“Hi,” I croak. I may feel better, but my voice isn’t fully back.
“Are you okay? Your voice sounds funny.”
“I’m getting over a bad cold.”
His face falls. “Do you want me to come over and help you out with anything? I can run by the store and pick up soup. Or get you saltines. Or whatever you need.”
The annoyance from a moment ago softens at hearing him offer to helpme.
“I’m feeling better now. I’m mostly over it. It sounds worse than it is.”
Sam stops walking. He squints into the screen as if he’s trying to discern if I’m telling the truth. “I mean it, Min. I can sneak out for an hour while lunch is being served.”
“Really, I’m better. Plus, my friend Liz did all my shopping. My fridge is fully stocked.” I clear my dishes and place them by the sink. Changing the subject, I ask, “How was your weekend at HG? Anything crazy happen?”
“Actually, it was surprisingly quiet. I think the heavy rain had to do with keeping a lot of tourists in. Which is fine by me.” He face-palms. “Oy. I was supposed to ring you yesterday!” The color drains from his face. “Min, I’m so sorry, I forgot. I was busy and?—”
“We’re chatting now, so don’t worry about it this time.” I clear my throat. “Just don’t let this forgetfulness become a pattern.”
“I won’t. I’m putting an alert in my mobile now for—what day do you want to talk?”
“Let’s do Thursday morning.”
“I can’t.” He frowns. “I’ll be at HG.”
“So soon?”
“Mm-hmm.” He nods. “They just sent a couple people up to Bulford and replaced them with some new recruits. The squadrons have been shuffled around. I’m still in Squadron A, but the rotation order is all screwed up.”
I sigh. Not surprising. Recently, nothing with Sam is smooth sailing. “Shall we say Friday night, then?”
“Friday,” he confirms. “Okay, I’ve set a reminder. This time Ishouldn’tforget.”
“At least there’s only two more weeks to go until the judging.”
“I’m counting down until it’s over.”
“Is there any chance I’ll be able to come and watch it?” I cock my head to the side.
“No. Unfortunately, it’s all done behind closed doors. But you’ll be able to come to the final if I make it that far.”
“With all the work you’ve done, I’m sure you will.”
We chat a few more minutes before he disconnects the call.
Later that evening, I receive a “Get Well Soon” gift basket filled with tissues, tea, crackers, cough drops, fresh oranges packed with vitamin C, and a bouquet of pink tulips. There is no note. I can only assume it’s from one person. Sam I Am.
“At least he’s trying,” Liz mutters as she helps herself to an orange. “But that still doesn’t excuse him. He owes youbigtime. And the next time he forgets, I wouldn’t let him get off so easy.”
I nod.
Friday afternoon,Sam texts me.
Sam
Min, I’m sorry to do this, but can we reschedule our call for tomorrow?
My hand hovers over my phone’s keyboard. My eyebrows twitch. What now?
