Page 7 of Sing it, Sam

He stares blankly at me. I wait for a response, but don’t get one.

“So, hey,” I add, and rock back and forth on my heels.

He continues to stare. Heat prickles at my cheeks.Should I leave?

A grin spreads across his mouth as he rolls closer. Is he enjoying my display of awkwardness?

“Anyway, you need anything, just dial reception.” I take a step backwards.

“Listen, I’m sorry about the other day. The kiss …” His eyes dance with mischief.

“Are you honestly sorry?” From the widening of his smile, I get the feeling he’s not at all.

“Actually, no. Big brother thought apologising would be appropriate considering I live here, you work here, and I shouldn’t be causing problems. So again, sorry I might’ve caused some trouble for you, but at the same time, cheers for lending me your lips.”

“That is by far the weirdest apology I haveeverheard.”

His shoulders drop slightly as a breath whooshes from his mouth. “I just get a little crazy sometimes.”

“That’s understandable,” I say in a soothing tone. “Does your brother visit often?”

There’s a long pause before Sam opens his mouth. “Yeah. Whenever he can.”

“Does anyone else come to see you?”

Darkness flashes across his gaze, sending a shiver down my spine. “Not anymore,” he grumbles and wheels himself back into the shadows of his plain, lonely-looking room.

I take that as my cue to leave. I need to learn when to keep my mouth shut.

As I exit the room, Nurse Paige and I cross paths.

She’s holding a small clear cup with an assortment of pills.

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