Part 18 (1/2)

In an effort to cheer Andy up, Will changed the subject. ”You missed a good time at the ball the other night. Too bad you couldn't make it.”

Andy sighed. ”Yeah, I'm sorry, but I didn't feel up to socializing.”

”I understand, mate. Maybe next time. How's Nikki?” Will asked, referring to Andy's girlfriend.

”Yeah, she's good. It's still early days. She doesn't know about...”

”Your father.”

”Yeah.”

Silence fell between them. Andy's expression closed. Will could only guess at the terrible memories that bombarded his friend. Andy's father had battled with demons that eventually took his life. It was the reason Andy was so determined to become a negotiator.

Will cleared his throat and spoke again. ”I checked the roster. I'm off on Friday. How about we take the boat out?”

Andy lifted his gaze and attempted a smile. ”Yeah, that sounds great. I'm working a late s.h.i.+ft, but I'm good for the morning.”

”Great. I'll meet you at the marina at ten.”

Andy nodded. ”Thanks, mate. For everything. I really appreciate it.”

Will nodded solemnly. ”You know I'm here for you.”

”Yeah. I do.”

”You'll be fine, Andy. You'll sit that test and pa.s.s with flying colors. In a couple of weeks, you'll be bouncing in here bragging about how you nailed it.”

Andy gave him a grateful smile. ”Yeah. Absolutely. It's not going to get the better of me.” Andy pushed back his chair and stood. He held out his hand.

”Thanks, Will. Thanks for...”

Will nodded in understanding. ”Anytime, mate. Anytime.”

After seeing Andy out, Will returned to his seat, stacked his hands behind his head and sighed. Less than a minute later, the phone rang again.

”I'm sorry, Will. It's Carol again. I have Savannah O'Neill on line two. She says she's from the Daily Mirror.”

His heart leaped into his throat and his pulse beat double time. His focus changed and his concerns about Andy dissipated. Ever since he'd seen Savannah at the movie premiere, he'd been unable to get her off his mind.

No, sc.r.a.p that. Ever since he'd first seen her, he hadn't been able to get her off his mind.

When he'd noticed her at the premiere, it was like he'd been kicked in the gut by a longhorn. He'd cursed silently when he realized the conclusion she'd draw when she saw Candi by his side.

He only hoped she'd understood his none-too-subtle message that Candi meant nothing to him. Savannah had left so abruptly, he hadn't had the chance to speak with her and clarify. As soon as the movie had ended he'd dropped Candi off at her condo. She asked him inside, but he'd let her know he wouldn't be seeing her again.

He regretted the brief look of hurt that had flashed in her eyes, but she'd recover from his rejection soon enough. It was part of what had appealed to him about girls like Candi-girls who were after a good time, not a long time. He couldn't believe how one redheaded woman had changed him so much.

Aware that he hadn't responded, he cleared his throat. ”Thanks, Carol. I'll take it.” Giving himself a few seconds to grapple with his racing heart, he drew in a couple of deep, calming breaths.

This was crazy. It was like he was sixteen again and about to talk to a girl he'd had a crush on all year. He pressed the flas.h.i.+ng line.

”Savannah, nice to hear from you.” He hoped like h.e.l.l she bought the calm routine he'd managed to steal from some reservoir deep inside him.

”Will, thanks for taking my call.” She hesitated. ”I wasn't sure if I should.”

”Should what?”

”Call.”

The quiet, uncertain voice on the other end of the line tore pieces out of the calm facade he'd managed to fabricate. Where was the feisty, take-no-prisoners girl he'd come to admire and perhaps...even love?

Love? Did he really put Savannah O'Neill and love in the same thought? Was he mad? Before he could give it any further thought, she spoke again.

”Well, you know...you and Candi last night. And before that, at the brothel...”

He bit his lip. ”I'm sorry about that. Candi-she's just a girl I know. We've been out a few times, but never anything serious.”

Savannah sighed. ”I'm glad to hear that.”

He heard the relief in her voice and was pleased. She might care more for him than she was prepared to admit.

”About my job,” he added. ”I-I should have told you earlier. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to deceive you. I wasn't sure what was going on with you and...”

”It's okay. I-I'm not exactly without fault. I was a little too quick to jump to conclusions. I-I was hoping we could call a truce and maybe... I-I thought we might... That is, if you would like, um... I was wondering-”

”What is it, Savannah?” He was suddenly inordinately pleased she was having as much difficulty with their conversation as he was. She sounded...nervous. Her next words came out in a rush.

”What I meant to say was... I mean, to ask is whether you would like to meet me somewhere for a drink?”

Will's heart leaped with excitement. ”Sounds good. When would you like to hook up?”

Savannah's heart skipped a beat at Will's quick response. With an effort, she controlled the sudden galloping sensation in her chest and answered. ”H-how about after work today?”

She groaned inwardly as soon as the words were out of her mouth. She didn't want to sound too eager. He might think she was actually keen to see him again. Which of course, she was.

”This afternoon? Yeah, sure. I can probably get away by five. ”Where would you like to get together?”

”Um... How about the Marble Bar at the Hilton?”

His voice was low and intimate in her ear. ”The Hilton it is.”

”Okay, good.” She was anxious now to get him off the phone so that she could drag some oxygen into her deprived lungs.

”G-great.”