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“You know as well as us that tonight was a big deal for you and we couldn’t be happier for you.” Avery’s tone is soft and kind.

“No matter what happens with Sam, and we both hope it’s a wedding and babies and the whole nine yards, you take a moment to celebrate what a badass you’ve been just for acknowledging your feelings to yourself. Then celebrate the fact that you asked her out because that takes so much more to put yourself out there.”

“Thanks, you two,” I say quietly, knowing just how right they are.

Chapter 27: Sam

Someone clears their throat and I stand so quickly that I’m instantly light-headed. Once again I was so absorbed in my work that I missed something.

“Excuse me?” someone called from the other side of the counter for our department.

“Pardon me, I didn’t see you there,” I say, taking care how I walk so I don’t fall right over while my blood starts to flow normally again.

“That happens more than you know,” she says, not fully joking but pointing out that she’s an inch or two over five feet. I can’t imagine people wouldn’t stop to notice this woman. She’s got curves that I’ve only dreamt of. “I’m Maisy.”

“Oh my, where are my manners?” I say, feeling completely out of sorts. “I’m Samantha Davies, but everyone calls me Sam.”

I hold out my hand to shake hers and she glances down at it and then proceeds to dig around in her bedazzled handbag.

At least I think she saw it.

I let my hand drop.

“Perfect, just the person I came to see,” she says, pulling out gum, unwrapping one piece, and then tossing the remainder of the pack into her bag. “I’m here for a calendar of events for Greenstone, I’m moving back and there are a few things I don’t want to miss.”

“Of course, let me grab you one.” She’s quiet as I walk to the filing cabinet and something feels odd. Very few people come in asking for a physical copy of anything, especially not people under the age of seventy. It’s not like they can’t, but most adults use the online calendar to sync with their own.

“Is there something in particular you’re looking forward to?” I ask, flipping through the hanging folders.

“Not really,” she says.

“Here it is,” I announce. “These are subject to change, of course, so if you want the most up-to-date information, our website is the best place to confirm.”

She picks up the paper, folds it in half, and puts it in her bag while looking at the office behind me. She takes her time blowing a bubble, pulling it back into her mouth before it pops and then makes a series of crackling sounds.

“No, I got what I came for and I’m not worried about a thing.” Her eyes take me in for a moment.

In another context, I would have thought she was hitting on me, but this is strange. The entire interaction feels off.

“Well, if you think of something else, feel free to stop by or send me a message,” I say in a cheery voice. “It was lovely to meet you—”

I’m hoping she doesn’t notice I trailed off because, of course, I already forgot her name. Oh, I’m the worst at this.

She looks me over once and with a tight smile says, “I’m sure I’ll see you around.” Then she turns and walks away.

What was that about?

And why did she want to see me?

Draping myself across my couch, I weave my fingers together across my stomach and look at my feet, propped up by the armrest. I’m not sure why I’m checking the polish on my toes, I’ll be wearing socks and boots today. Sighing, I assess the damage to my thumbnail. I definitely chewed it at work.

Stop replaying that scene, Sam. I did nothing that could have offended her or made her feel unwelcome.

It was likely me being so caught up in my work. Who knows how long she had to stand there? The familiar flush of guilt hits me. Automatically, I close my eyes, gently tap my thighs, and breathe.

I did nothing wrong. I was working and simply hadn’t heard her. It was an honest mistake, which I corrected immediately. I was helpful and kind and did my job well.

One last exhale to let it all out. My eyes drift open, and I feel a little more centered.