Reunion (17 page)

“International business. I want to learn how certain businesses work in other parts of the world. I want to travel and experience different cultures. I wouldn’t mind living in a hotel and having maid service everyday and traveling on planes from place to place. I want to see the world. Do you want to see the world Savy?” I was caught up in his gaze and he waited for my reply.

“Yes. I would love to. I would love to see London, Paris, Italy, Greece, Australia.” We rocked back and forth on the swing. The air was still and felt a little cooler.

He continued to stare at me with his face resting in his hands which were resting on his knees and elbows. How could anyone be that good looking was beyond my comprehension. With just a look he had a hold on me. “ So you want to teach kids do ya? You like kids?”

“Yep! I love them. “

“Me too.” He replied. Sam always loved kids and he used to tell me he wanted us to have four of them. He wanted a big family.

“I help coach little league football for the past few years. I really love it. Sometimes I feel like I can’t wait to get to practice to see their eager little faces waiting for me to give them new plays and then watch them screw up what I just taught them. It’s really funny to watch a bunch of 7 year olds running around the field not knowing which way is up. I really enjoy it.” I was shocked at his confession. Ok so he wanted to study international business, he loved kids, he wasn’t all that into leggy, big-boobed, blondes and he was here talking and opening up to me. What else is Sam Reynolds Star quarterback for The Brooklawn Broncos into? I was about to find out.

“So back to our conversation about the two types of girls guys are into. You explained the typical one now onto the other please.” I asked. We still sat criss crossed looking at each other. He began speaking in a soft whisper-like tone.

“As I was saying about the other type of girl…ones that have high self esteem, girls that like to laugh but not in a fake sort of way. A girl that’s a leader, not a follower, a girl that doesn’t need to dress the part just to fit in with everyone else. Someone who is loyal and trust worthy. Talented. By the way, you sounded incredible tonight.” I think I got out the words thank you but I was so mesmerized by what he was saying, I don’t remember if I said it at all.

“Guys like girls that have their own style, that back talk, that sometimes don’t give a shit what other people think. “ He inched a little closer to me. I tried to break eye contact but I just couldn’t. I studied the curve of his face, his almond shaped eyes, his full lips that broke over his perfect teeth, his long neck and the way his wavy hair curled slightly over his ears. But it was the color of his eyes that had my stomach dancing in delight. Just looking at them made my world come to a complete stop.

“Some guys like girls who are natural beauties. Ones that have soft, dark brown hair ( he stroked the side of my hair at this point) and big wide set emerald green eyes that you think nothing could ever go wrong in life as long as you are looking into those eyes. Kind of like a safe haven.”

I put my chin down and he lifted it back up with his long finger. He whispered to me “ Savy… I think I have a soundtrack song in mind. This I think is a moment for one. Will you dance with me?” I shook out of my haze.

“Um here. On Tyler’s front porch?”

He got up from the swing and held out his hand for me to grab. “ We can make our own music Savy. Please?”

This was my moment not to run. My moment to seize. Carpe Diem! I grabbed a hold of his hand and he pulled me up into his arms. He held one arm around my waist and grabbed my other hand up with his. Our cheeks were touching and he began to sing a tune that became more familiar with me tonight.

“Your just too good to be true, can’t take my eyes off of you, you’re like heaven to touch, I want to hold you so much, at long last love has arrived and I thank God I’m alive, your just too good to be true, can’t take my eyes off of you.” My heart pounded under my shirt and I thought I felt his heart as well. He sang it soft and his voice was almost a whisper. I could feel his breath against my ear and he hummed. His cheek pressed against mine and I could smell his scent. It was a combo of cologne and fresh laundry. I could of inhaled him all night. His Pale blue button down shirt felt soft against my half covered arms. His shirt sleeves were half rolled up and our fore arms touched as we danced.

As we swayed steadily and as his face and eyes came in front of me and I could feel the heat of his lips that were not touching mine suddenly he grabbed my hand and swung my whole body outwards never losing his grip on my hand. I stayed at an arms length from him as he sang loudly “ Dah dah dah dah da da dad a da, dah dah dah dahhhhhhh …. Then he pulled me back into his arms and continued his loud, obnoxious, adorable, irresistible singing.

“I love you baby and if it’s quite alright I need you baby to warm the lonely nights, oh pretty baby trust in me when I say. “ His over the top vocals began to lessen and he pulled me close again and wrapped both arms around my waist. I reached up to place both of mine around his neck. He placed his forehead against mine and closed his eyes but mine remained open and the sweet melody continued.

“Your just too good to be true, can’t take my eyes off of you…” Then he opened his eyes and took my face into his hands. “ Savy…” he breathed against my mouth and with that his lips touched mine.

The first kiss. It was slow, soft, and not so quick. God I could of stayed attached to those lips forever. After he was done he looked deep into my eyes and smiled. He bit his bottom lip, stared up into the sky and back down to me. “ That song was for OUR soundtrack Savy.”

I fell in love with Sam Reynolds on October 27
^th
, 2000 and approximately 10 pm.

CHAPTER 13

FRANKIE VALLI IS MY HERO

The air was getting warmer and I loved the city at this time of year. People seemed happier. Things were green and blooming. There is a certain electricity around when spring arrives. It’s sort of euphoric. I was happy. Wasn’t I? Didn’t I fit into what my observations were? I questioned myself. A little too often. Two days before the big show Tyler called and told me he would be in the city and asked me to lunch. Georgia was working and couldn’t get away from the studio so I guess I was the next best thing. We met in China town at a little hole in the wall but that had the best Shusimi shrimp I’d ever tasted.

“So are you excited for the show? Your mom tells me you have been crazy busy organizing it.”

“Yes. I’m exhausted but I know it will all be worth it. It’s been a great 5 months. I am so glad I made the decision to come back here. I haven’t made many good decisions in a long time so it’s a welcomed change.”

“I’m really glad for you Sav. This show is a big deal isn’t it?” He asked

“It is. The school thrives on their music program so the show being good falls a lot on me and what I make of it. It’s a lot of pressure but I have an excellent support staff and you, mom, Georgia and my friends being there is even more added support. I’m looking forward to some down time come June. “ I took a bite of my Shrimp and leaned back in my chair and sighed.

“So what are your plans going to be for the summer?” Tyler asked.

“Well sleep for one. Go to the beach as much as I can. Visit all the museums I haven’t even had time to visit since I’ve been back. Give private voice lessons for some extra cash and I have a mini vacation at the beach planned with girls.”

“Wow sounds like big fun.” He laughed. “ Have you been out on any dates since you have been back?”

“I have been out on a few dates but that’s as far as I have gotten. I’m just not interested. You date my sister and she knows every little detail about me so don’t you think if I had dated anyone worth it I would of told her and she would of told you. I’m not stupid.” He shook his head back and forth.” Nope no way. I get the whole code of ethics for sisters and I would not want to be responsible for knowing any of that sort of information. This is solely for the purpose of my curiosity. I’m just concerned about you and I want to see you happy.”

I was confused. I looked at him puzzled. “ Then why ask Tyler? Were you put up to this by mom or Georgia or…” I paused.

Before he could answer I asked “ How’s Sam?” he looked down at his plate. “ I had dinner with him a few weeks ago. He is good. Not traveling much at all. Sort of a homebody these days. But you aren’t supposed to know that.”

“Huh? But why? Because that makes him look sad and he doesn’t want to appear that way to me? Is that what your saying Tyler?”

“I’m not saying that Sav. I think he is on the mend but you don’t get over something like what happened to the two of you over night. He was broken.”

“I know that Ty and don’t you think I live with the guilt and pain every day of my life. I have the battle scar to prove it!”

“Sav I’m sorry. I don’t mean to upset you. You know I love you and our friendship means the world to me. I just didn’t put it into the right words. I want you to be happy Sav and Sam will be happy again someday too. It’s just about time and healing. You have done remarkably well with everything you’ve been through these past few years. You are strong Sav. You always have been.”

I looked down at my plate and pushed it away. I felt the tears stinging my eyes. “ I’m not happy Tyler. Not in my personal life anyway. I feel like something is missing and I don’t just mean the baby. I miss him. I miss Sam and I fucked it up Ty. I really fucked it up. I wanted his forgiveness and I didn’t get it. I forgave myself but after I did I realized I still needed his and I know I will never get it. I tried. I didn’t run this time. I told him how I felt. It didn’t matter. My words meant nothing.”

He grabbed my hand from across the table and tapped on it. “ Sav do you still love him and be honest with me.” I paused and choked back a sob.

“Tyler I think no matter what happens to me in my life I think I will always love Sam. I have loved him since I was 17 years old. 17! Just when I thought it was puppy like high school love, I realized through the years those feelings never changed. The feeling I get when I see him, well it’s butterflies. I think that means something if after twelve years they don’t go away. I don’t think I will ever love someone like I love Sam. And if you dare go back and repeat what I just said to anyone I will string you up by the balls and my sister will be known as the girl who dated the guys with no testicles. You got me?” We both laughed at the statement I just made. “I like that Sav. I’ll give you that one.”

“So let’s discuss the passionate love affair you are having with my little sister.”

Tyler ran his hand over his semi shaved hair and shook his head. “Ah Sav what can I tell you. My life has changed so much since she came into it. I have changed. She… well she rocks my world .” I rolled my eyes. “ Ew. You are talking about my sister here.” He laughed which made me laugh in return.

“Seriously Sav. When we were in high school and we would hook up, I always thought she was cute but she was your little sister and she was 2 years younger than us. I really never gave it a second thought. But after the night of the reunion when the cab was dropping her off at your mom’s, I kind of didn’t want her to leave and believe it or not we were pretty sober. When she went to get out of the cab, I walked her to your mom’s door and I kissed her and then I didn’t want to be the one to go. I told her to hold on and I went to pay the cabbie and sent him on his way. We went into your mom’s house and we just sat in your mom’s kitchen drinking Tea and talking till 3 am. I found out that there was more to Georgia Garrett than meets the eye. I’m in love with her Sav. No doubt in my mind.”

“Wow Ty. That’s amazing. It’s funny how things work out. It’s funny how the stars align and how things fall into place when you least expect it. I’m so happy for you guys. I don’t think there is anyone out there that i’d like my sister to be in love with than my best friend. I had that once. I want that again.”

He smiled at me and grabbed my hand and patted it. “ Savannah, you have no idea.”

We said our goodbyes and I told him I would see him on Friday for the show. I know now that Tyler was just concerned about me so that’s why he asked if I was dating anyone. I know he wants to see me happy.

On the day of the big show I received a ton of texts from my friends wishing me luck on the show tonight. They would all be there.

Lilian: I’m so proud of you Sav my train gets in at 3 c u tonight break a leg xoxo

Ella: Way to go Sav I wouldn’t miss tonight for the world

Trish: yay! So excited for you tonight good luck sweetie

Georgia: me and Tyler just had the most amazing sex EVER!!!! I’m so in love!!!!!

Oh lord Georgia.

Maddy called me just before I left to go to school to set some things up.

“Hey Mads! What’s up?”

“Hey I just wanted to wish you luck. I can’t wait to see the show. Are you nervous?”

“Not really. Just anxious. That’s all. I’m excited to see you tonight and go get some drinks after.”

“Well that’s kind of what I’m calling about. I can’t get drinks after. “

“What! I’m sorry but why? You feeling ok? Please tell me you are feeling ok.”

“No I’m ok just a little nauseous here and there and tired.”

“Why are you tired and Nau…. Maddy! Are you pregnant!”

I heard here laugh in the phone. “ Yes Auntie Savannah I am! 12 weeks!”

I began to cry and I couldn’t speak. The doctors told her that another pregnancy was slim to none because of some of the chemo and radiation she had. She has been trying for 6 months and was put on a medicine to help her get pregnant.

“I’m so happy for you Maddy! You have been keeping this a secret all this time!”

“No. My period hasn’t been regular since the cancer so I didn’t think anything of it until I brushed my teeth one morning and it made me gag. I felt the same way with Joey and I kind of knew in my head. I can’t believe it Sav. I had a lot of testing done and me and the baby are fine.”