A Bitter Coincidence

Chapter 18

Chapter 18.

Sam’s (P.O.V.)

It was the end of June and it was a hot but beautiful Saturday morning. Skylar and I were on our way to the park so she could sketch and take pictures while I did my morning run. This seemed to be our routine most weekends before we headed over to the hospital. The past 2 months has been a whirlwind of fun and amazement. Spending time with Skylar and doing things with her from working, reading together, watching films, cooking, watching her sketch or reading or sleeping. I was constantly watching her and seeming to never take my eyes away. Sometimes she’s noticed and now she hardly says anything, seeming comfortable with it. I’ve noticed in the last few weeks, she’s seemed more confident in herself and she’s brought that feeling onto me too.

I’m not as wary of my scars or I don’t always cover up, especially when I’m around Sky. She’ll always find a way to get me naked the minx. Not that I’m complaining, that girl is incredible in every way possible. The physical attraction is something else too. It still astonishes me how this woman was never with anyone else before me. Considering she was a virgin before us, she’s always brought something new to the table every time we get together, and every time was better than the last. It wasn’t just the s*x we were having though, it was the connection we shared. No one has ever compared to what I was feeling with her and the scariest thing is, no one ever will.

I smile more, laugh a hell of lot more and I’m more giddier too. We act like teenagers and children more than half the time, Skylar always finding activities for us to do together. Working on the hospital has been fun and while I know she enjoys her teaching job, it would be a lie to say I haven’t been jealous that that job occupied her time a lot more. Now that she’s finished for the summer, she’s spending more time with me unless I’m out of town or seeing friends. Since meeting Thomas, Skylar has yet to meet my other friends or family members as I am yet to meet her Grammy. Mum and Grace have been busting my balls to meet her, claiming it’s only right since I’ve never had a serious girlfriend before.

And that’s also a scary thought. Skylar and I haven’t known each other long and we’re still getting to know details about ourselves. However, I can’t stop thinking about her and I enjoy spending all my time with her more than I ever have with someone. I’m falling hard for her and that’s terrifying to me. How can someone fall for another so quickly? How can you know this is the person you should spend forever with? Thoughts like that are what is stopping me from truly being 100% with her. This is where my trust issues comes rearing its ugly head. My friends know about her but assume she’s just another woman that I’ll cast off to the side. Only mum, Grace and Seth know how serious this relationship seems.

Every time I’ve mentioned meeting our families, she’s seems hesitant, worrying that she won’t be accepted or liked. Seth absolutely adores her and I can see what he sees and I know mum and Grace would feel the same way.

Looking at my watch, I realise it’s taken me a little over an hour to run 10k without even realising it. I was close to where Skylar would be in her usual spot, so I walked the rest of the way. There I find her leaning against a large tree in the shade, sketchbook on the ground and camera in her hands. She was concentrating on a group of elderly people that were having a picnic. I stood there and again watched her from afar. The way she chewed her bottom lip in concentration and the look of pure peace when doing something she’s passionate about. She was looking over at the group with a look of love and adoration. She always saw the best in people and found the beauty in everything. I couldn’t help but smile when looking at her, finally convincing myself that there was no way I was not falling for her. I wanted to be able to give all the love I have to this woman.

Walking over and siting down next to her by the tree, I slipped my arm around her and kissed her shoulder, yet she still took pictures, engrossed in whatever she found.

“What’s interesting over there?” I asked, keen to understand more of what she sees.

“The group of elderly people having a picnic. They seem to be having a good time; talking, laughing, telling stories. I had to capture it.” She replied, grinning. “Here, look.” She turned the camera towards me so I could look at the pictures and loved hem instantly. Each picture was unique, she captured the group but also individual people, their faces focused, showing the emotions in such detail and light. It looked professional yet completely natural.

“These are amazing sunshine!” I gushed.

Her cheeks turned a shade of crimson and she looked down on the ground, hiding a small smile. “Thank you. They’re just photographs.” She shrugged.

I grabbed hold of her chin and turned her head to look at me instead of the floor. “They are beautiful photographs, you’re very talented angel.” I bent down and gave her a quick and soft kiss, forever loving the feel of her mouth on mine. Pulling back, I saw her lick her lips and that alone got me hard. She got onto her hands and knees and crawled the short distance to sit in between my legs, my back against the tree. I circled my arms around and pulled her against my chest and kissed the back of her head. Forgetting I must be sweaty and stinky, I pulled back. ‘Sorry, I probably smell disgusting and feel it too.” She grabbed my arms and tightened her hold of my arms around her, kissing my covered sleeves.

“Don’t care. You still feel and smell good to me.” She bent her head back to look at me and I smiled back at her and gave a peck on her nose which made her giggle.

“Nice day today. I think it’ll be a hot summer this year.”

“Mhm, I think so too. My Grammy said it’s been a bit cloudy and rainy up north. The usual weather I guess.”

“I still need to meet your Grandmother. We could go up to York sometime soon, if you want.”

“She would love that, she’s been badgering on about meeting you. I think George has been gushing to her about you.” She laughed. “Me too.”

“Then it’s settled. We’ll make a weekend of it. Maybe the weekend after next? Not too close to the opening, although she could come down for the opening night. She’s more than welcome to stay at my place.”

Stroking my arm Sky replied “I’ll ask her and yes, two weekends from now sounds great. I still have a lot to do at the hospital, so it’s better to go sooner rather than later.” She turns to face me, “You seem eager to meet her.”

“I am, we’re in a relationship angel, pretty sure the next steps for us is to meet our family members.” She turned her head forward and was silent which prompted my next question. “Do you not want to meet my family and friends? Are you ashamed or afraid of something? Is that why you haven’t yet?”

She spun around, putting each leg on either side of my hips, bringing our crotches and chests together. She grabbed hold of my face and stared into my eyes. “No. Of course I want to meet your family and friends. I’m sorry it seemed that I didn’t, I just- I’m nervous they won’t like me because of my job or who I am. It’s silly I know. I know they’re important to you so I want to meet them, I do Sam.”

I touched her face, running my fingers over her cheeks, forehead, mouth and chin. Feeling the smooth skin and the goosebumps on her neck. “They’ll love you, my mum and sister already do and they’ve never met you! They won’t judge you Sky, that’s not the sort of people we are.”

“I know. I want to meet them. When can we do that?”

“Really? You don’t feel like you’re being forced to?”

“No.” She leaned forward and kissed me slowly, running her tongue along my lower lip. “I want to see and hear all the embarrassing photos and stories they’ll hopefully share. Maybe I’ll get a copy of those photos for future bribes.” She winked at me and bit her lip. I growled and tugged her closer but she still held her face away to continue talking. “I want to Sam. I’ll get nervous and sometimes I’ll be quiet, other times I may say something stupid, but as long as you’re beside me, I’ll be okay.”

Kissing her mouth and then her nose, I smiled down at her “Ok then. How about tomorrow? I’ll drive to mum’s and we’ll have a lunch, or she can come into the city. Is that too soon?”

“Nope, tomorrow is fine, I’ll just work extra hard at the hospital so I’m not too far behind on any work. Will your sister be able to join?” She asked.

“I’ll ask when I phone mum later, maybe Seth will join and maybe he’ll bring George.” I suggested.

“Maybe.” She leaned forward and kissed me once more before standing up, gathering her things together. Once finished, she held her hand out to me “We have a hospital to decorate Sir, perhaps we should go do that.”

Getting up, I pulled her onto me “Damn, you saying Sir got my d**k twitching. You should be careful when saying that out in public angel. I might ravish you against that tree in front of our audience. I don’t particularly want to put those old folks into an early grave by watching us having hot sex.” I teased, grinning and wiggling my eyebrows, making Sky laugh out loudly.

“Insatiable.” She whispered, but we were both still smiling when were on our way to the hospital.

Skylar’s (P.O.V)

When we got to the hospital and parted ways so Sam could shower and do some work while I went to the play room to continue my designs on the walls. Following our conversation about meeting each other’s families, I still felt unsure about it. It was a constant worry to me that his mother and sister won’t like me or his friends will look down their noses at me because of my background or lifestyle. Sam doesn’t seem worried about it so I’m trying not to worry about it either, but it’s the little thoughts that creep in. I felt terrible when Sam was worried about why I’ve prolonged meeting his family. It broke my heart hearing him suggesting if I was embarrassed or concerned about how I felt about him and his family, so I knew right then and there that I would move my worries over if it meant that he was happy.

It’s scary to feel how much I would do anything for that man in such a short time that I’ve known him. For the last couple of weeks, it has been a dream waking up in his arms, sharing memories, exploring places and doing activities together. Although we are both working hard, we still find the time for each other. If Sam has meetings late or is working away he will always find time to message me and phone me, he seems to always want to hear how my day went, how I’m feeling and I always assure him I miss him dearly. He’s taken over my life in the best possible way and it’s scary to think I’m falling in love with him so quickly. My mind is consumed with what we’ve said to each other, the s*x we have and the connection we share. Always doubting that I might not be what he’d want in six months’ time or I’ll do something to piss him off or upset him.

He’s my first in every way possible and as sappy as I hope I’d never be, I want to be his last. I can see slight changes in him. He seems much more confident in his own skin, showing more when out in public, his lovable, funny and kind personality that, at first he only showed me in private, is being shown for everyone to see. When we went out for drinks the other weekend and a man approached me, and seemed to get a little too friendly, even after telling him no and that I was there with my boyfriend. Sam went into a rage and he aggressively made it clear that I was taken by shoving the guy and having him escorted out of the bar. Seeing him act protectively and stating his claim made me realise how grateful I am that he is with me and I showed him just how much I was later that night. Considering how shy I was when we first met and that I was inexperienced, being with him has brought out a whole new side to me as well. I’m constantly wanting to touch him and I want his touch just as much. I love the feel of his skin on mine and any physical contact settles a part of me, bringing me peace and happiness I’ve come to appreciate. He calls me his s*x minx and I’m 100% okay with that.

Since it was an early Saturday morning, there weren’t that many people in the building, so it was nice and quiet that I didn’t play any music, willing myself to concentrate on drawing zoo animals on the walls. I was mapping out the large animals first and playing which colours to paint with, deciding to use watercolour and other materials such as book pages, text and maps which will also educate and inspire the children on the ward. This was my favourite part of the process, seeing it all come together, the changes I’ll notice and do along the way. Whilst drawing an animal, I heard a squeak in the corridor to my right. Thinking the sound was strange I dropped my pencil and went to check it out. Seeing no one in the main corridor I turned left and looked around the far end corner, I found Betty, the receptionist against the wall and Thomas seeming too close that Betty looks uncomfortable and scared. Betty’s face was in my sight and I could tell from her expression that she didn’t want Thomas so close to her face or body. He seemed to be pinning her up against the wall and his hands were snaked around her waist. One of her hands was on the wall for support and the other was at his chest, trying to push him away.

“Please stop.” She whispered. She cried out so softly, I know I wouldn’t have heard it from the other room. I came around the corner and coughed loudly enough it made Thomas look up and step away from Betty. I crossed my arms and stared Thomas down with a scowl across my face. Still keep my stance, I gazed at a rumpled looking Betty and asked “Are you alright Betty?” Hating the look of fright on her face.

“Yes, I’m okay, thank you Sky.” She replied back, walking away from Thomas and towards me. “I’m going down to my desk now.” She passed me and hurried down the corridor to the elevator. Leaving me and Thomas alone in the hallway. There was still some plastic wrappings over door frames and painting being done in this part of the building, leaving an eerie feeling around us.

“What are you playing at Thomas?” I asked, feeling more anger than fright by being in the same breathing space as this man.

He smiled, shoving his hands in his jean pockets. “Nothing. Betty and I were just having a conversation.”

“Didn’t look like she wanted to have that conversation with you, nor having your hands on her.” I stated.

“She didn’t seem to mind.”

“She did. Unless your ears suddenly stopped working for a time there, she said ‘stop’ and ‘please don’t.’ To me, that means she didn’t want to be near you.”

We were looking at each other closely. This was the first time seeing him in casual clothing, from this distance, you could see he was wealthy by the brands he wore and the way he looked. To me, he looked like a complete asshole, there was a gleam in his eyes that screamed ignorant and greedy. The complete opposite to Sam and Seth. There was something else in Thomas’s eyes that I didn’t like and if I’m being honest, it scared me to my very core.

His cold and ghostly looking blue eyes stared at me “You shouldn’t interfere with what I do or say to other people Sky.”

“It’s Skylar and I will when I see someone needing help. I won’t stand by and let s**t like that happen.”

He smirked and titled his chin up. “I can see what Sam sees in you. That fiery attitude is attractive.” He walked over to me and whilst passing my shoulders he turned his head to whisper in my ear. “Get in my way again, I’ll make sure you’ll suffer from it. It wouldn’t be good for you if I tell Sam something that will make him think twice about keeping you in his life. I am his best friend after all, he’ll believe me if I tell him anything. Speaking of which I’m gonna say hi to him. Have a good day… Skylar.” His voice rough and low, sending a chill down my spine. With that, he turned down the corridor towards Sam’s office on the other side of the building. Not realising I hadn’t took a breath, I felt faint and breathed hard and fast at how horrible Thomas was. I always felt something off about him and now I know why. I can’t believe Sam would ever be friends with someone like that which makes me think Thomas is the ultimate manipulator and the fakest person I know. How much of a true friend can he be when he makes his friends employees’ uncomfortable and threatens his friend’s girlfriend.

Walking back to the room where I was drawing, I felt a restless unease that seems to not help my concentration at all. After the fourth attempt at drawing a giraffe I threw my pencil on the floor and picked up my sketchbook. My mind racing with different thoughts of Thomas and my need to make sure Betty was okay. Heading downstairs towards the reception, I saw Betty packing her away her things. Since it was a Saturday she only worked for a few hours today and then she has Sunday free. She saw me approach her and she seemed to work quicker on packing up her things.

“Hey.” I smiled at her. “I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

She took a deep breath in and looked up at me. She looked scared and small, she probably felt uncomfortable because of who Thomas is and the fact he’s a friend of her boss. “I’m okay Skylar, thank you. I really mean it, I have no idea what would have happened if you didn’t come over.” She swallowed hard. I went over to her and hugged her hard, willing her to be okay. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell Mr Anderson about this. He can’t know.” She said.

“What? You need to tell him Betty. What Thomas was doing wasn’t nice. The guy gives me the creeps.”

“I know, but I need this job and if Mr Anderson finds out he may not believe me or he’ll let me go because of it.”

“There’s policies and things we have to do-“

“No. Please, I don’t want the hassle. Mr Fisher hardly comes in and when he does, I’ll make sure I won’t be alone with him.”

“What were you doing alone with him anyway?”

“I was just showing him to Mr Anderson’s office and he asked about the other side of the building. He wanted me to show him around.” She shook her head. “He doesn’t give me good vibes, I knew I should have stayed away.”

“You did what you thought was a nice gesture and in your job role. But I’ll tell you now, if I see him around you, you come to me or ring or text me and I’ll be near. That guy is bad vibes.”

“I didn’t think Mr Anderson would hang around someone like that.”

“I have a feeling Sam doesn’t know much about him. Thomas has a way of switching his emotions quicky when around him. I’ve seen it.”

“Mhm.” She agreed and looked towards the hallway where Sam and Thomas was walking through, laughing at something. Both look up and see us, Sam must have sensed something wrong when his face turned serious and he made a beeline to where I was standing.

“Is everything okay angel?” He took my hand in his. I looked passed him and stared Thomas down. He was trying to hide to hard his smirk, but his hard cold eyes held mine, testing me and challenging me to say something, I broke eye contact and looked up at Sam.

“Yup, everything’s fine, I was just saying goodbye to Betty.” I replied back. I looked back at Betty and noticed she already had her bag on her shoulder and jacket on hand.

“I can get Willy to drop you off home Betty, Thomas was gonna have him drop him off home too.” Sam suggested. My eyes widened and my throat closed up, however Betty answered in a flash by shaking her head politely declining.

“I’m meeting a friend for lunch so I’ll grab the tube, but thank you Mr Anderson. I’ll see you Monday. Have a lovely weekend all.” And with that she left without so much as a glance in Thomas’s direction. Looking back at him I saw his eyes flash with something whilst looking at a retreating Betty before looking at me. I stared him down, letting him know I wasn’t scared of him. Sam seemed oblivious by the whole exchange, seeming to distracted by me. Folding me in his arms from behind, he looked at Thomas, “sure you don’t want to have lunch with me and Sky?”

He smiled back, “No I’m good thanks man, I have somewhere I need to be, definitely next time though. We’ll go for drinks sometime. I know the lads will want to meet up soon, since Jack is coming back from Australia in a few weeks.”

“We’ll sort it out then.” Sam replied, tugging me close. “I want Sky to meet everyone soon, so it’s good timing.” Thomas looked at me and then back up to Sam.

“Sure, I know they’re dying to meet the girl who has stolen Sammy’s heart, someone whose keeping him all to herself.” That little hint of hatred was caught at the end of that sentence and I instantly felt hot and angry.

“He’s more than welcome to go out with his friends anytime he wants. I’m not making him do anything he doesn’t want to do. I’m sure he can’t wait to see his friends, you guys should make a weekend of it.” I suggested, wanting to make Sam to see that I’m not doing what Thomas is accusing me of. The d**k. Sam bent down and kissed my head, squeezing me.

“I can’t seem to tear myself away from this one. You’ll feel it too when you meet your someone. However, a lads weekend sounds good, we’ll talk about it closer to the time. Right now, I’m starving and we need to go for lunch.” Thomas nodded and they said their goodbyes while I watched him leave. Turning in Sam’s arms I gave him a quick kiss.

“Do you think I’m stealing you away?” I was worried that Thomas may have planted a seed.

“No. I like spending time with you, plus the lads are never free. I don’t know why Thomas brought it up.”

“OK. As long as you know that. I’m starving lets go, then I’ll need to come back and finish the wall.” I say as I’m walking to the entrance of the building. Sam yanked my arm back and lifted me up like a bride, making me giggle. “Where are we going?!”

“I’ve ordered food in and were gonna go eat in my office. I need you, me and the couch to get reacquainted again.”

“Ohhh, I’ve always wanted to take a nap on that couch.” I teased.