Chapter 7: "Surprise Me" (S2, Ep 5)

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Cassie had been standing with John outside after the archaeology dinner they'd attended, moments after she had found out that he and his long-distance girlfriend had broken up.

After John had draped his jacket over Cassie's shoulders for warmth, he was looking intensely into her eyes, clearly hoping for a more intimate moment than she wanted.

She stood still and smiled at him while she contemplated what to say next. That's when the phone rang in her purse, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect.

She was going to answer it no matter who it was, just for the interruption, so it was a bonus when it happened to be someone that she was genuinely excited to hear from.

Half an hour later, she was sitting with Sam at the Bistro chatting over a late night snack of cake and wine. Cassie listened as he talked about Linda, Nick, and the situation that had been unfolding in their house.

Sam took a sip of his wine, and set the glass down on the table. "You know, Nick actually asked me if Linda and I ever got along," he said. "Because he couldn't remember us ever not fighting."

"And how'd you feel about that question?" Cassie calmly asked. She already knew the answer, and could tell that he wanted to talk about it.

"It stung a little," Sam admitted in a disheartened tone. "A lot actually. That's the childhood memory I gave my son, his parents fighting all the time? He has no good memories of us as a family growing up?"

"You've given him plenty of great memories, Sam," Cassie told him. "One not-so-perfect memory doesn't negate all of the other wonderful ones. The older he gets, the more he's going to realize and appreciate how amazing a father you are."

Sam smiled. Very few things in life made him feel as good as her praise. "Thanks."

"And you're great with Grace, too," Cassie added sincerely. "I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for her. First with teaching her how to drive, and now with the internship. You're amazing, Sam… you're kind and compassionate and thoughtful, and just incredibly generous."

Sam stared at her expectantly for a moment, waiting for more compliments. "And…" he prompted her. "Keep going."

Cassie smiled. "Uh, and… a brilliant doctor?"

Sam shrugged. "I guess I'll take that. I was looking for charming, witty, or handsome, but I guess a professional compliment is also nice."

"And let's not forget humble," Cassie said with a smirk.

They both laughed, and then Sam added, "But in all seriousness, Grace is fantastic. It's easy to want to do nice things for such a great kid."

"Thank you," Cassie said sincerely. "She is a great kid, I'm very lucky."

"She's pretty lucky, too, to have you as a mom," Sam told her.

Cassie smiled, took a sip of her wine, and then set it back on the table. "So, I'm going to assume that the answer to Nick's question was yes, right? You and Linda probably got along at some point, at least long enough to decide to get married."

"Yeah, we did," Sam confirmed. "And then eventually we changed, and the relationship changed. We started arguing about everything." Sam exhaled a deep sigh, and picked at his cake with his fork for a moment. "And then, as you already know, she looked for attention elsewhere." He ate a forkful of cake and then leaned back in his chair.

Cassie frowned apologetically. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up."

"It's okay," Sam replied. "It is what it is. Nick doesn't know about that, though. All he knows is that we argued then, and we still argue now." He nodded toward her. "I'm guessing you've never had that problem."

"What problem?"

"A person in your life who you can't stop arguing with," Sam replied. "I honestly can't picture you fighting with anyone about anything. You always approach everything so calmly and rationally."

"Yes, I try to," Cassie confirmed.

"I'm trying to get better at that myself," Sam said. "I think you're rubbing off on me."

"You don't seem to struggle with that, from what I see," Cassie said. "You usually seem pretty calm and rational."

"That's just an act I put on for you," Sam joked. "That's not the real me."

Cassie smiled. "Ah, now the truth comes out. What about the kindness and compassion and all those other great qualities I've been seeing?"

"All an act just to impress you and make you think I'm the perfect man," Sam replied in jest. "Is it working?"

Cassie drew her bottom lip into her mouth between her teeth, still smiling at him. She nodded gently and replied, "It is."

Sam smiled at her. "Good. I've accomplished my goal."

Cassie shook her head slightly, still smiling.

"And just so you know," Sam said, in a playfully accusatory tone. "This whole act you've been putting on where you pretend to be positive all the time and a great listener and helpful to everyone in the town just to make me think that you're the perfect woman?" He leaned toward her as he finished with, "It's one hundred percent working."

Cassie's smile widened, both amused at his antics and touched by his sentiment. "Well, I guess I've accomplished my goal then, too."

Sam nodded. "Yup."

They smiled at each other for a moment before they both started finishing up their last few bites of cake.

Sam was still surprised that she was even sitting across from him. He knew she'd gone to a work function with John, and he'd called her to ask if she was back home yet, hoping to stop over for tea and a chat. And she wasn't home, but she must have sensed that he needed to talk, so she suggested meeting at the Bistro.

He'd wanted to see her to help relieve the stress he felt from everything that had been going on with Linda. Cassie had become his cure for stress, a medicine that did the trick every time. He felt relaxed and happy and calm in her presence, and he couldn't remember what his life was like before he had her in it as that source of happiness.

Sam's thoughts were interrupted when Stephanie walked up to their table. "How are you guys? You need anything else?"

Sam looked at Cassie. "Do you want some more wine, or maybe some tea?"

"Oh, no, thanks, I'm good," Cassie replied, then looked from Sam to Stephanie. "The cake was extra delicious tonight."

"I second that," Sam said to Stephanie. "I think we're gonna call it a night."

"Okay, I'll leave this here," Stephanie said, placing the bill on the table before she walked away.

Cassie reached for the bill, but Sam grabbed it first. "I'm the one who suggested we meet here," Cassie pointed out. "I should pay."

"Nope," was Sam's short reply as he pulled out his wallet.

"At least let me split it with you," Cassie offered.

"Nope." Sam started pulling out some cash and dropped it on the table. "Too late, already paid."

Cassie smiled amusedly. "Okay, fine, you win this time."

"It's my way of thanking you for always being such a good listener. I feel like I should be paying you as a therapist sometimes."

"Not necessary. That's what friends are for, Sam," Cassie told him. "And you reciprocate by listening to me in return, so that's payment enough."

Sam skeptically tilted his head to the side. "I think the listening and advice-giving ratio has been a little unbalanced so far. You need more problems for me to listen to so I can catch up to all the listening you've done."

"Or you just need less problems," Cassie countered with a smile.

"Even better idea," Sam replied with a laugh. He pulled his napkin from his lap and dropped it on the table. "Ready to head out?"

Cassie nodded. "All set." She nodded to her empty wine glass and plate. "Thanks for the snack."

Sam smiled. "Anytime." He grabbed the bill and cash, and they dropped it off to Stephanie at the counter before heading out.

They continued chatting as they walked outside toward their cars. When Sam suggested an outing for just the two of them, he was relieved at how quickly she agreed.

He felt like things were starting to shift for them. Maybe it was just hopefulness, but during the hour they'd just spent together, it seemed like they were starting to move to another level. They were getting so comfortable with each other, and the looks and smiles they shared spoke volumes.

He knew he had to make the surprise outing special, that it was going to be more than just an outing between friends. He had a feeling that it could end up being what they'd look back on and consider their first date.

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