Chapter 32
Chapter Thirty-Two
Sam took in the desk, the counter, the shop. This place, so much more than a business, was like her second home. But not for much longer.
Everything was in the cleanest, most organised state she’d ever seen. She barely recognised her surroundings. Gone were the fifteen-year-old price lists her dad refused to get rid of, and her height marks had been erased with fresh white paint on the side of the counter. While it didn’t feel like home anymore, she didn’t feel emotional like she thought she would. She felt ready to say goodbye—ready to say hello to the next chapter of her life. She didn’t want her or her dad stuck here any longer than they had to. Plus, there was a whole world out there for them to discover.
She scanned in another lot of items into the POS system the new owners had installed. It still felt weird scanning things in rather than writing down the amounts like she’d always done. The shop was being brought into a whole new era. She really did like the direction the new owners wanted to take it, and you could see the passion they had in every decision they made. It felt good knowing the place would still be here if she wanted to come back and visit, and to know all her favourite local boaties would continue to be looked after for some time to come.
The buzzer sounded, and Sam looked up to see a very familiar face walk through the door. “Larry!” She grinned up at him. Jase strolled in soon after.
“Last shift before you’re off. Thought we better come in to say bye.”
She nodded, not quite believing the words herself yet. Everything felt so normal and so different all at once.
She hooked a thumb towards the back door. “Dad’s already outside firing up the barbie.”
“Righto, I’ll go see if he needs a hand. And Sam-I-am?”
“Yeah, old man?” she joked back to Larry.
“Congratulations to you and Taylor. She’s a keeper. You’re in good hands.”
She caught Larry blushing at the statement, whether about their relationship in general or the accidental double entendre, she’d never know. And she wasn’t about to clarify. He excused himself, leaving Jase behind, who walked around the counter to give her a hug. As she slipped her arms around him, she could appreciate how good he smelled—mainly because it reminded her of Taylor. Fresh and woodsy. She was so happy to call him a friend.
Jase flashed one of his brilliant smiles down at her. There was no doubt he’d make all the boys swoon.
“Thanks for coming,” she said, squeezing his arm.
“Like I wouldn’t. You’re stuck with me now as your gay BFF.” He chuckled.
“You’re such a goof.”
He clutched at his chest in mock pain. “You wound me,” he said, then straightened back up, a coy smile tugging at his lips. “I have some news for you.”
“Yeah?”
“I scored a date. A real date this time.”
“No way!” Sam squealed, dancing on the spot. She patted his arm. “Aww, I’m so excited for you. And I want all the deets.”
“Ironically, it’s one of the baristas from the café where we caught up for our not-date.”
“Get out!” She shoved his arm playfully. She knew everyone at that café. Well, everyone knew everyone around here. She thought for a second. “Is it Andre?” she guessed.
His mouth dropped open. “Wha—how did you know?”
She shrugged. “It’s my regular spot. And he’s the nicest guy there. Good taste,” She winked. “So, where are you heading for your first date?”
“Good question. I stupidly said I’d surprise him, and I have no idea what to do.”
“Take him to mini-golf!” she said, with way too much excitement. “Sorry, I’m too keen apparently. That was the place I went to with Taylor, the place I was telling you about. While we weren’t technically dating then, there sure was a lot of flirting. The drinks were cheap too.”
“I could be down for cheap drinks and flirting.”
“Do it.”
She loved this banter and how close she’d got with Jase. As much as they joked, it really did feel like he was becoming her new best friend.
The door buzzed again, this time with Taylor waltzing through. “Where’s the lady of the hour? Oh—hey Jase.”
Thankfully, Taylor seemed genuinely okay with seeing Jase today, which was an improvement. She’d make them friends one day, maybe with a little more buttering up, and once Taylor knew about Jase’s true self, Sam was sure she’d change her tune.
Taylor came around the counter and gave Sam a quick kiss on the lips.
“You wore my shirt,” Sam commented, looking down at the Feeling Nauti top that started it all.
“I thought it was theme-appropriate for our send-off. Plus it’s the only remotely boat-themed clothing I own, so…” she shrugged. “Well, that and Jess practically begged me to wear it since it’s kind of how we met.”
“You two are so cute,” said Jase, looking between them as he leaned on the counter. “Fingers crossed I can fast forward so this can be me soon enough. Also, how come I haven’t heard how you both met yet?”
“You never asked. And I’m sure the date will go well. Andre’s a great guy.” Sam’s eyes bulged as she realised what she’d said in front of Taylor. She looked to Jase, “That okay?” she mouthed. He seemed confused at first, then realised what she’d done and nodded his approval imperceptibly. Thank fuck for that. The last thing she wanted to do was accidentally out her friend.
“Oh, you’re bi?” Taylor said, looking at Jase. Nothing slipped past her.
He gave a quick look around the shop, a sheepish look on his face as he lowered his voice. “Gay actually. And slowly coming out. Pops and Sam here are in the loop so far, aside from my date, of course.” He scratched his chin, “And now, uh, you.”
Sam saw the moment the realisation hit on Taylor’s face. “Wait, but you two—” she started crossing over her arms in some sort of confused signalling.
“I asked her on a date, yeah. I was pretty scared to come out to anyone and went along with Pops’ scheme to set us up. Then when Sam and I caught up, we got into a huge D&M, where Sam ended up being the first person I came out to. She then gave me the courage to talk to the old man, which thankfully, went well.”
“Wow. Well I didn’t expect that. Now everything makes so much more sense,” Taylor replied.
She could physically see Taylor relax beside her. She blew out a breath she didn’t realise she’d been holding. Having Taylor up to speed with Jase was another load off her shoulders—one that had to come from him, even if Sam was the one to accidentally provoke him into talking about it. Some things just ended up working out like that.
“Well, good luck with your date, and welcome to the queer club. It’s awesome to have another crew member,” Taylor joked, giving Jase a high five as he threw a huge grin her way.
Half an hour later, their low-key farewell party was in full swing. The shop was locked up and Sam set the alarm for the final time on what was her last ever shift. Her eyes welled at the thought. She looked up to the clouds to stop the tears slipping down her cheeks. Only mildly successful, she flung a hand to her cheek, wiping messily as she took in a deep breath. She slowly let it out, gathering herself and taking in the moment before she turned to join the crowd. She could let herself be in her emotions later tonight, when she was curled up at home in bed. For now? It was time to enjoy the moment with everyone who’d shown up to say goodbye. She psyched herself up, slapped on a smile and made her way over.
Taylor was standing between her dad and Larry, a beer in one hand, the other waving wildly as she rattled off something that made the two men laugh heartily. It brought a real smile to her face, as well as a small ache to her chest. She was going to miss seeing these guys every day. Sure, technology had come a long way, but it wasn’t the same. She’d be sure to video call Larry and could already see it now, the camera zoomed way too far in on his face and right up his nose. She chuckled at the thought. At least she hoped to meet up with her dad at some point in the journey.
An arm encircled her shoulders, curls blurring her vision.
Alex.
Her best friend pulled her in close. “I can’t believe you’re actually leaving and it’s your going-away party already.” Alex squeezed her hard as they swayed on the spot before she finally let go. “I’m going to miss you,” she whispered.
“Nope, not thinking about that yet,” Sam replied. “It’s way too early in the night to start getting emotional, and I’m already trying to fight off the tears as it is.” She sniffed, looking toward the sky once more and blinking profusely.
“Fine,” Alex replied, fanning her own face to calm herself down. “Later though. All the mushiness is going to come out with my love for you.”
Sam smirked at that. “Where’s Will?” She looked around Alex, noting the empty space next to her. Alex nodded to the far corner. “Getting us drinks, like the charming gentleman he is.”
“God, you’re absolutely smitten, aren’t you.”
“And I’m not even going to hide it.” She fluttered her eyelashes in his direction, hands clasped in front of her dramatically. “Besides, like you can talk,” she said, looking back at her and raising an eyebrow.
“True.” She eyed Taylor again, still in deep conversation and oblivious Sam had finished up at work. Her heart fluttered at the thought of wrapping her arms around Taylor very soon.
“I’ve been chatting to Will about your plans and estimated timelines, and he had the idea for us to fly up to Cairns, maybe meet you two up in the tropics for a week or so.”
“Um, hell yes to that! I’m sure we’ll be dying to see some friendly faces on our travels.”
Alex clapped her hands together. “Great. We’ll make it happen. Now, where is Will with those drinks?” She squeezed Sam’s shoulder as she moved past, her wad of curls bouncing as she went.
Hands snaked around Sam’s waist as soft lips planted themselves on her cheek. She smiled, melting back into the touch. “Happy sad last day of work, Ham,” Taylor whispered into her ear.
Sam turned into Taylor’s embrace properly, throwing her arms around her neck. “Thanks, Babe. It still feels so surreal. Happy sad is about right.” She placed a kiss on Taylor’s lips.
Taylor squeezed her hips. “Right, come on, let’s get you a drink then. First, we celebrate, then you have my shoulder to cry on later if you need.” She winked at Sam. She knew her too well, and Sam so appreciated that fact in this moment.
“Sounds like a plan,” Sam replied, grabbing Taylor’s hand and leading her off to the eskies. Sam lifted the lids, looking for the beers for Taylor and hopefully an open bottle of white wine somewhere for herself. Bingo .
“So this is where all the cool kids are at,” Taylor said as Sam poured herself a glass. The whole board game group had made it down and were chatting away with Alex and Will. Taylor leaned in to Sam. “I introduced these guys earlier. Looks like they’re all hitting it off.”
“Hopefully not too much,” Sam sulked. Taylor gave her a quizzical look. “Well, we wouldn’t want them taking our place for games night.”
Taylor chuckled. “That’s never gonna happen. I’m making sure we have the best satellite WiFi on our boat, so we’ll have no excuses.”
“I am so thankful for the technology available on boats these days, and for having an awesome girlfriend to set it all up for me,” she fluttered her eyelashes at Taylor.
“It’s what I’m here for.” Taylor grinned, puffing out her chest.
They turned to join the group, catching the end of a conversation about dying houseplants. “How am I meant to fix yellowing leaves if it tells me it could be from underwatering or overwatering,” Hayley was saying.
“Right!” Alex agreed, “It’s so confusing. It’s why I stick to succulents.”
“And the Malabar spinach I got you,” Will added.
“That’s basically a succulent anyway. It’s way too easy to look after to not be a succulent. Plus, it’s pretty and edible?—”
Taylor tinked her keys on the beer bottle. “Sorry to interrupt. The woman of the hour is finally free of her work shackles.”
The group whooped and hollered, Marie barrelling straight into Sam for one of her signature hugs. Sam barely kept the wine in her glass as it sloshed around the rim.
“Congratulations on your last day of work. It’s so great to see you again, and I am SO happy for you and Taylor.” Marie beamed at her. “I had an inkling at games night—didn’t I, babe?” she called out to Hayley.
“Totally. Would not shut up about the both of you and the ‘vibes’ after I’d got home. So annoyed I missed it. Next games night though.” Hayley made finger guns at them both. “Well, virtually for you ladies, but still.”
“Oooh, could we come too?” Will inquired. Sam shot Taylor a look and a smirk. Told you so.
“The more the merrier,” Adam piped up.
“Hell yeah, bring it on,” agreed Heath.
She honestly didn’t mind a little extra competition, and it would be great having all their friends in the one room for catch-ups—two birds, one stone, and all of that jazz.
The night was flying by way too quickly. Friends and customers mingled around the yard, the low chatter of voices and laughter filling the air. She passed George talking with a couple of ladies from the local women’s sailing club. They all gave her a wave as she walked past.
“Haven’t eaten any more jellyfish?” she called out to George, the tops of his ears turning crimson.
“What’s this?” Both ladies’ eyes lit up, knowing there was a juicy story about to be told. George, put on the spot, turned back to them to regale his unfortunate tale.
Sam moved around to every group, making sure they all knew how much it meant to her they’d come to see her off and say goodbye. By the end, though, Sam wasn’t sure she could take another conversation going into the details of the trip or sharing another childhood story from her time growing up in the shop.
Thankfully, there was a loud wolf whistle, the source coming from Jase. As the conversation died down, all eyes went to Sam’s dad, who stood atop an overturned Esky. They were all class here. He cleared his throat, one hand shoved in his jeans pocket, the other adjusting his cap over his messy, untamed hair.
“Uh, thanks everybody for coming tonight. It means a lot to us that you’re here. Some of you have known Sammy since she was still learning to walk, while others are new friends I’ve already heard so much about.” He adjusted his cap again. Her dad was not one to make speeches, so she stood in stunned silence, hanging on to his every word. Taylor came up alongside her, warm fingers threading through hers. She felt the touch ground her as she leaned in closer.
“Those who know us, know that Sam has been through a lot in her life, from a young age. Despite being dealt the cards our family has, she has always persisted in everything she’s set her mind to. From teaching herself to cook—and me, let’s be honest—to buying her first boat and getting it ready to circumnavigate the entire country. I am in awe, and so incredibly proud of the young woman standing in front of me right now. Your mum—Carol, my wife—would be too.”
That did it. The dam broke, and tears flowed freely down her face. She didn’t bother to wipe them away this time as Taylor’s arm wrapped around her, bringing her in even closer. There were a few other sniffs amongst the crowd. It was a moment she’d never forget.
“If you have a drink, can we please do a toast?” Her dad waited a second for everyone to raise their glasses. “To new beginnings,”—he tipped his bottle towards Taylor, making Sam press into her more—“new adventures, and finally, to following the brightest star.” He winked at Sam and raised his bottle into the air.
Cheers erupted around her, a deafening roar as she hiccupped on a sob. Her heart was overflowing, so full and so loved. Taylor hugged her, as hands patted and clapped her on the back in support and celebration.
The rest of the night passed in a blur—more laughter, more tears, especially when it came time to say goodbye to Alex. Even though it wasn’t like they wouldn’t see each other again, it still felt like a big shift. Sam would miss their semi-regular catch ups at The Wharf, but was excited by the news Alex and Will would be able to hopefully meet up with them along the journey.
They had a good ugly cry together, holding each other tight, their respective halves probably looking on in bewilderment at their display. She didn’t care. She was going to miss her best friend, and she was going to miss this part of her life as she knew it. Even if she was ready and eager for this next chapter, change was still hard.
The party had finally wound down. Her dad tossed the last of the bottles and cans into the recycling bin, Taylor doing the same with a few scattered paper plates. Now, the exhaustion started to seep in.
“I think that’s everything,” her dad said, brushing his hands off and making his way over to give her a hug goodbye. He planted a kiss on her forehead as he pulled her in. “Go get some rest, Sammy. You too, Taylor.” He gave Taylor a quick hug next.
“I’m not even going to argue,” Sam replied, taking Taylor’s hand and walking the very short distance home. She’d make sure to appreciate every single night left in a real bed before cabin life became their new normal.