Page 53 of When Love Is Unexpected

"It's the most rewarding thing I've ever done."

"You always sounded excited when you talked about it. You're going to be an amazing pediatrician."

"Technically," I say, "I already am."

"I'm sorry I missed your graduation. Will you ever forgive me?"

"It hurt. I'm not gonna lie. But I'm fully aware that you couldn't leave Greece to travel five thousand miles just to see me in a cap and gown."

"It means a lot more than that," he says, "and I'm cognizant of what you've accomplished."

"Then why weren't you here?" I ask, feeling guilty for making him feel guilty.

"Laila, I was in a relationship at that time. I don't think it would've been well-received if I had just picked up and left for a week to visit a girl friend."

"That was six weeks ago! Five if you count the week you've been here. When exactly did you end that relationship?"

An uneasy feeling settles in the pit of my stomach when he doesn't answer, but just stares at me.

"Wait," I say. "Do you still have a girlfriend in Greece?"

When he doesn't say anything, I stand and walk away.

"Wait," he says, reaching for my arm. "Wait."

I spin around to glare at him.

"Do you have a girlfriend?" I ask, deliberately enunciating every word very slowly.

"No," he says. "I don't have a girlfriend."

"Then why did it take so long to answer the question?" I ask, looking away, my unease quickly turning to anger.

"Laila, look at me."

I look at him just as his hands move up my arms. They're big and strong, yet gentle.

"I don't cheat," he says.

"Why would you say that?" I ask, his comment taking me by surprise.

"Because I've spent the last four days doing my best to keep my hands and lips off of you."

"Sam, I—."

"When I knew I was coming back, Helga and I broke up."

"Helga?" I ask, smiling, raising an eyebrow, and holding back a chuckle.

"Don't let the name fool you," he says. "She's an intelligent young woman with auburn hair, big brown eyes, and a fantastic smile.

"Fantastic? Wow, well, she sounds great."

"She is," he says, "but I don't love her, just like you don't love Eric, the guy everyone says is great too."

"The spark isn't there," I say.

"Exactly," he says.

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