Sam's Promise (Blackwater)

“Hell, if you both have money in savings, then why don’t the five of us just put in equal shares to pay the bills around here?” Reilly said as he waved a hand in the air. “Problem solved.”

“Because Sammy is thinking of a long-term solution,” Brodix said as his quick mind caught on. “Paying the bills is only a bandage.”

“In my opinion,” Sam began, “a bar and grill would gain us a damn sight more customers than a diner ever could. I don’t want to end up right back here six months down the road, few customers and too much overhead. We need to make some changes.”

“Vance’s Construction has the remodel covered,” Vance stated. He rubbed his hands together and looked around the room before saying, “It’s about time this place got a facelift.”

“I agree with everything you guys are saying here, but,” River said, still looking unconvinced, “what do you think Mom will want? The diner was always her thing.”

For a moment, they all fell silent as they glanced around the room. Sam knew his brothers were recalling all the times they’d spent there growing up. They’d each taken turns waiting tables and washing dishes. Sam hadn’t minded the work, though, because the diner was theirs. And for a motley bunch like they’d been before Wanda and Chet Jennings came into their lives, having a place to call their own had been worth a little sweat.

“I think she’ll be thrilled, River,” Sam said. “That we’re all taking an interest in the family business is what she always wanted anyway. Her and Dad both. Besides, if she decides she wants to keep things as they are, then we’ll go with what Reilly said.” He made a circle in the air to indicate the five of them. “We’ll put our money together and pay the bills. Do our best to help out.”

“The heart attack was a wake-up call for all of us,” River muttered. “Mom needs to slow down. She needs help.”

“No doubt, bro.” Sam was ashamed that he hadn’t noticed until it’d been almost too late. “We’re going to see that she gets it.”

“If we do this, then we’re going to need new menus, a bigger staff. New uniforms. More than Eddie to cook.” Brodix shoved a hand through his hair. “This is big, Sammy.”

“No joke there, it’s a huge undertaking. But I have some ideas how we can get some help with some of it.”

“You’re thinking about Julie,” Reilly surmised.

Vance quirked an eyebrow. “What’s she got to do with this?”

“She’s majoring in business, and I think she’d be a real asset through all this. In fact, I’m thinking of asking her to be the manager of the Blackwater Bar and Grill.”

“Makes sense.” Brodix grinned. “The Blackwater Bar and Grill… Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”

“Damn straight,” Sam growled.

“Speaking of Julie,” Brodix said as his gaze met his and held, “what’s this about you two going out to dinner last night?”

It wasn’t the abrupt change in topic that had Sam on alert so much as the tone. Brodix sounded jealous. Had he been into Julie? Sam had assumed Brodix had just been doing what he usually did when he was around a pretty woman—flirting.

Sam glared at Reilly. “Big mouth.”

Reilly stood and held up his hands. “Hey, don’t get all angry with me. He’s the one who asked if I knew her phone number. I told him that I didn’t, but you might.”

Sam turned his attention back to Brodix. “You were planning to call Julie?”

Brodix sat back and tapped his fingers against the countertop. “I thought about it. Is it a problem?”

“Yeah, it’s a problem,” he gritted out as he recalled the sight of her during her climax. “Julie is off limits.”

“Seriously? You just met her on Thursday! Jesus, you’ve gone out all of one time.”

Sam didn’t say anything, only stared. To his way of thinking, there wasn’t anything left to say.

Vance laughed. “Mom is going to have a heyday with this.”

“Whoa.” Sam’s gut clenched up. “I’m interested in Julie, yeah, but I didn’t say we were picking out matching robes.” He paused, then thought to add, “And if any one of you says a word to Mom, I’ll beat you to a bloody pulp.”

“Might not have to,” River said, smiling for the first time since their mother’s heart attack.

“What do you mean?”

“Julie’s at the hospital now, remember? Mom’s probably already gotten all the information she needs.” He chuckled. “The woman is better than a CIA operative when it comes to gaining intel on her boys.”