Page 30 of It Happened Back Then (Nilsson Family #3)

T he kitchen is finally quiet.

We had an insane dinner rush tonight and my kitchen line worked their asses off. So, at the close of our last order, I sent them home. Every last one. They looked at me like I was crazy, arguing that the head chef does not clean up.

But I need this time alone and I need to be busy to fill the quiet.

I’m still in my apron, half-washed pans in the sink. I can hear the bartenders talking lightly as they restock for tomorrow’s service, but I haven’t moved in ten minutes.

My phone’s on the prep table, screen dark.

No messages.

No missed calls.

Nothing.

It’s been four days since Blossom started avoiding me.

I scroll through our last texts. All blue bubbles.

No replies. I’ve called. I’ve even driven past her place, saw the lights on, but no one answered the door.

The last time we talked was the day the guys and I went to her mom’s house when the girls were planning the bachelorette party.

Things were normal and fun. The family was ribbing us over possibly being together.

I left there, hung out with the guys at the bar, then went to her house that night.

We watched TV, made out during the commercials, then ended the night in bed.

There was no fight, no tension. We were just us.

I’m still staring at my phone when I hear the soft clack of heels on tile. I close my eyes and breathe in deeply, but it’s not Blossom’s perfume I smell.

Savannah.

"I figured you’d still be here," she says lightly, walking in like she belongs. She sets a to-go coffee on the table beside me. "The bartenders let me in, I got you coffee. You’ve been working too hard."

I offer a tight smile, still clutching my phone.

She glances at the phone in my hand and leans against the prep table. “Everything okay?”

I nod, not wanting to speak, afraid my tone may give my feelings away. Instead, I stand, shrugging out of my chef coat, and begin to put away some of the dishes stacked on the counter.

“Are you sure? I’m here to listen. You know that. Even if it’s about your little frie–”

“Don’t,” I spit out. My tone surprises me, and I need to take a breath to calm down. I hate that she can read me so well and instantly knows my mood has something to do with Blossom.

“I’m sorry for snapping. I'm just tired. And I’m a little worried about Blossom. I haven’t heard much from her, and the anniversary of her dad’s death is coming up. Between the bridal shower she’s planning and the wedding coming right after, we’ve been missing each other.”

"Bennie," she cuts in, gentle but firm. "If you’ve been texting her and she’s not answering, that’s not being busy. That’s deliberate. "

I glance at her, not ready to admit she’s right. I know Blossom is pushing me away again. I’ve been here before. I know what this looks like.

Savannah leans on the prep table. "I know I’m the last person who should say this, but as your friend, I’m going to.”

I snort.

“What?”

“I’ve got enough friends.”

She smiles slyly, adjusting her arms to push her breasts out. “We’ve always been friends, Bennie. Really good friends.”

I hold her stare for a moment, forcing myself not to glance at her tits, and instead, begin to scrub the pot in the deep sink when all of a sudden, her voice is right next to me.

“Maybe it’s time to stop waiting for her to decide.

You’re always putting yourself on hold for her. It’s time to take what you want now."

I look at her. Her big blue eyes are framed with black mascara, and she shifts her stance, accidentally but not at all, brushing her full breasts against my arm. I tense but not in a good way. I shake my head, taking one step away from her. "You don’t understand. It’s not like that."

"Isn’t it?" she asks quietly. "You moved back to Bluemoon. You took this job. Every decision you’ve made in the last two years has been tied to her, even when she didn’t want you back. Even when she kept you at a distance."

"I did it because I love her," I snap. "Because I always have."

She doesn’t get angry, but I see her flinch. I hit the mark, and it hurts. Savannah always knew there was something between Blossom and me. And maybe she knew she was the filler I used to try to move on. But it just never worked.

“I know you have.” She speaks softly. I have to strain to hear her but then her eyes meet mine.

"But what if she never says it back, Bennie? What if she bolts every time you get close? How long are you going to let her make a fool of you? At some point, you need to stop carrying the weight of two people in a relationship that won’t ever work. ”

This time, her words hit the mark.

I drop the pot in the sink and lean on it, staring at the blank wall in front of me. I don’t want to hear any of this, but a part of me knows I need to.

"I’m not asking for anything," Savannah adds, running her hand down my arm. "Not really. I mean, we tried, right? We tried a few times. Maybe we were just too young, or maybe it was outside noise that pulled us away from each other. But I want you to be honest with yourself. If she won’t meet you halfway, maybe it’s time to walk the other way. ”

She steps back, giving me one last look. She lingers for a moment longer, but I’m sure she’s hoping I’ll tell her to wait. But when I don’t, she walks out.

I let out a breath and pick up my phone, trying again and still getting no response.