“And him.”
“Nah, I think just you.”
“You can’t assume people’s feelings. That’s risky. Everyone wants to tell me how DC feels, but no one’s heard it directly from him, least of all me.”
Sam levels my gaze, which isn’t easy fourteen inches taller.
“I don’t have to assume anything. I’m lookin’ right at you, and I seeexactlyhow you feel,” he says.
“Sammy, I squirted whipped cream directly into your mouth tonight, we arranged our class schedules together, and you hang all over me more than anyone. Does that mean you’re in love with me?”
“We have a different relationship, Lu Lu. You get me.”
“I do. But do you see my point? If I can be that way with you, then we can’t assume things, especially feelings. One misguided assumption would blow up our little family, and I love our family.”
“Our family is everything to me. I hear what you’re sayin,’ but I know you can tell the difference between us messin’ with you and how Danny treats you. Don’t even try that with me, Smalls. You wanna know the real reason he wanted you over there in front of that girl? He coulda politely told her no thanks, but he can’t riskyouthinking he’s interested inher.That’s what it’s about. The message wasn’t for her. It was for you.”
Dang emotionally intelligent care bear.
Logically, I’d agree. But I thought DC was sending a message New Year’s Eve, and I was wrong.
It’s too late now anyway.
Once I’ve gathered all the disposable plates and Sam’s tied up two more trash bags, he lugs them to the back, and I hold thedoor. Jace and Daniel are still loading equipment in the front, getting stopped every few minutes by people wishing Daniel a happy birthday as they leave. Sam stops walking when we step outside the back door.
“I know Jace was probably a jackass earlier.” He flashes a grin when I don’t correct him. “And Danny will handle it, but it sucks because I know you’re happy when you’re with us. Withhim. You’re gettin’ more confident on stage and having fun. So why would you date a guy who won’t come watch you sing or get to know your friends? That just don’t sound like love to me. Relationships are like jackets, Lu Lu. You try one on, and if it doesn’t fit, you take it off. That’s how dating works. You’re not a bad person if you walk away. I’d be proud of you, honestly. I don’t know how to say this without sounding weird, butanyof us would be better for you.”
“Are you saying I should marry you instead? Awww, Sammy.” I coo at him, but for once, I don’t think he’s playing. I’ve never seen Sam look so serious. He looks like a giant sad moose puppy, and this is why someone conventionally hot enough to bake cookies on his abs does nothing for me except make me want to mother him to death.
My smile fades with his somber expression. He’s just a baby, but I do respect his opinion. “I’m sayin’ anyone good for you would love your family, which is us. Danny said last time he saw Nathan he looked like he wanted to fight, and he was just fixin’ your sink. And Annie can’t stand him. Ain’t that a sign?”
“Sounds like you know more about my relationship than I’ve told you.”
Does he know everything?Ugh,Annie.Did they have a meeting or something? I don’t mind Sam knowing personal things, really. We’re close. And I’m sure he’s seen me on bad days, but I try not to show it. No one wants to be aroundsomeone who complains all the time. DC’s an anomaly. I don’t know why I tell him everything … well,almost everything.
Sam looks both apologetic and nervous, as if I could ever be mad at him … or marry him for that matter. I don’t think it’s possible, being mad at himormarrying him, because, oh my word, I’m exhausted just thinking about it.
“I’m not mad. I’m just surprised so many people are concerned about this subject today. You’re at least the fourth person to bring it up, and I don’t get it. Yes, DC and I are close. But he’s just a flirt. Like you being all touchy or Jace’s comments, just in a different way.”
I open the sliding door of the dumpster with a napkin, and Sam throws the gigantic trash bags in.
“Exactly. It’s different. Danny’s never been all touchylike me. I just know y’all have spent a lot of time together lately, and today, on his birthday, all he wanted was to be with you.”
“He said that to who? You? Because we didn’t make any plans. He asked me to sing tonight, but that’s it. We went to his aunt and uncle’s house to get my car fixed. They played all these great old songs, and we sang. I loved it, but we were there for my car. I never planned to hijack his birthday.”
The increased sentiment in his eyes isn’t the least bit hidden. Nothing ever is with Sam. Every emotion is all over his face.
“He took you to Aunt J’s? Wow. Sure, Uncle Dale works on cars, but that wasn’t only about your car. That was …big. How’d it go?”
“Why … why is that ‘wow’? I mean, I should’ve guessed you knew her. She’s amazing. I love her,” I tell him.
“Same. I need to go see her. I’m supposed to mow her yard.” His eyes look a little glassy, and I’m lost. I have definitely missed something.
“What’s the rest of that story, Sammy-bear?” I ask gently.
“I lived with them for a while when my dad was in jail. My mom worked nights, and it was easier for me to stay with Aunt J and Uncle Dale. We’re not related, but I met DC when I took piano lessons. My grandma wanted me to learn, so she paid for them. When she passed away, Aunt J wouldn’t let me quit even though my mom couldn’t afford it. When I got bored with piano, she put me on guitar, then violin and bass. Danny got me started on drums—anything to keep me out of trouble. It mostly worked.” He grins with wistfulness. “Danny’s my hero. I wanted to do everything he did. Then Jace came along with his attitude, and Ihadto do everything better than him.”
“Sammy.” I squeezed him this time. “I need to thank her for taking care of my family.”
