This day was proving to be one of the more negative ones for Sam Radford. Breakfast started off terribly with Linda’s constant criticism of Cassie’s hospitality, Grace almost caused a collision on the freeway with an eighteen wheeler (which Sam still needed to figure out how to talk about without upsetting her), Eve had told half the town his private business leading to a few pity looks at the Bistro during lunch, he hadn’t heard from Cassie all evening, and now his car wasn’t starting. The vehicle was kept up to date on all maintenance which is why the doctor sat inside perplexed until Abigail knocked on the passenger window to offer a ride home. Abigail had been one of the positive things of today. Small talk flowed freely between the bantering friends as they pulled up in front of Grey House. In an instance Abigails face fell flat accompanying the insistence Sam stay in the vehicle. There was very little that rattled the doctor, but the tone of Abigails voice was one of them. Before inquiries as to why could be made a cellphone echoed through the car. It was Grace. He could tell by the quick loud utterances to Abigails ear. All Sam needed to hear were the words ‘mom’ and ‘something is wrong’ before he defied Abigails wishes and made his way into the home.
What was seen broke him.
Nestled comfortably in a queen sized bed was Cassie… and John. It was shocking for many reasons but the biggest being a conversation had just a few days prior about the absence of feelings for this man. Sam’s fingers released the knob as a step was taking back in an attempt not to rouse the sleeping pair? couple? Whatever it was shook him. The feeling of anger rose as John rolled off the bed and joined Sam in the hall, shutting the door behind him. Cassie hadn’t been feeling well and asked John to stay with her, to keep her company and watch over her. It didn’t make sense. Why John? Why hadn’t Cassie returned Sam’s texts or calls to inform him of whatever illness ailed her? While Cassie preferred her own brand of medication she had opened up to the idea of Sam helping diagnose issues and treat them if necessary. It was clear John had no intention of leaving as he turned to make his way back into the bedroom. A room Sam hadn’t been privy to until now, and a small feeling of guilt for crossing into Cassie’s safe haven rose. But the guilt was over powered by a shattering heart and soul.
Sam said nothing as he walked past Abigail on the stairs or moved straight out the front door passing Grace on the way. Words escaped him as bags were packed and a taxi called.
It didn’t make sense.
They were working towards something. They both felt something. Yet, Cassie was comfortable with another man in her bed. A man that wasn’t him. A man who could reach Cassie on a level Sam didn’t think he ever would. He couldn’t speak about ancient Chinese art, compare notes on different ziplines in different countries or reminisce on adventures throughout the world. Perhaps Cassie hadn’t realized her feelings for John until this day. Sam hadn’t realized how shattered he truly felt until he stood in the hallway outside of Nick’s room. A false smile was put on as he informed the teenager they would be taken a trip to New York City for a week or two. The joy on Nick’s face made the ache lessen even if just for a moment. A call was made to Eve to have the appointments moved or cancelled, one to a local garage to have the vehicle towed and hopefully fixed, and then one to Abigail letting her know he would be leaving town and if she could check his mail. For the first time in, well, forever, Abigail didn’t have a smartass remark, a series of questions, or words to have him stay. The whereabout of the trip were left out as Abigail said goodbye.
New York City.
A taxi, a plane ride and train led Sam right back to his former home. The place had yet to be put on the market. For months his parents asked why and maybe this was it. Fate had plans for Sam Radford he didn’t understand. Nick rushed to bed to get a good nights sleep so he could be up to meet friends first thing in the morning leaving Sam alone with his thoughts. The quick trip meant no food in the home which wasn’t unlike their lives there before. In Middleton, Sam grocery shopped and cooked (to the best of his abilities). In New York City, Sam barely had time for a meal let alone grocery shopping. Everything about this place brought Sam down. Memories with Linda, and it now represented yet another heartbreak, but he sought comfort in his old bed. Love wasn’t something Sam Radford was good at. Being heartbroken, he had that down to an art.
A part of Sam wished Cassie cared enough to have one of her feelings about him leaving, but after glancing at his phone to see no messages from her the truth began to set in. Sam Radford was nothing but a friend to Cassie Nightingale. It hurt, more than it should, but the truth wasn’t always pleasant. Bedtime routine was gone through before sleep was attempted. And failed. For hours. Hours he lay wondering what he did wrong, how Cassie could lie to him after everything they had been through, why John seemed so smug at the sight of another mans pain, how maybe it was time to give up the idea of Cassie Nightingale. The pain let Sam know the feelings were real… for him. The visual burned in his mind reminded him of Linda and her personal trainer. Another woman he couldn’t keep happy. Another failed relationship…. except this one didn’t even get to start.
