Chris Diaz pulled a chair out next to Gail and sat.
He glanced at Nick.
"Where's Holly?"
She shrugged.
"Busy I guess."
He nodded.
"Do you think I'm cold?"
Chris tried not to laugh.
Gail looked at him and smiled in spite of herself.
"Nick thinks I'm cold."
Chris decided it might be better not to get into how he didn't really blame Nick for that.
She rambled on.
"He let Andy go to Sam and I thought it was sweet and I told him and he just…"
She made a motion like he was throwing her aside.
…"Well you know what it did serve him right."
Chris stared at her.
"How much have you had to drink?"
Gail stared at him and began giggling.
Chris grabbed the shot glass she was getting ready to down and shook his head.
"No, you are not throwing up in my car again."
Gail laughed again.
"Come on Chris, just this once lose it with me?"
Chris shook his head.
"Stand up, I'm taking you home."
Gail giggled as Chris pulled her to her feet.
Chris grabbed her by the shoulders and escorted her out of the bar. By the time they were by his vehicle she was laughing uncontrollably.
He let her go long enough to open the door. Gail slumped into his arms with another round of laughter. Chris sighed and picked her up and froze as suddenly he realized she was kissing him.
What in the world?
Chris pulled her off and shoved her into the seat. Walking around he got in the driver's side and stared at her. Her head was lolled to one side already with deep even breaths coming out.
Chris started the engine with a shake of his head.
He just couldn't keep up with her.
Sam awoke to the sound of pounding on his door.
He glanced at his watch and sighed.
It was too early for this.
Wincing he stood and pulled a shirt on.
The pounding was louder if possible.
He swung the door open and stared into the beaming face of Andy.
"Can I come in?"
Sam opened the door wider and quickly shut it the instant she was inside. She looked adorable he thought. Her cheeks were rosy from the cold. Her eyes were dancing and she was smiling. He stared at her a moment…she was in a huge coat and couldn't seem to stand still shifting and hugging herself.
"Good morning McNally. Did you bring me breakfast?"
Andy shrugged.
"Sam…I just…I love you so much."
He stared at her. Andy unzipped her coat and pulled something from it.
Sam looked at it blankly as Andy continued.
"I got a labradoodle mutt from the-well pet store-the pound didn't have any. His name is Boo, Boo Radley…"
Andy held the puppy out to Sam.
He smiled slowly as he took the puppy from her. Instantly the puppy began licking his face. Sam just looked at the puppy then Andy and back again unable to stop smiling.
Andy grinned and motioned to the door.
"I bought some stuff for him…and I brought breakfast."
Sam nodded and held the door for her as she went in and out.
Together they found a place for a dog bed, newspaper and food. Sam set the puppy down and grinned as it gobbled its food. Slowly he stood back up wincing slightly.
Andy noticed.
"Can I see it?"
He nodded and pulled his shirt up.
Andy had seen it before of course…at the hospital but now as she looked at the wound and gently ran a finger over it Sam tried not to shiver. She was so close…and he hadn't even thanked her yet…
Andy looked up to see Sam's eyes searching hers. She smiled at him. As he leaned forward her phone alarm went off. Quickly Sam pulled away and opened the to go bag she had brought. Andy turned the alarm off and sighed.
"I have to go…parade."
Sam nodded.
"Thank you Andy…for Boo Radley."
She nodded.
"See you tonight."