“I have already begun packing. I’m not enjoying myself like I thought I would.”
“I can have a car meet you at the airport. Just let me know what time you’re flying out.”
“I will, and, Winston?”
“Yes, sir?”
“Thank you.”
He didn’t respond straight away. “Of course, sir.”
I couldn’t pack and get to the airport fast enough. It had been such a foolish idea to come here and be away from Sam. I should have wallowed in my worry, in my huge house, and waited for him to tell me what was wrong. Instead I’d thought giving him even more space was a great idea. If Vincent knew what I’d done he’d have argued with me, and he’d have been right to.
The flight was short but felt like it took forever. There was a car waiting that took me to a boat, and that boat took me to my island. Winston was waiting as soon as I docked. I handed him my bags.
“I’m going to see him.”
“Very good, sir.” A slight smile played on Winston’s face as I left the island to get to shore.
I had no idea where Sam was. I checked the shop but all I saw was Kevin and Jim. I glanced in the library window and saw Benbut no Sam. I approached the bookstore, and Maggie beamed at me.
“Lukas, good to see you.”
I had no time for pleasantries. “Where’s Sam?”
Her brow dipped. “Upstairs, I believe.”
“Thanks.”
I didn’t wait for her response. I climbed the stairs fast and was knocking on his door before Maggie likely even took another breath.
I heard grumbling and a low, “I’m coming.” I stepped away and when he opened the door, I knew Winston was right. Something was terribly wrong.
Sam’s eyes widened. “Lukas! I wasn’t expecting you. I thought you were the pizza guy.” He had a blanket around him, his hair was disheveled, his skin pale, and there were shadows under his bloodshot eyes.
“Sam,” I whispered, and without waiting another moment, I stepped forward and wrapped him in my arms.
“Lukas, what are you…” His voice cracked. “I thought you had a trip.”
He stepped back enough for me to close the door with my foot. “That doesn’t matter.”
He retreated from my hold, tears resting precariously on his eyelids. “Did something happen?”
“Yes, Sam. You did, you happened.” I closed my eyes to collect my thoughts; I didn’t want to upset him. “Winston called me.”
“Oh.” He exhaled.
“Please, Sam.”
He sighed and ambled over to his couch. “I didn’t even think he noticed anything was wrong, or that he’d tattle on me.”
“Don’t be angry with him…or do, I honestly don’t care if you are.”
He released a watery laugh. I joined him and sat beside him. “I went on that trip to give you space, Sam. It wasn’t business. You were pushing me away, and I felt as if I were crowding you, so I didn’t want that to be another reason you were anxious.”
“Oh, Lukas, I’m sorry.” He reached out and grabbed my hand in his.
“No. Don’t apologize, you did nothing wrong, I did. You were, are, hurting, and I wanted to give you time to tell me on your own but, Sam, I’m sorry but time’s up. I can’t help you if you don’t let me in.”
