"I'm breaking up with her... well, as a friend."
"Oh," she says. She exhales, thinking it over. "Good for you."
"I'm a little scared, to be honest."
"I think it's for the best. For both of you."
"I'll text you the address. Get there as fast as you can. Take her out. Spend as much as you want. I'll pay you back."
"That's okay. I think I owe you this one." She takes a long breath. "Good luck."
I hang up and check my reflection in the mirror. It's the calm, composed professional. Suit and tie, hair arranged as neatly as possible.
Doubt creeps up on me, but I push it aside.
This has been a long time coming.
Outside, Samantha is waiting with an annoyed look. But she doesn't mention it. She follows me to the hotel around the corner. I make a note of the address and text it to Delia.
"Who are you talking to?" she asks.
"Scheduling a meeting." It's an excuse she won't question.
I look around. The lounge is dark, and the furniture is a strange shade of gold. This won't be the worst place in the world for Samantha to wait, and the bartender seems friendly enough. The type who would listen to a crying woman.
Samantha insists on paying, as if she didn't just transfer all her money into my savings account.
She lifts her glass to toast, her expression all smiles. "To our futures."
I nod. "To our futures."
Our glasses touch with a gentle clink, and she takes a long sip of her wine. "Are you happy for me?"
I nod. There are no more legal ties between us. Nothing that can make a mess or get in the way.
"I'd be so fucked without you," she says.
"You got by okay without me."
She shakes her head. "No. I was such an idiot before. I can't believe I didn't realize what I had." She looks at me, her eyes filling with delight. Then she inches closer.
I know this look.
And then she kisses me. It's quick. A flash. Fast enough it could be two friends saying hello.
But there was more in it than that.
She stares at me, her brown eyes unwavering. I expect an I'm sorry or a that was out of line, but she says nothing.
"Sam?"
"I was so wrong before. I was stupid. I wouldn't let myself love you. But it's different now. I can now. I can love you so much, Luke. Please... I want to make all this up to you. I want to earn some of your love." She looks at me again. "Please, just kiss me. Hold me. Even if it's only for today. I want to be with you. You're the sweetest guy I've ever known. And I was lying before. You were better than him. The best I ever had."
I'm dizzy again. I knew Samantha wouldn't take this lying down, but Jesus.
"I know you still love her, but you'll move on."
"What is wrong with you?"