It wasn’t my imagination; Baxter was visibly shaken by the gift. And so was Kevin. The other diners didn’t seem concerned as they chattered and drank the last of their beverages.
I traded glances with Derek and could tell he was as worried about Savannah as I was. But she was flush with happiness and didn’t seem to notice, while Baxter did everything he could to ignore her and the old book.
He waved and tried to be jovial, but his nerves were still showing. Finally he shouted, “G’night, folks,” turned, and rushed back to the kitchen. A few of the chefs followed him out.
Savannah was all smiles as she shook hands with some of the customers. After a moment, she started to follow the other chefs, but stopped to pick up the wrapping paper Baxter had abandoned on the table.
I was about to jump up and help her when Peter moved over to assist. He handed the crumpled paper to one of the busboys, then wound his arm around her shoulder and walked her out of the room.
I was stymied by everyone’s reactions, but Kevin’s troubled me the most. I thought her head was going to explode when she saw that cookbook. Why? Had Baxter promised to give it to her instead? Or maybe it had nothing to do with the cookbook. Maybe it was all about Baxter and Savannah. Was she jealous?
Thinking perhaps I’d imagined or exaggerated the whole thing, I turned to Derek for confirmation. “Did you catch Kevin’s expression?”
“Yes, I saw it,” he said, his jaw tight. “That was not the same sweet girl you introduced me to earlier this evening.”
“No. She looked ready to kill someone.”
“Not someone,” he said. “Baxter. I wouldn’t have been surprised to see her smash a bottle of wine over his head.”
“She didn’t look too happy with Savannah, either.”
But why? Was Kevin resentful of Savannah? Was she in love with Baxter? That was impossible. She had to know he was a complete cheat when it came to relationships. Of course she knew. She’d been there in Paris when he cheated on Savannah. She had felt the same way we all did. Hadn’t she?
I had too many questions and no answers.
The tables began to empty as customers paid their bills and left for the evening. We were sliding out of our booth when Savannah returned to chat with us.
“Everything was delicious,” Derek said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
“Thanks.” She was beaming and I could tell she was on cloud nine. Except for those last few moments, the evening had been a big success.
I hugged her. “The bignolès are to die for.”
“They’re my favorites, too,” she said.
Since she was planning to stay overnight with us, I asked, “Are you ready to leave now?”
“No. Do you mind? I’m so wired, and some of us are going to stay and have a drink together. We want to catch up with each other, and Baxter needs to discuss the schedule. I can catch a cab back to your place or have one of them give me a ride.”
“We weren’t sure what you wanted to do,” I said, “but we were planning to stay in the Mission for a while anyway. Derek’s partner recommended that we check out a Brazilian band over at the Elbo Room.”
“That sounds like fun,” she said.
“It should be. So we can swing by after that and see if you still need a ride. And by then I’ll be ready to grab an ice cream cone around the corner at Bi-Rite.” I looked at Derek. “Best ice cream in the city.”
“Ice cream?” Savannah glared at me. “You’re still hungry?”
“No, but I will be. That’s a whole hour from now.” Did I really need to explain this to her?
She threw up her hands. “Stupid question. You’re like a bottomless pit.”
It was hard being misunderstood by my own sister. “We are talking about ice cream.”
She sighed, then chuckled. “I know. Go. Get out of here.”
“Dinner was fantastic,” I said. “You’re awesome.”
Derek touched her shoulder. “We’ll be by in an hour or so and see if you’re still here and need a ride. If not, we’ll see you at home.”
I pulled my key out of my purse and handed it to her. “Just in case you get there first.”
“Thanks,” she said. “I’ll probably hitch a ride from one of these guys.” She gave me another quick hug. “The book box is gorgeous. I think Baxter was blown away.”
In more ways than one, I thought. “He looked a little shell-shocked.”
“I know,” she said, beaming.
I hated to bum her out, but I had to tell her what I’d seen. “Kevin didn’t look too happy about it.”
“What do you mean?”
I hooked her arm in mine and leaned closer. “Trust me, if looks could kill, you and Baxter would be dead on the floor right now.”
Savannah shook her head. “You must’ve misread her. Kevin’s been in a great mood all evening.”
“Maybe so, but the minute Baxter held the cookbook in his hand, her whole attitude changed. She looked furious.”