“It looks like he’ll continue to be disappointed in me, even beyond the grave,” Samira said softly, heading toward the door.
“Wait.”
Samira had just reached the door and was preparing to walk out of it when her aunt’s voice cracked on the single word, causing her to freeze in her tracks. With her hand still on the knob, she took a deep breath and turned to face her aunt. “What is it?”
“Don’t go. Don’t leave town when we just got you back.”
“You didn’t get me back.” She hesitated a moment before opening the door.
“Wait. I’ll talk to the lawyer. Half the week is fine. We can make it work. Just don’t leave. Please.”
Samira hesitated one more moment before stepping out of the door and closing it behind herself. The sharp pain of reality dulled her senses even as her aunt’s words echoed in her mind the entire walk to the car. Her aunt didn’t trust her to make the right decision about her childhood home, so she tried to manipulate her into doing what she thought was right. Even though her heart was in the right place, the manipulation would take some time to get over.
Chapter 9
Samira took a moment to steel herself before she knocked on the door. It was silly to feel so nervous, but she couldn’t help it. She hadn’t pushed the conversation when Andy suggested that they were already more than friends, but going to his mother’s birthday dinner felt like it made something official. Exactly what, she wasn’t sure.
Andy opened the door and Samira nearly forgot how to breathe. Instead of his typical t-shirt and worn jeans, he wore a nice button-down shirt and what appeared to be a new pair of jeans that fit him just right.
“Hey,” he greeted with an easy smile. “Come on in.”
Samira obeyed and took a moment to look around once she was inside. The house wasn’t large, but the open concept made it feel inviting. She was able to see into the large, eat-in kitchen and the comfortable living room. The back wall of the kitchen was filled with cabinets except for the large window above the sink. The island had seating to supplement the small kitchen table.
What caught her eye was the view of the Bay from the living room. An entire wall made up of windows and a sliding glass door displayed a breathtaking view of the open waters. A wood stove sat in the corner of the room, and she was thankful for the small fire to take the chill off the cool autumn evening.
“Would you like a quick tour?” Andy offered.
Samira nodded and followed him. She hoped there wouldn’t be a quiz because she spent more time noticing the way his eyes lit up as he talked about his home and the soothing sound of his voice than what he was saying. She caught the gist of the layout. The kitchen, living room, and full bathroom were on the first floor, while the small second story had two bedrooms and another bathroom.
“So, is it too soon to start taking things out? I can find my way around the refrigerator while you worry about the dishes and stuff,” Samira suggested.
“Good idea. We should have about half an hour before my mom shows up. She was given strict instructions not to show up early to help,” Andy said with a chuckle. “There’s a meat and cheese tray in there and a veggie tray. You can take that out along with the pitcher of lemonade. Basically, everything but the pasta salad, which can come out with the meal. I’m going to grill some chicken once everyone gets here, so I’ll go out and light the grill.”
Samira got busy setting everything out on one end of the island. She wasn’t sure how many people would be there, so she left some room to sit. As she was getting the last of the items out, she heard the door. She shouldn’t have been surprised to see her aunt walk in, but she was.
Her aunt’s facial expression quickly went from surprise to pure joy. “Samira! I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve missed you.”
Samira met her halfway and stepped into her open arms. The embrace had a calming effect. It was the first time she’d seenher aunt since their argument. She didn’t like the idea of fighting with her aunt, even though she had a good reason.
“I’ve missed you too, Aunt Mary. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry. You don’t need to apologize. You are right to be upset. I should have told you. And I should have been willing to work out a compromise. I did talk to the lawyer, you know.”
“Yeah,” Samira said. “I know. I heard your messages.”
“So, does this mean you’re staying?” Mary’s voice was so hopeful, Samira’s eyes filled with tears.
“Yeah.” She cleared her throat. “For now.”
“Thank heavens,” Mary said, breathing a sigh of relief. “Ok. What can I help with? Where’s Andy?” Mary asked, bringing their attention back to the present.
“Andy is out on the deck getting the grill ready. I think I got everything unless you see something that I’m forgetting. Elizabeth should be here in about fifteen minutes or so.”
Andy opened the sliding glass door and walked into the house before Mary could respond. He smiled after looking at both women. If Samira didn’t know any better, she would think Andy had planned for them to see each other and then make up. His smile broadened once they made eye contact.
Before Samira could comment, she heard the front door open again. Eddy walked in and took a moment to appraise the small group before closing the door behind himself. He walked into the kitchen and grinned pointedly at Andy.
“Nice,” he commented before placing a small white bakery box on the island. “My sister couldn’t make it but sent over this Smith Island cake. Hopefully Elizabeth didn’t cancel too.”
