Chapter Three
Noah stepped off the elevator on the fourth floor and ran straight into Robin.
"Sorry," he apologized as he bent down to help her pick up the files she dropped.
"That's okay. Hey, Noah."
"Hey."
When they stood up, Noah couldn't help but ask, "So, you're friends with Alexis Davis?"
"Yeah. We talk. I knew her before I moved to Paris, but we didn't get close until I came back. I helped deliver her daughter in the train wreck."
"Wow. Good job."
Robin smiled, "Um…thanks? Why? Is she okay?"
"I'm sure she'll call you, but I would like to know a few things about her though … for myself."
"Like what?" Robin was confused.
"Like, what's her favorite food, what does she look for in a guy .."
"Wait, Noah, Alexis is married. Happily."
Noah gave a sad smile and shook his head 'no'.
"What?"
"No, like I said, she'll call you. I shouldn't be asking now. This is inappropriate, sorry …" He walked off.
"Wait, Noah! You better tell me right now what's going on. What happened?"
"It's not my place."
"Then you shouldn't have said anything at all!"
"I know."
"Spill it …" she ordered as she dragged Noah over to the waiting section and sat across from him.
--
"You love me?" Sam asked, not believing her.
"Yes."
"Why?"
Alexis looked at Sam as if she were crazy, "You're my daughter."
"Who just slept with …"
"Yeah. Okay, I'm gonna … go somewhere," Jason interrupted, walking into the kitchen.
Alexis and Sam watched him.
"Why did you tell him?" Sam questioned.
"Because I needed to ask him not to kill Ric."
"He wouldn't have."
"Yes I would have!!" Jason yelled from the kitchen.
Sam sighed and sat down on the chair. Alexis followed and sat across from her on the couch.
"You love me?" Sam asked again.
"Why is that so hard to believe?"
"Because of what I did."
"Yeah, that was …" Alexis looked long and hard at Sam, "Why don't you tell me why you did it? No, scratch that … don't. I know why. Honestly, Sam, I don't care. Listen, I …"
"Why are you so calm about this?"
"Sam, please, don't interrupt me. Noah can, Jason can, anyone can, just not you or Ric."
Sam was taken aback by her mother's forcefulness, so she just sat and listened.
"Sam, I've loved you from the moment I found out I was pregnant. The first time, the only time, I held you in my arms after you were born, was the most magical moment I'd experienced. I knew that I had to give you up … and I didn't want to. I didn't want to lose you, Sam, but I had no choice. I've thought about you every day since that day. I've loved you every day, Sam, and I'm not just going to stop now. I'm angry with you and Ric, and things will never be the same for me and him, but you're my daughter, whether you like it or not, and I will continue to try with you. I just … I can't right now. I can't see you right now, Sam. Please, just, stay here, talk to Jason …"
"No, she can leave," chimed in Jason from the kitchen.
Sam's face fell and Alexis yelled back at him, "Jason! Stop eavesdropping or get in here and join the conversation!" He was silent.
"I just need time, Sam. I just … I need to go." Alexis stood up and walked into the kitchen, "Talk to her."
"Why?"
"Because you love her."
"And? I need time, too."
"No, you need help. Lainey might have some free time …"
"Get out …" Jason joked as he threw three napkins at her from the counter.
"Go talk to her."
"Fine."
Alexis walked toward the front door and gave a quick smile to Sam on her way out. Before she shut the door, she looked back at Jason, "See you at the police department …"
"Yeah, yeah" replied Jason and Alexis was gone.