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Sam plays the hospitable host, offering Sophia a drink, while I try not to imagine I’m slicing and dicing her head. “Smells delicious, Lucy,” she says, attempting to make conversation.
Putting on the bravest face I can muster, I turn and smile. But when I see a bunch of sunflowers sitting innocently in her hands, I wheeze.
“Saxon told me they were your favorite.” She unknowingly offers me the bunch, not realizing the memories these flowers hold—the memories of when I rode on the back of Saxon’s Harley, never feeling freer. But Saxon does. Why would he do that?
“Th-thanks,” I stutter, accepting the flowers. “Dinner is almost ready.” It’s a subtle hint to get out of the kitchen.
My eyes flick over to Saxon, who is standing by Sophia. They look so…perfect together, and it makes me sick. What also looks perfect is him. He’s in blue jeans and a light blue button down shirt. The sleeves are rolled up, exposing his taut forearms. His hair is styled with some product and he’s clipped his scruff, but he still looks edgy. And so very hot. She looks stunning as usual in a simple coral dress and gold gladiator sandals.
The biker and the doctor—somehow, a match made in heaven.
With that thought in mind, I turn back around and pretend to busy myself by looking for a vase before I burst into tears.
Sam leads them into the dining room, while Piper stays behind, watching me closely. “Are you okay, Luce?”
“I should be the one asking you that,” I reply, ignoring her question, as the answer would be no.
“It’s okay,” she says nonchalantly. “It wasn’t meant to be.”
“But it doesn’t bother you?” I ask.
“No, it’s cool. It’s not like I was in love with him or anything.” So it appears casual sex is all the craze this year.
Not wanting to think about this further, I give Piper the garlic bread and salad, while I dish up the lasagna. It looks like slop, as I take no care in serving it up. Presentation is the least of my concerns. I try not to slam Sophia and Saxon’s plates down in front of them, but when Saxon moves back to avoid flying projectiles of mozzarella and marinara, I know my efforts to remain civil are diminishing by the second. I take my seat near Sam, who is at the head of the table, facing opposite Saxon. What a way to ruin my appetite.
We eat in silence, the air surging with an undercurrent of uneasiness. I don’t fail to notice Saxon’s eyes on me, watching my every move. Annoyed, I meet his stare, silently questioning what his problem is. He responds with an egotistical smirk.
“So Saxon mentioned you’ve turned vegetarian,” Sophia says, breaking through the staleness. “I think that’s really great. I was vegan all through college. It really made a difference to my wellbeing.” Of course she was. If she told me the sun shined out of her ass, I’d believe it, because little Miss Perfect can do no wrong.
“Yeah, I have,” I reply when she waits for me to elaborate. “I guess I fell off the band wagon, but I’m back on.” I can’t help but direct my comment to Saxon, who sips his Budweiser.
“That’s fantastic. I really admire that you’re sticking to your beliefs.”
“Lucy is passionate about a lot of things,” Samuel kindly says, cutting into his meal. “She’s just been assigned to help in Syria for three months.”
All eyes swing my way, as I haven’t told anyone that I’ve offered to go on the three month aid tour of Syria and its surrounding cities. Taking my mom’s advice on board,thisis the only way I can follow my heart. To see what true chaos is to appreciate the calm. I know the time away from both Saxon and Samuel will do me good and I’m hoping once I return, I’ll know what I want to do.
“I’ll miss her, but they need her more than I do,” Sam concludes. He’s been awfully supportive, but it’s not his choice. I’m going either way. I won’t let him stop me. Not again.
“When are you leaving?” I’m surprised when it’s Saxon’s saddened voice I hear.
“If all goes well, I leave in two weeks. I have my passport. That’s all I need,” I reply calmly.
He is anything but calm as he states, “It’s a warzone over there. Worse than it has been in years. What with air and land bombings, kidnappings, and unspeakable treatment of foreigners if captured, it’s not a place for—”
“For what?” I question, cocking my brow as I rest my fork against the side of my untouched plate.
“It’s just dangerous,” he amends, sensing I’m close to boiling over.
“I know what it is. But sometimes, the unseen dangers are far more hazardous than the seen,” I bite back, no longer talking about going overseas. Saxon reads my innuendo and clenches his jaw.
Sophia clears her throat. “That’s really commendable and brave.” Of course she’d say that—she just wants me gone.
“It’s not brave, it’s stupid,” Saxon snaps, still glaring at me. Piper shifts beside me, sensing an argument brewing.
Tossing my napkin onto the table, I snap, “Nice to know you think helping people in need is stupid. You really are your mother’s son.” Low blow, but his comment reminds me of Kellie’s bigotry. It also reminds me how not that long ago, he was all for me going over. What’s suddenly changed? I thought he’d be happy to see the back of me.
Sam stiffens up beside me, and I instantly feel remorseful for being so nasty to his mom. “Sorry, Sam.” I reach for his hand, squeezing lightly.
