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Title TBD [Still…Come on Sam]
Draft Entry #4: Fools Rush In
I started this blog ranting about my best friend’s wedding. Let’s pick up from there and start again.
My oldest and dearest friend is marrying a man she won at a charity auction a few months ago. (For all intents and purposes, she will be known only as ‘The Princess Bride1.’) If it sounds outrageous, that’s because it is. I won’t lie: I was properly scandalized. But we’ve had time to talk and I’m seeing things differently. I am maybe coming around. They claim it was a case of love at first sight. Who’s to say that isn’t love in its purest form?
I don’t want to be a fool in love. Nobody does. But I don’t want to be so foolish as to not recognize love when it walks right up to you and calls you by name.
1Names have been changed to protect the innocent.
Chapter Eleven
Next morning, they set out for a day of snorkelling at Cotton Bay. They met at the usual spot outside the main lobby. Just as the bus came around, Anthony made an announcement. ‘Roman can’t make it! His old man has a health issue.’
Samantha was about to board the bus. Crippling disappointment kept her from taking another step. ‘Is he OK?’
‘The old man? I’m sure he’s fine.’
Anthony’s response did nothing to reassure her. ‘Should we check on Roman before we head out?’
‘I’m sure he’s fine, too.’
Samantha swapped her beach bag from one shoulder to the other. The idea of going off to the beach, of leaving Roman to deal with his issues on his own, didn’t sit well with her. That wasn’t how you treated a friend.
‘Hey, guys!’ she called after the group. ‘I think I’ll stay behind.’
Naomi whipped around. ‘Are you feeling OK?’
‘I’m fine. I’ll check on Roman. He might need help at the shop.’
‘Or company,’ Anthony suggested. ‘He might need company.’
Samantha caught Naomi’s sly smile and ignored it. ‘Go on. I’ll catch up with you all when you get back.’
A moment later, the bus pulled out with her friends waving and cheering and making fools of themselves. After a slow count to ten, she set out on foot to Candy’s Shop.
Roman was behind the counter, sipping coffee from a paper cup and scrolling his phone. He was unshaven yet fresh in a light blue T-shirt and faded jeans. ‘How can I help?’ he asked without looking up.
‘A bottled water, please.’
His eyes cut to her as equal parts shock and amusement brought out their sparkle. ‘Pretty lady … I didn’t expect to see you today.’
‘I heard about your grandfather. Is he OK?’
Now Roman just looked confused. ‘He’s fine. He went into town to pick up a new pair of glasses.’
Samantha could have died from embarrassment. ‘Is that all?’
‘Why? What did Anthony tell you?’
‘Nothing. Just that your granddad had a health issue … a health crisis, I believe.’
‘Anthony blows everything out of proportion,’ Roman said. ‘He doesn’t go often into town, so I told him I’d watch the shop.’
‘That’s good of you.’
