“What would it take for my name to be important enough to stick?” Clay asked with a bit of a twang to his deep voice. “Wait…what’s my friend’s name?”
Heat flushed through Savannah’s whole body as she reached far into her memory only to come up with a name that couldn’t be right.
“I want to hear this one,” the waitress who was working interjected as she passed an order through to the kitchen.
“Stormy?” she guessed.
“Stormy?” Clay chuckled.
“Damn it, I knew it was too stupid of a name.”
“No,” Clay mocked while waving his hands as if surrendering. “I’m just trying to make the connection.”
“Fine.” Savannah crossed her arms. “What’s his name?”
“Sunshine,” the waitress said. “Most people call him Sunny.”
“They’re both metrological terms.” Clay took another swallow of his beer. “Dear God! I’m starting to understand her thinking.”
“Give me fifteen drink orders and I swear I’ll have them perfect,” Savannah pleaded with Carolyn.
“Fifteen huh?” Carolyn gave a sideways glance to the waitress. “Fine, I’ll give you fifteen, then you need to walk to the corner and come back and tell me it.”
“I’ll go one better, you let me back behind the bar I’ll mix them all. That way, you can test my skills.”
“And have fifteen drinks that have to be tossed?” Carolyn crossed her arms.
Savannah guessed it was a better trick when the place was full, instead of only having a few people here before happy hour started.
“To be fair, with how much you water down the liquor, she’ll only be upping your water bill.” Clay smiled then winked at Savannah.
Damn, he had the cutest dimple. Savannah righted herself, the last thing she needed was a tall, dark and handsome stranger. “How about this? Fifteen drink orders and I’ll make any drink you want.”
“Memory and skill huh?” Carolyn shrugged then leaned on the bar before rattling off a mix of beers, cocktails and straight shots.
Absorbing the order, Savannah nodded then turned, crossed to the jukebox and back to where Carolyn and the waitress were standing. “Bud Light from the tap, Moscow mule, shot of Jack, shot of tequila, Scooby snack, hard lemonade, PBR in the bottle, cosmos, two fingers of E and J neat, shot of Patron, pitcher of Coors, mojito, gin and tonic, Hennessy and strawberry daiquiri.”
“Darla.” Clay curled his finger to bring the waitress closer. “Do you actually serve all of those?”
“I don’t even know half of them,” she confessed. “Must be big city drinks.”
“You’re hired. Can you work until three? Our night waitresses needs to clean up and close.”
“Not a problem, but I do have one question.”
“Okay,” Carolyn said as she pulled out an application and placed it in front of Savannah. “What’s that?”
“You act like this is some rough bar, but you don’t have many men working here.”
“Cowboys respect women, they fight sure, but not in here and not with Bessie.” Carolyn placed a sawed off shotgun onto the maple of the bar. “You do know how to pull a trigger right?”
* * * *
Clay wasn’t sure having Savannah working at the Hard Root was the best thing for him. Hanging out there was one thing, but now he would never want to leave. Sunny opened the door and the last blast of light from the day shone through making Clay’s eyes squint.
“You ‘bout done?” he called. “Or you wanna stay in town for a bit?”
Clay eyed Savannah who’d taken it upon herself to mix up of some type of fruity drink that would never be served in the Hard Root. Sure, Carolyn was putting the girl through the motions, but men who put ice in their whiskey was about as mixed as this bar ever got. He had to give Savannah credit for not backing down from the challenge. She’d put on a skirt today, simple and black with a button up white dress shirt. Did she misread the place when she dropped in the first time? Raising an eyebrow, he outlined her backside down to a set of heels so high and spiked, they could be used as a weapon. He’d never met a woman who could actually maneuver in those things, but Savannah was as graceful as she’d been in her flip flops. If it was possible, her ass was better. Round, tight—a hand slapped him upside the back of his head and sent his hat flying behind the bar.
Savannah turned and passed the drink to Carolyn before bending down and retrieving the hat. “You know that whole take a picture and it’ll last longer isn’t as great a saying since cell phones,” she teased as she placed Clay’s hat on his head.
“I’d try to say a smooth line here, but my courage appears to have gotten lost in your eyes.”
“You know me, I wouldn’t remember it right anyway.” Her words didn’t match her face that had flushed a bright pink.
“Not unless I paid you.” Resting his crossed arms on the bar top, he leaned down so he could stare into her sapphire blue eyes.
“Tip,” she corrected. “Paid sounds like I’m performing a service, instead of giving you service.”
Clay turned his head to the side, ready to confront his attacker. “Sunny, is there a reason why you hit me?”
“Shits and giggles. Also, because you didn’t answer me, instead you were busy staring at this young lady’s ass.”
“Atlanta and I go way back,” Clay said with a wink to Savannah. “I was contemplating my answer to your question. If I wanted to stay in town, how would I get home?”
“Mel said she wanted to see a movie. If we go home, we’ll never come back out.”
“Don’t you smell like cow shit right now?” Clay itched his nose not really taking his eyes off Savannah who’s face was contorted as if still processing what he had said. “What’s that face for?”
“Atlanta?”
“Dusty,” he teased back as he righted his hat, so it sat correctly. “I bet even old Stormy here would understand that one.”
“Are you making fun of me?” Savannah smirked.
“No, just appreciating your quirks.”
“I’m takin’ Mel to the movies, see you at ten,” Sunny said with a hard slap to Clay’s back. “You good with that?”
“Oh, I think I’ll be able to keep busy, something tells me Augusta here will entertain me.”
“I’m not hiring her to be your personal bartender.” Carolyn placed her hands on Savannah’s shoulders and turned her around toward the other end of the bar where a few guys had shown up. “With how you drink, I’d be out of business in three days.”
“Please, I’m a six pack away from being an alcoholic.”
“I wish,” she said swiping a towel at his face as he dodged back. “If you’re stayin’, order something, you’ve been nursing that beer for a half hour.”
“Only if I can give my order to Savannah.”
“So, you do know my name,” Savannah snapped.
“What can I say?” Clay took off his hat and dropped it on the bar while finally settling onto a stool. “Guess you seemed important.”
“Is that supposed to be a complement?”
The fight and bite from Savannah told Clay everything he needed to know about her. She was wounded, and it had nothing to do with her father being brutally murdered. Had it been a guy or just life? And why did every word flowing through her full lips make his heart pump like a herd of stampeding cattle? Damn, every red flag when it came to women waved in front of his eyes and like a moron, he became a bull ready to attack. Hips, lips, eyes like a deep fall sky and a mouth with just enough sass to make his life interesting. Yep, he should go be a third wheel at the movies to torment his cousin. Instead, he was stumbling toward a woman he knew would soon be able to crush him with just a tilt of her head.
“That’s for you to say.” Clay pulled out one of the laminated menus stuck between the ketchup and mustard bottles. Not that he didn’t know every item on the menu, but Savannah needed a soft approach and he was ready to wrap himself in bubble wrap to know w
ho she really was.
* * * *
My courage appears to have gotten lost in your eyes. Savannah knew how to hold emotions in, especially when it came to panty wetting lines from a man a foot taller than her with broad shoulders and a bit of a drawl. The chocolate skin and dimple that was only on his left cheek didn’t help. Not in the least. Crap, it wasn’t that she was trying to be good or anything, but Aunt Teddy said it was a small town and everyone knew who she was before her foot even hit the front porch. Rumors had already been circulating about a love child…a snort came from her at the bullshit name. Teddy was right, bastard was a better name for what she was.
All she knew was she needed quick cash and waitressing, even in a dive, could get her some. Even with Carolyn making her fill out tax forms, she would be able to get something from tips. Dean the wonder lawyer would finally be coming out, so they could at least start getting the legal crap out of the way.
“What do you want?” She knew better than to ask that way, she’d waitressed long enough to know that could only be followed by a proposition of her bent over or legs spread apart.
“I’ll take the cheeseburger basket,” Clay replied then peeked over the top of the menu. “Who’s cooking tonight?”
“I’ve been on the clock for about fifteen minutes and I thought you wanted a drink.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t assume to know what I want.”
Yep, right then, there was a core clench. Oh, she needed to be away from him and quick! “Carolyn,” she called out as she swallowed in hopes of getting a bit of moisture back in her mouth. “Who’s cooking?”
“Earl.”
“Then have him do that thing with the peppers,” Clay said.
“Thing with the peppers?” Savannah asked as she scribbled on the order pad.
“He’ll know,” Clay assured her. “And I’ll take a whiskey with a beer back.”
Savannah went to the kitchen window and placed the order on the wheel, then spun it. Funny, she knew those things existed, but every place she’d worked had an electronic system set up. As long as she stayed behind the bar she would be great, but her shoes were already digging into the back of her heels. Not her best move. Grabbing a bottle of Jack, she poured Clay a shot then took the top off a bottle of beer.
At least she wasn’t stuck spending the first two days of work watching orientation videos and learning about the company motto. Even in the smallest bar in Dallas that seemed to be the case. Not here. Carolyn was a throw them to the wolves type and challenges were Savannah’s specialty.
The night wore on and she must have seen everyone in Tender Root at one point or another. Izzy came at five-thirty, taking the floor thankfully, and Darla left at seven. Carolyn bounced between the bar and the tables while mixing with guests making sure everyone was having a good time and behaving. Clay stayed perched at the end of the bar nursing his beer and occasionally ordering a basket of fries.
Friends came by and talked with him, as he stayed sober, barely touching his beer. Now, she understood Carolyn’s comment. He wasn’t a drinker. As she learned where the alcohol was, she learned straight up was the favorite preparation and Carolyn wasn’t one to have the latest hot IPAs, nope, just the big name beers on tap and in the bottles. Nothing fancy. Tips seemed okay, being thrown to the wolves wasn’t that bad, and if Carolyn kept her on, comfy clothing was going to be a necessity.
“Hey,” a man barked as he shoved his way between two guys sitting on stools. “Who do I have to screw to get some service, shit woman?”
Savannah had been kneeling down to get some glass mugs since the kitchen hadn’t brought the clean ones yet. She knew it would be a draw a line in the sand moment as she stood and faced off with the man who appeared to be in his late thirties with a chip on his shoulder, big enough it was visible from space. Then again, he was her uncle.
“Jesus Christ, you’re here too?” Patty asked.
“I thought you went home,” Savannah said.
“I’m not tuckin’ tail, I don’t give a good God damn what Dale says, that trust is in question.”
“It amazes me you’re fighting for some piece of land you never wanted.”
“You’ve been here for a half a second. Don’t act like you have some deep love and respect for what my family built.”
“Our family, Uncle Patty.” She couldn’t help egging him on and it was so easy. “My daddy ran that ranch for almost twenty years by himself.”
“Daddy,” he scoffed. “I bet you’ve had lots of Daddy’s over the years.”
Savannah had lost the ability to tell if the chill bumps that covered her skin were from anger, indignation or humiliation. Patty’s attacks had been passive since Grandma Dorothy was still at the ranch.
“I think you need to leave, Pat,” Clay said. Somehow, he’d moved in behind Patty. “We both know alcohol won’t help this situation.”
Savannah then noticed the two guys on the stools had ghosted.
“Fucking Longs. I swear, you assholes feel you run this place. It was your goddamn family that got mine killed.” Patty’s eyes were focused on the bar as his jaw twitched. “I should of known you’d be here keepin’ an eye on her.”
“I’m just waiting on Sunny to finish his date.” Clay placed his hand on Patty’s shoulder and he rolled his shoulder to knock it off. “It’s Savannah’s first day, let’s not make it her last.”
“Bitch is stayin’ here huh? Should’a known she’d pull this shit. Once again, being where she’s not wanted.” Uncle Patty locked eyes with her. “Then again, that’s been who you were from the moment you dug into your mama’s womb.”
“All right, I’ve heard just about enough.” This time, Clay grasped Patty by his biceps and spun him around. “You’re out of here.”
“Since when are there bouncers at the Root?” Patty snarled as he tried to break free, only to find Clay wasn’t being gentle now. Not by a long shot. The movement only resulted in Uncle Patty flying across the room on the floor, coming to rest at the feet of Carolyn.
The bar had been loud with conversation, immediately it silenced as if someone had suddenly hit mute on a TV.
Shit, at least Savannah made some decent tips before she got fired. Not that it was her fault. She could handle her Uncle Patty, but no…Clay had to step in…fucking cowboys.
* * * *
“I didn’t use my fist.” Clay held his hands up in surrender immediately. “I know the rules.”
“I might need to update them,” Carolyn said while crossing her arms. “Hey Patty, long time.”
“Carolyn, you need to fire some people.” He pushed up from the floor. “That slut you have behind the bar caused this.”
“Your niece?” Carolyn asked.
Patty visibly winced as if the mere thought of Savannah’s relationship to the Winston’s hurt him.
“Funny, I’ve never had so many guys gathered around the bar at one time. Think I’ll keep her.”
“That bitch ain’t no kin to me.”
“That’s between you and your God, but don’t bring your shit into my bar. Get out.”
“Won’t be throwin’ the Long boy out, will you?” he countered as he pushed up and brushed off his jeans. “Course not.”
He knocked her in the shoulder as he passed and Clay rushed to her side to make sure she didn’t fall. With her bad leg, it would have been easy to knock her down. Not that Carolyn didn’t have a reputation for kicking a man’s ass when necessary, that was years ago. “I’m good baby,” she said as she patted his arm. “How long before Sunny picks you up? Can’t really have you stay, seein’ how you tossed Patty around like a ragdoll.”
“I swear, I didn’t even ball up my fist. And he was mouthin’ off to Savannah.”
“You like her huh?”
“She’s a woman, I ain’t about to let anyone talk to her like that.”
“Right.” Carolyn laughed as she walked back to the bar that once again, was surrounded by men.
Not that the
place wasn’t full as it always was at night, but there wasn’t a line at the pool table and Izzy could easily handle the tables. Men with their dates populated them, not one table of single guys to hit on Izzy tonight. In fact, his stool had been taken.
“You’re not going to fire her are you?”
“Hell no, Patty’s been a shit since junior high when his mama left. So, she gets the whole ranch huh?”
“Not sure, I’ve heard something like that.”
“Well, good for her. It’s ‘bout time we get some new blood in here.”
“Hey, the old bloods are good.” Clay acted rebuffed but he had to agree. Savannah was a breath of fresh air, especially since he’d worn out his tolerance for the local fare. Now, the local girls were looking to become mistress of the manor and he didn’t have anything to offer them. Especially, since settling down wasn’t in his nature. That was Walt’s job and he did it well.
Clay checked his watch and knew Sunny should be showing up soon anyway. He headed out of the Hard Root and decided to wait by his truck.
Patty was fumbling with his own keys three vehicles away.
“Patty,” Clay called. “What’s your beef with Savannah?”
“She won you over too, I see,” he snarled before jerking his car door open. “Seriously what is this power these bitches have? I knew my brother, the fucker raised me and never once did he tell me about some slut in Dallas.”
“I don’t know what Walt did when he was away at college.”
“He came back with what he did at college,” Patty said as he wagged his finger at Clay. “Didn’t he?”
“You and I both know there’s little chance Tina was the only woman he was with at school.”
“I don’t see any coming to claim their birthright.”
Before Clay could reply, Patty started his car and peeled out of the parking lot. A flash of lights blinded him for a minute before he made out his cousins, Miles and Monty.
“Clayton,” Miles said as he pulled up next to him. “You ain’t seen Mellie around anywhere have you?”
The Last to Know Page 6