Page 23 of When Love Is Unexpected

"The people in your life who know you and love you."

"So, in other words, everyone."

"Yes," Mom says. "Everyone."

Mom gets up to leave my room but looks back before opening the door.

"Two more things, Sweetie."

"I'm all ears," I say.

"Don't pretend. Be yourself. Be honest, and be truthful."

"Okay," I say. "What's the other?"

"Sometimes people make better friends than they do lovers, but when you find someone who can be both, you've found your soulmate."

"Thanks, Mom."

"I love you, Sweetie."

"I love you too."

***

An hour later, I go to pick up Sam at Loren's, and before I can ring the doorbell, he opens the door. He's wearing an olive-green button-down shirt with long sleeves rolled up to the elbows, khaki pants, and leather lace-up shoes. He looks so handsome.

"You look beautiful," he says, giving me a hug.

"So do you," I say, and I mean it.

"Do you mind driving?” I ask as we walk back to the car.

I hand him the keys, and he clicks the doors open, but he still walks over to the passenger side and opens the door for me. Ah, yes, I remember how much of a gentleman he is.

When he slides into the car and adjusts the seat to fit his tall frame, I put on some music. Thanks to my parents’ influence, I'm partial to classic rock and 80s music. Sam enjoys the twang of country music.

"Oh no, you don't," he says, reaching for the dial.

"Ladies first," I say, laughing. "You can listen to some Luke Bryan on our way back."

"Alright," he says, smiling.

"When we both sit back and relax into our seats for the five-minute drive to my sister's house, I put on some Pink Floyd and reach for Sam's hand. His warm and strong hand interlaced with mine makes me feel butterflies in my stomach.

"Practice?" he asks.

"Yes," I say, smiling. "Practice."

When Katherine opens the door, she greets both of us with a smile and a hug. As soon as we step inside, I can smell dinner. There are notes of cayenne pepper, oregano, onions, garlic, and cumin.

"Did you make Mexican food for dinner?" I ask.

"I made beef enchiladas and rice."

"I love Mexican food," Sam says, "That's one thing we'll have to indulge in when we're in San Diego. I'm taking you to all my favorite Mexican restaurants and introducing you to some unique but delicious eats."

"I can't wait!" I exclaim.

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