Page 128 of Sing it, Sam

The three of us sit on a small table on the sidewalk beside a portable gas heater which takes the edge off the cool breeze.

No matter how much I protest, when I go to place our order, Ben insists on paying. Something to do with my hospitality. He seems to be walking normally today, so he must’ve slept okay on the sofa bed.

Before too long, our coffees and three servings of the Harvest special breakfast arrive at our table. The sight of golden hash browns, crispy bacon, grilled tomatoes, and glossy scrambled eggs sends my mouth watering.

“Okay, I want everyone to hold hands first,” I say, reaching out to Ben and gripping Sam’s closest hand.

“What, like saying grace?” Ben asks, taking my hand and extending his free one towards his brother.

I glare at Sam until their hands join.

“No, like let’s make up. Time to bury the axe, hatchet, whatever. You two need to sort yourselves out. You’re brothers. Family. You have to work together.” I give each hand in mine a quick pump.

“We’re good?” Sam says in a gruff tone, looking at his brother with a touch of understanding in his gaze.

“Yeah. Good, brother,” Ben replies, with a nod and the makings of a smile.

“Great,” I say, as I gather my knife and fork and start cutting up Sam’s bacon. “Let’s eat.”

***

After brunch, we retreat back home. I get the feeling Sam is struggling energy wise, and I don’t want to push him. We snuggle on the couch and watch the Penrith Panthers and the West Tigers clash in a close game of rugby league. Not usually my thing, but it’s a fierce game. The Marshall brothers celebrate each Panthers’ point, and boo when the ref gets the call wrong. Amongst the yelling and cheering at the TV, the boys seem to have forgotten about their recent disagreement.

At the eightieth minute, the Panthers huddle in celebration and Sam and Ben high-five each other. Butch runs around in circles and then starts humping Sam’s leg. We all laugh until we realise Butch is taking it a little too far.

“Whoa there, boy,” Sam says through a hearty chuckle as Butch thrusts at his ankle.

“How about I take this little fella for a walk, Jane?” Ben offers as he stands up. “I need to give the legs a stretch before the drive anyhow.”

“That’d be great. Thanks.”

***

No matter how long the weekend had stretched, it still wouldn’t have been enough time.

“We’d best get going,” Ben says. The smile from Sam’s face fades.

I help Sam to the car as Ben loads up their bags. I crouch at Sam’s open window and rest my forearms on the doorframe. “I’ll visit in a fortnight. Drive up early on the Saturday. It’s only thirteen days away.”

“What’re you gonna do this arvo?” Sam says, and curls his hand over my forearm.

“I have a beautiful love story to get back to.”

Sam puffs out his chest and smirks. “Inspired, huh?”

I laugh softly. “You have no idea. Text me when you get home?”

“You got it,” he says with a wink.

“Drive safe, guys. Be kind to one another.”

“Yeah, yeah,” they both drawl.Brothers.

I kiss Sam once more and wave them off, my heart fuller than it’s ever been.

It’s hard to believe that sometime soon, Sam is going to be living with me in my little shack in Willow Creek.Butch will be beside himself.

When I get back inside, I take a good look around. I need to get this place in order, make some cupboard space for Sam’s stuff. But first, I have a book to write. Between now and when I see Sam, I want to have made some real progress.

Four hours later when I’m nearing the end of another chapter, I get a text message.

Sam: I wanna come back

I want him back. More than anything.

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