Page 83 of When Love Is Unexpected

"Laila," she says, "can I ask you a personal question?"

"Yes," I say. "Of course."

"How serious are things between you and Sam?"

"Well," I begin, "Sam and I have been friends for over two years. We started a long-distance relationship when we realized we had stronger feelings for each other."

"You know what I find interesting?" she asks. "You two say the exact same thing every time the subject comes up."

"You think we're making it up?" I ask, wanting to get to the core of her question.

"No," she says, "I've seen you two together. I'm sure there are feelings there."

"So, what exactly is your concern?" I ask.

"You're twenty-six years old and on your way to Boston to begin your career. It's a new city, a new job, and new responsibilities. I'm just wondering how my brother will fit into your new life."

"I see," I say. "I don't think much will change, given that Sam lives in Greece right now."

"This whole thing," Emma says, waving one hand around while keeping the other on the wheel, "looks and feels a lot like what Sam went through in his last relationship."

"I can see how it looks similar," I say. "But it's not."

"Patricia loved my brother but still chose to walk away. Her career goals and dreams didn't line up with his."

"Why can't couples have it all?" I ask. "I want and should be able to have a career, goals, and love."

"It sounds like you'll have a lot on your plate," she says. "I don't want Sam to get hurt again. We've spent the last seven years encouraging him to find someone special. We never expected him to find someone so similar to his ex."

"Wow," I say. "Was that meant as an insult?"

"I'm sorry," she says, "I don't mean it disparagingly."

"You could've fooled me," I say, sounding offended and short. "Sam is a grown man. I don't think he needs his family to choose a wife for him. I don't mean it disparagingly."

"Patricia wants him back," Emma says, causing my head to snap around to stare at her. "She's been trying to contact Sam for almost two months."

Why hasn't Sam mentioned anything to me, I wonder.

"You didn't know," says Emma. "If Sam wants her back, they will pick up right where they left off."

"And where was that?" I ask.

"Engaged and on their way to the altar."

"Are you implying I'm in the way?" I ask.

"I'm not implying anything," she says. "I'm being perfectly clear and honest about not wanting Sam to get hurt again. That's all."

"Are you glad you got that off your chest?" I ask.

"I wouldn't be a good sister if I didn't. Please don't take this as a personal attack because that's not at all how I meant it. You're a sweet woman. I can see why Sam is smitten with you, and I hope that what we've all witnessed so far is real and long-lasting. If it isn't, then please be honest with him."

"Have you had the same talk with Sam?" I ask, sounding defensive, I'm sure.

"I did," she says. "I found him sleeping in the den early this morning."

"That explains a lot," I say. "So you think we had a fight, and I kicked him out of the room. Trouble in paradise, so to speak."

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