Chapter 21
Chapter Twenty-One
Sam
“ S am, do you have a minute?”
The voice stops me in my tracks as I step into my office.
The answer is no. I’m just here to grab my keys before escaping to the oasis in the jungle that I call home for the rest of the day and my day off tomorrow.
“Of course, Maria, what’s up?” I pocket my keys and lean back against my desk, trying to show her a calm, welcoming face.
She comes in and closes the door behind her.
Bad sign.
Maria has been dealing with some medical issues this season, and this isn't the first time we’ve met behind closed doors about it. The resort has been helping out with the bills from the local clinic, as insurance isn’t a thing on this island, but deep down, I knew this day was coming.
“I’m…” Maria casts her eyes down as emotion overtakes her after only one word.
I take a step forward and lay my hand on her shoulder. “You’re safe here, Maria. Take your time.”
She brushes tears from her cheeks without meeting my eye. “I think it’s time for me to go stay at my sister’s house in the States.”
I nod, even though she isn’t looking at me. It was only a matter of time before she was going to need care that just isn’t available at our little island clinic.
“I’m really sorry to hear that. I’m glad you have somewhere to go, though. Your sister is ready for you to move in?”
“Yes,” she says, finally meeting my eye. “She’s been trying to get me to move for months. She lives in a city, close to hospitals where I’ll be able to start treatment if that’s what I need.”
“Well, I’m sad to see you go, but I’m happy to hear you’ll be getting the treatment you need to stay healthy.”
She nods sadly. “I know I'm leaving you in a bit of a lurch, Sam. I just took over the social media management this season and already I'm having to quit on you.”
I shake my head and start to speak, to tell her that nothing is more important than her health, but she waves me off. “I can still do the posting for as long as you need if someone can just send me pictures. I’ll get that set up with the other front desk workers. Everyone can send a few pictures a week, and I’ll still be able to make posts from the States.”
“I’ll rally the front desk in a meeting next week and we’ll come up with a plan, okay? You worry about getting yourself back to the States safely. Let me know how we can support you. I’ll arrange the taxis and even the flights if you need.”
Her smile is sad, but genuine. “Thanks, Sam. I’ll be back just as soon as I can.”
I return her smile, trying to keep my emotions in check. The last thing she needs is to see her own failing health reflected back to her in my eyes. “You’ll always have a job here.”
With pursed lips and damp eyes, she turns and leaves my office.
I drag my hand down my face. Between the incredible kiss upstairs and this terrible news, I’m feeling on the edge of becoming overwhelmed. I check my desk one last time to make sure I’m not forgetting anything and then make my escape.