Stealing Second: Sam's Story: Book 4 in the Clarksonville Series (31 page)

“Your mother and I haven’t finished thinking this one all the way through, Samantha Rose,” her father said. “We have to analyze the risk potential your lifestyle choice might mean to the family.” Apparently the topic wasn’t finished, apparently he thought she had a choice, and apparently he was arrogant enough to think he could change that choice.

Always the bottom line
, Sam thought,
like Helene said.

“What your father is trying to say is that we’re not ignoring you or your situation,” Sam’s mother said.

My situation?
Were they trying to decide if her situation could be fixed without incurring too much damage? Sam wanted to challenge her mother’s choice of words, but instead, utilized her years of stoic Payton training, and held her tongue. She’d have her say, but she’d wait until they were in the somewhat safe environment of Dr. Boyle’s office. Dr. Boyle could referee when she unloaded on her parents how it felt to discover her situation in early childhood, how it felt to hide her situation from everyone, and how it felt to see the anger and disapproval in her parents’ eyes when she finally admitted her situation to them.

Even though Sam’s parents had given her some freedom back, she knew not to trust it. Her father protected what was his at all costs. The driver of the pickup truck that had hit Helene’s car, the Clarksonville Courier reporter, and the photographer were all being sued by her father on her behalf, even though she wanted nothing to do with any of it. She had no choice, like she had no choice in most things in her life.

“Yoo hoo,” Helene called as she strode into the kitchen. “Oh, excuse me.” She backed out as soon as she saw Sam with her parents. She must have sensed the tense air. “I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“Wait,” Sam called. “Come back.”
You’re my lifeline right now
.

Helene reappeared in the doorway. “I hope I’m not disturbing anything.”

Sam smiled. “You’re fine, and you know what? I’m happy now because I have my whole family with me.” She gave Helene a quick hug and said, “I’m the luckiest girl alive. I have a dad, and even better, I have two moms.”
Let’s not forget about this big Payton family secret, now, shall we?

Sam’s mother smiled, but it was the fake smile Sam had seen her hone over the years. Her father’s expression remained neutral, but Helene’s smile was genuine. Sam’s smile was also fairly genuine, but behind it she hoped her parents understood that she wasn’t beyond blackmail. She was a Payton after all.

I Seriously Doubt That

THE AUDIENCE APPLAUDED as the curtain calls for the Sunday performance continued. Sam waited in the wings for her turn. The actors playing Tevye’s daughters and their husbands ran onto the stage and bowed. Sam was two beats behind them. She stopped alone on center stage, tucked her violin and bow underneath her arm, and bowed. She grinned when she heard Lisa yell, “Way to go, Sam!” Sam moved over and joined the ever-growing cast to make way for Alivia.

Alivia ran out and curtsied followed quickly by Ronnie who bowed. The entire cast grabbed hands, although Alivia had to link arms with Sam because of the violin, and they made a group bow. They separated hands and collectively pointed toward the orchestra pit. The audience clapped louder, if that was even possible. The cast pointed up to the lighting booth and then to Mrs. Dickens. Karl dragged her onto the stage and then presented her with a bouquet of roses produced from somewhere behind the assembled cast.

Mrs. Dickens, clearly moved, took the flowers and nodded graciously to her cast and then nodded to the audience who had been clapping the entire time. Eventually the cast closed ranks around Mrs. Dickens and when the applause died down, she led them behind the curtain.

Mrs. Dickens came up to Sam and gave her a warm hug. “You were the best fiddler I’ve seen in that role in a long time, Miss Samantha Rose.”

“Thank you,” Sam said. “I had a lot of fun.”

“I’m sorry you’re a senior, and we didn’t discover this talent of yours until now.”

Although Sam had enjoyed the role, she doubted she would make musical theater part of her life, something her parents would be happy about, no doubt. She kept the thought to herself and continued to smile.

“I’ll see you at the wrap-up party?” Mrs. Dickens asked.

“You bet.”

“Good.” Mrs. Dickens turned to talk to the stage manager.

“Amazing run, girls.” Ronnie wrapped Sam and Alivia into one boisterous bear hug.

“You, too, Ronnie,” Sam said. “You were born to be on the stage.”

“Thanks.” Ronnie smiled his million-dollar smile. “C’mon, girls,” he linked arms with each of them. “Let’s go out front and see our significant others.”

“Hey,” Karl protested good-naturedly, “what about me?”

“C’mon, honey,” Alivia held her free arm out so Karl could link up with her.

The four of them skipped back onto the stage and then separated to find their respective friends and families in the audience.

Sam knew not to look for her parents. They had another commitment in Syracuse. She spotted Lisa waiting for her near the stage. Helene, Susie, and Marlee waited a few rows back. Sam made a beeline for Lisa’s open arms. Lisa whispered in Sam’s ear, “I can’t take my eyes off you in this sexy butch outfit.”

“I’m so lucky I’m off restrictions.” Sam felt a wave of desire run through her as they separated. “That coat looks amazing on you.” Sam stroked Lisa’s new coat hanging over her arm.

“You shouldn’t have spent the money, baby, but I love it.”

“Good.” Sam raised an eyebrow suggestively. “I like pleasing you.”

“Just wait ‘til we’re alone.” Lisa handed Sam a single rose. “I wish it could have been a whole dozen, but...”

“I don’t care. It’s from you, that’s all I need. I miss you so much.”
And I can’t believe how much I want to kiss you right now.

“Me, too, baby. Me, too.”

Sam and Lisa walked toward Helene, Susie, and Marlee. Sam desperately wanted to hold hands with Lisa, something Alivia and Karl could do without the world staring at them, but decided she didn’t want to be judged. She reached her arms out and hugged Helene.

“I’m so proud of you,” Helene said and squeezed.

“Thanks for coming to all the performances. It must have been boring for you.”

“Not a chance,” Helene said, her eyes filling with tears.

“Helene, don’t,” Sam said. “You’ll make me cry, too.”

“She cried every time you appeared on stage,” Susie said.

Sam laughed. “Was I that bad?”

“Not a chance. You’re a Payton,” Helene said.

And a Bouchard, too
, Sam thought, but simply smiled.

“Two,” Marlee said, “you were so good. I wish I could play an instrument like that.”

“Put in about ten million hours of practice, and you will.”

“Lynnie can’t stop talking about you,” Lisa said. “She wants to take violin lessons now.”

“She does?”

Lisa nodded.

“I think I can help with that.” Sam created a mental Christmas list. Item one—a violin for Lynnie.

“
Aay
,
gringa
,” Susie said, “you were awesome. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you grew up doing musical theater.”

“Oh, God. Don’t tell my parents that, okay?”

“Hey,” Susie said, “did you ask Ronnie if it was okay for me and Marlee to go to the wrap-up party?”

“Yes. He said he wants you guys there. He doesn’t want Jordan to feel all alone.”

“You girls have fun at the party. I’m heading out.” Helene turned to Lisa, Susie, and Marlee. “Take good care of her, okay?”

Sam turned away from the group and wiped at the sudden tears in her eyes. She knew Helene wasn’t only referring to the wrap-up party, and by the sudden change in mood, her friends seemed to understand that, too. Both Sam and Helene were going to be devastated when Helene moved away.

Sam gave Helene another hug, and with a heavy heart, watched her walk up the aisle toward the exit.

Sam took a deep breath and blew out a sigh. “Okay, you guys, let me get changed and then we can head over.” She tossed her keys to Lisa. “I’ll meet you at the Sebring in a few.”

Sam raced backstage and removed her makeup in record speed. Before changing, she reached into her pants pocket and pulled out the mood ring she’d kept hidden during every performance. She carefully slid it on her finger, barely able to contain herself because she was finally going to be with Lisa. She changed clothes as fast as she could, threw on a coat, and raced to her car in the lot.

Sam nodded to Marlee and Susie in the van and yanked open her car door. Lisa’s smile knocked the wind out of her.

“Oh, my God,” Sam said catching her breath, “you’re a sight for sore eyes.”

“I missed you, too, baby.”

Sam looked at the people milling about the parking lot. “I want to kiss you, but there are way too many people around here.”

“That’s okay. It’s only been thirty five days, eighteen hours, and...” Lisa checked the time on her watch, “twelve minutes since the last time you kissed me, so what’s another five minutes?”

“Thirty five days? It seemed like thirty five weeks.” Sam couldn’t help but smile at Lisa’s cheesy grin. “Don’t worry. I’ll find a private spot near Ronnie’s house, so I can kiss you properly before we go in, okay?”

“Hurry.”

Sam started the car and headed toward Ronnie’s house. Marlee and Susie were right behind them.

A thousand cars lined Ronnie’s street, so Sam pulled the Sebring down a quiet side street. Marlee parked behind her.

Sam flung her seatbelt off and practically threw herself at Lisa. Their lips met in a fury of passion and promise. Sam ran her fingers through Lisa’s long hair, and then, without warning, she started to cry. She pulled away and hid her face behind her hands.

“Oh, geez.” Lisa pulled her close. Sam rested her head on Lisa’s chest. “It’s okay, baby. Why are you crying?” Lisa stroked Sam’s back. “I’m right here, baby. What’s wrong?”

“I missed you so much. I can’t believe it’s been over a month since I’ve seen you. We missed our five-month anniversary. God, I let them ruin my life.” Sam sat up and searched Lisa’s eyes. She saw the love she hoped to find there. “I can’t believe how much I love you.” Their lips met again.

As the kiss heated up, Sam was ready to scrap the party and whisk Lisa away somewhere private. Her new plan was interrupted by a tap on the window.

“
Aay
, I hate to break up the reunion,
muchachas
, but it’s cold out here.” Susie stood outside the car with her arms wrapped around her. Marlee was doing mini jumping jacks to keep warm.

“Sorry, guys,” Sam said. She turned to Lisa and gave her another quick kiss. “C’mon, let’s get this wrap-up party wrapped up, so we can find a place to be alone.”

They let themselves in the front door when nobody answered Sam’s knock. The club music was so loud that obviously no one had heard them.

Ronnie headed for them. “Hey, girls, drop your coats off somewhere in the dining room.” He pointed to a room to the right of the front door. “Drinks and food are in the kitchen.” He pointed toward the bright kitchen packed with cast and crew from the show. He leaned in closer. “And if you want special beverages, see Karl, and he’ll hook you up.”

“Thanks, Ronnie,” Sam said, “but I think we’ll pass on the special beverages.” Sam glanced at her friends and, by the relieved look on Marlee’s face, knew she’d made the right decision.

“Okay, light weights, enjoy yourselves.” Ronnie turned to go, but then turned back. “Don’t worry about babysitting Jordan.” He pointed to a corner of the living room where his boyfriend held a group of underclassmen mesmerized with a story. “As you can see, he has an audience already, so you’re off the hook.”

“Okay, cool,” Sam said. She turned to Lisa. “How out do you want to be?”

Lisa shrugged. “I’m cool with whatever you want to do, but it’s up to you.”

Sam lifted one eyebrow and flashed Lisa a devilish grin. She reached for Lisa’s hand, squeezed it, and held on. Lisa nodded her approval. Sam smiled as a slight touch of crimson grew on Lisa’s cheeks.

“C’mon, kids,” Sam said, “let’s get some food. I’m starving.”

They headed to the kitchen and loaded up their plates. Susie found room for the four of them to sit comfortably on the living room carpet.

Alivia sauntered by, Karl in tow. “Hello, girls,” she said.

“Alivia,” Sam gestured to Marlee, “this is Susie’s girlfriend Marlee. And this is my girlfriend Lisa.” Sam felt her cheeks get warm. It was the first time she had publicly acknowledged Lisa as her girlfriend. It felt good.

“Nice to meet you both,” Alivia said. “This is my love-muffin, Karl.”

Karl burst out laughing. “I’ve never been called a love-muffin before.” He shook hands with Marlee and Lisa. “I remember you guys from Stewart’s. Right before school started.”

“Oh, yeah,” Lisa said. “We weren’t sure if you were dating Ronnie or Alivia.”

Alivia shrieked with laughter. “That’s a good one. Wait ‘til Ronnie hears that. There he is.” Ronnie was heading into the kitchen. “C’mon, Karl, let’s go.” Alivia reached for Karl’s hand. She turned back and said over her shoulder, “It’s nice to know Sam and Susie have nice girlfriends. Cute ones, too.”

“Thanks,” Lisa and Marlee said at the same time, and everybody laughed.

As always, whenever the four of them got together, their conversation turned to softball. They made predictions about what the spring season would bring, which team would take the North Country trophy, and which team would qualify for the state playoffs. Naturally all of their predictions included Clarksonville and East Valley high schools.

“You know,” Sam said, “I hate the fact that we play on different high school teams.”

“Yeah,” Marlee agreed, “that sucks.”

“We can play together in college,” Sam suggested. “Did you guys apply?”

“To Rockville?” Susie asked.

Sam nodded.

“Yep, we both did,” Susie said.

“Yes!” Sam punched a fist in the air.