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

Chapter Seven

Samantha awoke the next morning alone again and this time there was no muffin greeting her on the kitchen counter. She sighed, staring at the empty space as if a muffin was just going to appear suddenly or Harry would come rushing through the front door apologizing for having forgotten it. But neither of those things happened.

She contemplated texting him but the thought of a snarky response or even worse, no response at all, killed that notion in her head. So she went for a run, sure to avoid her old route so she wouldn't run into anyone again. Rufus kept up with her pretty well.

Two weeks ago, Samantha and Harry had been on the road to easy street. Both of them so in love without a care in the world or a reason to think the bliss wouldn't continue. Neither of them could have known the storm headed their way.

---------------------

George knew Harry was going to be late so the fact that Harry was already seated at the table was shocking, to say the least. He sat down across from his friend,

"How's it goin'?"

Harry set down his menu and picked up his water glass,

"Shitty. How are you?"

George's smile disappeared,

"Ok, wasn't expecting that response. What's going on?"

Harry sighed and shook his head,

"Don't really wanna talk about it if it's all the same to you."

George studied him for a moment and then sat back. He nodded,

"Alright then." He reached forward to grab his water glass, "Weren't you going to take Sam on some vacation? Thought you'd be gone al-"

"Dammit! I said I don't wanna talk about it!" Harry interrupted.

George stopped mid-sip, his eyebrows lifted while he looked back at Harry. Harry sighed again, shaking his head as if disgusted with himself. He pushed the silverware and plate out of the way and lifted his elbows onto the table where he promptly buried his head in his hands,

"Fuck." He swore under his breath.

George set his water glass down,

"So I guess we've established that whatever the issue is...it has to do with Sam."

Harry let his arms drop to a fold as he stared down at the floor,

"I don't know..." George stayed silent, suspecting Harry had more to say. Harry took a breath, "You and Vanessa are engaged..."

George nodded,

"Yes."

"And it's all going well."

George nodded again,

"Yes." Harry stayed silent then, "Is something going on with Samantha?"

Harry sat back after one more deep sigh,

"She doesn't believe in marriage."

George made a face as he sat back,

"Is that it? All women say that and then they meet the right guy and boom...white dress shopping is next."

Harry shook his head,

"No, I really think she means it. She won't even discuss it with me." Harry focused on George, "But ya know...I don't even think that's what I'm angry about."

"What do you mean?"

"She has these issues...with me...and...Gwen. And I can only imagine what it must be like for her to love me knowing how deeply I loved another."