I held my arms to her when she approached the steps and she hugged me right away. A soft sigh escaped her and I gave her a firm squeeze. Her lips pressed against my neck and I drowned myself in the fragrance of her perfume.
"Hello, my sweet," she whispered against me, the sensation of her warm breath sending a wave of shivers down my spine.
"Hi, honey." I leaned back to cup her face in my palms. Her thick, bold mascara and eyeliner had the appearance of gentle touch ups in the corners. I knew the reapplication of such meant she'd spent some time crying. "Tell me the truth. Are you okay?"
"I am now." She held my waist and offered me a small smile.
"Sit with me a minute?" I gestured to the swing bench on the front porch.
Samirah nodded, taking my hand and leading me over. She sat first, then pulled me into her lap. I ran my fingers through her hair and she kissed my wrist.
"Next time, I'm going with you, Sam. Knowing you're alone and afraid breaks my heart."
She listened to me, but brought my fingers to her lips to kiss each of my knuckles. When she met my gaze, glassiness darkened her eyes and she ran her hand up and down my thighs. Her silence unnerved me and only when a tiny tear escaped the corner of her eye, did I understand why.
She nodded, and I grazed my thumbs over her lips before brushing away her tears.
"You're the only person who has ever seen me cry," she said, her voice soft as she cleared her throat.
"I know." I pressed my forehead against hers and she closed her eyes.
She breathed slow, deep breaths until she calmed down enough to press a kiss to my lips. I met her there, placing my palm against her chest.
"I already did my crying and panic attack for the day. You missed it."
A soft chuckle left her and she shook her head. "Why do you make me feel better?"
"Because I get it, Sam. I get it. And the fact that you've been alone in it for years makes me angry." I brushed her hair away from her shoulders then took hold of her scarf. "Give me this." Unlike last time, she allowed me to unwrap the fabric from her neck and I tossed it around my own. "This has no power to hurt or harm."
"I don't want it on you." Her body tensed under me though she didn't pull it away. Yet.
"It's just fabric. And it smells like you. And it's warm." I settled it on myself like a regular scarf and her lips pursed. "It's not the cause of bad things. People caused the bad things. Sociopaths. Hate. Not this."
"I know, baby." She took my hands in hers and held them to her chest. "It represents the hate to me."
"I understand that. Today, we take away its power. Okay?"
"Okay." She kissed my knuckles again. "Are you sure you're not a therapist?"
"I'm sure, but I've been in therapy on and off for twenty years."
"How long have you seen Anita?"
"About eight years. She's by far the most helpful. I still see her, but now mainly for medicine. That I haven't been taking much these last few months," I told her. "We talked about termination a few years ago, but figured once a month or every few months would be okay."
"It sounds like she really helped you." Sam offered me a small smile. "I'm glad you have her."
"She did and I'm grateful for her. Know what else I'm grateful for?"
"What, baby?" Sam's smile turned into a broad one by then, and color returned to her rich complexion. She stroked my arms and I tapped her nose.
"You. I'm so happy you came here today."
"I haven't had a holiday with someone else's family since my ex-husband's," she said, then drew in a deep breath. "And I almost didn't come. But when I thought about disappointing you, I couldn't bear it."
"I'm glad, because I would've been very disappointed." I leaned my forehead against hers again, and we spent a few moments in quiet.
When Sam shifted again, rubbing my thighs and drawing in a deep breath, I asked, "Ready to go in?"
"I am," she said, smiling up at me. "With one promise."
"What's that?" I draped my arms over her shoulders.
"Will you come home with me tonight?"
"That's such a difficult promise." I let out a dramatic sigh. "I planned to not wear panties at all the other women's houses that I date."
She gave my hip a firm swat while she laughed. "So naughty."
"Only for you." I kissed the end of her nose. "I promise to come home with you tonight."
"And stay all weekend? All four days?" For a fleeting second, she bit her bottom lip and the simple gesture drove me crazy with want.
"Hmm. I promise." I pulled her into a heated kiss and her hands immediately wandered up my front to grip my breasts. My gasp broke the kiss and she grinned.
"C'mon, my sweet." She urged me to my feet and took my hand.
"Are you hungry? We cooked everything in the world for one meal." I led her inside and she nodded.
"I am now. Yes."
"Good."
The whole house filled with the warm, comforting scents of Thanksgiving. The turkey, nearly done, and all the sides combined, offered a savory touch that would only ever lead to pie. Rebecca's house, with its honey floors, plush carpets, and open floor plan, always felt like home. Her decor, mainly a mixture of everything cozy and family heirlooms, welcomed me as if it recognized me every time I entered a room. Having Samirah there made everything seem more special.
With the table now set for six in Rebecca's best China and silverware, the holiday feel brought a smile to my face. As a kid, I never celebrated a holiday until Rebecca took me in.
"I forgot the wine in the car," said Sam, her eyes widening with alarm. "Let me go get it."
"Get it after." I gave her hand a squeeze.
"No way. I can't come in empty-handed." She glanced behind us and tugged me to stop. "Be right back."
"Okay, honey." I watched as she hurried off then waited for her at the door.
We scurried back to the dining room to find Rebecca and Alex setting the food on the table like they did every year, except without me for a bit.
"Samirah," Rebecca chirped, her whole face lighting up. "So glad you could make it." She rushed us, hugging Sam like she'd known her forever.
Sam didn't miss a beat and returned her embrace. "Happy to be here. Thank you for the invite."
"Well, we love expanding our family." Rebecca winked at me and gave Alex's shoulder a squeeze. "Come on in. The boys will show up shortly."
"Thanks." Samirah smiled and held the wine wrapped in silver paper to her. "Thought you all might enjoy."
"Oh, we will enjoy." Rebecca winked at her and accepted it. "Thank you, doll. Get comfortable, girls."
I nodded toward the table and pulled out a chair for Sam. The way she looked at me, with a surprised smile and lifted brow, made me chuckle.
"I'm chivalrous. What can I say?" I pushed her chair in when she sat. "What can I get you to drink? Soda? Water? Wine?"
"You're cute and maybe I should start with soda." She leaned over and kissed my belly, her eyes lingering a moment on the scarf still around my neck.
"How come you never pull out my chair?" Alex snickered and I swatted her.
"Sit yourself down. What do you want to drink?" I asked while she tugged at me.
"Same. Soda. Wine makes me too full. I need to eat all of this." She gestured to the table before dropping into a seat beside Sam.
"Be right back." I stroked Sam's hair before heading off to the kitchen to grab the drinks.
"Ready, sweet girl?" asked Rebecca as she lifted the foil from the cooling turkey.
"I am."
Steve appeared from the basement with Jason. They headed right for the turkey and Steve hefted it onto the platter.
"Hey, sis." Jason grabbed me in a rough hug. "Where's your hot chick? I wanna meet her."
I laughed and hugged his arms. "In the dining room. Be nice."
"I will." He messed up my hair and I squeaked.
"Jay!" I fixed my bangs and he laughed on his way in to join the girls.
>
"Hi, doll." Steve smooched my cheek. "Should I go easy on grilling your new love interest?"
"Yes." My cheeks heated immediately. "She's lovely. You be nice, too."
"She better be good enough for my only girl." He tapped his temple. "Remember that."
"She's the best, Steve. The absolute best," I said and Rebecca handed me a bowl of potatoes.
"Then I will go easy." He winked at me and lifted the turkey platter to carry in.
"We have so much food." I laughed out my anxiety and followed the two of them in.
"S'what you get for having holidays with Italians."
Introductions, turkey carving, food passing, and full plates accompanied the comfortable conversation. Jason and Alex led the way, while Sam and I listened to everyone else. She nearly startled me when she gave my leg a squeeze after she placed her napkin back in her lap. I smiled at her and she winked at me.
"So, Samirah, you're a doctor, I hear," Steve piped, interrupting Alex and Jason's conversation about politics. Luckily, they shared similar views.
"I am, Mister Santoro, yes. Anesthesiologist at U.W. Medical presently." Sam's doctor face and demeanor remained in place since the moment she fetched the gifted wine from the car.
"Call me Steve. Impressive. I guess I don't need to ask how you'll be taking care of our Rosie then." He grinned and Rebecca slapped his arm.
"Dad!"
"Steven!"
Alex giggled at the dual shouts and Sam laughed. I dropped my face in my hands, and shook my head.
"What! What did'ja expect from me? She's our kid!" Steve snatched a bite of turkey loaded with mashed potatoes from his plate.
"Quit yelling, Dad," scolded Jason.
"I'm not yelling!"
"You are yelling!" Rebecca tossed back.
Alex melted in her chair in a fit of hysterics and Samirah wasn't a beat behind.
"Oh my God," I blurted while they battled it out. When Steve swatted Jason upside the head, it was all over. I cracked up and the shouting continued.
Samirah's amusement over the situation sprung joy from her formerly diminished appearance. I supposed witnessing lunacy firsthand nixes any anxiety over meeting someone's family. For the rest of the night, we all shared conversation, more bickering, and heaps of food. By the time we made it to dessert, with decadent sweets in quantities large enough to feed a soccer team, everyone settled down to a casual lull. Jason and Steve took their full bellies to the living room and both of them nodded off in record time. The rest of us sat at the table, sipping on coffee and continuing to indulge in sweets. I helped myself to another brownie to top off the three pieces of pie that followed dinner.
"I'm really glad you came tonight, girls," said Rebecca after setting down her mug. "And it was lovely to have you, Samirah. Rosie has never brought anyone home for us to meet. You must be extra special." The way she addressed Sam warmed my insides and I snaked my arm around her.
"She is," I said, nodding.
"I agree. Rosie trusts her. She doesn't trust anyone, which is why she hasn't brought anyone home," piped Alex.
"Hey." I scowled at her and she snickered.
Samirah gave my arm a squeeze and kissed my cheek. "Rosie's the special one. And I trust her, too."
Sam's declaration sent shivers down my spine and I wrapped her in a hug. She rubbed my back and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. I glanced to Rebecca and Alex, who shared a smile before returning their attention to us.
"Are you all staying here tonight or heading home?" asked Rebecca finally.
"Jason wants me to stay and play Fortnite with him," said Alex. "Is that okay?"
"Always, topolina." Rebecca reached over and pinched Alex's cheek. "The guestroom is all ready." Alex turned bright red and slouched in her chair. She adored Rebecca's doting, but that didn't mean she wasn't shy about it.
Samirah chuckled when she heard the nickname and asked, "Do you have a nickname for Rosie? Little Mouse seems fitting for Alex."
"Bambolina at first." Rebecca smiled at me. "Because she was the most precious, tiny little thing. Like a porcelain girl belonging in cherished glass. Then ragazza dolce."
"What's that mean?" asked Alex. I already knew by then.
"Little doll," answered Samirah, now wrapping her arm around my middle while I leaned back against her.
"You speak Italian fluently?" Rebecca asked Sam, her brow furrowed.
"Yes. Spanish, French, and Arabic as well." Sam's palm flattened against my stomach and I rubbed her arm from wrist to elbow. My body relaxed against her and Alex wagged her brows at me while crunching on a cookie.
Rebecca began speaking to Samirah in full-on Italian. The two of them carried on a conversation that Alex and I couldn't even fathom. We watched the exchange, and the way their expressions changed with it. Samirah's hold on me tightened and Rebecca reached over to run her hand over my head before handing me another cookie. I accepted it, though couldn't help wondering what they were talking about. Rebecca repeated the gesture and handed Alex a cookie as well.
"Whatever's happening ends with us getting extra cookies." Alex bit into the gingerbread person while snickering.
"No complaints." I nibbled on mine while listening to them.
They carried on for minutes, Rebecca gesturing wildly, her passion evident. Samirah's movements weren't as dramatic, and when the conversation ended, both of their gazes fell on me.
"Secret language time over?" I asked as I glanced between them.
"For now." Rebecca smiled at me. "Are you going to stay, sweetie?"
"I don't think so."
"I changed the sheets on your bed just in case."
"Thanks." A blush fell over me and Rebecca chuckled.
"You have a room here?" asked Sam, her eyes twinkling with playfulness.
"I do."
"Is it the same as when you were growing up?"
I nodded and she grinned. "Show me."
"Okay." I laughed as I stood, nodding for her to follow me when she rose.
"I'm going, too." Alex hopped up to follow us and Rebecca chuckled while she tossed me a wink.
I led everyone down the hall to the room closest to Rebecca and Steve's, then opened the door to the room where I first felt safe. Not unlike my apartment, one whole wall held a vast bookshelf filled with all kinds of books and trinkets. On the other side of the room, an antiqued desk matched the furniture. Old textbooks and notebooks perched on the surface. I sat down on the bed made with one of my favorite blankets and folded my legs under me. Alex hurried across the plush carpet and hopped up to sit with me. Samirah, on the other hand, wandered around the room. She checked out a pin board with some photos, and a few items on top of the chest of drawers.
"It's like you never left here," she said.
"I haven't really. I stayed here maybe once a week until we started dating," I admitted and Alex patted my shoulder in an affirming gesture.
"We spent a lot of time in here after the Santoro's took you in."
"We did. It was our haven."
"It was."
"Can you play this?" Samirah gestured to a violin case leaning up against the wall beside the dresser. Her eyes, always as wide as her smile, stirred up some shyness in me.
"Yes."
"Play it for me." She lifted the violin and toted it over before joining us on the bed. "Please?"
"It's been awhile—I don't know." I held the case in my lap and gazed down at it.
"It's been like a month. You haven't forgotten." Alex shoved my shoulder. "Don't let her con you, Sam."
Samirah laughed and gave Alex's dangling hair a swat. "How long have you played?"
"One day when I was seventeen, Rebecca saw me admiring some violin videos on the internet and asked if I wanted to learn. I did and I really liked it." I lifted the pristine instrument from the case then fiddled with the strings to make sure it was in tune.
"What was your favorite thing to play?" asked Sam.
"Canon. But with an acco
mpaniment," I said, gulping down my nerves.
"With what?" Sam's twinkling hazel eyes brought forth the desire to please her. She appeared so excited by the notion of me playing that the idea of letting her down scared me more than the stage fright.
"Um...a second violin. Maybe. Cello." I shrugged as I fiddled with the bow to ensure its integrity.
"How about piano?" asked Sam, her bottom lip between her teeth after. I perked right up at the suggestion.
"For sure."
"Do you have a piano here?"
"In the family room there's a beautiful grand piano," said Alex. "I always wanted to play it."
"Do you play?" asked Sam, but Alex shook her head.
"Nothing more than nursery rhymes. Do you?"
Sam nodded, her gaze returning to me. "Haven't in many years."
"Would you play with me if I did?" I asked her, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.
"I would." She drew in a deep breath.
"Let's go." I lifted the violin and set the case aside. We all rose together and like before, I led them to the family room.
Steve and Jason watched a football game on the television while Rebecca fussed with the spotless kitchen. I brought Sam over to the piano. In the large room, its black shine radiated like it'd been waiting for us. Sam sat on the bench and I opened the cover for her.
"Who else in your family plays?" she asked, and I noticed her hands shaking slightly.
"Jason plays cello or he used to. Rebecca plays everything. Steve smashes things with hammers," I teased and he tossed me a wink.
Our group drew their attention and they paused watching the game to look on.
"Do you need sheet music?" I asked Sam and she shook her head. Like I'd seen her do before, she grew quiet as she stared at the keys. It took her a moment before she placed her hands on them, her foot on one of the pedals below.
Alex took a seat on the arm of the sofa near Steve and joined our audience.
I propped the violin under my chin, and stood so that Sam could see me. I nodded to her and she began playing first. While I listened, I focused on her tempo and it didn't take long before her true skills shone through. I joined her then, as we accompanied each other in my preferred version.
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