Independence Day (A Days in Salem story)

1.1 Scheming

*I am introducing my Days in Salem, AU DOOL world - finally - with this short story. I hope you enjoy it. More character biographies will be added to my Bios and Info. book too so look out for those soon. Thank you so much to secretlifeofleena for the awesome book cover. I love it sooo much!!

1. Scheming

"Are you going to help me with all this stuff? Or will you just keep texting whoever you're scheming with?" Lucas asked as he popped the trunk of the Range Rover. Bags and cartons overflowing with foil-wrapped dishes and bottled drinks, paper plates, and red Solo cups were stuffed inside the back of the car. Lucas and Sami had lost a friendly bet with fellow marrieds Rafe and Jada and were stuck manning the food station at the picnic that day.

Sami scoffed. "Scheming? What makes you think I'm scheming?"

"You're breathing, aren't you?"

"Ha-ha, Lucas. You're so funny. Not."

"Don't bother to deny it, Sami. You forget I know you better than anyone. I am familiar with all your tells - the arched left eyebrow, the determined set of your lips, the shifty eyes -"

"Lucas, I do not have shifty eyes!"

"Okay, I was joking about that part, but you are scheming. I know it and you know it. Just fess up already."

Sami shoved her cell phone into her cross-body bag and grabbed a box of condiments. "If you must know, I am planning something -"

"Hah. I knew it. I better call Justin and put him on standby," Lucas quipped.

She lightly smacked his arm. "Shut up. I am not going to need a lawyer. It's not like that at all. I am helping someone."

"Helping someone? Now this I need to hear."

"Hey, I help people all the time."

"Sure, when it suits you."

"You're so annoying. Tell me why I put up with you again."

"Because I'm incredibly handsome and amazing in bed."

Sami rolled her eyes. "Egotistical, much?"

"When you got it..." He smirked. "Anyway, you were saying something about helping somebody out?" He hitched a box of frozen steaks to either of his muscular hips.

"I am helping Carrie."

"Oh, this should be good."

"I am! Well, more specifically, I'm helping Moira. She asked for my help to get her parents back together. Now that Carrie and Austin are divorced - and it's about time too, because they never were a good fit-"

"Sami..."

"Well, they weren't and we all know it."

"I can't listen to this..."

"The point is, my niece thinks Carrie and Mike are still harboring feelings for each other after all these years and she wants my help to give them a little push in the right direction."

"Why would she ask you of all people? Doesn't she know your, shall we say, colorful history with Carrie?"

"Everyone knows about that, but it's all in the past. Besides, Moira looks up to me. I'm her cool aunt. She knows I truly want what's best for her and for Carrie too."

"Alright, I believe you, but matchmaking is still a bad idea, Sami. Playing fast and loose with people's hearts is a recipe for disaster. If Carrie and Mike are meant to be together, they'll figure that out all on their own, without any help from you."

"It can't hurt to give them a tiny nudge."

"You're not going to listen to me, are you?"

Sami shook her head. "Oh, I am listening alright, but I'm still going ahead with my plan. Moira needs me. Besides, look at you and me. Where would we be if our kids hadn't given us a little push and reminded us of all the reasons we belong together?"

Lucas nodded. "I guess I can't argue with that."

Sami pecked his cheek, dabbing at the pink lipstick residue. "No, you can't."

"Do I even want to know what you have cooked up for Carrie and Mike?"

"Just wait and see."

- What do you think so far? Comment please and hit that star!!