“In your dreams, little girl,” he said and then turned to me. “Heather was a terrible cook and Vanna’s just like her.”
My heart stopped. “Heather?”
Mr. Grant smiled. “Yes. Savannah’s mother. She was a terrible cook, too.”
“Was?”
“I told you that my mother died, Ridley, remember?”
“That’s right you did. You said she drowned, right?”
Both Savannah and her father nodded, suddenly very quiet.
Surely that had to be a coincidence. I mean, there was just no way. Was there?
“I’m sorry. Maybe we should change the subject.” I couldn’t think of anything else to say.
Though the subject was changed, the tone for the rest of the evening was noticeably more somber. I could’ve kicked myself for asking about Savannah’s mom. I felt even worse for thinking such a ridiculous and terrible thing about her, for thinking she could be the Heather. But still, I was very anxious to talk to Bo, tell him about Savannah’s mother and see what he thought.
By the time dinner was over and I’d helped clean up, I thought to start making my excuses to leave. Turns out I didn’t have to.
From my pocket, my cell phone chirped. When I answered it, I was greeted by the silky smooth baritone of Sebastian Aiello.
“Ridley, this is Sebastian.”
“Yes, sir. How are you?”
“I’m fine. I got your number from your mother. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not. What’s up?”
“Well, right now I’m in desperate need of your services. I know it’s last minute and I’m sorry to bother you, but is there any way that you could watch Lilly for me? Nothing too long. Say, two hours? I’d even double your pay,” he added slyly.
I chewed my lip as I thought. I really wanted to go to Aisha’s again and then talk to Bo. But, I could continue to call Aisha from Sebastian’s and Bo wasn’t likely to show up until later, so what was the harm in spending some time with Lilly and making almost a hundred bucks in the meantime?
“I can do that. What time do you need me?”
“Could you be here in the next thirty minutes?”
“Sure. I’ll see you soon.”
“Great! Thanks, Ridley.”
When I got off the phone, my end of the conversation had already made my excuses to Savannah and her dad for me.
“Go. We’ve got the rest,” Savannah said, spreading plastic wrap over the top of a bowl.
“Are you sure? I hate to eat and run.”
“Sure, sure,” Savannah said with a mischievous smile.
“Really, I never—”
“Kidding, Ridley. Go on. All we have left to do is put the leftovers in the fridge.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive.”
I looked to Mr. Grant.
“She’s right. We’ve got it under control. Besides, you’ve already helped with the hard part. Guests aren’t supposed to do dishes,” he explained, frowning.
“It’s the least I could do since you were kind enough to have me.”
“It was our pleasure, wasn’t it, Vanna?”
“I suppose,” she sighed, rolling her eyes dramatically, but then she looked at me and winked. “Seriously, go on. We’re good. I’m just glad you came.”
And when I looked at Savannah’s expression, I could see that she really meant that. She looked happy and relaxed and more carefree than I’d seen her in a while.
On my way to Sebastian’s, I called Mom’s cell phone. When she answered, I could hear the typical bar sounds in the background—glasses clinking, people laughing, Mom slurring.
Briefly, I explained where I was going and, as I suspected, she agreed wholeheartedly, not for one second remembering her supposed concern over me being out after dark by myself. Dad wasn’t around. She didn’t have to pretend anymore.
Chagrined, I hung up and tried to put her out of my mind. Savannah and her dad, too. It wasn’t helping matters with my own family by comparing them to a normal relationship, so I pushed all families out of my head except the one I was going to help right now.
When I rang the bell, Sebastian answered the door in a black turtle neck sweater and black pants. I was once again impressed with his incredible handsomeness.
“Thank you so much, Ridley. I promise I won’t be gone long,” he preempted me, holding the door open so I could enter.
“No problem.”
“This should be easy money for you. Lilly had a doctor’s appointment today.
Had to get her next round of vaccinations. It wore her out. She’s already asleep, so you don’t need to do anything more than listen for her in case she wakes up.”
“Oh, ok,” I said, a little disappointed. Not only was I looking forward to the distraction, but I liked Lilly and I hated that I wouldn’t really get to see her.
“The housekeeper had to make an unexpected trip out of town. That’s why the last minute call. Sorry about that.”
“No problem,” I repeated.
“I just made a strawberry colada smoothie. Virgin, of course. Help yourself.
It’s in the fridge,” Sebastian explained, walking toward the kitchen.
“Thanks.”
“Alright, make yourself at home. I’ll be back in a couple hours.”
With a polite smile, Sebastian grabbed his keys off the counter by the kitchen door, waved casually and disappeared into the garage.
I stood in the kitchen for a few minutes before I plopped down on a barstool with a humph. This was going to be worse than being at home.
Flopping my purse up on the bar, I walked to the fridge and pulled out the pitcher of strawberry colada that Sebastian made. It looked like Pepto Bismol. I wiggled the lid back and sniffed.
“Mmm, coconut,” I said to the empty kitchen. I love coconut!
After snooping enough to locate the glasses, which were conveniently located right next to the refrigerator, I poured myself some of the thick treat and meandered into the den.
I eyed the entertainment center, thinking of picking out a movie, but I wasn’t really in the mood, so I walked down the hall to peep in on Lilly. She was sleeping soundly, her little hand tucked under her cheek like the angel that she was. The sight tugged on my heartstrings. Swallowing the aww that lurked in my throat, I backed out and closed the door snugly behind me.
With a bored and frustrated sigh, I turned and made my way back down the hall, stopping as I passed Sebastian’s study. It was dark in there, unlike the last time, when I’d been lured inside by the showcased and spotlighted book about vampires.