Page 13 of Dreaming Without Heartache

“Yeah.” I nod. “We’ve both had a stretch of bad luck.”

“Speak for yourself.” Steven moves his neck from side to side like a duck. “I enjoy a little crazy from time to time. Crazy in the streets, freaky in the sheets.”

“Yeah, well, crazy in the streets trumps everything and you know it.” I shake my head at his stupid comment, while Sam continues to giggle adorably.

“Mmhmm,” he says, sarcastically. He’s putting on an act for Sam.

“You two are funny,” Sam says.

“Well, I am,” Steven agrees. “Not so sure about Ms. Keep-Your-Trap-Shut over there.”

“I don’t know.” Sam flashes a wink my way. “Allie’s been very entertaining.”

I give Steven my best smug look, as a smile spreads across my lips. That wink got me.

“Don’t give her an inch or she’ll take a mile,” he says, in a laid-back Southern drawl, staring at me playfully.

Sam looks at me. “I think she’s earned every inch.”

“Oh, Sam.” Steven shakes his head. “Look what you’re doing to her. She won’t be able to fit that big ass head through the door if you keep on.”

Sam slides forward in her chair. “As much as I’ve enjoyed tonight, I think it’s time for me to head home.”

“Don’t let Steven run you off. He can be a little overpowering at first, but like any new air freshener, it will settle to be more tolerable.”

“Hardy-har-har!” Steven says. “Luckily, you have me to freshen up the air around your dumpster attitude.”

Sam chuckles as she stands. “It was really fun. I haven’t laughed this much in a long time. Steven, it was very nice to meet you.”

“You too, sweet lady.” Steven stands and pulls Sam in for a hug because that’s just who he is.

“I’ll walk you out.” I can tell Sam likes Steven. He’s easy to like.

Sam follows me through the patio doors, down the hall, and toward the foyer. I open the front door and walk out onto the porch with her.

“Sorry about all the back-and-forth stuff with Steven. Sometimes when we drink together, we turn into teenagers again who like to roast each other. It’s a work in process.”

“I enjoy the banter.” Sam crosses her arms over her chest. Not sure if it’s the night air or me that caused her to do that.

“Steven’s the brother Annie and I never had. The girls love him. Especially Maisie.”

“I can tell.” Sam smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes like it did earlier. “Thank you for letting me crash your family time. It’s been a while since Olivia has gone home with her dad.”

“I’m glad you stayed.” I expected Sam to leave when we reached the porch, but she hasn’t. I find myself watching her as she looks across the yard and over the neighborhood. The streetlight casts a soft glow across her face. She’s stunning in any light. “Are you worried about Olivia being with her dad?” I don’t know why I asked the question. It just feels like I should.

Sam nods. “A little. He’s good with her. I know that…” She exhales softly. “I’m not used to being away from her yet.”

“That makes sense. But I’m sure she’s fine or else she’d call you. Right?”

“Right,” Sam agrees. “I keep checking my phone like she’s going to call,” she adds with a small smile. “She won’t. But I still do.”

“May I ask how long you’ve been divorced?”

“A year and a half. He hasn’t been active in Olivia’s life since the divorce. Our relationship was over long before that, but I stayed for Olivia until it was too much for me.” Her eyes remain fixed straight ahead. I imagine she’s fighting an internal battle. I know that struggle.

“If you ever need anyone to talk to, I’m here.”

Sam turns her head slightly just enough for her eyes to find mine. “Thank you. And the same goes for you. Please let me help in any way I can with the girls.”