Chapter 9
The bookstore was slow, as it usually was in the mornings. Ordinarily, Samantha enjoyed the quiet and used it to mentally prepare for the day, but all she could do was replay the events from Rayelle’s house a few days before. Meka needed to come to work and talk to her before she exploded. She was trying her best not to read into anything, but what constituted reading into things?
“Good morning,” Meka greeted her from beside the register.
Samantha was so deep into her spiraling that she hadn’t even heard her come in. But, she was so distracted she didn’t even jump in surprise.
“Meka! I’m so glad you’re here.”
Meka looked around the shop with a puzzled look on her face. After making two slow circles, she turned her attention back to Samantha. “Did I miss a rush of customers? Are you expecting a lot of customers? Because it looks like you’ve got things under control.”
Samantha sat down in her favorite reading chair. “It has nothing to do with work. It’s important. I need you to tell me if I’m crazy or not.”
Meka shrugged out of her jacket and hung it on the hook, shaking her head the entire time. “I assume there’s a story behind your question? We already know you’re crazy in a good way.”
“I need to know if I’m imagining things.”
Meka leaned on the counter and studied Samantha. “Start from the beginning. Remember I haven’t seen you since the funeral and therefore have no idea what you’re talking about. Are you seeing ghosts?”
Samantha had to laugh. Once her thoughts began to spiral, she had a hard time remembering that no one had gone down the rabbit hole with her. Sometimes the beginning is quite a ways from where her mind ended up.
“Sorry. I think I have feelings for Bryce,” she blurted before clamping her hand over her mouth.
“Oh,” Meka said in surprise. “Okay. So, what are you thinking you’re imagining?”
Samantha leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes. “It seems like he feels the same way. But I could just be crazy.”
After a few quiet moments, Samantha began telling Meka everything. She started with the drunken night following the funeral. She described how careful he was to stay on his side of the bed after refusing to let her stumble home after they’d spent most of the night playing drinking games. She even included stupidly asking if anything had happened between them and how offended he was.
“He seems like a good one. It’s hard to say if his feelings are more than platonic, but he definitely cares about you.”
“There’s more,” Samantha said before taking a deep breath.
Meka watched her closely as Samantha finally got to the part that had been keeping her up at night. “I texted both you and Rayelle as soon as I found out I got the part. Rayelle invited me down to celebrate and get away for a bit before rehearsals start. She invited Bryce, which was good because we needed to clear the air after I had been an awkward mess. Everything was going fine until a dog fell through the ice and Bryce jumped in to save him.”
Meka sat down in the other reading chair beside Samantha. “He did what?”
“You heard me. It was so cold. He was cold, shivering, and confused. I was so scared. I got him back to the house and into a warm bath. I don’t think I’ve ever been that scared in my life,” she explained. “And while I was in the tub trying to get him warm, we ended up kissing. And I don’t mean a quick kiss. It was an all-consuming kiss. It was the kind of kiss that changes everything.”
“It sounds like you have your answer.”
Samantha sat forward in the chair. “It was a moment of stress. People do all sorts of things when adrenaline is wearing off. How clingy and pathetic am I to think it actually meant something when it was just a moment of weakness?”
“Did you kiss him and run? Or were you around him after?”
Samantha thought about the time they spent together once his life was no longer in danger. He didn’t run away and avoid her. When Rayelle asked him to stay after he had already been preparing to leave, Samantha was fully expecting the brush off. He not only stayed for dinner, but he hung around to watch a movie. Although they stayed on opposite ends of the couch, Bryce pulled her feet into his lap and absently caressed her feet as they watched the movie. Samantha couldn’t remember a time she felt more content.
“Girl,” Meka said after hearing all the details. “Green light. Do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars. Hold on to that man. Tell me you have plans to see him again.”
The bells jingled as someone entered the store. Like clockwork, customers always showed up at the most inopportune times. Samantha hid her annoyance and jumped up to greet the customer.
“Welcome to Book Nook. Can I help you find something?”
“No. I’m just looking, thanks,” the woman responded.
Samantha gave Meka a quick eye roll before plastering on her customer service smile. “Well, children’s books are in the front, both nonfiction and literary fiction are located on the rest of the first floor, and true crime as well as some of our spicier reads are up in the loft. Let us know if you need any help.”
“Thanks,” the customer said as she made her way toward the stairs to the loft.
“Meka,” she whispered. “Tell me I’m being crazy. The dirt hasn’t even settled on Brandon’s grave. What kind of person moves on that fast?”
“The kind of person who hasn’t done anything wrong and is finally finding someone who will treat her the way she deserves to be treated.”
“Have any fantasy books?” the customer asked over the railing of the loft.
“Back wall!” Meka answered before turning her attention back to Samantha. “And back up. You got cast as Joanne in Rent! When is it my turn to celebrate with you?”
“We can go out tonight if you want. Rehearsals start tomorrow and go through Saturday this week. So, either tonight or Saturday night.”
“Tonight. I have a feeling that come Saturday you’ll be too tired to want to do anything. Where do you want to go? Drinks on me.”
“You don’t have to do that, you know. I want to hang out even if you aren’t buying. I’m still not used to being able to go out when I want without having to worry about consequences.”
“I know. But this is your last day here at the shop and you’re finally following your dream. At least let me get the first round.”
Samantha nodded in agreement. There were a lot of changes happening over a short period of time. She was glad it was happening all at once, so she didn’t have to dwell on her husband’s death. No matter what difficulties her marriage had faced, becoming a widow was a huge adjustment. But she deserved to continue to live her life.
“Okay. Let’s do J.R.’s at seven. That way I can get home and get everything ready for rehearsal first. I’m so nervous it doesn’t even make sense,” Samantha admitted. “A drink and appetizers. I’m not showing up hungover.”
Meka laughed and rolled her eyes. “Yeah, because I’m such a partier.”
The customer was at the counter with her purchases before Samantha could respond. She rang her up and made small talk, letting her conversation with Meka fall into the back of her mind. It was Story Hour day, so between the steady flow of customers and preparing for their little guests, there wasn’t much time for serious conversation. Meka and Samantha fell into their roles and Samantha let her mind wander back to Bryce.
It was probably a good thing that rehearsals began the next day. Keeping busy would keep her thoughts away from the way Bryce’s mouth felt on hers. No matter what Meka said, she was convinced everything that happened between them was just a reaction to grief and stress. It was common for people to seek comfort from those who shared their grief. And the Florence Nightingale effect was certainly nothing new. Eventually, she would forget about it and things would be back to normal.
“Okay, girl. It’s time for you to get out of here,” Meka announced, yanking Samantha back into the present.
Looking at her watch, she couldn’t believe it was already five o’clock. “Wow. Okay. It was really great working with you.”
“Stop it,” Meka warned. “I’ll see you in a couple hours. Don’t start your goodbyes now. It’s not even goodbye since I’ll still see you.”
Samantha sniffled as she nodded her head. The bookstore was where she had always gone to escape. She felt at peace in the small building. She knew how to do her job and never had someone looming over her, waiting to point out any error. The escape was no longer necessary, but she would miss the comfort her part-time job brought.
Samantha slipped on her jacket and swung her bag over her shoulder. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Get out before I start crying.”
Bryce patted the spot next to him on the sofa. Asher quickly jumped up and cozied up next to him. The dog had only been with him for a week, but he acted like he’d been there forever. He’d called the dog shelter the day after rescuing him, and they had no problem with Asher staying in his house. The shelter was overcrowded, and they were having to double up to save space. After requesting a picture for their website, they promised to call him if someone was looking for a dog who met the description.
Bryce was confident no one was looking for the dog since he had no collar and was slightly underweight according to the vet, and the official stray hold time was over. The dog belonged to him. Asher leaned into the ear scratches while Bryce flipped through channels. He was trying everything to get his mind off Samantha. Going over to Rayelle and Dominic’s house wasn’t an option; Rayelle would want to talk about what happened the weekend before. He had managed to avoid any one-on-one time with his friend while trying to figure things out for himself.
There was no denying the immediate connection he’d felt to Samantha. If circumstances had been different there’s no way he would stay away from her. If circumstances were different… whatever that meant. There were no real circumstances keeping them apart. She had been married to his brother, sure. But his brother was dead. Til death do us part. No matter how he wanted to look at it, Samantha was single. But still…
“Where have you been hiding?” Dominic asked from the doorway.
Bryce rolled his eyes and looked at Asher. “Some guard dog. It might be time I changed the locks.”
Dominic walked the rest of the way in and took a seat on the couch next to the dog. “Yeah right. Anyway, Rayelle sent me.”
“Of course she did.”
“So, Samantha? You could definitely do worse.”
“Really? Not sure there’s much worse than wanting my brother’s wife. That makes me a real piece of shit,” Bryce said with a sigh.
Dominic took over the ear scratches when Asher climbed part of the way into his lap. “Your brother is dead. I don’t think he’ll mind.”
“Okay, then. I want my dead brother’s wife. That makes it sound so much better.”
Dominic moved the dog over so he could get up and make his way to the kitchen. The house had an open floor plan, so Bryce didn’t have to get up to see where his friend was going. He opened the refrigerator and then looked at Bryce over the open door.
“You want a beer?”
Bryce rolled his eyes. “Sure. And help yourself.”
Dominic opened the two bottles before making his way back to his spot on the couch. After passing one over, he made himself comfortable. “Back in the day, a man was supposed to marry his brother’s widow.”
Bryce took a long pull from his beer. “This isn’t back in the day. And this has nothing to do with any obligation I feel toward Brandon and everything to do with the things I wanted to do when she was soaking wet and straddling me in the tub.”
“Wait. What?”
Bryce looked at his friend who sat frozen in place with his beer halfway to his mouth. “Rayelle didn’t tell you? I thought you said she sent you over here.”
“She did. But she must have been holding out on me. All she told me was that you obviously have a thing for Samantha and now you’re doing that thing you do where you avoid everyone and overanalyze everything,” Dominic explained. “Now, what happened in the bathtub?”
“She must have mentioned the dog. You didn’t seem very surprised to see him.”
“Yeah, but it looks like she gave me the short version of that, too. So, bathtub?”
“I was literally freezing to death from going into the pond after this mutt,” Bryce said with a pointed nod toward Asher. “Part of it is a blur because I was so out of it, but I remember Samantha panicking. She got me into the tub and turned the hot shower on. Climbed in with her clothes still on just to make sure I was okay. And like a creep, I kissed her while she was just trying to help me.”
“Rayelle definitely left a lot out,” Dominic finally said after a long silence. “So, I take it things are awkward now?”
Bryce took a moment before answering. He had gone out of his way to not be awkward around her for the rest of that evening. They ate dinner and enjoyed a movie together. Things seemed okay considering.
“No,” he answered hesitantly. “Not really.”
“So, what’s the problem? Just that she was married to Brandon? Seriously, no one cares. It’s not like you knew her then and have been waiting for the opportunity to have her for yourself. He was already gone when you met her and he’s not coming back. You two obviously have a connection. I could see that just being around the two of you after the funeral.”
Bryce chuckled. “You make it sound simple.”
“It is simple. I’m gone over the road too much to hold your hand through this. So just quit fretting about this like an old lady and get what you want.”
Bryce grabbed the blanket from the back of the couch and threw it at his friend. “Dick.”
“Well, that’s what you’re doing. Call her. Ask her out. You’re both adults. If she is uncomfortable with it, then she’ll turn you down. In the meantime, quit avoiding us. Ray is making lasagna; you should come over.”
“Don’t you guys want some alone time? I’ve got plenty of work to catch up on. I won’t be bored over here.”
“We’ve had plenty of alone time. We’re taking a break to refuel,” Dominic answered with a grin.
“I didn’t need to hear that. She’s like my sister; I don’t want to think about your alone time.”
“You brought it up,” he said while raising his arms in a shrug. “Get yourself together and come over. Dinner should be about ready. I’m going to get back and make sure she doesn’t need any help with anything. I’ll see you in a few.”
A few minutes later Bryce walked into Dominic and Rayelle’s house with Asher following closely behind him. He brought the dog with him everywhere. He was so well behaved he never had to worry about him. He even brought him in the truck with him when he went around checking on job sites.
“Smells amazing,” he said to Rayelle who was pulling garlic bread from the oven.
“Dominic told me he talked some sense into you.”
“Guess we might as well get right to it,” Bryce said with a laugh. “Yes. He told me to quit being a nervous old lady. I hope you’re happy.”
“She is,” Dominic answered for her. “Did you call her yet?”
Bryce pulled a stool back and sat down at the island. “When would I have had time to talk to her? You just left my house ten minutes ago and here I am.”
Rayelle placed the pan of lasagna on the island next to the bread and Dominic followed close behind with a small stack of plates and silverware. Like Bryce, they rarely used the dining room; only eating at the table on holidays or special occasions.
“You should invite her to the community dance tomorrow. Show off your work at the community center,” she suggested.
“That’s a thought,” Bryce hesitated. “But I doubt she’d come all the way out here for that. Didn’t you say she had rehearsal every day except Sunday?”
Rayelle removed her phone from her back pocket and tapped the screen a few times. “Only one way to find out.”
Bryce stared at the phone in horror as it lay on the island connecting a call. He should have stayed home. He knew how his friends could get once they had an idea.
“Hello?” Samantha’s voice sounded over the speaker.
“Hey girl, what are you up to?” Rayelle asked.
They could hear rustling in the background. “Nothing, now. Just got in from rehearsal. What are you guys up to?”
“We’re just about to have dinner. I made lasagna. Bryce is over here. You’re on speaker, by the way.”
“Oh,” Samantha said slowly. “Hi everyone.”
“Hey,” Bryce and Dominic said at the same time.
“Are you busy tomorrow? Bryce had something he wanted to ask you, but I was just getting ready to call you to see how rehearsal was going anyway,” Rayelle explained.
Bryce glared at her across the island, but she only smiled sweetly in return. She knew he never could stay mad at her.
“Well, I have rehearsal tomorrow. It’s the first rehearsal with the full cast. It’s only been the principals for the first few days. It’s going fantastic.”
Rayelle looked at Bryce and motioned for him to go on and talk.
“You interested in coming down tomorrow evening? The community center is having a dance,” Bryce said after some hesitation.
“Tomorrow? I’m not sure I’ll have time to get ready for a dance.”
“It’s not fancy,” Rayelle jumped in. “You can wear whatever you wear to rehearsal. It’s more of a grand re-opening. Bryce did the basement renovation, and they are having a community dance as a sort of open house. Me and Dom will be there.”
“Oh,” Samantha hesitated once more. “Okay. What time should I be there, and what’s the address?”
“It starts at five. Do you want to meet us there or at my house?” Rayelle asked.
“Okay,” Samantha agreed. “I might be cutting it close, so I’ll meet you there. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
“Yay!” Rayelle squealed. “I can’t wait. This is going to be too much fun.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Samantha repeated before the line went silent as the call ended.
Bryce stared at Rayelle in exasperation while she sliced the lasagna and prepared everyone’s plate. She was obviously pleased with herself. He reminded himself that Rayelle would always be Rayelle.
“What was the point in that?” Bryce asked after they all had a plate in front of them.
“What?” she asked innocently.
“That gave me flashbacks of high school. Why’d you call her on speaker if you were just going to take over the phone call anyway? You could have invited her to the dance. You didn’t need me.”
Dominic just laughed as he dug into his food. “Have you not met my wife? This is what she does.”
“You had to ask her so she understands she will be going with you, not with us,” Rayelle explained.
“This lasagna is delicious,” Bryce said after a few bites. “But you’re still the worst.”