32
The brownstone is even better than I'd imagined, I think as I take a long gulp of my coffee mug before we leave.
Sammy fell in love with the kitchen as soon as she saw it. She loved the exposed bricks and we've both come to value the beauty of a bedroom door.
I put down my mug and walk to the front door. I don't think she or I will ever stop missing her studio. It was our home, before that bastard defiled it.
We've been here a week. Today is the first day she's going back to the bookstore.
“Are you sure you don’t want to get settled a little more?” I ask, leaning against the wall.
She stands up from bending to put her shoes on, “Beau, we’ve gone over this. I’m ready to take back some control. I feel like I’m hiding out. Ineedto move forward.”
She’s right, if she’s ready. I’ll be right there with her.
“Sorry, I know. You’re right.”
Samantha approaches me slowly. Her hand reaches up and glides over my stubbled cheek.
“Don’t apologize Beau. I know this hasn’t been easy on you.”
I clasp my hand over hers, “You’re so stro” —her lips land on mine. Stopping my words.
“You keep saying that. I hope that one day I might actually feel it.”
“You will,” I promise.
Samantha tugs her coat sleeve over her purple cast. Pulling it down to the wrist, effectively hiding it. We sliced a small slit in the fabric so it would fit. Most of the physical evidence of of her injuries are faded. I know she wants to hide the rest from her employees.
We take a cab to the bookstore. She’s nervous. Her knuckles are white on her lap as she runs her hands over her thighs.
I open my door, handing the cabbie cash. She looks up at me with wide eyes and parted lips. I nearly climb back in and pull her in my lap. I know she needs to be here.
She places her hand in mine and steps out of car, onto the sidewalk.
“It feels like ages since I’ve been here.” She stops and looks at the front window of her store with mixed emotions on her face, “Someone had the windows done for the holidays.”
I look up, catching what she’s referring to. Gold and red ribbons swirl around the corners with small green wreaths painted at the bottom center of each window. It’s subtle, but the effect is elegant. I rub my hand over her shoulder and down her back letting it rest on her waist. I don’t want to rush this moment.
A handful of seconds later the door opens. Jude peers around with Jess on his heels.
Samantha’s head turns toward them. A grin breaks free from her lips. That’s all the invitation he needs to rush over to her. I stand back, giving them room to embrace.
When he pulls back to look at her, I see a few small tear escape from her eyes. Jude eyes search hers.
"God I missed you!" He says. I can feel how true the statement is for him. She giggles through her tears, and he sweeps her away into the store, chatting the whole time. She looks back over her shoulder, making sure I'm following, still not realizing I'd follow her anywhere.
Jess is much more hesitant. She watches Samantha as she takes a good look around the store. Sam’s fingers glide over the wooden checkout counter and continue to the new release display. Eventually she looks up, wearing a small smile as she turns to Jess. “I see you didn’t dust while I was gone.” Sam tries at humor to break the tension.
Jess’s shoulders fall, and she starts crying. Samantha makes it over to her within a few strides. She wraps her arm around Jess. Jess lifts her arms to return her embrace.
“Why am I crying? I’m so happy to see you!” She tries to explain.
“I knew you were okay, I mean we’ve talked, but seeing you. Oh god, Sam. I’m so sorry.”
Samantha pulls back but keeps her arms around her friend’s waist, “It’s good to see you too.”
A few words are exchanged in a low whisper. I don’t even try to overhear. They have another quick embrace and part, both wearing smiles.
