Page 90 of Swept Up In You

“You never asked. And I’m sure the date will go well. Andre’s a great guy.” Sam’s eyes bulged as she realised what she’d said in front of Taylor. She looked to Jase, “That okay?” she mouthed. He seemed confused at first, then realised what she’d done and nodded his approval imperceptibly. Thank fuck for that. The last thing she wanted to do was accidentally out her friend.

“Oh, you’re bi?” Taylor said, looking at Jase. Nothing slipped past her.

He gave a quick look around the shop, a sheepish look on his face as he lowered his voice. “Gay actually. And slowly coming out. Pops and Sam here are in the loop so far, aside from my date, of course.” He scratched his chin, “And now, uh, you.”

Sam saw the moment the realisation hit on Taylor’s face. “Wait, but you two—” she started crossing over her arms in some sort of confused signalling.

“I asked her on a date, yeah. I was pretty scared to come out to anyone and went along with Pops’ scheme to set us up. Then when Sam and I caught up, we got into a huge D&M, where Samended up being the first person I came out to. She then gave me the courage to talk to the old man, which thankfully, went well.”

“Wow. Well I didn’t expect that. Now everything makes so much more sense,” Taylor replied.

She could physically see Taylor relax beside her. She blew out a breath she didn’t realise she’d been holding. Having Taylor up to speed with Jase was another load off her shoulders—one that had to come from him, even if Sam was the one to accidentally provoke him into talking about it. Some things just ended up working out like that.

“Well, good luck with your date, and welcome to the queer club. It’s awesome to have another crew member,” Taylor joked, giving Jase a high five as he threw a huge grin her way.

Half an hour later, their low-key farewell party was in full swing. The shop was locked up and Sam set the alarm for the final time on what was her last ever shift. Her eyes welled at the thought. She looked up to the clouds to stop the tears slipping down her cheeks. Only mildly successful, she flung a hand to her cheek, wiping messily as she took in a deep breath. She slowly let it out, gathering herself and taking in the moment before she turned to join the crowd. She could let herself be in her emotions later tonight, when she was curled up at home in bed. For now? It was time to enjoy the moment with everyone who’d shown up to say goodbye. She psyched herself up, slapped on a smile and made her way over.

Taylor was standing between her dad and Larry, a beer in one hand, the other waving wildly as she rattled off something that made the two men laugh heartily. It brought a real smile to her face, as well as a small ache to her chest. She was going to miss seeing these guys every day. Sure, technology had come a long way, but it wasn’t the same. She’d be sure to video call Larry and could already see it now, the camera zoomed way too far in on his face and right up his nose. She chuckled at the thought. Atleast she hoped to meet up with her dad at some point in the journey.

An arm encircled her shoulders, curls blurring her vision.

Alex.

Her best friend pulled her in close. “I can’t believe you’re actually leaving and it’s your going-away party already.” Alex squeezed her hard as they swayed on the spot before she finally let go. “I’m going to miss you,” she whispered.

“Nope, not thinking about that yet,” Sam replied. “It’s way too early in the night to start getting emotional, and I’m already trying to fight off the tears as it is.” She sniffed, looking toward the sky once more and blinking profusely.

“Fine,” Alex replied, fanning her own face to calm herself down. “Later though. All the mushiness is going to come out with my love for you.”

Sam smirked at that. “Where’s Will?” She looked around Alex, noting the empty space next to her. Alex nodded to the far corner. “Getting us drinks, like the charming gentleman he is.”

“God, you’re absolutely smitten, aren’t you.”

“And I’m not even going to hide it.” She fluttered her eyelashes in his direction, hands clasped in front of her dramatically. “Besides, like you can talk,” she said, looking back at her and raising an eyebrow.

“True.” She eyed Taylor again, still in deep conversation and oblivious Sam had finished up at work. Her heart fluttered at the thought of wrapping her arms around Taylor very soon.

“I’ve been chatting to Will about your plans and estimated timelines, and he had the idea for us to fly up to Cairns, maybe meet you two up in the tropics for a week or so.”

“Um, hellyesto that! I’m sure we’ll be dying to see some friendly faces on our travels.”

Alex clapped her hands together. “Great. We’ll make it happen. Now, where is Will with those drinks?” She squeezedSam’s shoulder as she moved past, her wad of curls bouncing as she went.

Hands snaked around Sam’s waist as soft lips planted themselves on her cheek. She smiled, melting back into the touch. “Happy sad last day of work, Ham,” Taylor whispered into her ear.

Sam turned into Taylor’s embrace properly, throwing her arms around her neck. “Thanks, Babe. It still feels so surreal. Happy sad is about right.” She placed a kiss on Taylor’s lips.

Taylor squeezed her hips. “Right, come on, let’s get you a drink then. First, we celebrate, then you have my shoulder to cry on later if you need.” She winked at Sam. She knew her too well, and Sam so appreciated that fact in this moment.

“Sounds like a plan,” Sam replied, grabbing Taylor’s hand and leading her off to the eskies. Sam lifted the lids, looking for the beers for Taylor and hopefully an open bottle of white wine somewhere for herself.Bingo.

“So this is where all the cool kids are at,” Taylor said as Sam poured herself a glass. The whole board game group had made it down and were chatting away with Alex and Will. Taylor leaned in to Sam. “I introduced these guys earlier. Looks like they’re all hitting it off.”

“Hopefully not too much,” Sam sulked. Taylor gave her a quizzical look. “Well, we wouldn’t want them taking our place for games night.”

Taylor chuckled. “That’s never gonna happen. I’m making sure we have the best satellite WiFi on our boat, so we’ll have no excuses.”

“I am so thankful for the technology available on boats these days, and for having an awesome girlfriend to set it all up for me,” she fluttered her eyelashes at Taylor.

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