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No, you don’t,I silently amend. I’m not stupid enough to say it out loud. Besides, a calm and reasonable response isn’t what she needs right now.
Flipping on the turn signal, I pull into the small convenience store parking lot.
Placing her car in Park, I turn to ask, “White or red?”
“Why is he such a dick?” She sniffles. “Red.”
I smother the smile trying to creep onto my face. “Because he’s a man.”
“Exactly,” she agrees, pointing a finger at me. “A big . . . dicky man,” she huffs out.
The car falls silent as we register her words until my chuckle and her sad laugh mix.
Sobering, Sam whispers, “Men suck.”
My fingers find the necklace under my top. “That they do,” I agree quietly.
Sam sniffles, wiping at her nose. “Why does he have to be so bossy and all hmmm and grrr.” Squaring her shoulders, she impersonates her brother. Although given everything, I’m guessing they won’t use that title anymore. Besides, it’s not like they’re actually related.
Is this love thing complicated for everyone?
“It was kind of hot,” I admit.
Sam slinks further into the seat. “It was. God, I hate him.” Slowly, she calms in the silence. “Wine and chips?”
Meeting her sad blue eyes, I nod. “Anything you want.”
I move around the store quickly, grabbing the essentials—wine, chocolate, ice cream, and more wine.
Too distracted with Sam and getting us home safe, I forgot to text Doc. He must have heard the car because both he and Riley are out front when I pull into my drive.
How long has he been waiting for me to come home?
Waving, I try to hide my cringe.
Peeking at Sam, I let out a relieved sigh, too busy gathering the paper bags at her feet she misses the way Leonard’s facedarkens. Kind of like Kaleb’s when Sam refused to talk to him in the diner.
My best friend was right. It is hot.
Talk about two peas in a pod. Sam and I are made to be friends because clearly, we both have issues.
“Hi, muffin,” I greet, climbing out.
One look at Sam’s face and Leo’s forehead loses its frown lines.
“Didn’t go as planned?” he asks quietly as he approaches.
“That’s one way to put it,” I mumble back.
“Sammy, take my keys, and I’ll be right behind you. I just need a second.”
Placing one of the bags on the drive, Sam catches the keys before giving a halfhearted wave to my neighbor.
“Hi.”
“Hi.” Riley waves back, completely oblivious.
Smiling, I stroke Riley’s hair and crouch before her.
