Ghost Flowers

26. Savana's Father's Day - Pt. 2

Once Savana and Damon walked further up the beach, they grabbed their towels and clothes and stepped to the restrooms to change. While he waited near the lady's room door, he thought about how this was starting to feel like a date. It couldn't be, though, not with her.

He tried to shake the thought away as she opened the door. But he couldn't help but think she looked pretty. Her hair was even curlier when wet. The subtle reds in her hair were more vibrant. The sun highlighted her freckled face, making her hazel eyes pop.

Savana noticed how quickly Damon turned away from her. She studied him momentarily and couldn't help but think he looked handsome. He looked away with that charming dimpled smile. His dark eyes twinkled. His dark curly hair glistened in the sun.

He glanced back at her and saw she looked in a daze. "You okay?"

"Oh, uh, yeah." She shook it off, embarrassed by being caught staring.

"Did you want to ride with me?" He asked.

Savana smiled. "No, it's not far. We can walk."

Almost an hour later, they were eating in the café down the street. It was a small café with five round tables with red and white checkered tablecloths. The counter was white, with eight black chairs facing the kitchen. The register was at one end of the counter. Savana ordered chicken strips and fries. Damon ordered a burger with chips.

"Here." He took the pickle spear off his plate and put it on hers.

"Don't you want that?" she asked.

"No, I'm not a big fan. I have to be in the mood for pickles. But Ezra told me you loved them." He laughed.

Her face flushed. "Thanks."

A short, grey-haired waitress came from around the counter with a to-go order in a bag. "Having a nice day off, Savana?"

Savana looked up at Cheryl while trying to finish chewing her food. "Yup, we were swimming and got hungry."

"And who is this good-looking man? I didn't know you started dating." Cheryl smiled and looked over at Damon.

Savana was startled by that comment and choked on the water as she tried to wash down the rest of her food. Her face turned bright red. Damon noticed and chuckled.

"We're not dating Cheryl! And his name is Damon. He's Ezra's roommate."

Damon smiled. "Nice to meet you, Cheryl."

"Okay, okay, Savana. You're no fun. Jesimae called not long after you two arrived and said her new employee would be picking this up." Cheryl held up the to-go order.

"Must be Landon." Savana looked at Damon. He rolled his eyes and ate the last bite of his burger.

Cheryl gave them their check. She then set the food bag on the counter and returned to the kitchen.

"I'll just pay now so we can leave before Landon gets here." Savana offered.

"No, I got it. You've been having a rough time lately. I'll treat you. And I don't care if Landon shows up." Damon got his wallet out of his back pocket.

"Thanks, but you don't have to. You just broke up with your whore of a girlfriend." She argued.

Damon smiled. "I'm fine. It turned out not to be much of a loss."

"Want some ice cream?" she asked.

He laughed. "Am I a kid who just got a shot at the doctor or what?"

Savana blushed again. "I'm just trying to be nice!" She laughed as well.

The bells on the café door started ringing.