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“Sam, you know I’m here for you right? Whatever you need I’m here for you, you just have to ask.”

She gives me a weak smile. “I know and I love that about you. But this is something I need to take care of myself. It can only be me.”

I hate being this helpless. I need to help her, so if she isn’t going to let me in, I will provide her comfort another way. I stand up and pull her chair away from the table. Reeling her up into a hug, I kiss the top of her head and lead her by the hand to the stairs.

As we walk, I explain. “If you won’t talk to me about it and you won’t eat, let me get you a bath ready. Relax and think about it. Or don’t. Just get into the tub and wind down so you can sleep tonight.”

She opens her mouth to protest but I softly press my lips against hers to silence her. “Don’t argue with me, woman. Let me feel like I can help you by doing this.”

“Okay” she whispers.

I make sure she’s comfortable before I return back downstairs to clean up, telling her to stay put until I return. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but whatever is bothering her has to be something big. She’s never had any problems sharing with me before. I hope like hell she will be more like herself in the morning. I’m not going to see her for almost three days and I need to know she won’t have a break down. I hate not seeing her gorgeous smile. I will have to ask Nixon to pay a bit more attention to her while they are gone.

Picking up my phone, I give my friend a call and do just that.