Chapter 20 #2
“Are you okay? Your voice sounds funny.”
“I’m getting over a bad cold.”
His face falls. “Do you want me to come over and help you out with anything? I can run by the store and pick up soup. Or get you saltines. Or whatever you need.”
The annoyance from a moment ago softens at hearing him offer to help me.
“I’m feeling better now. I’m mostly over it. It sounds worse than it is.”
Sam stops walking. He squints into the screen as if he’s trying to discern if I’m telling the truth. “I mean it, Min. I can sneak out for an hour while lunch is being served.”
“Really, I’m better. Plus, my friend Liz did all my shopping. My fridge is fully stocked.” I clear my dishes and place them by the sink. Changing the subject, I ask, “How was your weekend at HG? Anything crazy happen?”
“Actually, it was surprisingly quiet. I think the heavy rain had to do with keeping a lot of tourists in. Which is fine by me.” He face-palms. “Oy. I was supposed to ring you yesterday!” The color drains from his face. “Min, I’m so sorry, I forgot. I was busy and—”
“We’re chatting now, so don’t worry about it this time.” I clear my throat. “Just don’t let this forgetfulness become a pattern.”
“I won’t. I’m putting an alert in my mobile now for—what day do you want to talk?”
“Let’s do Thursday morning.”
“I can’t.” He frowns. “I’ll be at HG.”
“So soon?”
“Mm-hmm.” He nods. “They just sent a couple people up to Bulford and replaced them with some new recruits. The squadrons have been shuffled around. I’m still in Squadron A, but the rotation order is all screwed up.”
I sigh. Not surprising. Recently, nothing with Sam is smooth sailing. “Shall we say Friday night, then?”
“Friday,” he confirms. “Okay, I’ve set a reminder. This time I shouldn’t forget.”
“At least there’s only two more weeks to go until the judging.”
“I’m counting down until it’s over.”
“Is there any chance I’ll be able to come and watch it?” I cock my head to the side.
“No. Unfortunately, it’s all done behind closed doors. But you’ll be able to come to the final if I make it that far.”
“With all the work you’ve done, I’m sure you will.”
We chat a few more minutes before he disconnects the call.
Later that evening, I receive a “Get Well Soon” gift basket filled with tissues, tea, crackers, cough drops, fresh oranges packed with vitamin C, and a bouquet of pink tulips. There is no note. I can only assume it’s from one person. Sam I Am.
“At least he’s trying,” Liz mutters as she helps herself to an orange. “But that still doesn’t excuse him. He owes you big time. And the next time he forgets, I wouldn’t let him get off so easy.”
I nod.
Friday afternoon, Sam texts me.
Sam
Min, I’m sorry to do this, but can we reschedule our call for tomorrow?
My hand hovers over my phone’s keyboard. My eyebrows twitch. What now?
Min
***
Sam
My sisters have decided to surprise me. They’re on their way into Paddington Station now. I’m so sorry. I had no idea they were just going to show up until they called me. I’m taking the day off to take them out to the Natural History Museum. I have no idea what time I’ll be back to the barracks.
I squeeze my eyes shut. He’s taking a day off for them? He always claims he can’t. What about me? He’s never even offered. Aren’t I important too? A few tears reach the corner of my eyes. I can only manage one word.
Min
Okay.
I place the phone down and dry my eyes with a tissue.
It’s been another grueling few days for me.
My team did do a wonderful job, but there were still so many loose ends to catch up on.
I stayed late Wednesday and Thursday. I’d planned to leave on time tonight, but now, I might as well stay.
There’s no point in going home early to an empty flat.
“Minerva?” one of my seamstresses calls.
“Coming!” I take a moment to gather my composure before seeing who needs my help.
It’s Sunday. I have heard nothing. Again.
“The disappointment is all over your face.” Liz says.
“He hasn’t responded to me since Friday.”
“How dare he!” Liz’s brow furrows as she pounds her fist against the kitchen island. “Do you need me to sneak into the barracks and go knock some sense into him?”
“No.” I sigh. “I’m sure he’s just busy and stressed.”
“So are you!” She huffs. “The least he could do is put the same effort you are. Heaven knows you’ve done more than that for him! Doesn’t he realize you’re busy too? That you’re working two jobs and hunting for a flat? As far as I’m concerned, he’s out of excuses.”
“Working, yes. The flat, no. I didn’t want to add to his stress load.”
“He’s a grown man, he can handle it.” Liz stands up and hugs me tightly. “I know you’re trying to be a thoughtful person, but this is the last straw. He’s had enough chances to prove himself. You don’t deserve a one-sided relationship.”
“We were never together in the sense of labels.”
“It doesn’t matter. If you understood your relationship to be that of a boyfriend and girlfriend, that’s what it is.”
I consider what Liz has to say. She’s my voice of reason and my co-pilot.
These last three weeks have drained me. Without her, I don’t think I would’ve gotten through them.
I dramatically underestimated the amount of work I was placing on my shoulders.
I was dumb to think I could be superwoman.
The expression “it takes a village” couldn’t ring any truer.
As promised, Clarissa and Sonya have been right by my side.
They’ve become important mentors to me. I never would’ve known how to go about directing a team of seamstresses without them.
I’m learning so much about the inner workings of a major fashion brand.
I’m not a student anymore. I am being treated like a seasoned designer. It’s both thrilling and terrifying.
My thoughts turn to Sam. Mr. G has surprisingly become my work dad and has been giving me advice on how to approach his recent distancing from me as well. “Give him a taste of his own medicine. And if that doesn’t work, come to me. I’ll make sure the lad has his priorities straight.”
Mr. G is always asking about Clarissa’s dress, Sam, and how I’m holding up.
One of the strangest experiences was when we went to the pub together last weekend.
It was interesting to meet Mrs. G and his two lovely teenage daughters.
They’re going to break some hearts when they begin dating, and I am dying to see how Mr. G reacts to them having boyfriends.
“You know what, you’re right, Liz. I’m going to let Sam figure things out on his own. I’m too tired to keep track of him, the dresses, and the flat. I need to conserve my energy and pick my battles. If he doesn’t care enough to put in the same amount of effort that I am, then forget him.”
“That’s the Min I know and love. Now you sound like the goddess of wisdom.” Liz high-fives me. “You’ve worked hard all week. How about we book facials at a posh hotel to celebrate.”
“Sounds perfect.”