Chapter 2 ~ Samantha contd
Having a member of one’s family is a trying time that I know too well. And we are not meant to burry our children. Funny how we have a name for everything; if we loose a spouse we are a widow or a widower, if you loose a parent you are an orphan, but what are we when we loose a child…nothing. And if I have any say in it I will prevent Jim and Lisa from becoming nothing. It is a fate I will not wish even on my worst enemy.
Half an hour later I arrived at the hotel and got out to handle my keys to the Valet. One elevator ride and a walk through a long hall I reached my sanctuary, my room. Inside I removed all my clothing, leaving them in the middle of the room with the rest of the clothes. I knew I should get to them, but not tonight. Tonight was my first night off and I was going to have me some drinks. I’m not a heavy drinker, but tonight I would have no care in the world.
Walking into the shower, I turned the water on and did not even wait for it to warm up I just let the water hit my skin. Letting the water run through my body I hoped that it would wash away all the emotions emerging. Emotions I did not want to overwhelm me and effect my job nor ruin my night.
I did not move all the way to other side of the country for nothing. I needed to start fresh, forget that the last 5 years didn’t happen, but the more I thought of forgetting the past the more I thought of it and the more the memories came to the surface. Not able to hold back the tears I sank to the floor of the shower and cried. Cried for the loss of a life I had always wanted, for the loss of the love I will no longer have and I cried for him. When he died my life changed and I became determined to not let a single mother and father feel what I felt.
I don’t know how long I was in there, but when I stopped crying my body was spent. Taking a big deep breath, I pulled myself off the shower floor and turned off the water. Quickly I dried myself and spread some body oil all over my skin. While waiting for it to dry I chose a comfortable set of underwear. Dressed in my favorite jeans and t-shirt I dried my hair and put it up in a dirty bun then applied the minimum make up. Minimum and effective. Before I headed out of my room and towards the top floor bar of the hotel I picked up my room key, my blazer and phone.
Friday night and the room was packed. For the past 11 months I have hit the bar every night, but tonight, for the first time since my arrival, I was not on call and I so desperately needed a drink. The bartender smiled at me acknowledging my arrival and I sat at my usual table near the front of the room looking out to the city. It was breath-taking and peaceful.
Not long after I sat down Mary came over and set down my usual, sparkling water with lemon twist. I smiled up at her and said, “Thanks, but could you bring over a glass of scotch, straight? Top shelf Mary. I’m off duty tonight.”
“Of course Sam. Right away. Would you like for me to take this away?”
“No that will be fine. I’ll drink it while I wait.”
A quick and a little sway of her hips the young blond walked away. I could not help but smile. I knew she was trying to entice me, but she knew too well that I was not interested. As much as I find her attractive she was not what I wanted or craved for tonight. I drank my sparkling water and my phone vibrated. Pulling it out I see the caller ID and immediately I pressed decline. This was my night and he was not going to ruin it for me. I will deal with him another day…or maybe…never. He was part of my past and that’s where he’ll stay. There are just some people in your life that were important at one point but as time goes by and things happen you realize they are no longer worth having them in it. This person is just that and I cannot figure out how to get rid off completely.
Mary came back and placed my drink on my table, but before leaving asked if I was sure she couldn’t get me anything else. I quickly ordered an appetizer platter. She left me to my view and my drink. The vibration of my phone went off and my tranquility as well. I could block the caller, but he will just get a different number and keep calling. So it’s better just to hit decline.
I was not half way through my second glass when Mary came back with a fresh one. Surprised I looked up at Mary and she said, “From the gentleman sitting in the back booth.” I follow her eyes and in one of the most secluded booths of the bar sat a man starring right back at me. “Maybe you should thank him in person.” She said with a smile on her voice.
“Do you know him?” I asked still looking at the intensity in his eyes, but because of the distance I could not see their color.
“Yes, he comes here every week for the past 5 months. If you want to know more you will have to go find out for yourself.” She walked away and left me still wanting more.
I finished my drink, took the fresh one in my hand and walked towards him. As I got closer I could see his eyes rake over my body. A tingly feeling flew through my body. Upon reaching his table he stood, buttoned his vest and greeted me. His height towering over me and his sex appeal was intoxicating.
“Lachlan Daniel Douglass, at yer service.” He smiled taking my hand in his and gently holding it. Forest green, his eyes were forest green and incredibly gorgeous. He wore a deep grey tailored suit that fitted his muscled body to perfection. If he looked this good in a suit what would he be like naked? Beneath me? I asked myself.