“I just mean it’s nice. You’re very down to earth.”
“Thanks, I think?”
“It’s a compliment.”
“I mean, you just haven’t been around normal folk, you know, people that work, have normal lives, no flashy cars or lots of money, just family and community.”
“I would agree with you that I am extremely far from normal. And you are right, I have not been around this before.”
“Do you miss it?”
I ponder a moment. “Maybe a little bit, but mostly no.”
“But it’s complicated?” he questions.
“Oh, Sam…” I sigh. “I wish I could tell you it all. But you would stand up and walk out and think I was absolutely mental.”
“Little uncomfortable now. But I don’t mind a little spice, as long as you haven’t killed anyone, right?” He laughs nervously.
“No, nothing like that. I haven’t done anything wrong. My family, well, they’re complicated.”
“Have you not listened to the story of my life? So, if your family is complicated, we can trauma bond on that for sure. There is a lot more to my story!” He reaches over and touches my hand. “But from experience, don’t let your family hold you back. You know, my mum really messed up my head. When I was a teen, I was so angry and confused. Had all these feelings I couldn’t control. Things happening to me that my mum… well, she couldn’t explain, she couldn’t cope. I probably made my nana sick with worry. I rebelled, causing trouble in the surrounding towns being a stupid kid.
“I met Hannah and Lois in college. At first, I pushed them away, but the more I did that, the more they tried to be my friend. I had an epiphany one night when I heard Nana crying to my mum on the phone, begging her to come and help with my behaviour. To get her shit together. She didn’t. I realised I was hurting the one woman who loved me for me. That night I changed. Lost contact with those who brought the worst out in me and finally let Han and Lois in. I learnt to control who I really was and learnt how to manage it. My nana has never had to cry over me again. I am just saying, don’t let your past affect your future.”
“What do you mean control who you are?” I ask intriguingly.
He hesitates and takes a drink. “I mean, control my anger about where I am from, if that makes sense? My mum and stuff.”
“I get that. Sorry you had a rough start, Sam.” I rub his thumb with my finger.
“Eh, made me who I am.” He changes to his jokey tone. “Tall, dark and handsome, right?” He winks.
“Well, it didn’t affect your ego, did it?” I pull my hand awayand roll my eyes amusingly.
We chat a bit more and finish our cakes and lattes. I help Gloria pop the dishwasher on before Sam offers to drive me home.
“Don’t forget the Halloween party this weekend, Harri. Would love to see you here,” Gloria mentions as we’re about to leave the cafe.
“That would be great.” I smile. Lola gives me a thumbs up and points to her witch picture. I laugh and nod and then follow Sam out into the night.
The chill in the air makes me shiver. I am glad he offered the van and not to walk back home tonight. I need warmth. As we drive home his hand rests open on his leg. I just want to hold it, but I am scared I won’t be able to control myself. But the more I stare, the more I want to. I hold mine open on my leg. I see Sam look and his palm twitches. It is a checkmate situation. Who is going to make the first move? Without taking his eyes off the road, Sam reaches for my hand and pulls it onto his leg, his palm enveloping mine. I am going to end up kissing him again, aren’t I? I mean, a girl can hope.
Rain begins to fall quickly from the sky as we reach the driveway. The window wipers furiously try to keep up. My mind wonders if the rain will be perfect cover for us to get a bit closer in the van. But my thoughts run to a halt.
A black Range Rover is parked outside the cottage.
“That’s weird. I didn’t know they were expecting visitors…” I say quietly.
A dark figure walks from the back of the Range Rover and into the headlights of the van. Dressed in now a very wet suit he moves his head up so I can see his face.
“Shit,” I shout.
“What?” a panicked Sam replies.
Colour drains from my face as I panic. “It’s Greg.”
I rush to climb out of the passenger side. Sam shouts something to me but I don’t hear it. I go to run towards Greg but remember Sam and his hatred for Greg. I rush back to the van and open the door.
