Page 53 of Somewhere Along The Line
I burst out laughing, the intensity of it breaking up some of the pressure in my chest.
“You were sooooo close,” I snark, “but alas, it was not a singer or an author or a former President.”
“It was James?” Sami grins as she settles deep into the chair across from the couch and curls up like a cat, her glass newly refreshed with bubbly.
“It was James,” I sigh.
“And how do we feel about that?”
It’s always “we” with Sami. She is so committed to Team Piper she’ll adopt any possible emotion I might express. Gratitude blooms in my chest when I hear that “we.”
“Well, I expected him to show up, drop off the boxes, and then leave. I thought it would be a blip.” I run my hands down my face, stretching the skin of my cheeks up and down as I recall the events of the night.
“But instead, he was his usual helpful, respectful, so-infuriatingly-handsome-it’s-almost-painful self the entire night. He pitched in with set-up and clean-up, he charmed our donors, he served drinks when the bartender didn't show up. Then, when the event was over, he made sure I was… taken care of.”
My hand finds a throw pillow and I bury my face in it, as though the gesture could stop Sami from prying.
“Taken care of,” she says as she swirls her champagne like red wine, “that soundsinteresting.” She adds a wink for effect.
“It wasn’tinteresting, Sami, it was ridiculously hot. By far the best sexual experience I’ve ever had while being fully clothed. And in public.” I peek out from behind the pillow to see her eyes grow wide and her smile grow wider.
“Piper Elise Paulson, I couldn’t be prouder!” She walks over to the couch and snatches the pillow from my face before snuggling up beside me. “I know I said that earlier about the gala but honestly, this might take the cake. It’s nice to see you enjoying yourself for once.”
“Enjoyment wascertainlyhad.”
My chuckle surprises me, joined by a flood of gratitude for what my life has become—this apartment with Sami, our friendship, my job, the successful event tonight, and even these last few weeks with James (concerns notwithstanding).
I feel like I’m living again.
“So, what’s the problem exactly? I’m not hearing a single problem about James or this evening.” Sami scoots to rest her back against the armrest, digging her toes under my leg for warmth.
“Where do I start? Problem number one is I was distracted all night. The biggest event of my brand-new career, the possibility of a promotion and a raise on the line, and I’m glancing over constantly to see what James is doing, what expression he’s making, what person he’s charming. When he’s around I can’t think—all reason goes out the window. It’s going to get me in trouble.”
I don’t tell her it already has with the lost scholarship money.
“Problem number two is people in my life are starting to get attached to him. You, obviously, but also my coworkers—they think he hung the moon after tonight. Problem three isI’mstarting to get attached to him, and he doesn’t seem to share the sentiment.”
I swipe the glass from Sami’s fingers and take a long sip before handing it back.
“What makes you say that?” She shrugs. “I can’t think of a guy who pays for shit, willingly runs errands, and gives mind-blowing orgasms who’s not interested.” She has a point, especially considering the quality of men she’s been dealing with recently.
“It’s this arrangement. He’s playing the role of a doting partner and he’s doing a great job of it. But I keep laying down opportunities for him to admit we’re not playing anymore and he doesn’t take them. James seems perfectly happy to keep hanging out and hooking up and pretending to mean something to each other without any strings.”
I throw my head back against the cushion and slide down, letting the couch support my weight as my feet dangle near the floor, legs outstretched. Sami nods, sitting up to rest a hand on my knee.
“I want to be the kind of person who can keep this casual, Sam, but that’s not me. I also can’t pressure him into a commitment that would end terribly for both of us. Most importantly, I won’t risk losing focus on the life I’m trying to build and the promotion I need. Not because of some man who doesn’t care enough to admit he likes me.”
“You know I love you, right?” Sami cocks her head to the left while she waits for me to meet her hazel eyes. I nod.
“If you want me to tell you to cut and run, I will. Your getaway car and getaway girl will await whenever you need. But, Piper, you’re treating James like he’s Henry. He’s not. He’s been giving of himself from day one, which is something Henry NEVER did, even when he claimed to love you. James isn’t an arrogant asshole who only wants you for what you can offer him.”
She softens her tone as though she wants me to really hear this next part.
“Piper, you don’t know things would end terribly between you two, or that James doesn’t care about you. Besides, you’re not the same Piper you were a few years ago. Even if things with James go south, it won’t wreck you. You’ve welded yourself back together—you’re not as breakable as you think.”
Gosh, I don’t deserve Sami.
“So, what do I do, then?” I scootch back up on the couch, moving from my wallowing position to sitting.
