Page 81 of Nocere

"Nothing."

"Nora and I aren't lifers, Sami. Our dynamics apply to scenes or when the two of us decide. They don't apply to Rosie. Remember that." Caroline spoke some sort of code that I interpreted to the best of my ability.

Sam's silence continued, though the sounds of the hospital in the background told me she was still on the line. The call screen flickered, and it switched from voice to video call. I smiled when Sam's pretty face filled the screen. Coupled with her blue scrubs, stethoscope, and hair pulled back in a low ponytail, she epitomized beauty even in her work attire.

"Hi," I said, my smile broadening when she finally smiled.

"Hi, baby…"

I turned the phone so she could see Caroline across the desk. Caroline tossed her a playful salute and Samirah chuckled.

"Long day?" asked Caroline.

"Yeah," answered Sam as I held the phone in a spot where we could both see her and she, us. "But my girlfriend sending me flowers blew my mind and made everything better." A smile curved her maroon-hued lips. "Thank you for that, Rosie. It was very unexpected."

And again, my cheeks burned, but this time I could see myself blushing in the small image in the corner. "I hoped you'd like them."

"I do." Sam leaned over and sniffed the roses. The arrangement appeared even prettier than it had on the website.

"Those are very pretty," said Caroline, smiling when she leaned her chin on her hand. "Nice taste, Rosie."

"Thanks." My face felt like it would explode any second.

"See her blushing, Sami?"

"I do." Sam chuckled and continued to stroke the petal of a flower.

"You look tired, Sam," I said, drawing the attention away from me.

"I am. I'm doing a double tonight, then off the rest of the week. I'll nap between shifts," she said, her gaze returning to the camera. "Will you meet me at home tomorrow after work?"

"Of course."

Sam paused for a moment, gazing at something beyond the camera. "Look who's here."

"Who?" asked Caroline.

The camera shifted and Sam pulled Stella into the frame. They shared a laugh and Stella waved. "Hi, lovelies. How are you?"

"Good. It's nice to see you," I said, chuckling at the two of them. Stella tossed her arm around Sam's shoulder and the two of them made faces in the camera.

"Dorks." Caroline grinned at them and they made me laugh harder.

"I'm here to shuffle this one off to take a rest." Stella messed up Sam's hair on purpose. "We're going to have lunch first."

"I like that plan. Samirah, listen to Stella," I said, grinning at my own boldness suddenly.

"I will. I'm starving and tired." Sam released her and pointed in front of her. "Look what Rosie sent me." The two of them shared happy chatter and Stella aww'd. I couldn't stop myself from smiling while I watched them. Caroline nudged my elbow and grinned. I nodded, reveling in the notion that I brought Sam a moment of feeling special. Everyone deserved to feel that way sometimes, and I made a commitment that I would continue to find ways to make Sam smile.

"Have a good rest, Sam," I said when we wrapped up our call.

"I will. See you tomorrow, baby." She blew me a kiss and I nearly melted. "Thank you for my flowers."

"You deserve it." I blew her a kiss right back. "Bye."

"Bye."

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