Surrendering (Surrender 1)

As we walk back through the living room, I look around with a new sense of vision. I can see myself in this house and the few things I have will fit in nicely.

When we get outside, I turn to Finn. “Tell me honestly what you think, is this a good deal? Are these two solid characters telling the truth, or are they the Mean Girls in disguise?”

“Well, Rave, I get the feeling these two are solid. Don’t get mad, but I ran their backgrounds before we came over today. The mortgage on the house seems to be in their dad’s name and it’s current. All utilities are up-to-date and neither one of them has even a parking ticket on their records. Abigail and Ella Collins are both full-time students. Abbi is an Art Major with a minor in Design at Belmont. She’s a senior and turned twenty-two this past May. Ella is twenty and is a Nursing Major at Vanderbilt. Both have several scholarships that cover their tuition. They have one older brother who is twenty-five and lives in the area. Their dad lives about thirty miles away. From what I can tell, there’s nothing in their background to be suspicious of. If you think this is a good situation, we should get the paperwork.”

I don’t know what to do first, kick him or kiss him. I’m furious about his decision to look into these two girls before we had even met them, but I’m not surprised. I know that wherever I end up, Finn will have to give my dad and brother a complete run down on the situation, and it will require a thorough background check. But since it’s already done, there’s no delay in moving forward.

“Ok Finn, we’re going to go back into that house and I’m going to do my best to pretend I know nothing about their personal lives. I’m going to suggest we have dinner and drinks to get to know each other and see if this will work out. Can you look around the place and check out the security while I talk to them?”

As I walk back inside, I go straight to the kitchen and leave Finn to look around.

“Abbi and Ella, I have a proposition to make. I’m interested in the room and sharing your home. I have no problem with the extra rent and think it’s a great idea to put it towards a house fund. But I realize we know nothing about each other. I think it would be a good idea to have dinner and drinks and get to know each other before we sign anything. What do y’all think?”

Ella speaks up first, “When and where? I think it’s a great idea.”

“How about the Italian place around the corner tonight at seven? I have to swing by Finn’s place and change and then I can meet you there.”

“Sounds good Raven, we’ll be there at seven.” Abbi replies with a smile on her face. She is looking over my shoulder and I turn to see her watching Finn as he bends over the window seals and checks for the latches to catch. I roll my eyes.

“Okay, see you then and you have my cell number if anything changes. Finn, you ready to go?”

As we walk outside, I have a little pep in my step. I hope this can work out.

Chapter 2

Dinner with the Girls

After agreeing with Finn that I would call him after dinner, he drops me off in front of one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the city. It’s a place where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere at a full bar or sit at a booth with authentic Italian cuisine. Since I’m early, I head to the bar to order a drink. I text Abbi, letting her know that I’m waiting here. When the bartender approaches me, I realize I haven’t seen him in here before. His dark hair and smoldering dark eyes scream sexy. What really stands out are the dimples on both of his cheeks. As he grins at me, I swear I feel dizzy.

I order a glass of wine and pick up my phone to keep from staring. As I fiddle with the free apps, a hand appears on the bar in front of me. Hot Bartender is standing there smiling with both dimples on full display. He slides my drink to me and leans against the bar.

“My name’s Damon. I haven’t seen you in here before.”

“I’m Raven, and I was thinking the same thing about you.”

“I guess you could say I’m new. My family owns this place and I just started a few weeks ago. I’ll be bartending a few days a w

eek. I graduated college and recently returned to Nashville. I’m trying to figure out my next step. What about you?”

“Similar story, I graduated in May and returned home. I start the MBA program in a few weeks. Nothing too exciting.”

Out of nowhere, there’s a screeching from behind me. “Ravenel Hayes, is that you?” I turn on my barstool and see her coming to me with her arms over her head.

“Sissy, how are you? You look beautiful as always.” I say to the middle-aged Italian woman that has just announced my name to the entire bar. Even though I’m slightly embarrassed, I smile.

“Ravenel, you are stunning as always. When did you get back into town? I haven’t seen you in forever. How’s your family?”

“I know, Sissy. Things have been crazy. I came back after graduation. Robbie’s doing great and my parents are thrilled we’re both back in the same city. I’m meeting my potential new roommates for dinner here tonight.”

I look back to see Damon watching our exchange with confusion on his face. He shakes his head and seems to snap out of his haze. And that’s when Abbi and Ella show up.

“Hey Raven, sorry we’re late. We had trouble parking so we decided to valet for the night.” Abbi says as she looks around and her eyes land on Damon and Sissy.

“No worries, I just got a drink. Sissy and Damon, these are my friends Abbi and Ella Collins. We’re going to have dinner.” I state as I introduce everyone.

Sissy smiles and leads us to the best booth in the restaurant. We have a full 360 degree view of the room and yet we also have privacy. Not to mention, I can still see Damon at the bar.

After we are seated, Sissy hands us our menus and kisses me on the cheek. “Enjoy, sweet Ravenel.”