There Were All The Signs

4. The Cabin

Miller

    I could hear her giggling back there. It is a sound that I haven't heard since we were kids. I have heard her laugh over the phone over the years but that sound coming from her mouth right now was enchanting. And I had this jealousy coursing through me because I want to be the one who makes her laugh like that. It isn't a boyfriend type jealousy it is a best friend jealousy. Marcus just met her a few days ago and they only spent a few hours together.

    I stopped and looked back a second time. This time I don't say anything because I don't want them to start asking what my problem is. I load Sam's bag into the back of my Volvo XC90. I am still stealing glances their way. I really wish I knew what they were talking about.

    Once they reach the car Marcus opens the passenger door and tells Sam she can sit up front.

    "Oh no, you take front seat. I am much shorter the back will be more comfortable to me."   

    "Um what kind of gentleman would that make me. I refuse to take the front seat and make you sit in the back. You are our guest."

    "Well I refuse to sit up front too," she said and then opened the back and climbed in. Marcus looks back at me with a look of exasperation on his face and then he follows her into the back seat.

    I hurry up and shut the back latch and get into the drivers seat so I can hear the rest of their conversation.

    "Come on Marcus."

    "I am a gentleman and I will give you the front seat if you don't choose to take it then I will be a gentleman and join you in the back to keep you company."

    "Fine."

    "Wait, you guys seriously going to make me Driving Ms. Daisy?"

    "Sorry bro, I can't break the gentleman's code but if Sam would like to join you she can be my guest."

    "Nope I am perfectly fine back here."

    I stare in the rearview mirror and see that they are both sticking to their stubbornness. Man this is going to be a long ride home.

    I back up and we head towards my families cabin. The first ten minutes we travel in complete silence. I keep looking at them in the mirror. They are both sitting in window seats but while Sam is staring out her window, Marcus is staring at her. She is completely oblivious to him but I can see the interest on his face. I am not used to seeing people want her.

    I remember after our game of spin the bottle seven years ago both John and Kurt told me they were interested in Sam. They described how amazing of a kisser she was. I knew, I remembered, I kissed her too. I was so angry, I felt so possessive. I never had to share her, she was all mine. Because she dressed and acted like a boy most of the guys around us treated her like one and I was the only one that hid the fact that I thought she was the prettiest girl I ever met. So once others started to notice too, I felt possessive.

    Now it is even worse. I know she still prefers the athletic clothes over the dresses but it is much harder to hide that you are a woman when you have a figure like she does. She is irresistible now.

    What am I saying? I am married and in love. Plus my wife is the most gorgeous woman I have ever laid eyes on.

    Finally I can't take the silence any longer, we still have fifty minutes in this car. So I turn on the radio to a station that loves playing 90's and early 2000's music. Blink 182's All The Small Things comes on and I watch Sam's face light up. She leans forward and grabs my seat and starts singing the lyrics at me.