Seven (3 page)

The guy standing in front of me stares at me for a moment just breathing. No expression, he’s just…breathing. He’s obviously thinking something. Perhaps he’s considering an alternative way to get in my pants, or maybe he’s deciding that I’m just not worth it. Regardless, I’m just about to say something else when I see his lips widen into a sexy smile. He bites his bottom lip, I think to keep from laughing at me. As irritating as that is, I’m toasted enough to actually be a bit turned on by his mouth. For the first time in years I actually recognize the feeling, the desire to want to kiss someone, but I don’t. Ugh, this alcohol trip is causing me to have stupid thoughts. I don’t know this guy and he’s an asshole for even trying to bring up my past on my birthday. He nods at me silently before saying, “Your tab is taken care of. Happy birthday Savannah.”

That’s right it is.

Take that, bar man.

In a huff, I push past him and walk back to my table so that I can rummage through my purse for some Advil. I throw my purse back down onto my seat and head to the bar where Rachel is getting another drink. I ask the waitress standing nearby for a glass of water. At least I can do my part to try and curb the hangover I’m sure to end up with. “Hey, I’m heading out. Thanks for a fun night. You were right. I needed it, but don’t be surprised if I’m late tomorrow.”

“You’re leaving already?” she asks, disappointed. I raise one eyebrow at her in response.

“I said one drink…and instead I’ve had several…no I mean seven…wait, several...shit.” I shake my head irritated. “Doesn’t matter, I’ve had enough for the night. I’m just going to go.”

“No way. Not like that. You’re in no condition to drive.”

“I’m not going to drive, Mom.” I roll my eyes at her. Is she serious right now? “I can walk from here. It’s only a couple blocks.”

“What? That’s ridiculous! You’re not going to walk home in the dark and by yourself.”

Seriously?

It’s Podunk town.

May as well be a ghost town.

“Rache, number one, I’m way too drunk to drive my car right now. Number two, my car will be just fine here till morning. Number three, it’s a small town and I live the equivalent of about five blocks away; besides, who’s going to hurt me any worse than I’ve already had it? Seriously, I think I’ll be fine. See ya tomorrow.”

Rachel looks past me for a moment, her expression perplexed, before she nods her approval.

I scowl at her and watch her for a moment to make sure she’s ok. The other girls see that I’m on my way out and join Rachel as I say my goodbyes.

“Happy birthday Savannah!” I hear for the last time before I leave.

“It’ll be a happy birthday when I’m alone and in my bed. I may even invite my battery operated boyfriend.” I mutter to myself when I walk out the door.

I try to walk quickly towards my apartment building. Not because I’m scared of walking alone at night, but because it’s cold outside and I just want to be in the heat…or the mild heat at least. There’s surprisingly no snow on the ground right now. Bardstown, Kentucky, is having an unseasonably warm week given the snow we had just two weeks ago, but walking in the mid-forties still sucks. I only live a few blocks away which is good because I really need to pee.

I make it about three blocks before I get that feeling that creeps me out and puts me on instant alert. I sober up faster than I ever have because I feel like someone is behind me, following me. I’m afraid to turn around and check.

Damnit. Maybe Rachel was right.

Why did she even let me leave?

Someone is definitely following me. At least I’m pretty sure there is, even though I have no evidence to confirm my fear. It’s just a feeling I have when I know I’m not alone. I know if I turn around and look to see who is behind me, I could be wasting time, when I could just make a mad dash for my building. I pick up my pace and dart out into the middle of the road. Since there’s no traffic, I feel a little safer walking where anyone could see me. My apartment building is in sight, but my anxiety, and perhaps my level of intoxication, are playing cruel games with my nerves.

Breathe, Savannah.

Could be nobody.

Could be a neighbor.

Or maybe you’re going to be killed tonight.

Would that be so bad?

I could see Shawn and Peyton again.

My fears instantly subside at that thought and I laugh out loud at my absurdity. Bravely, or maybe stupidly, I turn around while I’m walking to see who’s behind me. To my surprise I don’t see anyone at all, not even a stray cat. The mind plays evil tricks sometimes, but then again, my instincts are usually correct. I think I need some sleep. When I reach my apartment building, I walk lazily up the steps, making sure to grip the railing tightly so that I don’t fall over. Standing outside my door, I reach into my purse to grab my keys, but don’t feel them anywhere.

“Damnit,” I whisper to myself.

I stop and take a deep breath. My intoxication is clouding my ability to focus on anything right now. I put my purse down on the ground and wobbly scrunch down to have a better look through my purse. My apartment key is on the same ring as my car key and those aren’t usually hard to find in my purse. The keychain I have them on is one with Peyton’s newborn footprint on it, so it’s larger than a normal key chain. I’m clearing random shit out of the way, but my keys are nowhere to be found.

“Fuck this.” I stand up, giving my head time to catch up with my movements before pulling my cellphone from my back pocket. So that I don’t have to go downstairs only to have to walk back up, I dial the programmed number to Cole, the building superintendent, to ask for help. I’ve only ever seen him a few times since I moved in. From what I know he graduated college and is interested in getting into real-estate. I guess since I’ve never had to call him for a repair problem, he must be good at his job, or at least knows how to manage outside help.

“Cole Brookston. What do ya need?” The way he answers his phone makes him sound like the town handyman even though I’ve never once seen him with a tool in his hand.

“Cole, It’s Savannah Turner, in apartment B-7.”

“What’s up Savannah? You okay?”

“Yeah I uh, drank a little more than I probably should’ve and now I can’t find my keys. I must’ve left them at the bar or something since I didn’t drive home. Could you come let me in please?”

“Sure. I’ll be your designated key man.” He chuckles but I don’t really find any humor in his joke, if he was in fact trying to make a joke. I’m just tired and want to be in my home. “Be up in a second.”

“Thanks.” I throw my cell phone in my purse and stand along the wall next to my apartment door while I wait for Cole to arrive.

Shit. I just told the single guy living downstairs that I’m not only drunk, but without keys to my home.

Real smart, Savannah.

Fuck this day and the horse it rode in on.

Chapter 3

Bryant

Fine hunk of a bartender, huh?

Damn! What are the chances that the pretty girl that walks into your bar, who steals your attention and immediately makes you think dirty thoughts, ends up being someone from your past? She doesn’t recognize me at all. I guess it’s better off for now. She hated me when we were younger, although I can’t for the life of me remember what I did to deserve it. I was probably a smart mouth prick to her or something. God I wish I would’ve been brave enough to tell her how I really felt back then…but the jocks didn’t get to hang out with the brains.

What I wish I could be brave enough to tell her now.

She’s beautiful tonight. Watching her body move on the dance floor a minute ago, like she didn’t have a care in the world, when I know she holds the weight of the world on her shoulders, makes me want to be in her presence all night. Makes me want to grab on to her and protect her, shield her from the pain of her past and of what has to be an inevitable future, and let her continue to dance in her bubble of drunken bliss. I know Savannah’s story. Who doesn’t around this small gossipy town? I know she doesn’t go out much. I know she keeps to herself, and I know she’s working down at Rachel’s salon. Shit. How lucky am I right now? The girl I always wanted and could never have is back in town; she was just dancing in my bar. I’m not sure at this point if I even deserve a fighting chance with her but how can I not give her everything she deserves after what she’s been through?

And after what she’s done for me.

When she brushes past me and heads to the bar, my chest tightens and I feel that quick stab of anxiety.  I wanted to keep talking to her but I blew it. Well, maybe I didn’t blow it, but she’s drunk enough to not remember me or care one way or another. I suppose for now that’s for the best, but if I want to get to know this girl again, I’m going to have to figure out how to keep her from finding out what I know, at least until I’m brave enough to tell her.

I turn to watch her at the bar and spot her purse sitting on the chair she just threw it on a moment ago. It’s unzipped and I can see a set of car keys lying right inside. It’s too easy. I quickly swipe the car keys and put them in my pocket. She’s in no shape to drive anyway. As smoothly as I can, I make my way to where she is standing, careful to make sure she doesn’t see me too close behind her. She’s talking to Rachel and downing a glass of water.

Smart girl.

“What? That’s ridiculous! You’re not going to walk home in the dark and by yourself,” I hear Rachel say.

Maybe I’ll just offer to drive her.

I could just tell her she dropped her keys on the floor.

“Rache…number three, it’s a small town and I live the equivalent of about five blocks away; besides, who’s going to hurt me any worse than I’ve already had it? Seriously, I think I’ll be fine. See ya tomorrow.”

Overhearing Savannah, I quickly wave my hand at Rachel so she looks at me. I show her that I have Savannah’s keys and motion to her that I’ll walk her home. She won’t be alone. I see Rachel nod and watch as the girls all say their goodbyes to Savannah. When she walks out the door, Rachel is quickly at my side.

“You stole her keys?”

“Uh…I might have.” I smirk. “Listen Seven and I…Savannah and I go way back but she doesn’t remember me, at least not tonight. I’ll follow her and make sure she gets home safely, I promise. Then I’ll just drive her car to her place for her later tonight and leave her the keys. She shouldn’t be driving anyway.”

“Dude, Bryant, please tell me you didn’t fuck her and chuck her way back when. That poor girl has been through hell. She doesn’t need the shit that you’ve pulled in the past.”

Whoa.

“First of all, not that it’s any business of yours, but no, I didn’t fuck her or chuck her. I never had the chance.”

Rachel throws me the you’re-a-douchebag look. “Are you serious right now?”

“Sorry, no, that came out wrong. I’m sorry. What I mean is nobody would’ve thought she was good enough for me…Shit! That’s not what I mean either. I’m messing this all up again.” I run my fingers through my hair in frustration. “Look, I’ll explain it all later. Just let me make sure she gets home safely. I’ll be right back. If Sloan needs me, tell him I just stepped out. He can handle things here while I’m gone.”

Rachel’s eyes narrow at me as I back out the door. I’m sure the gleam in my eye and my excitement of having Seven back in town has her a bit confused, as she should be. She doesn’t know about that part of my life. She knows about my life now, but not how it’s connected to Savannah. Nobody knows that but me.

Savannah is not walking very fast. I jog a block up the road so that I’m a little closer to her in case something should happen, but I keep my distance so she doesn’t know I’m following her.

“Shit!” I whisper loudly as I trip over the uneven sidewalk in front of me. Maybe Savannah had the right idea walking in the middle of the road, but if I did that I would most definitely look like I’m stalking her. At least this way I can maybe duck and cover if she turns around.

Much to my relief, I watch her slowly walk the stairs to where I can only assume her apartment is. Once she’s out of sight, I wait a moment to see if lights come on in one of the darkened windows. When nothing happens in the few minutes I stand there, I assume her apartment must be on the other side of the building. While jogging back to the bar, I come up with a plan. I know the guy who owns the building. He’ll help me out. I’m sure of it.

“Did she make it ok?” Rachel asks when I get back.

“Yeah I think so. Listen, I know the owner of her building so I’ll drive her car back to her place when I close up here and have him help me with getting her keys back to her.”

Rachel narrows her eyes at me again and cocks her head to the side.

“What?” I ask.

She purses her lips and shakes her head slowly. “Nothing. I’ve just never seen you actually pay that much attention to a piece of ass who clearly wasn’t interested.”

“Shut up Rache. She’s not a piece of ass, she’s…she’s Seven.”

Rachel raises both eyebrows and asks, “What the hell is seven?”

“Savannah. Savannah is Seven…at least, that’s what I used to call her when we were young.” I walk to the back of the bar and through the double doors to my office, not taking notice that Rachel is following me, though not surprised either.

“Hmm…I don’t remember you calling her that. So you know her but you’ve never fucked her? How do I find that so hard to believe? I would’ve assumed you’ve had a sample of just about every piece of ass in this town, Bryant.”

This girl is becoming a pain in my ass.

I turn towards her and raise my voice. “Yeah, well contrary to your ridiculous beliefs, Rachel, I guess I must’ve missed a few. You didn’t know her back then and besides, now that Ivy and I…”

Fuck.

Know when to shut up, Bryant.

Closing my eyes for a moment, I take deep breath and let it out before looking back to a startled Rachel. Damnit, I probably just hurt her feelings.

“Yeah. Exactly…you and Ivy.” She stresses. “I’m glad you’re showing a little maturity for once. Maybe you’re learning from your mistakes.”

What?

“Are you calling Ivy a mistake?”

She’s taken aback. I actually put the girl in her place for once. “No, I…I didn’t mean it like that.”

I’m starting to see RED. “You sure as shit better not have.”

Rachel quickly raises her hands in front of her in defeat. “I know. I know, Bryant. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. Tell me what your relationship is with Savannah now.”

Trying to calm down, I tell Rachel, “There isn’t one. And there wasn’t one back then either, you know that. I wanted her so badly in high school but we were different people then. Now she’s back and just knowing what she’s been through…her loss…God.” I shake my head. “She’s broken Rachel. Shattered, I imagine. You know her story just as well as I do. I don’t know how someone comes back from that.”

“That’s bullshit, Bryant. Take a look in the mirror. You broke not too long ago, and look how far you’ve come since then. What do you mean you don’t know how someone comes back from that? It’s just a little different for you. Circumstances were…different.” She shrugs.

I nod my head. “Yeah. Yeah I guess. Look Rache, I need to figure things out okay? Just give me a chance to do that and please don’t say anything stupid to her, and definitely don’t say anything to Ivy. Let me do this on my terms, alright? Please?”

She thinks for a moment. “I’ll try not to butt in unless I have to. I’m only thinking of her, and you know what I mean. Just…don’t do anything stupid.”

Like a perfectly timed episode of Candid Camera, Sloan waltzes into my office and throws himself on the couch against the wall. “Hey man, I saw you talking to that girl that just left. Did you even recognize who she was? That was Savannah fuckin’ Sanders! I told you she was back in town.” He chuckles as he turns my direction smirking. “I seem to recall you having a permanent boner over that girl, dude! I can’t believe you let her leave!”

“Shut the fuck up about it, Sloan, and leave her alone.” I come to her defense a littler earlier than I expected, but I know things about her that nobody else knows and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let anyone treat her like a piece of meat. Sloan is the only one who knew about my feelings for Savannah when we were young. You can only keep so much information from your best friend. We’ve been together a long time, Sloan and me, causing shenanigans and working over the women around town, but having Ivy in my life has helped me settle down a little. I’m not the guy I once was. Sloan is still my best friend and business partner, but even he doesn’t know all my secrets anymore.

Sliding my eyes in Rachel’s direction, I see her eyebrow raise, questioning my motives once again. I get it. She has every right to judge me based on my past actions. I nod my head. “Relax Rache. I have no plans to be an asshole. I promise.”

*****

The bar closes at midnight and I’m ready to walk out the door by twelve thirty. I send a quick text to my buddy, Cole, who owns the apartment building where Savannah lives. Hopefully he’s still awake and can help a brother out.

Me: Hey man I need a favor. You up?

Cole: Yep. S’up?

Me: I’m dropping off Savannah’s car. She lives in your building. Can you meet me outside in five?

Cole: Sure.

What I need to ask him can’t be done in writing since it’s basically breaking the law. Hopefully he doesn’t think I’m a psycho. We went to college together and were frat brothers, but we weren’t necessarily close. I hop in Savannah’s car and start the engine. Immediately, I’m being serenaded by Luke Bryan.

So she’s a country girl.

It’s one of his slower songs about loving someone to the moon and back. Immediately I feel like I’m violating a private moment for her; that maybe these kinds of songs are all she listens to. My hand slips down to her key chain. It’s larger than normal. I can’t see it because it’s dark outside, so I hit the inside light above my head for a moment to get a better look at what I’m holding on to.

A footprint?

The keychain holding all her keys is a keychain with a footprint on it. No name, no date, no color. Just a metal footprint that clearly belongs to a newborn baby. Damn if I don’t feel a quick pang of sadness for her right now. I lay my head back on the headrest and close my eyes for just a moment as I listen to the rest of the song. When it ends I slowly inhale a deep breath, turn off the overhead light, and shake away my thoughts.

God, she smells like Heaven.

In two minutes I’m parked in the lot outside her building and walking to the main entrance where Cole is waiting for me.

“You know Savannah?” I nod my head toward the building.

“Of course. Real sweet girl but can be a bitch when she wants to be.” He rolls his eyes. “She keeps to herself mostly. I never hear from her except for tonight; had to let her into her apartment. She lost her keys. Was she just at your bar?”

“Shit!” I look down at the keys in my hand. Not only does the key ring hold a car key, but two other keys as well. One is obviously her apartment key. I didn’t even think about the fact that she wouldn’t have been able to get into her apartment. I’m such an asshole. I roll my eyes as my words from earlier smack me in the face.

Relax Rache, I’m not an asshole, I promise.

“Yeah, I imagine she does keep to herself mostly and yeah, I have her keys right here. I drove her car back here for her. Anyway, look. I didn’t want to ask you this via text because, well, I know it’s breaking the law a little.”

Cole’s eyes light up ever so slightly at the mention of breaking the law, like I’m about to ask him to streak through the building or something like in our college days.

“I’d like to leave her car keys in her apartment with a note. I promise I won’t touch her or wake her and if there’s any sound coming from her apartment I won’t even go in. I’ll just leave the keys with you. I just want to make sure she’s safe. She had a little too much to drink tonight.” Good God what the hell am I asking here? I want to walk freely through her apartment and I expect him to say yes? Is it still breaking and entering if I have a key? Maybe there’s a loophole. Maybe she won’t get pissed and chop off my balls.