SAMANTHA
I run up the chateau’s wide marble steps, wet. I run down the wide hall. I slide on the already wet wood, but I finally make it to the penthouse. Inside, I slam the door and scream.
After a few deep breaths, I work it out.
Dragging my bags into the center of the suite, I throw all I own into them. I yank off my wet clothes, and they go into a large plastic bag. I need a hot shower, but there is no way I want to be around. Especially when I’m not needed, wanted, or loved.
After pulling on dry clothes, I haul my bags downstairs and into the lobby.
I run through the chateau and down a level. In the huge garage, I find my sedan next to the old Rolls Royce.
“I love you, William,” I mumble, as I drive the nasty, cheap sedan around to the chateau front.
I toss my bags into the back, and as I go to close the chateau’s front door, William appears. Having wet, red eyes and a panicked look, I no doubt shock William.
He also looks less than his usual impeccable self.
William doesn’t say anything to me, but he follows me to my car. He is carrying a picnic basket, and he offers it to me.
I shake my head, but William opens my side door and places it inside. We hug, and I hold him too tight. I can’t help it.
“You really should stay, dear. He will come around, you know. He loves you, even if he’s…”
“A lunatic?”
William holds me at a distance, and we explore each other’s eyes. “There is that,” he says almost comically. I snort-laugh and fight back tears.
“I do hope it works out, dear.”
“We won’t,” I say confidently, “but I will.”
William nods and forces a smile. “He needs you, Sam, and deep down, you know that.”
“Well, he had his chance.”
“I’m sorry,” the sweet old man says.
“Me too,” I say, letting it all go.
“So, what will you do?”
“I don’t know,” I say, giving far too much away. “I haven’t thought that far ahead.”
“Where will you go?”
“I don’t know that either. West, I guess. Somewhere I’m loved.”
William nods, and then he steps back, all formal again and just like his normal self.
“Godspeed, dear, I am sure you will be fine.”
“You take care,” I say, meaning it.
As I drive away, I wipe a lone tear from my cheek. It is all I have left. I take a last look in the rearview mirror at the chateau, and I try to let it all go.
It’s hard to think ahead fast. It really is a stunning and magical place in the world, and once, he was too.
As I drive past the lake and then the cemetery, I am tempted to stop.
