Chapter 9

Samantha sat in the cab worrying about Olivia. She didn't have any kids of her own yet so Olivia meant a lot to her, she actually made her want kids of her own. The cab pulled up beside her apartment, paying the driver she stepped out and headed up stairs. When she got in she saw Martin asleep on the couch with the remote in his hand. She couldn't help but smile; she walked over turning off the TV and put a blanket over him.

"Hey Sam. When did you get back?" Martin asked squinting to adjust his eyes to the light

"Just now. How you feeling?" she asked kissing him on the cheek

"Mmmm. A lot better now." He replied nuzzling her neck

Sam lay down beside him needing his warmth even if he was slightly contagious.

"You ok?" he asked feeling her hold onto him tightly

"They found Nicole."

"They did?"

"She's dead. Suicide apparently

"Oh god. How's Olivia taking it?"

"Not very well. She cried herself to sleep."

"She's had a rough week."

Samantha sighed heavily

"Sam are you ok?"

"I'm just worried about how she's going to cope with all this. If Nicole killed herself because of what happened to her I don't think she'll forgive herself."

"She'll get through this Sam. She has Danny, and us. I know she sees you as a role model."

"You really think so?" Sam asked looking up at him

"I know so. She told me last year. It was when I was looking after her when she had chickenpox."

"Olivia please stop scratching. You'll only make it worse." Martin pleaded with her for the umpteenth time that day

"But it's really itchy Marty."

"You want me to go get you some boxing gloves to wear then?" Martin said threatening her

"No. I'll stop."

Martin smiled

"So, have you asked Sam out yet?"

"What?" Martin asked

"Oh come on. I've seen the way you look at each other. You should do it."

"Olivia, I don't know…"

"She's really great you know."

"Yeah I do. So, you guys spend a lot of time together?"

"Yeah. She's good for all the girly stuff that my dad is hopeless at. It's easier when she's around cos I don't think about my mom as much." Olivia replied looking down

Martin looked over at her. He had only known her for a little while but they got on really well. He saw her smile fade when she mentioned her mom.

"Olivia, you ok?" he asked when he heard her sniffling

"Yeah it's just hard talking about her." Olivia said resting her head on his shoulder

Martin put his arm round her. He was glad to know that she felt she could talk to him now.

"Thanks Martin." Sam said kissing him lightly on the lips.

"You're welcome." He said smiling at her

Samantha rested her head on his chest and they fell asleep in each others' arms.