“What?” I ask and turn to find Sam’s eyes shut. When did he fall asleep? A part of me is disappointed to not have had his whole attention, but another part is relieved that he’s getting rest. I forget sometimes that he doesn’t have the energy I do.
I shift off the bed, and quickly move a pillow beside him to keep him upright. I slip my hand into his and squeeze gently. He looks so beautiful when he sleeps. At peace. Angelic. It’s a shame to wake him, but I won’t leave without saying goodbye.
“Dinnertime, Sammy,” Pauline booms as she plonks a plate with a silver cloche on the table.
Sam jerks. His eyes are glazed over when they meet mine. He blinks repeatedly as if he doesn’t know where he is.
I squeeze his hand to reassure him. “Hey, you fell asleep. It’s dinnertime,” I say with a shrug.
Sam grumbles and wiggles farther up the bed, and rubs at his eye with his free hand. “Sorry.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “It’s all good. I should go anyhow. Hangry dog and all that.”
“Ha, yeah. Sure.”
I want so badly to lean in and plant my lips against his, but Pauline is here. I know she found us snuggled up, but kissing in front of her is something else entirely. I’ve heard Pauline is one to gossip, and if that’s true, I don’t need to give her something to talk about.
“What’s on the menu?” Sam asks, giving Pauline a hard stare.I wouldn’t be impressed if someone woke me like that either.
“Pumpkin ravioli, green salad and custard and peaches for dessert,” she says, her voice monotone. She’s probably had to recite that a bunch of times already.
“Pumpkin, you say?” Sam asks, widening his eyes at me and pursing his lips. When he crosses his eyes, I can’t stop the laughter from bursting from my mouth.
I try to choke down my laughter but end up snorting instead. As tears spring to my eyes, I clutch at my stomach.
“Goddamn pumpkin,” Sam grumbles.
“You watch your mouth, boy,” Pauline chastises, pointing her stumpy index finger towards the cloche. “That there is some of the finest pumpkin pasta you’ll ever eat.”
“No doubt,” Sam retorts.
I blow him a kiss on my way to the door.
My laughter echoes through the halls until I leave the building.