Chapter 23: Too Close for Comfort
Sam was still convincing herself nothing was wrong with her relationship with Valerie—or with Barry. This took a bit of doing, as Barry was perpetually disgruntled and Valerie’s lifestyle was clearly not lined up with Sam’s expectations. Sam began to feel she was teetering on a balance beam, ready to fall at any moment to injury and humiliation.
During the weekdays and the “kid weekends” when Sam stayed at home, an argument with Barry was always hiding just around the corner. No matter what Sam did, it seemed to blow up in her face. Emily and Dax were quieter than usual and stayed in their rooms or outside. One night, it got totally out of control.
“Sam, come talk to me. I’m out on the porch.”
Sam freshened her drink and joined Barry on the porch. As u
