Page 26 of The Truths We Find

“Which is ironic considering you were the one who encouraged me to go out with him in the first place.”

“Proof even I can make a mistake every once in a while.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Listen. We earned this. The special airs tomorrow. We pulled off the impossible. And if you understandably want to spend all your free time with Sam, then bring him along.”

“Fine,” I relent. “Doolies in an hour?”

“Don’t be late!” Alexa squeals before hanging up the call.

I walk into the bedroom to find Sam stretched out on our bed in nothing but his boxers. He’s staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. I slip onto the mattress beside him.

“Alexa wants us to meet her at Doolies in an hour. I told her yes. Figured one drink couldn’t hurt.”

“Sure.” He smiles. “That could be fun.”

“You okay? You were just staring into space.”

“Yeah. Just taking everything in before I leave, I guess.”

I pull him closer towards me.

“I get that. We don’t have to go if you don’t want to. I can cancel. Come up with an excuse.”

“No. Don’t do that. It’ll be fun. We could both use a drink after today.”

He rolls onto his side, his back towards me, and off the bed. He holds out his hand to pull me up and wraps me into a warm embrace once I’m on my feet. Sam’s soft lips touch my cheek, and I hear him whisper, “We’re going to be okay, right?”

I pause for a moment, thinking about what I can say to comfort him. “I’ll be here waiting for you when you get back.”

He lets out a huge exhale. As if he’d been holding his breath this entire time. Was he really worried about my answer?

“Let’s go get ready.” He smiles.

We walk into Doolies just in time for the Happy Hour crowds. Luckily, I see Alexa flagging us down from a booth near the back.

“Glad you were able to find a table,” I say, sliding into the seat across from her.

“I got here a little early. Figured I would try to beat the rush.”

“Babe, I’ll go grab our drinks.” Sam leans into me. “Usual?”

“Yes please.” I smile.

“Alexa, can I top you off?”

“I won’t say no to a free drink. Thanks, Sam.”

He turns towards the bar and disappears into the crowd.

“He seems… different.” Alexa nods in the direction Sam is walking.

“We had an interesting afternoon,” I reply.

“Care to elaborate?”

“Nice try. Reporter hat off. Best friend hat on.”