Falling For The Mob

32 Friends

Zoë

For more reasons than one, I have been burying myself in work for the last week. So much has been plaguing my mind that I found it best to just work through it all and hope it passes.

Even when it comes to Sam, things have been harder than I expected. I have been calling Addy every day to check in on her, but she has not been doing too well either. This morning, there was still no news, and it has been almost a week.

I should have stayed at work and just burned through my energy until my body collapsed, the way I have been doing all week, but I couldn't anymore. I have abused my office couch so much over the last year that it decided to return the favor. I just couldn't spend another night on it, so here I find myself dragging my aching back to my apartment at six in the morning.

Rounding the corner, I am quickly met by a dark figure sitting on my doormat. There is very little light, and I would have been scared had it not been for the thick, long locks of black hair hanging out of the hood. By now, I would recognize that hair anywhere.

"Sam?" I run over to find her clasping her legs, shivering. Her face is still buried in her knees, and she smells like sweat and alcohol. I give her a gentle nudge, to which her gaze snaps up to meet mine.

Dark circles have formed under her red eyes. "Sam, are you on something?"

I can't imagine her ever using drugs, knowing her, the only unhealthy habit she has is her drinking. But then again, I also never expected her to disappear for a week without a word.

She seems on edge, but her eyes are clear when she denies my statement.

"Let me get you inside before you catch a cold."

I begin reaching for her, but she briefly flinches away. Patiently, I wait until she leans in just a bit, then I help her off the ground.

I quickly gathered a few blankets to cover her up and set up water to boil. I have no idea what I should be doing with her. Why is she even here?

"Does Addy know you're back?" She nods her head, avoiding my gaze.

"We have spoken." Her words are emotionless and strained, filling the room with thick silence again.

What am I supposed to do with her? She could have been home with her family. "Why did you come here?" I whisper, not wanting her to feel unwelcome. Her fists clench until her knuckles turn white, and her silence is long. Just as I am about to take my words back, she looks up.

"I have very few friends... and you messaged that I could come to you if needed." A crooked smile forms as she says that last word, warming my chest. I did say she could always come to me, and even though the circumstances are terrible, I am glad that I can still help in some way. I still have a lot of questions, but I guess I'll figure it out as more time passes.

After holding a cup of tea for a few minutes, her shivering finally stops. "Can I get you something to eat? Do you want to try and get some sleep? You look like you haven't rested in days."

She arches an eyebrow. "Are you telling me I look like shit?" For a brief second, she is herself again, sharp, focused, and just a bit flirty. I think. At least she is distracted enough for a joke.

"Yes, and you smell like it as well. If you want to sleep in my bed, you are going to need a shower first."

That playful smirk of hers returns as her eyes widen. "I have been here for less than an hour, and already you are inviting me into bed? I expected better from you, Dr. DeLuca."

I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the heat that rushes to my face. Sex was the last thing on my mind, but it takes very little from Sam to remind me of how everything feels with her. "That's not what I meant, but fine, you are sleeping on the couch."