Something Fishy
"Order's up," Sam announced from the kitchen, placing a large stack of pancakes on the counter. Fiona turned around in shock.
"Sam? What are you doing back there?" she asked suspiciously.
"Just working on my cooking skills," she replied with a fake smile. Hopefully, she wouldn't come back here. Realizing that she needed back up, Bobby quickly chimed in.
"Um...yeah. I was teaching her to make pancakes...with salmon," he explained, while holding the fish in his hands. Sam turned Gabriella and Brianna.
"How was the dance, girls?" she asked casually. They looked at her in confusion. They were almost certain they saw Sam sitting in Austin's car with him. How is this possibly? Gabriella wondered.
"There's something that stinks around here. And it's not the fish!" Fiona yelled. "I don't know what it is, but I'm going to find out sooner or later," she continued, walking over to Rhonda to search for anything out of the ordinary. Finding nothing, she frowned. "You're gonna get it. Come on, girls." With that, they walked out of the diner, Brianna and Gabriella still debating whether to believe Sam. Sam let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness they're too stupid to catch on, she thought to herself. As the door slammed shut, Rhonda gave a Sam big thumbs' up. Sam let out another sigh of relief and looked down at the bottom half of her dress.
"Rhonda, that was too close. You can thank Austin for getting me as quick as he did," she stated. Rhonda smiled.
"Well, tell Mr. Prince Charming I said thank you," she responded as Sam walked out of the kitchen.
"I definitely will," she replied with a giggle. Rhonda grinned at the giggle from Sam when she mentioned Austin. I've never seen her this gaga over a guy before. Time for her to share the details, she thought.
"So, how was your date?" she asked curiously. Sam blushed.
"Oh, my god, Rhonda. He couldn't have planned a better evening. The steak dinner I had was incredible and the romantic dance under the stars. It was like my own fairytale came to life!" she gushed, as everyone gathered closer.
"That's so awesome, Sam. No one deserves it more then you!" Eleanor said with a smile.
"Thanks, Eleanor. It was the most fun I've had since my Dad died," she replied, looking down at the floor and thinking all the fun times they could've had if he was still around. God, I miss him, she thought. Then, she thought of Shelby's reaction and became terrified of what the girl could possibly do to get back at her. What if she does something to screw things with Austin? I know she's going to, she thought to herself. Sam began sat down at one of the bar stools and began to cry. Rhonda wrapped her arms around Sam as she began to tear up.
"Your Dad was an amazing person. I'm so glad you were able have a fun for a change," she told her. They pulled away from each other and Sam wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Thanks, Rhonda. But I was actually crying because I'm scared about what Shelby could do," she admitted.
"What? Who's Shelby?" the older woman asked, placing her hands on her hips.
"Austin's ex-girlfriend. She confronted us tonight and I finally stood up to her. I just don't want her to screw things up with me and Austin," she replied.
"Well, what did Austin do when she confronted you guys?" Bobby wondered.
"He did exactly what I hoped he'd do: backed me up one-hundred percent," Sam answered.
"So, what are you worried about?" Eleanor wondered.
"Yeah, doesn't that show you he won't turn on you? Austin seems like a very nice young man. I'm glad you were able to be strong and not back down from this girl. That makes me so proud," Rhonda agreed.
The others nodded and made similar statements.
"I know," Sam said with a sigh. "It's that I have to see her at school everyday. I mean, our lockers are within feet of each other." Rhonda nodded. Sam was right. Things could get ugly. But before Sam could continue, she heard her cell beep and looked down at the phone. "It's Austin," she commented as Rhonda leaned over to read what the text message said.
"Well, what did he say?" asked Eleanor.