Page 33 of Sing it, Sam

“See you soon.”

I tidy up my paperwork and grab a walkie-talkie from the holder.

“Fingers crossed,” Kathleen says as I walk past, crossing her fingers on one hand.

A moment later, I knock on Sam’s door, which is wide open for a change. I step farther into the room to find him already sitting in his wheelchair.

“Oh my god,” he says though a hearty chuckle.

I slip the rope behind his head, draping it around his shoulders, careful not to hurt him. “No one can resist the golden lasso. It binds all who are encircled and compels them to tell the truth!” I say, quoting Wonder Woman herself.

“If that’s the case, then the truth is, I’m pretty damn hot for that outfit,” he says, catching me off guard.

“Oh,” I stutter as a sudden rush of blood prickles at my cheeks. “Okay.”

“I’m guessing by that mad blush that you’re not used to compliments.”

“Um, no not really.” The last loser I dated was far too concerned about his own appearance to notice mine.

“Well, that’s a real shame.” He shakes his head. “Do me a favour?” he asks, handing me a mobile phone.

“Sure.”

“Take a photo of me and Wonder Woman? I’m a big fan.”

“Of course. Anything for a fan.” I set the camera onto selfie mode and crouch down beside Sam. “Okay, say stinky blue cheese,” I say, moving the phone to capture us both.

Sam chuckles as I take a few shots. “Couldn’t just say cheese, huh?”

“Everyone expects that. Besides, I love blue cheese.” I hand him his phone, which he slips into a pocket in the side of his chair. “Are you ready to head out to the dining room now?”

“Sure.”

I walk out in the hallway, Sam close behind me in his chair until we reach the dining hall.

“Here comes trouble,” Frederick grumbles and takes off his black mask.

I raise a brow at him and cross my arms beneath my chest. “Now, now, Frederick. Be nice, or I’ll take you off the list for the next cooking class.”

He gasps and clutches at his chest. “You wouldn’t, doll?”

I drop my hands and hook them onto my hips for full effect. “Oh, wouldn’t I?”

When he frowns I flash him a sly smile. I’d hate for him to think that I’d take that away from him. Sometimes it’s hard to know who you can joke with around here.

“I thought you were nice,” Fred says and clicks his tongue.

“Iamnice, so you should be too,” I say in a softer voice.

I turn around and spy Sam hanging back in the doorway.

“Sam, why don’t you sit over here? Frederick can tell you about his flying days. He used to be a stunt pilot.”

Interest flashes across Sam’s face and he gives me a slight nod. After a wave of my hand, he moves in closer.

“Okay?” I ask him as I stand.

He scrunches up his nose and turns his upper body towards me. “Smells like bleach in here,” he says through gritted teeth.

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