“Aren’t you a lawyer?” Maria asks, understandably confused.
“That’s why I’m only performing for a month.”
“Carl!” I shout. “Tell me you didn’t just hire Samantha’s damn brother!”
Samantha gets up from her seat. “What!?!”
“As long as I don’t break the no drama rule, I’m welcome to stay, and my dear sis would never deny me a place to sleep.”
“Her dear boyfriend might!” I growl, but it’s all for show. Elliot’s all right in my book, and I’m glad Samantha’s now getting along with him.
Although I would rather not strip on stage with him.
We eat as Samantha opens baby gifts. Thankfully, we won’t have to worry about much when the baby arrives, because everyone was so thoughtful.
Momma gives Samantha a blanket she sewed for the baby that looks like a sunrise over Tatooine.
“Thank you, Gabriela!” Samantha enthuses. “I didn’t know you were familiar with Star Wars.”
“It was Maria’s suggestion,” Momma says. “And please, call me Mom.”
As we’re cleaning up, Samantha gets a call.
“Hey, I hope what I sent over helps…that’s funny…are you sure…uh-huh…I’d have to look at the numbers again…sure.”
When she hangs up, I ask, “What was that all about?”
Samantha shrugs. “Natasha’s friend Angela asked for help a few months back, and she was just following up.”
“Is everything all good?”
“Actually…no. I don’t think it is. In fact, I’m pretty sure someone will end up in jail over it.”
Before I can reply, Carl shouts, “Line it up!”
Samantha lifts to her tipped toes and plants a kiss on my cheek. “Break a leg.”
Toxic
Later in the Night
Rushing onto the bus, Samantha shakes Bianca awake and rushes out, “I need you!”
Bianca stretches and gives Samantha an annoyed look. “What?”
“My water broke!” Samantha huffs.
“Then get to the fucking hospital!” Bianca blurts, which is perfectly understandable, given the situation.
“Not until my butthole’s waxed.”
“Your…butthole?”
“Please!”
I poke my head around Samantha. “Could you just wax her butthole so she’ll go to the damn hospital?”
Bianca rolls her eyes. “Fine, but only if you agree to give me an enormous tip.”
