by Roslyn Bane
“Thanks for squeezing me in.”
“That’s what we’re here for, Sam. Be careful.”
“I will. Especially in the kitchen.”
Chapter Forty
IT WAS LATE AFTERNOON when Sam stopped by Kris’ office. She stood in the doorway and watched Kris as she spoke rapidly into the phone. It took her several seconds to realize Kris was dictating and not having a conversation. As Sam watched, a pleasant warming sensation settled low in her core. Kris pivoted slightly back and forth in her chair as she spoke. She ended the dictation, scribbled something down on paper, and pressed some buttons on the phone. Suddenly she looked toward the door and surprise crossed her face, followed by a smile. She held up a finger to silence Sam, spoke into the phone, and disconnected. She stood and walked over to Sam, “I was beginning to wonder if I’d see you again.”
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?” Kris stopped and leaned against the door.
“For everything.”
“That’s not good enough, Sam.”
“Ah, okay. Well, I am sorry. It looks like you’re busy I’ll—”
“I don’t want you to leave. Come in here, please close the door.” Kris waited as Sam stepped inside and closed the door. “Why are you here?”
“I wanted to say I’m sorry.”
“And I’ll repeat my question, what are you sorry for?”
“For setting your kitchen on fire.”
“That’s it?”
“Yes. I mean, I can pay you for the damage.”
“That’s all?” Kris scowled at her, disappointment shone in her eyes. “You disappoint me.”
Heat rose in Sam’s cheeks “What do you want from me? I said I was sorry, and I’d pay for the damage.”
“It’s not the stove. I’m upset that you haven’t returned any of my calls, even if it was only to leave a message that you were okay. I was worried about you. I know what happened shook you up, and I didn’t want you beating yourself up over it.”
“I was embarrassed. I could’ve burned your house down.”
“Maybe if I wasn’t there. But I was there. And you didn’t burn my kitchen down. I did get a new range hood, but the old one was junk. The fan didn’t work well, and the light didn’t work half the time.”
“Can I pay for it?”
“That’s not necessary.”
“I want to. I insist.” They stood silent for several seconds staring at each other.
“Only half though.” Kris nodded.
“How much do I owe you?”
“You don’t mess around do you?” Kris sighed. “It was two hundred fifty dollars at the hardware store. So, one twenty-five.”
“What about the installation fee?”
“Well, I was hoping you would help me install it. And we could try dinner again. Maybe with candlelight instead of an open fire.” Kris grinned, but Sam stood speechless. “Why do you look shocked? Did you think I wouldn’t want to see you again?”
“Yes. Why would you?”
“You can’t be that dense. I like you. I am attracted to you. I want to be with you.” I can’t help but wonder about being with you and wondering if your strong body has stamina. If you’re gentle or if you like a nice rowdy romp in bed. “The fire? Sure, it scared me. But I’ve been more worried about you. If you’re one of those people who can blow off other people and their worries, I need to know now. I’ll still want to be your friend as much as you’ll allow me. I can cheer from the sidelines as you get your life back together and get your confidence back. And if you get your bike modified, maybe we can ride together. But romantically, Sam, if you can ignore me, not take the time to reply when it’s obvious I’m worried about you, then that part of our relationship doesn’t need to develop. I’ve been in a relationship where my feelings, my concerns were minimized. I won’t go there again. I’m not high maintenance. I won’t be ringing your phone off the hook or texting you nonstop. I expect common courtesy.”
Sam gestured with her hands, and gave a little shrug. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking about it that way. I’ve been worried about if something like that happened again. If I was in danger, or someone else, would I even recognize it? Would I be able to take action?”
“And what did you decide?”
“Nothing. But I spoke to the shrink, and she helped me make some sense out of it. She gave me a pep talk and some things to think about.”
“That’s good. I hope it helps.”
“Well I should get going so you can finish up. Do you want me to come by later and help you hang the new hood? I’ll bring some Thai food, and we can hang the hood up afterward.”
“That sounds good. I should be home in an hour.”
“Good.” Sam looked at Kris closely, desperately wanted to kiss her goodbye, but instead raked over her body with her eyes, appreciating her curves. She smiled wickedly when she saw Kris blush. “I’ll see you soon.” Sam strode down the hall whistling.
***
Kris got home and had time to shower. She dressed quickly, pulling on matching panties and bra, light blue capris, and a sleeveless white button blouse. She opened a bottle of white wine and had set the table when Sam arrived. She opened the door and let Sam in. Her hands were full, one holding the carryout, the other a tool box. Kris kissed Sam warmly. “I wanted to do that before but couldn’t.”
“It was worth the wait.”
Kris took the toolbox from Sam and led her into the kitchen. “We should eat first while this is still warm. Do you want wine?”
“Do you have a beer?”
“I do. I picked up some on the way home. They’re already cold.” Kris pulled one out, “Do you want a glass?”
“No. Another kiss would be nice,” Sam said with a blush creeping up her neck.
“I can take care of that.” The kiss lingered, and Kris felt a low warmth begin to spread through her abdomen, and she sighed softly.
When the kiss broke, they stared at each other for several seconds. Sam touched Kris’ face. “We should eat so we can get that hood hung up. What time do you have to be in tomorrow?”
“By six. I have surgery by seven and want to round before that.”
“Okay. Where are your bowls? I picked up some chicken tom kha kai soup and red curry with chicken.”
“I’ll get the bowls. It smells delicious.”
Sam opened the containers, while Kris poured wine and gave Sam her beer. They ate and talked about their day. Sam told Kris about her work at headquarters and that she would soon start working as part of the advance return team for her squadron, preparing for their arrival back home. After they finished eating, Kris loaded the dishes, while Sam looked over the installation instructions.
Sam ensured the power supply was off before she removed the old unit. She reconnected the power supply to the new unit, and she was surprised when Kris was able to hold the range hood in place with minimal assistance as she fastened it to the wall and cabinet. They finished the job quickly. Kris reset the circuit breaker, and Sam turned the unit on, pleased to see that the light and fan both worked as they should.
“That wasn’t too hard. Would you like to stay and watch some TV?”
“That sounds good. By the way…” She reached out and squeezed Kris’ bicep, “You have some seriously ripped arms there, Doc. You’re stronger than you look.”
“Oh, you think I look like a weakling?” She pulled Sam toward her, pinned her arms against her sides. She moved to within an inch of her lips. “I am definitely,” she leaned forward, flicked her tongue against Sam’s lips, “stronger than,” she flicked again, “I look.” She lowered her mouth to Sam’s and kissed her urgently. Kris pulled away when Sam tried to deepen the kiss. “Let’s go watch something. Want to watch the L word?”
“You have it? I haven’t seen that in years. Yes, definitely.”
“Do you want another beer? I’ll get it while it starts.”
“Sure.” Sam searched the rack holding discs, found it qui
ckly, and slid the disc into the player and sat down.
Kris brought Sam a beer and curled up next to her on the couch sipping her wine. Halfway through the show, they were lying down, kissing passionately while the on-screen action got hot and steamy too.
Kris froze when Sam’s hand reach under her blouse. Sam withdrew her hand. “Is something wrong? Sam whispered.
“Ah yeah. I think maybe we should cool it.” Kris saw the puzzled look on Sam’s face. “I…got my cycle. We need to stop now before anything else happens.”
“Um. Okay. But there are ways around that.”
“Not tonight. I’m sorry if I led you on.”
“No, it’s okay. You’re right. We can slow this down.” They watched the rest of the show and snuggled close, but Sam was careful not to push Kris, who suddenly seemed skittish.
A few minutes after the show ended, Sam left. Kris walked her to her car and kissed her good night. A soft lingering kiss, which soothed while promising more. “I’ll see you Friday?”
“Definitely.” Kris nodded and smiled. She watched as Sam drove away, waiting until the taillights disappeared before going inside. She tidied up the living room and went to bed.
Chapter Forty-one
SAM WAS ALMOST HOME when she realized she’d left her wallet at Kris’. She wouldn’t be able to get on base the next day without it. She glanced at her watch—eleven forty-five. Shit. She pulled to the side of the road, checked her mirrors and U-turned. She pulled into the driveway, noticing the lights were off. With a sigh, she stepped out of the car and walked to the door. She stopped suddenly, listening closely. The hair on the back of her neck rose up. She stood motionless and held her breath. There again, it was faint, but she knew she heard it. A muffled scream, followed by a deeper noise, a groan as she heard something or someone banging inside. What the hell was going on?
She pounded on the door. “Kris, open the door. Come on, open the door.” Another groan, another impact, and a feminine yelp. She heard a loud crash and then silence. “Oh geez” Sam hammered against the door, and would have thrown herself against it but knew she couldn’t generate the force. “Hey, what’s going on? Open the door! Come on, Kris!” She bent over and grabbed a rock and was ready to heave it through a window when she heard shuffling, and finally the locks being released. Kris stood, soaked in sweat, a huge knot on her forehead, blood seeping from a cut by her eyebrow and from her nose. She looked dazed and looked at Sam with confusion on her face. A few seconds passed before she seemed to recognize her.
She swiped at the blood dripping from her nose. “Sam? What are you doing here?”
“Jesus, are you all right?” Sam pushed her way inside and ran down the hall searching the rooms. “Who did this to you?”
“Sam, there’s no one here. I heard a scream I got up fast and…tripped or something. I realized there was banging on the door.” Sam watched as Kris dragged a hand across her face, wiping at the dripping blood. “Um, did you want something?” Kris asked.
“For God’s sake go sit down. I’ll get you a cloth.”
Kris followed Sam into the kitchen and sat down. She sniffled and wiped at the blood again, while Sam got her some wet cloths. Kris placed one over her nose, pinching it gently and the other over her brow. She watched as Sam started pulling open kitchen drawers.
“Where are your plastic bags?”
“Third drawer by the stove.”
Sam grabbed two and filled them with ice. “Here. Put this on your nose. I’ll hold this one on your eye.”
Sam sat next to her, pressing the dishcloth and ice to her eyebrow. She hoped it wouldn’t need stitches. She looked down at Kris’ shirt. It was drenched with sweat and blood. She listened as Kris gagged several times and jumped up moving to the sink. She coughed violently several times and spat blood into the sink. Sam followed her over.
“Come on, Kris, let me see.”
The bleeding had stopped. Sam rinsed the washcloths, warming them and gently washed Kris’ face, removing the blood smears. She held the cloth in place when her eyebrow started to ooze again. “This one is still oozing. Let’s sit back down. Can you hold this? I’ll get you a clean shirt.”
Kris took the cloth and leaned back. Were these flashbacks ever going to stop?
Sam came back and handed Kris a t-shirt.
“Here put this on.”
Kris took the shirt and started to remove her stained nightshirt but stopped. “I’ll be back.” As she walked away Sam saw Kris weave and nearly bounce off the wall. Sam rinsed the cloths again and waited for Kris to return. What the hell had happened?
***
Kris removed her nightshirt and set it to soak in water. She washed her face and then looked at herself in the mirror. “Damn it. That needs to be closed.” She rummaged through a drawer until she found butterfly bandages and was able to pull the wound closed. When are these nightmares going to end? Why can’t I have normal ones where I just wake up screaming. Why do I have to run through the damn house chasing ghosts. She sat on the side of the tub for several minutes trying to decide what to tell Sam. No doubt she would have plenty of questions. When she could delay no longer she went out to talk to Sam.
“Kris, what happened?”
“I fell running to the door.”
“But I heard you scream.”
Kris was silent. She turned her head momentarily before looking back at Sam. “I hollered when I fell. That’s what you heard.”
“No, I heard you—”
“You’re wrong. I know what I did.” She pulled a wine glass down from a cabinet, gestured toward Sam with it. “Do you want some wine?”
“No. I want to know what’s going on. And you don’t need to drink anything now.” Sam took the wine glass from her.
“Nothing was going on. I heard you pounding on the door and I ran and tripped. Why were you banging on my door?”
“I heard you scream.”
Kris shook her head, looking down at the floor. “I don’t think so.”
Sam reached out, placed a hand on her chin, lifting her face up. “I know what I heard. What are you hiding?”
“I’m not hiding anything. Why are you upset about it?”
“Oh geez, I don’t know. Could it be that you were screaming in the middle of the night and came to the door with blood running down your face?”
“Oh, for God’s sake, Sam, I fell and bumped my head.” She turned to walk away, but Sam grabbed her arm. They stood staring at each other for several long seconds.
She knew Sam was studying her face. Does she see the dark circles under my eyes?
“You’re having nightmares.”
“Everyone has bad dreams.”
“Flashbacks,” Sam stated empathetically.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I didn’t see combat.” Kris could feel the nausea rising. God was it that noticeable? If anyone knew they wouldn’t let her operate. She turned to walk away, but Sam spun her back around.
“Maybe not, but I bet seeing people ripped apart every day affected you.”
“I’m a surgeon. I see people every day with injuries. I deal with it. It’s what we do.”
“No, not of the magnitude you saw over there. You would have to be a cold bitch to not have it affect you.”
“Well, I guess I’m a cold bitch. I’ve been called worse,” Kris snapped.
“Kris, listen.” Sam took her by the elbow and kept her from walking away. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it. All I’m saying is that maybe you should talk about it.”
“I’m not having flashbacks,” Kris shouted.
“What would you call it?”
“It was a nightmare, Sam. Just a nightmare, and I ran to the door when I heard you pounding on it, and I fell. That’s it. End of story.”
Sam squinted her eyes and looked around. “I don’t think so.” Kris opened her mouth to speak but Sam continued, “I’ll have to take your word for it. I’m sorry I woke you. I left my wallet here.”
; “You did?”
They looked around and finally found it down between the sofa cushions. Kris almost smiled. “It must have fallen out when we were kissing.”
Sam brushed a lock of hair behind Kris’ ear, but kept her hand on her cheek. “I guess so. Are you going to be okay tonight?”
“Yes. I will. You should go. Drive safe.”
Kris led Sam to the door, and guided her out. “I’ll see you in a few days.” She gave Sam a peck on the cheek and smiled. “Good night” and closed the door.
Kris watched through the peephole as Sam stood outside on the steps, her hands shoved deep in her pockets. After a minute passed Sam shook her head, and walked away.
Chapter Forty-two
FRIDAY EVENING ARRIVED AND Sam and Kris went out to dinner. They arrived at the seafood restaurant and the Maître de seated them at a secluded table. The waiter instantly appeared presenting them with the menus and filling their water glasses. Sam ordered a Kabinett Reisling. They looked over the menus until the waiter returned. He poured Sam’s wine. She sipped and nodded. “That’s very nice.” He filled Kris’ glass, and topped off Sam’s.
“What are your specials tonight?” Kris asked.
“There is blackened grouper, with roasted fingerling potatoes and sautéed spinach. The grilled swordfish with pineapple salsa is very popular tonight. We also have scallops over spinach linguini and gingered carrots.”
“I think I will have the swordfish with pineapple salsa,” Sam said.
Kris hesitated a moment longer, “I’ll go with the scallops with spinach linguini. Could I have a side salad also, with the balsamic vinaigrette.”
“Excellent choices.” As the waiter stepped away, another server delivered a basket of warm bread to their table.
Kris looked around the restaurant. “I’ve never eaten here before. I’ve heard it’s very good.” Sam reached for the basket of bread, and she removed a slice. She placed a small swipe on butter on it. “Oh, that has cinnamon in it.”
“It does. Don’t worry. It shouldn’t ruin your appetite.” Sam sipped her wine. “How was work today? Were you busy?”
