Maya’s eyes welled up. “Sam.”
Sam wiped away a tear. “I walked away without a scratch, Maya. But Mom … Leo …” Sam put a hand over her mouth, choking back her tears. Maya took the coffee cup away from her and hugged her tightly. Sam leaned on her friend. Her shoulders shaking as tears streamed down her face. The sensation of being in that car surrounded her again. The realization that her mom wasn’t moving, just crying quietly. That Leo was screaming. He’d been destroyed that night, physically, emotionally and mentally.
Maya held her, quietly and gently. Her hand rubbed Sam’s back in circles until she calmed down. Then, slowly, Sam pulled back and wiped her face on her pjs’ sleeve, as Maya dabbed under her eyes, trying not to dislodge her makeup.
“I’m sorry,” Sam said.
“Girl, I don’t need your apology for being real.” Maya pulled a tissue from her pocket. “This I can fix.” She pointed to her face. “But as for the rest, today we just get up, get some air.”
Sam gave a watery laugh. “Sounds solid.”
Maya stood up, sniffling. “Step two though.” She smiled. “Is a little more fun. Explain to me—what is this?” She reached down behind the bed. A flash of hot pink and deep green caught Sam’s eye. The ski jacket she’d bought in Valentina’s store. “This is outrageously beautiful. And you—you are putting this on.”
Sam half laughed. “I am not.”
“You are. It’s too cool to sit here in this room. And don’t tell anyone I said this, but I’m not a big fan of the team’s kit.” Maya pressed a finger to her lips while shaking the jacket. Her eyes widened in delight. “Hello? Did you see this?” She tugged the label from the inside of the jacket. “This is a sign, girl—it’s a Montalier! A vintage Montalier!” She flung the jacket at Sam.
Sam caught it with one hand. Gripping it tightly, her stomach fluttered as if filled with a blizzard. Should she wear it? It was a million miles away from what she’d normally wear. She squeezed it, loving the softness of the fabric, the fluffiness of the down.
“What’s that?” Maya was beside her, pulling at the ski pants from behind the bed as Sam laughed. “Wow! This is …”
“It’s crazy.” Sam breathed out. “I don’t know what I was thinking. I saw them in Valentina’s store and had a mad moment.”
“… bloody fabulous!” Maya gasped. She held up the ski pants. “And it matches! Ooooooh please wear it.”
“No,” Sam spluttered. “It’s too much. It’s all wrong and too bright.”
Maya scrunched up her face. “I get ya, but … it’s so great—will you at least try it on for me?”
Sam hid her face in her hands, then peeped out from behind her fingers. Maya grinned at her and held out the ski suit.
“Pretty please—remember when I picked out your promdress? Uh-huh, yeah you do. I never get it wrong, and I know this is going to be amazing on you. Please try it on, please!”
“Fine!” Sam slipped out of her pjs. “Give it here.”
Shimmying into the ski suit, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her face was glowing, her eyes sparkling. She didn’t look like she’d been sobbing her heart out moments ago. Anyone looking at her would think she was full of confidence, brimming with brilliance. Zipping up the jacket she spun around to face Maya.
“Tah-dah!” She flung her arms out wide, then did a twirl as Maya clapped.
Maya walked around her, her five-foot-two body bouncing as she failed to suppress a grin. “Oh, Sam—it’s like it was made for you.”
“Do you think?” Sam grabbed her hairbrush and dragged it through her hair. “I really do like it but it’s not really me, is it?”
“I don’t know.” Maya stood back, her hand on her hip as she looked Sam over. “Youlooklike you, and you’re smiling, and you seem … well, do you want me to be honest?”
Sam nodded. Maya wouldn’t say anything to hurt her. “Please.”
“You look like fun and the Sam I knowisfun.” Maya’s eyes beseeched Sam’s. “And ever since we got here you’ve been not as much fun and I’m worried. That’s all.”
Sam pulled the zipper down. Finn had said something similar to her. She needed to relax, to find the joy in the moment or else she was going to lose it all.
“Fun?”
“Sam,” Maya said, stepping toward her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“You didn’t.” Sam pulled the zipper back up. “You’re so right, Maya. I need to have fun. And if this damn gorgeous outfit isn’t fun, then I don’t know what is!”
“Damn right!” Maya hollered, jumping up and down. “You’re wearing it?”
