And So It Goes... - Act Two // Book Two

Chapter Six

Samantha trudged up the steps into Mia's shop.  She reached out the pull the door open, slightly stumbling as the heavy door finally swung open.  She scowled at the door as it came two inches away from hitting Rufus in the ass as it closed.

"Uh uh."  She heard Mia's voice as her friend rushed towards her with her finger out pointing at Rufus, "No dogs in here.  Are you nuts?"

Samantha frowned,

"He's harmless."

"It doesn't matter, he's a dog.  The only dogs allowed in establishments with food are service animals."

"Ok, first off that's an American thing.  And second...he is my emotional support dog."

"Seriously?"  Mia asked as she quirked an eyebrow.

Samantha nodded,

"He is today."

Rufus continued to sit, looking between them as they spoke.  Mia looked down at him,

"Alright fine."  She pointed her finger at him, "But if one person finds a hair in something..."  Rufus licked her finger which Mia quickly pulled away, "Ew..."  She looked up at Samantha, "What's up?  You look tired."

Samantha followed Mia back to the counter, Rufus close behind her,

"I'm exhausted.  Harry and I had an argument last night."

Mia whirled around,

"You had an argument?"  She asked, her voice higher with shock.

"Yes."

Mia frowned,

"Because of what I said."

Samantha shot her a look of annoyance as she pushed herself onto a stool,

"Yes, because of what you said."

Mia's frown deepened,

"Look, I'm sorry.  I really thought you'd have said something to him."

Samantha waved her hand,

"Whatever...it's not important."

Mia turned to study her best friend closely.  Samantha wasn't usually one to dodge subjects but that sure seemed like one. 

"Not...not important?"

Samantha seemed to realize her mistake,

"I mean..."  Her shoulders slumped, "Yes, my relationship with Harry is the most important.  I just...I ran into Kelly today and I just needed to calm down before I go home."

Mia raised her eyebrows,

"Calm down?  Did he say something?"

"Yes.  No.  He's just...infuriating with his smug bullshit."

Mia started to fill up her front case with cupcakes,

"Good to know some things never change then.  Why do you have to calm down?"

"Because if I go home upset, Harry will notice.  And after this morning the last thing we need is to argue again."

Mia found that odd once again.  Samantha didn't really shy away from honesty, especially with Harry,

"Ah...so you're not gonna tell him you ran into Kelly then?"

Samantha shot Mia a look,

"That sounds like judgment."

Mia nodded,

"It was."  When she saw Samantha's face she stopped filling up the case, "Look, it's clear something is up.  And maybe if I wasn't your best friend I wouldn't see it...and maybe I'd even ignore it.  But...I am your best friend...and I do see it.  We can either keep ignoring it or discuss it."