Page 82 of Nocere

Stella let me into Sam's apartment when she found me waiting outside. "Are you sure you don't want to come down to our place while you wait?" she asked.

"It's okay. I'd rather be here." I set my purse down on the table by the front door then shrugged out of my jacket.

"If you change your mind, come on down. Her surgery ran late due to complications. Did she tell you?" Stella flicked on the light and glanced around the room as if checking it out for safety.

"She texted me, but I decided to head here anyway."

"And sleep in the hallway if she was super late?" Stella chuckled and gave my forearm a pat.

"No." I laughed at the notion. "I would come bother you then."

"You would not." Stella smiled when she said it. "You're too polite, but I'm enjoying getting to know you better. Speaking of, on Saturday, Allie and I are having Scarlett and Vee over for dinner. We've invited Sami and yourself, but she wasn't sure if you would want to come."

"Um…" I glanced over her shoulder then back to her. "No one else?"

"No one else. Jordan and Ainsley are going camping with Ainsley's mom."

"Does Sam want to go?" I bit my lip while talking this out with her.

"I think she does." Stella joined me on the sofa when I dropped down to sit. "Sami doesn't keep many people close. Her decision to move here, for her, was a pretty radical one. We've gotten closer over the past few years and she gets on well with Scarlett. Our shared professions help. And our partners of course."

"Is she hesitant to agree because I am?"

"I'm not sure. Are you hesitant in general?" she asked, her tone soft as always.

"With social events, yes."

"Well, if she knows that then I'm sure it's a factor. Talk to her about it. We're not far from here, and if things get too intense, you can always head back to Sam's. If it helps any, we're a very tame bunch and I'm an excellent cook." A soft laugh escaped her when she stood up again.

"It helps." I offered her a smile and watched as she headed toward the door.

"Good. If you need anything, you have my number." Stella blew me a kiss. "I better get back to my girls."

"Thank you for letting me in."

"Of course." Just as Stella pulled open the door, Samirah appeared. A startled expression widened her eyes as she juggled her purse, the vase of flowers, and her keys. "Oh," chirped Stella. "Hi."

"Hi." Samirah chuckled and they smooched cheeks after Stella helped her with the vase. "Sorry. I'm rushing."

"Don't. Your girl is all settled." Stella set the vase down on the coffee table and the pretty flowers made me smile. They, indeed, turned out to be the perfect arrangement.

"Thank you for letting her in." Sam's gaze fell on me and she smiled. "Hi, my sweet."

"Hi." I hopped up and she caught me in a hug after setting down her bag.

"I'll leave you to it." Stella winked as she let herself out, closing the door behind her after I waved.

Samirah's grip on me tightened and I buried my face against her shoulder. She kissed my cheek half a dozen times before leaning back.

"I have something for you," she said, then pulled something out of the pocket of her scrub top. She held it in the air, and a key dangled between us. "I thought this would be a good idea."

"Really?" I smiled as I accepted it and she kissed my forehead.

"Yes. I was worried that you would be locked out so I texted Stella."

"Thank you, Sam." I tucked the key into the pocket of my skirt as my heart swelled and face heated. "I've never had anyone else's key before."

"I've never given anyone a key before except Stella." She tucked my hair behind my ears and I stroked her arms. Her expression, slightly drawn and tired, concerned me.

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