“Mr. Meyers.” I can feel Cash beside me giving me courage I’ve never felt around Meyers. Briggs studies him like he might need to step in and be surrogate parent. “Can I introduce you to Cash Gardner, my…” what is the word we’re using for us? “My friend.”
I settle with the friend term and wait for any reaction from Cash. There isn’t any. We are friends. Just hold it together.
“You wouldn’t by any chance be the Gardner involved—” Cash jolts next to me like someone just touched him with electrodes. “In the group that owns all the bars and nightclubs, would you?”
Cash doesn’t say anything. I squeeze his arm willing him to say something to Meyers. But his mouth just opens and closes like he’s trying to capture words. What is it that has him running scared?
“That is…I…uh.”
“Cash can be tongue tied sometimes, but yes, he is a partner in Altitude and a few others here in Atlanta. Their newest one’s called The Library, which opens in a few weeks.”
Meyers beams like he’s just been given a puppy. I’m immediately on guard: this is not the Meyers I know. His attitude turns on its head, and he’s much nicer than I have ever seen him. If I had a nickel for every time he smiled at me, I wouldn’t have two nickels to rub together. “I knew your group managed several bars in the area, but I had no idea that you were opening a new one.”
“It’s going to be our best one yet. You should check it out sometime,” Cash says, finally finding his words again, his fingers finding their way under the edge of my jacket and shirt to play with the skin on my hip. I lean into him and can feel his heart thundering against his chest. Open up to me, I will him silently.
“Well, Savannah here is a fantastic entertainment lawyer, but if you ever need another eye for business our law firm is a full service.”
“She’s told me all about Briggs, Meyers & Associates, and I know the boys and I have been looking for a good law firm. I assure you, discussing your firm is on the agenda for our next board meeting.”
“If you need any further information, Savannah has all of my contact numbers. I’d be happy to set something up—” Meyers says.
“I’ll make sure Cash gets the information,” I say, grabbing Cash’s hand before it can roam any further. Meyers smiles in thanks. He makes his excuses, and Briggs gives me a glowing look.
“I think it’s safe to say you just cinched your promotion,” Briggs says. Relief floods through me. I did it. No more worrying about Richard The Dick. “Very nice to meet you, Mr. Gardner, although I think we’ve technically already met.”
“Yes, sorry for cutting out early last time—I…we…” Cash looks at me for help. This is your mess, big man. It’s your turn to get out of it. “It was a rough week for both of us.”
“I hope things have lightened up and you two can properly celebrate Savannah’s promotion.”
“It’s definitely going to be a celebration for the books.”
“Save that for when she makes partner,” Briggs jokes. “Enjoy your evening. Savannah, I’ll see you in the office on Monday, and we can talk about the direction you want to take the department.”
Briggs gives me a hug and he whispers, “He seems to be a good fit for you, Savannah. Keep him on his toes.” With one more toast to me, Briggs departs to find his own people. I can hardly believe the words I just heard. I got the promotion. All of this hard work, and I can now breathe easily.
Rob pounces as soon as the name partners leave. He plays it cool and introduces himself to Cash. I’m still floating on cloud nine, but Cash charms Rob as smoothly as he does his customers at the bar.
When Cash excuses himself to get me another drink, Rob wastes no time.
“He’s a good catch.”
“Hm-mmm.” I track Cash as he goes to the bar and easily laughs with the bartender. He fits in no matter where he goes. It’s easy to just be with him. There’s no tension or worry like there was with Tanner. I can just be with Cash and it’s the most wonderful state of being.
“You want me to cancel Dog-Man?”
Rob’s question brings me straight back down to earth. Dog-Man? Who the hell is Dog-Man?
“What?”
“You set it up a while ago. Drinks with a dog walker you met…” I give him a blank stare. What the hell is he even talking about. “Okay, that look says enough. Consider it canceled.”
“You’re a fucking god send, Rob.”
“Thank you ma’—” He cuts himself off. It is, after all, a night to toast to me. The least he can do is cut the ma’am crap.
Well done, Rob. There is hope for you yet.
“So what are we calling your lovely date?”
“Oh he’s not…” I mean to say he’s not my date, but the word dies on my tongue, because I want him to be my date. He gets another round of laughs from my colleagues, and I realize this isn’t just a onetime thing. It’s also a little too late for the whole one time idea.
I want something more from Cash. Even if he has secrets that he refuses to share, as long as they’re not a kid in the closet I can survive it. He’s worth it.
“I vote Shaker Boy.”
“No.”