No Strings

She couldn’t decide between chicken and steak. I told her just to order both, but she didn’t listen, and the second she eyed my food, I knew she wished she had. I offered to switch with her, but she shook her head, insisting she was fine with what she got. Liar. She’s eaten half my food through my feeding her while we watch some chick flick she picked out that she’s cried through.

“Valentine’s Day is coming up, and I want to buy Sariah something, and umm...” He shrugs. “Maybe take her to dinner and a movie.”

Savannah grins wide. “You’re so sweet. What do you want to get her?”

“I guess it depends on how much money I can make between now and then.”

“I’m sure we can find something for you to do... Maybe you can clean the bathrooms,” I joke, making Savannah slap my chest.

“Be nice,” she says, opening her mouth to take another bite of my food. Brody laughs, having noticed as well that she’s eaten more of my food than her own. “Do you have somewhere, in particular, you want to take her? First dates are important. They set the tone for the entire relationship.”

Brody’s eyes go wide. “Umm... I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far ahead, and her parents are kind of strict, so I don’t even know if they’ll let her go out with me.”

“We’re having a Valentine’s Day party at Lush,” I mention. “You’re too young to attend, but if you’re okay with double dating with your old man, we can have dinner there.”

“Who are you going out with?” Savannah sasses.

“You.” I pull her into my side so I can kiss her temple.

“Funny, I don’t remember being asked.” She leans forward and grabs her glass of wine, taking a sip.

She sets it down, and I tip her chin to look into her ocean blue eyes. “Savannah Cartwright, will you be my valentine?”

A mischievous grin curls her lips. “Hm...” She taps her chin in mock thought. “Exactly what does being your valentine entail?”

“For starters, dinner at Lush.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “Followed by an evening of dancing and drinking.” I peck her cheek and lean in so only she can hear my next words. “And afterward, a night in my bed.” A shiver wracks her body, making me chuckle.

“You guys are gross,” Brody says with a gagging sound. “I’ll have dinner with you guys since Sariah’s parents are more likely to let her go if my parent is there, but try to tone it down a notch, will you?”

“Hey, don’t act like you don’t kiss your girlfriend by your locker,” I taunt.

He stands and shakes his head. “I do, but not in front of my dad. So about making some money...”

“We’ll figure it out.” I’m sure I can give him something to do to earn some money.

“Thanks, Dad.”

He throws his trash away, then disappears into his room, leaving Savannah and me alone.

“Want another glass of wine?” I ask, seeing hers is empty.

“No, thanks.” She yawns. “I’m exhausted. I think I’ll head home—”

“Let’s finish the movie first,” I suggest, not ready for her to leave yet.

She yawns again but agrees, and I pat my lap so she can lay her head down. I click the movie back on, and within minutes, the sound of her soft snores fills the room. I pull my phone out, checking and replying to a bunch of emails I neglected today. Then I check my calendar for the rest of the week. I do all this one-handed while I use my other one to play with her hair.

“Is Savy okay?” Brody asks when he comes out of his room a couple of hours later. The movie has ended, and the screen is paused.

“Yeah, she’s not feeling well.”

“Is she sick?”

“No, she’s on her period.” I could lie, but what’s the point? He’s fifteen and has to learn about this shit sooner or later.

Brody’s nose scrunches up. “Oh. Sariah said when she’s on hers, she cries a lot.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, it makes women emotional.” Savannah shifts slightly, snuggling closer to me. “You done with all your homework?”

“Yeah. Sariah’s mom said she can go to dinner with us.”

“What about the movie?”

“Only if you guys come... but I know you have that party afterward, so…”

“I don’t have to be there the entire time. I won’t be at any of the others. I’ll make a quick appearance, and then we can go to the movies if that’s what you want to do.”

His face brightens. “Yeah? That’d be cool. Thanks.”

“No problem. Get ready for bed. It’s getting late, and you need to get up early tomorrow.”

“I’m gonna jump in the shower.”

“All right, if I’m not here when you get out, I’m walking Savannah home.” As soon as I wake her up... which is hard to do when she’s sleeping so peacefully.