“I love you, too.”
Sam’s already gone from the bed when I wake up. The sheets are still warm where he was, and for a moment, I just lie there, soaking in the silence and the faint scent of him on the pillow.
When I dress and make my way into the kitchen, I find him standing at the island, notebook open, guitar leaning against the counter, and a coffee mug half-drained beside him.
“How would you feel if I flew out to Nashville today?” he asks without preamble.
I blink, surprised. “That soon?”
He nods, excitement flickering in his eyes. “Inspiration hit this morning. Hard. I couldn’t stop writing. I think I can knock out this record in a day or two.”
I glance at the open notebook, his messy scrawl racing across the page like it couldn’t get out of his head fast enough.
“I say go for it,” I tell him, walking toward him. “If that’s what you want.”
His shoulders drop with a breath, like I gave him permission he didn’t realize he needed. “It is.”
I grin. “A day or two, though? That’s all I get to miss you?”
He leans in and kisses my forehead. “Then I’m all yours.”
“Deal.”
I follow him back to the bedroom, watching as he tosses clothes into a worn duffel bag with practiced ease like he’s done it a hundred times before.
“I should probably try to get an ID and phone at some point,” I say, watching him zip up the bag.
He pauses, glancing at me. “Maybe Phern can help? Might be a good way to smooth things over if something really is off.”
I nod slowly. “Yeah. You’re right.”
He pulls his phone out. “I’ll text her and let her know.”
“Thanks.”
But part of me wonders if she’ll want to help. Still, I’ll try. Because I want this to work. Not just with Sam, but with this place. This life we’re shaping.
He crosses the room, presses a far too short kiss to my mouth then rests his forehead against mine.
“I’ll be back before you can miss me.”
“Too late,” I whisper, and I mean it.
I follow him outside, arms wrapped tight around myself against the chill and watch as he drives off. His truck kicks up gravel, sunlight catching in his rearview mirror like a final wink. The last thing I see is his smile.
I hold on to that smile like a lifeline.
Until I turn around and come face-to-face with Phern.
“Sam just left,” I say carefully, voice softer than I mean for it to be.
Her arms cross tight over her chest. “I know.”
There’s a beat of silence so thick it could choke me.
“Phern, did I do something to upset you?”
She lets out a sharp laugh, cold and sharp as glass.
