Malibu Love Story: A Novella

Chapter 19: Completely Horrible in Every Way

Reed stood against the counter in the sunny kitchen, suddenly feeling like there wasn't enough oxygen in the air. She nearly dropped her glass, but tightened her grip when she felt it slipping between her fingers.

"Sam? Is here?"

Duncan nodded. "Who is he? And did you not know he was coming?"

Reed merely shook her head.

"Oh no." Reed took a long swallow of her drink, knowing she'd need it. "Please accept my apology, Duncan, and know that I never intended to deceive you or hurt you, okay?"

"What?" Now Duncan looked confused. "What are you on about?"

Just then the bell rang, and Reed set her drink down and went to answer it.

She opened the door and tried to look neutral as she took in her fiancé, the person she thought was her first love, the love of her life.

Sam looked much the same, slightly paunchy, sandy blond hair, thinning on top, kind blue eyes, sincere smile.

However, Reed could also see hurt and caution, and he didn't reach to hug and kiss her.

He knew.

"Hello, Reed." He leaned in to peck her cheek.

Knowing it sounded trite and inadequate, she responded, "Sam, what a surprise. What are you doing here?" She opened the door wider so he could come in.

"I came to see you, of course." She felt him taking her in, her shorts, tan, and tank top. "You're looking wonderful, I never saw you like this back home."

"How did you know where I was?" Her mind was racing, but all she could come up with were these banalities.

"I was contacted by someone who knows you, who told me where you were and what you were doing." Sam swallowed and looked apologetic. "I'm sorry I didn't honor our agreement, Reed, but it seemed like things were happening that needed airing out before your year was up. Besides, it's nearly a year, isn't it? Next month?"

Reed nodded, her hand still on the door.

"Reed?" They both turned toward Duncan, who stood in the entryway to the living room. "Aren't you going to invite your company in? Introduce me?"

Reed took a deep breath. "Of course. Sam, please come in." She led the way to the living room with its breathtaking view of the Pacific. She could feel herself starting to sweat, and wondered if she was going to faint. "Have a seat. Would you like some water or something?"

"Yeah, water would be great."

Reed went to the fridge and took out a bottle of water, which she handed to Sam as he sat gingerly on the huge couch, the couch where she'd made out with Duncan, and even had sex a couple of times.

Oh my god.

"So this is Duncan, Duncan this is Sam." Reed sat down abruptly, utterly unsure of what to say next.

"Hello, I'm Duncan, Reed's boyfriend," Duncan said, extending a hand.

"And I'm Sam, Reed's fiancé," Sam responded evenly, taking Duncan's hand.

"And where are you from, Sam? Definitely not Florida, I'll wager."

"Florida? No, I'm from Oklahoma, we're—" and he gestured toward Reed, "—from Oklahoma."

"Oklahoma." Duncan repeated the word as if he didn't know what it meant.

"Yes, a small town called Ryedale, in central Oklahoma."