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 stared in the rearview mirror and saw that they were both sticking to their stubbornness. Man this was 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 leans forward and starts singing the lyrics at me.

    "SAY IT AIN'T SO I WILL NOT GO, TURN THE LIGHTS OFF, CARRY ME HOME..."

    I start singing along and we both have on huge smiles. She turns to Marcus who is just staring at us like we are crazy.

    "Come on you are only a year older than us you have to know this song!" She shouted over the music to him.  "Late night, come home, work sucks.." She sings into her fist like it's a microphone and then she holds it out to Marcus to finish the verse.

    "I KNOW, SHE LEFT ME ROSES BY THE STAIRS," He screams into her fist and she giggles again. 

    That sound is like heaven. He has made her giggle again. Maybe she likes him too. We all sing along to the rest of the song and then a commercial comes on and I turn down the volume.

    "So you two are big Blink 182 fans?" Marcus asks grinning.

    I catch Sam's eyes in the mirror and we both start cracking up.

    "I don't get it, what's so funny?"

    "That song came out the year that we met. We weren't really friends yet because our parents kinda pushed us at each other to entertain one another while they had adult time. We sat in awkward silence until we finally turned the radio on and this song was playing. It was really popular and we both started mumbling the words to ourselves. You could say Blink 182 gave us the common ground that our friendship is built on," Sam answered.

    "Ironic," I heard Marcus mutterer but I don't think Sam heard him because she is singing the song again. It was ironic that as silence filled the car that was the song to play.

    The rest of the drive was filled with music and light chatter. We arrived at the cabin where we would be spending the weekend and I can see that a few guest have already arrived as well. I park the car and we all get out. I am unloading Sam's suitcase when I hear an excited squeal and then I am almost knocked off my feet.

    "I missed you baby," Brittany yells wrapping her arms and legs tighter around me and planting kisses all over my face.

    "Well I missed you too, sweetheart, but I was only gone for two hours." In reply she just starts to r****h my face. 

    "Damn Brittany, let the man breath," I hear Marcus say.

    Brittany pulls away and looks at Marcus and Sam standing there. "Sorry guys I didn't even see you there. Marcus why don't you show Sam where she can put her luggage at. I am sure she wants to get changed out of her airplane clothes."

    "Come on Sam follow me," Marcus replies and they walk off together.

    Brittany turns back to me and whispers, "Wow traveling isn't a good look for her."

    That sounds like a statement that sets you up to fall. I don't respond because on one hand I don't want to defend Sam, who in my opinion looked fresh and comfortable, and on the other I wasn't going to agree because like I said she looked perfectly ok to me. 

    "Who's all here so far?" I ask while still holding Brittany in my arms.

    "Some of my friends have shown up and a few of your aunts and uncles. Your parents are on their way. I would say most everyone will be here in the next two to three hours.

    "Perfect. I am going to go up and change. John and Kurt will be here soon as well as a few more of my cousins. We are going to set up our game in the back yard."

    "You boys and your games," she says giving me a look that I don't really know how to read. She is smiling but I sense some irritation. 

    "What about you and your girls?"

    "We will come out and cheer you men on while we sip on some sangria."

    "Sounds perfect. My very own cheerleader," I give her one more big smack on the lips and then sit her on her feet and run up to my room to change. I am so ready to see all my friends and have the best time before I head off to a scary new reality.

Sam

    "This is an extra guest room. If you wanted to stay for the weekend this room is still available. And there are two beds so your friend could stay as well."

    "That's nice but I already have everything planned out for the weekend."

    Marcus looks around the room and then lets a big breath out and shoves his hands in his pockets. "So I guess I will leave you so you can change. I will see you downstairs."

    "Sounds good." I close the door behind Marcus and then open my suitcase up on the bed. I brought some dresses with me but that is for later in the night or if we decide to go somewhere fancy. Since I know we are going to be spending the afternoon just hang out in the yard I just change my shirt so my favorite white shirt isn't ruined by grass stains. I put on a low side tank top that is black with a Fox logo in silver. It shows off the bralet that I am wearing under it which is black lace. It's super comfortable and I am a horrible sweater and the low sides keep me from having sweat stains, which is needed in this Texas humidity.

    I look at myself in the mirror and decide I am happy with the look and put on a black baseball cap. I contemplate changing into tennis shoes but opt out. While in Texas I will get my barefoot fetish on. I am lucky to see grass in New York.

    I head downstairs and when I reach the landing I see Marcus waiting for me. I smile at him and ask, "Where to now?"

    He looks me over from head to toe. "Thought you were changing?"

    "I did. Decided I would rather be comfortable while we are outside sweating,"  I reply defensively.

    "You don't have to defend yourself to me sweetie. I think you are hot in a dress but damn I find you just as sexy in that," he says gesturing his hand up and then down my body. "Just be prepared because Brittany and all her friends are dressed in dresses or fancy capris and silk tops. They look like they are going to the country club."

    "I don't mind. I am used to looking different from most girls and I don't give a damn about what others think or what they say."

    He gives me a huge smile and offers his arm to me, "Right this way then. You know somehow you keep surprising me and I like it." He leads us out the back to a huge sprawling green yard. It is beautiful. All the girls are in fancy clothes sitting in lounge chairs sipping on drinks and gossiping.

    "Would you like something to drink? I think Brittany had some sangria made."

    "Actually do you have any beer?"

    He smiles at me again and leads me over to a tiki bar. He lets go of me and opens a fridge and comes back with two opened bottles of beer. "Cheers," he says clinking his glass to mine.

    "Cheers," I reply and then take a big swig. It is perfect, nice and cold beer on a warm sunny day. I slip my flip flops off and walk out into the grass burying my feet in. Man I miss this.

    Just as I release my big breath of air I turn at the sound of laughter and see Miller and five other guys come around the corner of the cabin.

    "Marcus! Hey cuz you ready for this game?" On of the guys asks coming up and picking Marcus up and running off with him.

    "Tim, put me down man. Not in front of the ladies."

    The group of guys all stop walking when they reached Marcus and Tim, which was right where I am standing as well.

    "Sam?" One of the guys asks me once they all reach me. I look at him and it takes me a few seconds to realize who it is.

    "What's up John?"

    "WOW, look at you all grown up," he says and then picks me up and gives me a bear hug. I was a little shocked because John and I weren't really ever that close. 

    "Ok John set the girl down," Miller says to his friend. "Sam, I am sure you remember Kurt," he says pointing to the guy next to John and I recognize him as well. I nod my head towards him and say hi. "These are my cousins, Tim, Dan and Mike, everyone this is Sam, my best childhood friend."

    "Oh come on you didn't have to say that. Like we don't know who Sam is just by saying SAM," Tim said.

    "Forget about him dear, it is so good to finally put a face to a name. We have heard stories about you since we were all kids," Mike said grabbing my hand and placing a kiss on it.

    "Ok guys, back up let the girl breath," Marcus said trying to save me from all the introductions and flirtation. "Are we going to play or what?"

    "We can but we are down one. There is only seven of us right now. Liam wasn't able to make it until tomorrow. So the teams won't be even," Dan said.

    "What you boys playing?" I asked

    "Touch football, gorgeous. I would love it if you would be my personal cheerleader," Mike said moving close to me and slinging his arm around my shoulder.

    "Wait I want her to cheer me on..." Dan starts and the other boys talk over him, flirting to no end, trying to get my attention.

    "Sorry boys I am not cheerleader, but I will be a quarterback for one of the teams."

    All the boys stare at me with their mouths open except for Miller who has a smug smile on his face.

    "Marcus and I are captains since we are the oldest and best looking," Miller shouts. "Coin toss will decide who gets first pick, Marcus call it," Miller tosses the coin in the air and catches it, flipping it over on the back of his hand. Marcus calls heads and Miller revels the coin laying heads up. "Your pick."

    "Sam."

    "You sure you want to do that slick? You don't even know if I am any good," I tease.

    "I am sure if you weren't Miller wouldn't have allowed you to play."

    I look over at Miller and he seemed to be a little upset about me being drafted to the other team. The two captains pick their teams one by one and we end up with Marcus, Mike, John and I against Miller, Kurt, Dan and Tim.

    "Hey can I make one rule before we huddle up?" I ask.

    "What is it that you don't want us to touch your girly areas?" Tim asked in a teasing way.

    "Or you want us to go easy on you," Dan asked. He looked back at Miller and Kurt waiting for them to tease me too but both of them have smug looks on their faces and just shake their heads.

    "Actually I was going to ask if you were all ok with playing barefoot? It isn't often I get to not wear shoes living in New York and I prefer it. But if you guys are against it I will need to go put some shoes on."

    "I am good with that," Marcus says taking his shoes and socks off. The rest of my team follows his lead and then I look over to see Miller's team doing the same. 

    "Thanks guys."

    After all the shoes are thrown out of the way the teams huddle up.

    "Ok so I can be quarterback," Mike said to our team.

    "But Sam already called quarterback," Marcus replied.

    "Were you serious Sam?" Mike asked me.

    Before I could answer John says, "Believe me you want her to be quarterback!"

    I just smile at John and then I tell them what the play will be. Since we won the coin toss we also get ball first. We break from our huddle and all go to set down our drinks. 

    "Oh are you going to join us?" Brittany asks as I sit my beer down on a table near the girls.

    "Actually I am going to play. You want to join us?" I ask her. She just stares at me like I have three heads. Once I realize she isn't going to answer I race back to my team and line up in our formation.

    "Hike," I yell and the ball is snapped into my hands. I take three steps back and see Marcus open, I set up the throw and release, the ball goes up in the air over everyone's heads in a perfect spiral landing right in Marcus's arms and he takes off running. We score our first touchdown. Originally my team tried talking me into throwing not so far out but I told them the other team will expect that and guard people closer to me more.

    Marcus runs back up to me and swoops me up into the air. When he puts me back on the ground he whispers, "I think I am officially in love with you."

    I just laugh and we set up our next play for defense. Miller is their quarterback. He has a good throw but I know that his balls get a bit wobbly when he tries to throw a long distance. I see the formation they set and I can tell that he plans on throwing to Kurt. The snap is made and Kurt runs out to the open but I am hot on his tail. I look up and see the ball heading our way but as Kurt keeps going I slow down and hook to the left, the ball falls straight in my line and I take off in the opposite direction. My team has the others handled and I make it almost to the end zone when I am tackled by Miller.

    "Miller, flag football!" Marcus shouts.

    Even though he tackled me he made sure I didn't go down hard, actually he flips us so that I land on top of him.

    "Mill, come on man! Couldn't catch the flag huh," I said teasing him.

    "You haven't lost it Samantha!"

    "Oh did you doubt me?"

    "Never."

    I get up and brush myself off. Luckily I didn't let go of the ball so we got ball and first down. We continued playing for what felt like hours and in the end my team won 28 to 14. I was drenched in sweat and I know that my face was as red as a tomato but I also carried the biggest smile. This felt like home.

    Marcus, Mike and John were whispering back and forth and as I approached them they turned around and said, "Give me a S, give me an A, give me a M, what's that spell MVP, What what!!!"

    I couldn't help doubling over laughing watching these big muscular guys spell my name with their arms and bodies. My very own cheerleaders.

    Marcus and John pick me up and set me on their shoulders carrying me around shouting MVP. When we get close to the girls I see them all looking at me with distaste. I am sure they have never played a sport in their lives. With them I also saw Miller's parents laughing. 

    "Well dear I see not much has changed in the past seven years. You still showing all these boys who's boss," Miller's dad says when Marcus and John put me back on the ground in front of our audience. 

    "You know I can't turn down playing in the grass Mr. Smith. I would give you guys a hug but I am disgusting. I guess the opposing team was intimidated because I was tackled more than once. But I still have all my flags. Is it time for dinner?"

    "We were actually just coming to let you all know we have reservations in an hour and a half if you would like to all go clean up," Mrs. Smith said. 

    "And boys, we are going to a fancy dinner so please dress accordingly," Brittany said with a snark, looking directly at me.

    "Perfect, I will go hop in the shower. When Sarah get's here can you send her to the room I am in?"

     "Of course dear," Mrs. Miller replies

    I run off to get ready but before I hit the stairs Marcus captures my arm and spins me around, making me bump against him and then his arms is around my waist and he is pressing me even tighter against him. He leans in and captures my lips. Giving me a hard kiss thorough kiss. For a second I stand unmoving in shock but when he opens his mouth and licks my bottom lip asking to be let in, my hands raise up and wrap around his neck and I open. We explore each others mouths and I will admit it feels amazing. His other arm snakes around me and up my back to gather me even closer and his other arm slides down and cups my butt. Then I am walked backwards until we hit a wall. My heart rate picks up. It's been too long, I forgot what this feels like, I forgot what it is to want sexually.

    He finally pulls away and looks down into my eyes. "You have to be the sexiest, most intriguing girl I have ever met. How did Miller spend so much time with you and never move in?"

    At the mention of Miller's name I remind myself that this is Miller's cousin and probably not the best idea. I clear my throat along with my mind and smile at Marcus. "I wasn't girly enough I guess. I need to go get ready and so do you."

    "Hey sit with me tonight at dinner? I am sure after that all the guys are going to want your company tonight, especially the ones who were doubting you, but will you choose me?"

    "Sure," I smile and then take off for my room and a shower.