“I think the actual words I used were she was too beautiful and innocent.”
“And then what?”
“I walked out and told her to be scarce before I got back.”
“Are you the biggest idiot on earth?” His eyes were nearly bugging out of his head.
“I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t trust myself.”
“Did you see her again or did you leave it at that?”
“I saw her outside, but I just stared at her.”
“I kind of want to punch you right now.”
“Why? What do you care?” I slumped down on the uncomfortable couch. “You’re not exactly Prince Charming yourself.”
“This takes the cake. Besides, you actually like this girl. You have a history.”
“Yeah, well. Like I said, I thought I was doing the right thing.”
“What changed your mind?” He sat forward. “Why do you suddenly deserve her now?”
“I don’t deserve her, but I’ve never seen her so sad. Savy loves Christmas like no one I’ve ever met, yet I saw her cringe when they turned up the holiday music. If this time of year can’t make her happy, then she must be seriously gone.”
“Then do something about it.”
“I’m going to, but I don’t know what.”
“Who are your allies?”
“My allies?”
“Yeah. Who do you have on your team? I know your parents hate your guts, but what about hers? I assume they come here with her.”
“Her grandfather thinks I walk on water.”
“Ok there’s a start.”
“And her dad likes me, I think.”
“Then start there. You need to get her alone. You work on that, and I’ll take care of the other stuff.”
“The other stuff?”
“The guy. Whoever he is, he’s in the way.”
“What are you going to do to him?”
Winston laughed maniacally and then stopped. “What do you think I’m going to do? I’m going to make sure he stays out of the way.”
“You think I actually have a shot at this?”
“Maybe. I’m going to get real here. You were an asshole.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“But I also know you actually like this girl, so I’ll help.”
“I’m so lucky.” I didn’t hide the sarcasm in my voice.
“You’ll thank me later.”
“I’ll thank you if she’ll even talk to me again.”
“Oh yeah.” Winston shook his head. “All you wanted was to be friends again with her, right?”
“You’re right. That’s bullshit.” I wanted so much more from Savy. I wanted everything whether I deserved it or not.
“I thought so.”
“All right. I guess I need to give her grandfather a call.”
“Go charm the old man.”
“That’s the easy part.”
Chapter Seven
Glen
“Glen, so nice to see you.” Layden Fells stood up from his seat at the café.
I took a deep breath, bracing myself for my meeting with Savy’s grandfather. I’d known the man for most of my life, but this was the first time I was coming to him for a favor. It was also the first time I had seen him since my parents cut me off, and practically cut me out of their lives. “Hi Layden. It’s nice to see you too.”
“Come. Sit down.” He gestured for me to take an empty seat at the small table he was occupying. He sat back down and quickly folded up the newspaper he’d been reading when I walked in. “It was such a nice surprise to get that phone call from you earlier this afternoon.”
“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. Especially on such short notice.” I unzipped my coat and put it behind me on my chair.
“Of course. And stop acting so nervous. It’s just me.”
“I know. I also know my family probably told you what happened.”
He made a sweeping motion with his hand knocking the paper off the table. “I know who you are. The kind of man you’ve grown into. I am positive there is more to the story than they’re giving me.”
“There is.”
“But that isn’t why you’re here is it?”
I shook my head. “It’s not.”
“Go get us both a cup of coffee. When you get back I’ll be all ears.”
“Thanks.” I stood up.
“Take this.” Glen slipped a fifty into my hands.
“I can handle the coffee.”
“I know. But you may need it if my hunch about why you’re really here is right.” He smiled faintly.
“I can’t take this.”
“You can, and you will. Go get us some coffee.”
Arguing with the man wasn’t going to help my case, so I walked over to the counter and ordered two coffees. I remembered he liked his the same way as mine. Black.
I returned to the table and set them down. “You still like it black, right?”
“What’s the chance after eight-five years that’s going to change?”
“Not very high.” I smiled to myself. I liked Layden. He was an easy man to talk to. He always kept it real. I understood why my grandfather had counted him as a close friend.
“So tell me. What happened between the two of you?”
“Uh, how did you know?”
Layden sipped his coffee. “As much as I enjoy seeing you, Glen, we both know there’s only a few reasons you’d go out of your way to meet me. By your response to my offer of cash, that’s not what this is about.”
“Of course not.” I might have been broke, but I certainly wouldn’t have hit up a family friend for money.
“Which leaves Savannah.” He took another sip of coffee and set down the cup. “So I’ll ask again. What happened between you two?”
“You don’t want to know.” I held my plastic cup between my hands. It was hot almost to the point of uncomfortable, but the warmth was welcome.
“Why would that be? Unless you hurt her.” His eyes locked on mine.
“I take it you knew that already too?”
“I know she left Vail last winter like a bat out of hell, and I don’t believe for a second it had to do with her mother’s engagement.”
I buried my head in my hands. “I’m an idiot.”
“Possibly, but something tells me you had a reason for what you did.”