I can’t help but watch her.
It must be awkward for her to be sitting alone, I know it would be awkward for me. And yet how naturally she seems to sit, peeking shyly around at first before becoming bolder, watching the people around her. Roman walks over to take her order and within a moment she has him smiling and laughing – something I’ve not been able to get out of the old rogue more than once in the entire time I’ve known him.
She’s enchanting, and not just to me. The funny thing is, I don’t think she even knows.
She lights up the whole room around her, but by the way, she acts, I don't think she has a clue. I can't take my eyes away from her, no matter how much I try. Every time I glance up and smile or nod at one of the guests around my table, I find my gaze straying back almost immediately.
I only make it halfway through the main course before I simply can't do it anymore. This is pointless, both me being here and me trying to pretend that I'm not affected. I barely hear a word said by those around me, and besides, what I do hear is of no interest to me while I have her in my sights.
“I'm sorry, gentlemen,” I say placing my knife and fork down with a clatter of determination. “It seems I have to break up this party a little early.”
The German banker, who is now another two glasses down and very much the merrier for it, shakes his head violently. “No, no,” he says, brandishing his empty glass at me. “Jonas, you must stay! After this, we go to a bar. The night is only just beginning!”
“I'm afraid that the charms of Las Vegas are a little lost on those of us who live here year round,” I tell him with a wry smile. “You will have to forgive me, there is a more pressing matter that requires my attention. I'm afraid there is someone who I had promised to look after.”
It's not quite a lie. It was her I made a promise to. I know even as I say it that I'm making out as if I owe her father or something, and I hope that's what they will assume. It's out of character for me to go after a woman, anyway, so more likely than not they will believe it.
It's not that I’m ashamed of how I feel about her, or that I'm worried about how we might be judged. It's more that leaving a business dinner to go after a romantic entanglement is far from professional. Leaving to take care of a personal promise, on the other hand, comes across as noble.
There is another chorus of disavowal around the table, all of them telling me not to leave so early. But I ignore them, making no excuses again and my apologies as many times as I need to. I manage to stand, place my napkin down on the table, and begin to edge away from the table. I finally extricate myself and hurry across the floor of the restaurant towards her, relieved that they haven't kept me tied down to listen to their dull stories any longer.
I take one glance behind me before I sit, reaching her table and finding a spare chair. All of them are watching me open-mouthed.
Well, so be it. Give them something to talk about.
Somethings – some people – are worth the risk.
Chapter Eight
Savannah
I feel a flare of gratitude when I look up to see Jonas striding across the restaurant towards me. He hasn’t forgotten about me. He hasn’t abandoned me.
“Is this seat taken?” he asks, the cheesy line making me laugh. He must think that it had the desired effect because he pulls out the spare chair opposite me and sits down, even though it's quite clear no one is supposed to sit there. I get the feeling that the wait staff like him so much here, they won't say a single word.
“I thought you were having your important business dinner,” I say. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I'm glad he's come over. It feels nice not to be alone again, and particularly when it comes to Jonas. Having him here makes me feel so much better. It's like he is the sun, brightening the room and warming my day, giving me life.
“They were a boring bunch,” he says, waving a hand dismissively. “I kept seeing you over here and I thought you might need some company. So, here I am. How is dinner?”
“Oh it's delicious,” I say, indicating my empty plate. “It was, anyway. Thank you so much for all of this. I really am grateful that you've taken the time to look after me, especially since you're so busy.”