CHAPTER 33 34 35 36 Epilogue
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220 water into the pool causing it to slowly change to green as if the pool were being filled by the waterfall. The Jacuzzi followed and the waterfall poured red as soon as the hot tub was completely green.“ I’ m going to land that fucking plane. You guys enjoy the pool,” Sam said to Nicole.
The adults took over the game room and the kids headed for the pool.“ Be a dear and fix me a rum and Coke. Maybe I need to think like a real pilot,” Sam laughed looking at Eddie.“ I seriously doubt if it works that way, but I could use a drink myself. What would you like?” he asked Tanya.“ That sounds good. Make it two,” Tanya requested. Eddie headed for the bar. Tanya and Sam were laughing as Sam crashed to the coaching of Tanya telling her to“ Pull up. Pull up, Slow down. Speed up!”“ Dammit!” Sam yelled.“ I guess I was destined to fly first class being served drinks,” she said taking a sip from the tall glass Eddie presented.“ More alcohol please,” she said handing the glass back.“ Have you had your period yet?” Tanya asked.“ Cancel that request. You are a real pain in the ass,” Sam said to Tanya.“ I‘ m a pain in the ass? It looked like that last landing pounded you. Alcohol free babies, it was worth it,” Tanya stated. Sam fought back the tears when the kids yelled,“ Thank you, Sam,” from the track. How could something so simple and common make her feel like her heart would explode. She knew what started out as a manipulation changed because she chose to fight back with love. Nicole knew the difference between right and wrong. Sam continued to surpass her demands. Not only had she allowed her home to be invaded, she welcomed them with a flair that was all Samantha.
From the moment Sam waved for Matt to follow her onto the lawn until the happy guests left, Sam made the day perfect. Before they stepped from the vehicles, everyone’ s reaction was“ Oh my God!” Ryan received his first kiss after Jackie saw what kind of first date she had been invited to. Nicole approached Sam afterward to apologize.“ Accepted. I hope I pass the test,” Sam said.“ A-plus with a gold star.”“ You cheated me out of presenting a trophy to the winner,” Sam said.“ It would have been my trophy,” Nicole wailed.“ Maybe next year,” Sam smiled. Nicole nodded and met Sam’ s gaze.“ Thank you. I can see why Mom loves you,” Nicole stated and embraced Sam.“ See what you’ ve done. I’ ve been trying to keep my makeup on all day and now I’ m going to look like a raccoon,” Sam said as the tears broke free.“ They are waiting for me in the car. No one will see you without makeup,” Nicole smiled, said thanks again and headed out the door.
Ryan and Jackie found the back seat of Matt’ s car the perfect place to kiss. Almost as good as behind the waterfall. Brian dropped Justin and Shelby at Justin’ s house. Her curfew was 1:00 AM on Saturday. It was only 10:30. She had already talked to Nicole about a ride home. Brian was thrilled at not having to make additional stops. Stephie called home and found out her parents were out dancing and would not be home until after the nightclub closed. Unlocking the front door, Justin stepped inside and turned on lights.“ Nobody is home,” he said.“ I know. We can talk in private,” Shelby said, stepping into the quiet home. Justin locked the door behind them.“ Dad’ s rules,” Justin felt the need to explain he wasn’ t locking her in, and offered to get her something to drink.“ Bottle of water?” she asked. Shelby followed him into the kitchen.“ You know I usually don’ t date guys younger than me,” she said standing in the kitchen. Justin nodded and handed her a cold bottle of water.“ At least you didn’ t lie to me when I asked if you had a car,” she smiled.“ I won’ t do that.”“ Why did you ask me out?”“ You kissed me in the hallway and you smelled so good,” Justin said honestly.“ I don’ t wear perfume. It gives me a headache.” Justin moved closer and bent down to sniff her neck.