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The elevator doors closed and she turned to Sam. “I want to talk about all my problems with you, but it’s hard.”
“Why don’t we go sit on the sofa, sweetie.” Sam gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Let me talk first. Then, if you’re ready, you can, but only if you’re ready. Okay?”
“Okay,” she said, feeling tears begin to prick at the back of her eyes.
They sat down and Sam grabbed her hands. “Erica, you can’t be so hard on yourself about this. I have no doubt that you are dealing with more than any of us can imagine. Two horrific incidents happened in less than a few months and you were at the center of them. This last one, well…I…we…” Sam’s voice cracked, which was unusual for him. She looked into his eyes and saw a couple of tears fall from each eye. That was something she’d never seen in the man who had been her rock after her parents died. “I’m sorry, child.” He wiped his eyes. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“I am in body, Sam, but not in mind.” She bowed her head and sighed. “I don’t even know who I am now. After my mom and dads passed away I was sad, but not out of control like I feel now. I’m damaged in my soul.” Her own tears streamed down her cheeks, the dam now broken being in the company of one of the sweetest, wisest men she knew, a man who loved her like his own. “I hurt so badly.”
He held her tight and rocked her like he’d done years ago. “It’s going to get better. I promise.”
“How can it?”
“You have me, Patrick, and Ethel. You have your brothers. Time is what has to pass for you to heal. One day you’ll have your own family, your own children. Life will go on. You’ll see.”
Family? She leaned back and looked at his eyes. “How can I ask any men to take a chance on me, Sam? It’s not fair to them. I’m damaged. You can see it. I know you can. I can feel it. In my bones. In every heartbeat. Every breath. I’m broken. I can’t ask Dylan and Cam to fix me.”
“Dylan and Cameron Strange? I knew it. They’ve finally moved things to the next level and gotten off the dime. Fantastic. But you’re right, you can’t expect that from them. You have to do the hard work, and it will be hard work, to rebuild yourself. I’m here for you, Erica. I’d like you to come to my office every day for a while. Will you do that for me?”
“I guess so.” She laughed halfheartedly. “I’m nuts, aren’t I, Sam?”
“Everyone in Destiny is a little nuts, kiddo. That’s the way we like things here.”
“Thanks, but I think you’re only saying that to make me feel better.”
“Am I?” He grinned. “You know what Patrick is looking for when he drives on his Harley?”
“No way,” she said, unable to keep herself from smiling.
“Yes way. Dragons.” Sam pulled her in tight and squeezed. “So don’t be so hard on yourself. My brother is the locomotive of this crazy train, not you.”
She laughed, feeling a little better.
* * * *
Erica watched Cam getting the food out of the basket that his Aunt Alice had prepared for them.
The talk with Sam earlier had put Erica’s mind at ease a little. So when Cam had called asking her out on a proper date with him and Dylan, she’d said yes.
Lover’s Beach was only a half mile outside of Destiny on the peninsula. The place had always been called that name, but twenty years ago it had been less beach and more mud pit. The O’Learys were responsible for getting tons of white sand trucked in to beautify the space. The
whole town enjoyed family time there, but on nights like tonight—full moon, warm temperatures—only sweethearts dotted the shoreline. Tonight, it was all theirs, as no other soul was around to intrude on their perfect evening.
She sat on the giant blanket that Cam had brought for them.
“I hope you’re hungry,” he said with a wide grin.
“I’m famished.” She sipped on the white wine. The cool sweetness tasted good on her tongue. “When do you expect Dylan to show?”
“He was meeting with Jason about what he’d learned from Markov about Niklaus. I’m sure that’s about to wrap up. He’ll be here sooner or later,” Cam said, smiling across the blanket at her. “What do you think of our date so far, sweetheart?” He motioned to the still waters of the lake, which were reflecting the moonlight, creating a hauntingly romantic touch to the evening.
“I like this very much. And the food looks and smells wonderful.”
He filled one of the plates with two pieces of Blue’s Diner’s most beloved combos on their menu. Fried chicken, corn on the cob, and mashed potatoes drenched in cream gravy.
“Shouldn’t we wait for Dylan?”
Cam handed her the plate. “I’m sure he’ll call when he’s on his way. You already said you were famished. Let’s eat up while it’s still hot.”
