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Out of character, I had a conversation with Marina a few months ago about Austin. It felt good to talk to another woman. The only other woman I could talk to was my mother, and she and my father were somewhere in Africa doing charity work.
“He mentioned a job at NYU.”
“Is he applying?”
“He said no, but I know he worries about his grandmother.”
“He wouldn’t leave you,” she assured me.
“That’s what I keep telling myself.”
Marina plucked the envelope off the cellophane and handed it to me, then removed the clear covering. After she left the office, I read the card. In Austin’s generous script was a message which made me want to cry. Since the beach, he always referred to me as Sammy unless he was upset. He wrote it on the salutation. I assumed that he had done this with a local florist before he left since the card was in his handwriting.
My Darling Sammy,
Red is how deep my love is for you, white is how pure my love is for you, and yellow is because you’re my best friend. I love you with all my heart. I can’t wait to come home to you.
All My Love,
Austin
I felt tears brimming in my eyes, and I wiped them away before they caused my mascara to run. I read the card over and over. I missed him so much that my heart hurt. I texted him.
The roses are lovely, but the card is even lovelier. Thank you.
I love you, Sammy. I can’t wait to come home to you.
I can’t wait, either!
Only two more days and he would be back with me. I couldn’t wait.
Chapter 9
Austin came back a day early and surprised me with his grandmother. I was sitting in front of my pool when he opened the slider, scaring the shit out of me. I had given him a key to my home several weeks earlier as he had given one to me for his house. I didn’t want to meet one of the most important women in his life wearing a bikini, but I did. I just thanked God; it wasn’t the bright orange one.
“Samantha Stone, I want to introduce you to my grandmother, Edith Doyle.”
I shook her hand and was surprised that a woman who was almost eighty had such a strong grip. Her face was almost wrinkle free, and her steel-gray hair was curled up into a tight bun at the top of her head. She was a bit shorter than my height of five four and had soft blue eyes.
“My, you are a beautiful girl. Much prettier than Austin’s last girlfriend, and what a body on you.”
I could feel my face heat with embarrassment. I scowled at Austin, a bit annoyed he hadn’t alerted me he was coming by with his grandmother.
“If I had known I would have dressed for your visit.”
“Nonsense, young lady. Don’t be ashamed of your figure.”
Austin hugged me tightly, his hand slipping to cup my ass before he backed away.
“I missed you. Grandmother wanted to visit, and she said no time like the present. Sorry I didn’t contact you first.”
I got over my annoyance quickly because Austin was finally home. It had been almost a week, and I was dying for him to share my bed. But I wasn’t sure if he would be able to with his grandmother visiting.
“I’m happy you’re home early. Can I offer you a drink?”
“This is some house you have. Do you live alone?” Edith asked.
“Grandmother, I told you Sammy lived on her own.”
