering why she’s here.

It’s been some time since I saw her last. We ended things for good when I realized I was only stringing Savannah along and slowly breaking myself in the process.

So, I came back to Bluemoon. I didn’t know if Blossom would want me anymore, but I knew one thing was for sure: I couldn’t stay away from her.

Yea, I’m a real catch. I never told Blossom I went back to Savannah, but I’m sure she knew. I’m sure she knew we had to have some kind of conversation, but it never came up.

“Hi.”

She spins around, nerves crossing her face. “Hi.”

She’s beautiful with light eyes and a slender frame. Her blonde hair is shorter now and curls around her shoulders. She bites her lip while I stare at her. I step forward and give her a hug. “You look great.”

“Thanks, you do too.” She looks around the restaurant. “This place is gorgeous, Bennie.”

I smile. “It is.” Silence hangs as I try to piece together what's happening. I motion to the table for two a few feet away. “Do you want to sit?”

She walks to the table and sits and I follow. “I don’t really know why I’m here.” She drops her head and laughs, wringing her hands.

“Is everything okay? ”

“Yes. No. Well, yes, everything is fine. I just...after how things ended, I haven’t felt settled since.”

I close my eyes. “So you drove eleven hours to...what?”

She shrugs again but looks me in the eye. “I miss you, Bennie. I didn’t think you’d take my call. I thought if I showed up at least you’d have to see me. And if you saw me, maybe you’d want to talk more.”

I exhale and reach for her hand. “Savannah, there was never any ill will between us. We just wanted different things.”

She nods. “I know. I’m glad to hear you say that.”

“It’s late. Where are you staying?”

She fidgets. “I’m staying in the cabins over in Birch Village.”

“I didn’t know they rented those out short term.”

“I signed a six month lease.”

My heart drops to the floor. “You what?”

She speaks quickly. “Like I said, I wanted to see you. I hoped we could spend some time together. I’ve done a lot of thinking since you left and if being here makes you happy, then I’m happy, too. I want to be happy here, with you.”

I shake my head and stand. “Savannah, you can’t just move into my town.”

She pulls back. “Why not?”

“It's been two years. A lot has changed.” I think about that statement. Has it changed? Blossom and I are together, kind of, yet I’m still loving her from a distance. And if I’m being honest Savannah has crossed my mind from time to time, but not to the point I wished I was back with her.

Seeing her now has me more confused than ever.

She watches me intently before flicking her eyes over my shoulder and back again. Her lips give the slightest twitch before asking, “Are you seeing someone? ”

I bite my bottom lip before smoothing it with my tongue. I stand with my hand on my hip. “Savannah, I–”

“Are you seeing someone?” She asks again with a firm tone.

The only response is to shake my head. She smiles and steps close to me, leaning on her toes and kissing my cheek. “Good. Can we get lunch tomorrow and talk?” Her eyes are hopeful and I nod my head this time. With a grin, she squeezes my hand and walks to the front door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”