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My mouth hangs open as does Kellie’s. “Samuel…”
But he won’t hear another word. “I said leave.” A flicker of the old Samuel returns.
Her hand flutters over her throat as she’s clearly upset that he spoke back to her. Sophia clears her throat. “Can I speak to you for a minute?”
I’m still in shock over what just happened, but when Sam looks at me expectantly, the surprises just keep on coming because Sophia is apparently speaking to me. It takes me a moment, but I eventually find my voice. “S-sure.” I grab my bag, not sure what to expect as I follow her out of the room.
Her boots strike against the floor as she leads us to who knows where. I have no idea what she wants to talk to me about. Dread settles low in the pit of my stomach. How I wish it had no place in my life. But it does.
I don’t have the strength or patience for a fight, so when she leads us into her office, I can only hope this will be over soon. She gestures for me to take a seat. Although I would much prefer to stand, she makes it clear she won’t proceed with whatever she wishes to say unless I get comfortable.
I settle into the leather seat, flinching when she closes the door, sealing us in. “I’ll cut to the chase. I think you being here is good for Sam.” When she makes no attempt to face me, I turn over my shoulder to look at her. She’s pressed against the woodgrain, her stance rigid. “He has really struggled these past couple of weeks, and today is the first time I’ve seen him happy. With his injury, he can’t just take some miracle drug. They say laughter is the best medicine, and in Sam’s case, I think they may be right.”
My cheeks puff out as I attempt to process everything she just said.
“As Sam’s doctor, I can only give you the facts and allow you to decide what to do.” When she pushes off the door, I suddenly feel like prey. “But as someone who once respected you—” she snickers, taking a seat in her high-backed leather chair “—you owe it to Sam to stay.” It appears I don’t need to guilt trip myself because everyone seems to want to do it for me.
“Go to his therapy sessions and help him remember what went wrong. It may be beneficial for the both of you because god knows,a lotwent wrong.” No guessing what’s at the top of her list.
Her smug smile irks me, and I stand. I don’t need to listen to this bullshit a second longer. “Thank you for your advice.”
“Say hi to Saxon for me.” My fingers furl into fists. I know she’s goading me, and it’s working. But I ignore the urge to rip out her perfect hair and smile.
“Of course. I’ll see you around.” I don’t wait for her to reply because I’m skating close to the edge, and it won’t take much to tip me over.
The moment I step out into the corridor, I take two deep breaths to center myself. I can’t allow her or Kellie to get to me. I have to man up and face the consequences of my decision. The urge to flee to Oregon is real, but I can’t keep running when things get tough.
“Lucy?” For the first time in a long time, Sam’s voice makes me feel somewhat better.
Once I’m composed, I turn to see him standing a few feet away. He’s dressed in ripped jeans and a black t-shirt. So unlike the old Sam, but I think it’s been well established we’re no longer the same people we once were.
“Everything all right?”
I nod. “Yes. All good. Ready to go?” I jingle the car keys while his lips tip into a lopsided grin.
“Let’s get the fuck out of here before my mom has me committed.” A small laugh escapes me, and it feels good. We quickly walk out the door because we both know Sam was only half joking.
Once we’re at the car, Sam tosses his backpack into the back before extending his palm, offering to drive, but I wave him off. Unless he’s forgotten, his arm is in a cast. “Ah, no thank you. I get car sick with you driving on a good day. I’m almost certain if you get behind the wheel, I’ll be decorating the interior with this morning’s breakfast…and last night’s dinner.” Sam smirks, before shrugging, seeing my point. This is the first time I’ve referenced the old days and not looked back with sadness or regret.
Once we’re in the car, for some reason, the air doesn’t feel as suffocating as I thought it would. The engine roars to life, and I almost leave skid marks in my wake as I can’t wait to leave this place behind.
Sam seems to meditate as he gazes out the window, reminding me of when I brought him home all those months ago. A nameless song sounds softly over the radio, filling the silence, allowing us time to process our thoughts.
Ten minutes in, Sam sighs, leaning his head back against the rest. “How’s Sax?” I almost sideswipe an oncoming car but quickly correct it in time.
His question seems casual enough with no hint of animosity, and things between us, for once, don’t feel weird. However, I’m afraid if I mention Saxon, that’ll change. I don’t have the mental strength for any more arguments.
Sam reads my thoughts and turns his cheek to look at me. I gulp, tightening my grip on the steering wheel, bracing for god knows what. “Lucy, I want you in my life. And you being here proves you want to be in mine. For that to happen…” I swallow, on the verge of a breakdown. “I have to accept you’re dating Saxon.”
Say what now?
Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea for Sam to drive because I’m suddenly feeling faint.
This is big—huge, in fact. I risk a quick glance at Sam, surprised he appears nothing but sincere. Could it be I’ve finally caught a break? Not overthinking it, I clear my throat, refusing to be victim to these insecurities for a second longer. “He’s…good.”
I wait for the car to erupt in violence. For obscenities to be strewn from here to Texas. But all I get is Sam waiting for me to continue. So I do. “You’d be real proud of him. He’s made a great life for himself in Oregon.”
“That’s good to hear. Do you like it there?”
