CHAPTER 25
SAM'S P.O.V.
My house warming party. It's exciting every time I say it. Searching for a new place was hell but with a little help from Buck. I have found the cutest house that surprisingly isn't crazy expensive being that it's in Los Angeles.
The realtor, who is a friend of Athena's and a great sales person, told me how lucky I am to have found such a neat place at its price because they're expected to go up in the upcoming years. I had to use some of my savings but it was worth it. Plus, I saved up for years while in high school and college and I never had a money problem. I kept up with my bills and knew how to manage my finances.
I fell in love with the cute bungalow at first sight and knew it had to be mine. It had two bedrooms which wasn't what I was looking for but now I could have a spare for when my mom and dad visit which will be soon with my birthday coming up.
Those are details I have yet to tell Evan. He has no idea I'm a November baby or that my parents will be here but I'm not big on birthdays. My parents, however, it's nerve wrecking thinking about introducing them to Evan.
They have only ever met one guy and that was Dylan. My stepdad wasn't a big fan of him and I never understood why in the beginning. I was blinded by his charm. My mother is too sweet to tell me she doesn't approve of someone and only wants me to be happy.
I steal a glance over to Buck who was concentrated on a spot on the wall. He took the paintbrush and glided it down, then up and back down. He kept on until there was no white left to see. I pray my parents love him as much as I do and they're honest about it.
"Babe you got some paint on your nose" I chuckle. Buck gives me a huh before bringing his thumb across the bridge of his nose which had lilac paint on it.
"Oh my god you're a mess" I put my tools down and walk over to him.
"Come here" I wait for him to lower his head so I can actually reach his face. I pull a cloth out from my pocket and gently wipe away the paint from his nose. He laughs at himself for getting more paint on his face.
"Man, painting is therapeutic but also so much work" he says.
"You're doing a great job. I probably would've given up after the first walk and it still needs like two more coats." We've been painting my room all morning. I didn't want any color in here but Gigi, Evan and Eddie forced me to add some life into this house. They suggested the guest room to be painted a very light blue color. I think it'll be okay left with a beige color which they said was boring. I can never win with those three.
"Gigi is coming over later to help with the guest room. I don't know how I would've done this without you three. honestly this house would've probably looked like a disaster for a few months before I decided to do anything to it." I says
"We know" Evan says.
"Heyyyy" I pout up at him. He kisses my forehead making my face light up.
"So, the party. When are you planning it for?" Evan resumes his painting, his tongue slightly sticking out. This man is taking this too seriously but I love how he wants to make sure my room comes out perfect. We're not professional painters but so far, I think we've done a great job.
"Hmm not sure. It all depends on how fast we can get everything done. I still don't have decorations for anything; the kitchen, living room, guest room, the patio!"
"Don't worry, I got you love. I'll stop by with Eddie and we will finish whatever you need while you're at work. " He says
"You don't have to spend your free time on helping me"
"I want to, it's no big deal. I want you to feel at home here. To feel happy and safe."
My entire body feels weak. In a good way. His need to make sure I feel happy and safe under this room when in reality I already feel at home and find safety not in these four walls but in him. I smile to myself as I pick up my pro painter.
"Is it just me or we need a little bit of music up in here" Buck snaps his fingers and sways his hips as he walks over to his Bluetooth speaker. I shake my head in laughter watching him dance across the room.
Buck goes into his playlist and presses shuffle. "WOOO yes baby here we go!" He shouts with excitement as 'Dive' by Coast Modern starts blasting through the speaker. Buck slides across the room nearly losing his balance and I can't help but bend over laughing my ass off at him and he joins me.
"Shit! Almost busted my ass" he says. His hands wrap around my waist as he tries moving me with him. My head falls back as I try to tell him I don't know how to dance.
"Bullshit" he calls me out.
"Just feel the music babe, feel it" he kisses my neck. I roll my eyes but give in.
We jump around the room like two kids who have no rhythm but are having fun laughing with each other. This is happiness. Moments like this are what matter the most to me and bring me so much joy. The invisible things.
"I love house warming parties!" Amanda throws her arm around my neck.
"I'm so glad you found a new place and I can't wait to see it" she added
"Me too!" I tell her. She's still smiling at me when we pull away from each other. Her eyes are wide with excitement. Fuck. I find myself questioning if we should tell her.
But how can I be her friend and keep this from her? I want to protect her but she isn't a child. It's up to her to decide what she can and can't handle, not me. If roles were reversed, I'd definitely want her to tell me if she found out Savannah was sleeping with Buck behind my back. The thought of that ever happening makes my blood boil. I wouldn't be the one needing protection. That would he Savannah and Buck because I would kill them both. Well not literally but they wouldn't want to be around me.
"Are you going with us tonight too? Gigi and Mazzey told me going into Manny's tonight everyone is gone. I could use one of those" I say.
"Of course, I'm going with you guys. I'll tell Tyler I'm staying at yours, I've been staying over at his apartment a lot lately" she grins.
"Oh" is all I say. I open my mouth again but nothing comes out.
"We haven't done anything yet" Amanda reassures me.
"I told him I want to wait until it felt right and he totally understood. Things are so great" she tucks a piece of hair that escaped from her ponytail.
I nod my head but still can't manage to say anything. The look on her face makes this harder. She looks happy and the way her eyes glisten when she says his name.
"That's great, I'm so happy that you two uh are taking things slow" I finally manage to say.
"Yeah. He makes me happy" she blushes. Her pager goes off ending our conversation. "Dr. Riley needs me. Hopefully our kid is okay." Amanda has been working in Peds quiet a lot lately. I think she'd be great in that field. She loves kids.
"I got to go, see you tonight?" She raises her eyebrows talking about Manny's. I nod my head and watch her walk away.
I search the hospital looking for Tyler. I've been avoiding him but now I need to talk to him. After a several minutes of no luck I finally find him in the cafeteria. When he spots me, his face goes pale? He knows I'm looking for him. I mouth 'come here' to him and once he gets close enough, I turn around and walk out knowing he will follow me. I stop next to an on-call room. Funny how I'd drag him to where I found him with Savannah.
"You're so stupid!" I whisper harshly.
"Do you know how in love Amanda is with you, idiot! And you go and do the worst thing you could possibly do to her" my face is hot. Tyler is up against the wall staring at me.
"Savannah? Really? The one girl who is the reason why Amanda is so insecure and is constantly putting herself down"
"No, I know b-" Tyler was interrupted
"Shut up I'm not done talking" I point a finger at him. He can't even look at me. Coward.
"I plan on telling her because obviously you can't be a decent human being and be honest with her. You have her thinking everything is perfect between you two while you're banging that fucking-" I stop myself from calling her a bitch. I take a deep breathe in.
"Is it because Amanda doesn't want to sleep with you yet? Because she wants to wait?"
"No! Samantha listen to me, I love Amanda"
"Do you?" I scoff. "That's why you slept with Savannah?"
"I. I can explain"
"What are you waiting for?" I roll my neck. I could punch him. Actually, I could knee him since I'm positioned right in front of him and all it would take is one swift move. Tyler stands there gaze still not on me, quiet. I chuckle.
"I'm disappointed in you, Ty." His face drops.
"I don't know what I was thinking. She kept pushing herself onto me and"
"You couldn't say no?"
"No, I mean no. Fuck" he bangs his head against the wall.
"I regret it. Amanda is sweet. I love her" Tyler added
"The best thing that could ever happen to you. A girl who adores and loves you so much she can't think bad of you. And you decided to ruin the one good thing all for what? Sex with someone who gives it to anyone who looks at her?" I throw my shoulders back. Tears fill his eyes but I'm not feeling pity for him. He did this to himself.
"I love you Ty but I can't look at you the same. Amanda is my best friend and I will be there for her. I will be on her side. Sorry" I said
"I never meant to hurt her, Sam. I mean it." Tyler replied
"It's too late for that." I don't give him a chance to say anything else as I walk away not even looking back to him.
I saw the girls inside the Bar waiting for me.
"Hi! Girls" I greeted
"Where's Buck? I thought his with you?" Gigi asks
"Yeah! He's just parking outside" I said as Buck enters the bar and find Samantha and the other girls.
"Oh! There he is! "Gigi asks as she point towards to the man walking straight where are their seats located
"Hi girls, Hi G! I invited my friends too. I don't think they are here yet?" Buck replied
"Oh! Really? The more the merrier. I like Chimney's Stories though~" Gigi said
"oh! Here they are!" Buck said as he waves at the four people entering the door, Chimney, Maddie, Hen and Eddie
"Hi!" They greeted.
Our glasses clink against one another before we all throw our heads back welcoming the sting of alcohol in the back of our throats. I slam my glass shot down first; I can imagine there's a sour look on my face.
"That shit was a bit strong but I liked it" I chuckle.
"Girl me too" Mazzey leans into me.
"Me three" Gigi smiles
."It was gross" Amanda whines and we all laugh.
"I'm going to grab a drink from the bar!" I dismiss myself from our table and take a seat in one of the empty stools at the bar. Manny's is empty tonight but it's nice. No crazies in here tonight.
"Hey babes, usual?" Alex asks me when he sees me.
"You already know" I wink at Alex earning a smile from him. He's passing me my frozen margarita across the bar and I catch it.
"Thank you, my love," I say to him.
"I'll be back for another real soon" I raise my drink up to him and he blows me a kiss. I walk back towards my table and I'm greeted by a bubbly Gigi. She got a head start on the drinks tonight and is clearly tipsy.
"Look at my bestie. She is so damn beautiful" She's swaying in her seat. I sit back down and let her lean her weight on me.
"I love you Samantha" she smiles.
"I love you too, G" I'm about to take a sip of my frozen drink when someone falls over and nearly knocks me out my seat.
"What the fuck?" I say when some of my drink ends up on my clothes. "Damn it!"
"You good?" Someone asks but it isn't anyone from our table. I turn around and find Savannah trying to pick herself up, a blonde next to her side helping her up.
When Savannah is back up on her feet, she looks at all of us. Her eyes are slightly red. She's definitely drunk.
I hear Gigi mumble under her breathe. The others are just staring at her. Why does it always go this way at Manny's? Everything goes smoothly until Savannah shows up.
"Aww you girls look so cute" Savannah slurs her words. She can barely keep her eyes open. Her friend is holding her up looking at us. I have never seen her around before.
"Come on Sav, let's get you home" The blonde tries dragging her away but she doesn't budge. Her eyes are glued on Amanda. A devious smile splits her lips. My body tenses up.
"No, I wa-wanna stay with my Umm f-friends, hey" Savannah squeezes between me and Gigi, leaning across the table and looking at Amanda. Amanda shifts uncomfortably in her seats
"Hey Amanda" Savannah giggles.
"Can you get your friend out of here?" I shoot a glare at the blonde.
"I'm trying" she snaps back.
"Try harder" I said
"Oh my god can you move!" Gigi shoves Savannah who nearly falls over again. Her friend catches her and shoots Gigi a look.
"Seriously?" The blondes face is red.
"I'm okay Vickie I'm okay" Savannah pushes her friend away and adjusts her leather jacket. Her eyes fall back on Amanda.
There's this feeling in the pit of my stomach and I don't like it. Savannah looks around at the table before walking over to Amanda who was sitting across from me.
She puts her arm around Amanda's shoulder. Amanda looks at all of us in confusion. Mazzey scoots her chair closer to Amanda and leans across her, her brows raised.
"Can we help you, Savannah?" Mazzey cocks her head.
"Yeah, I had a question for Amanda" Savannah looks over to me grinning.
"Where's Ty at tonight?" Savannah asks
Gigi looks over to me with wide eyes but my eyes stay on Savannah. I give her the coldest look possible warning her to leave.
"It's Vickie" she corrects me.
"I don't care." I said
"Sav, come on. It's obvious these aren't your friends" Vickie says. Savannah brushes her off.
"Relax Vickie. Anyways, how come Ty isn't here?"
"He wasn't up to going out tonight" Amanda says quietly but loud enough for us to hear. My hands ball up into fists under the table. Savannah pouts.
"Aww. That's weird he's usually up for anything" She laughs. Amanda looks up at her
"He was tired" she says.
"Really? I wonder why" Savannah asks
"Savannah." Gigi's voice is cold.
"What Gigi, does your friend not know?" Savannah pushes it.
"Know what?" Amanda looks at Gigi who's staring at Savannah. I get up from my seat and walk over to Savannah. She's a few inches taller than me so I have to look up but I stare right into her eyes letting her know I'm serious.
"Leave." I said
"And if I don't want to?" She challenges me.
"I'll drag you out myself." I replied
Savannah throws her head back holding her stomach. Her face turns a light shade of pink as she laughs.
"Cute Sam, cute."
"Alright we need to get you out of here" Vickie tries pulling Savannah away but fails yet again.
"No, I want to tell Amanda about Tyler."
"What is she talking about?" Amanda asks looking around at all of us.
"Amanda" I put my hand on her shoulder.
"I promise I was going to tell you but just not now" I said
"Tell me what?" Her voice is soft. I look at her with sad eyes. I can't tell her this right now.
"I don't think"
"Sam just tell me" her voice is a bit shaky.
"What does Savannah want to tell me? What did Tyler do!?"
"Tyler isn't as perfect as you think he is. Yeah, Sam tells her I thought the four of you are BEST FRIENDS! Best Friends don't keep secrets! " Savannah blurts out. Amanda's lip's part.
"What the hell do you mean? Yeah, Sam she has a point"
"I mean-"
"Vickie get her out" I say to her but she just stands there with her arms crossed.
"I- me and uh Tyler" Savannah covers her mouth to stop herself from laughing. How does she think this is funny? I look over to Gigi who's on her feet now. Mazzey is quiet not knowing what the hell is going on. We didn't tell her. I watch as Amanda's face falls when she slowly starts to realize what Savannah is referring to.
"We've uh... you know, slept together, and not just once and your friend here" she points to me. "Caught us the other day so uh. yeah, we're not a secret anymore. Oops" Savannah shrugs. Gigi and I look at each other and Amanda is looking at us.
"Is this true? You already know! And you didn't tell me?! I thought you are my friends! " Her voice cracks. Damn it.
"We were going to tell you but we were waiting until-" Gigi said
"You know it too?! Samantha, you cared to tell Gigi?! But not me?! "Amanda said
"Mazzey didn't know" I say before she could ask Mazzey anything.
"I told Gigi and we couldn't tell you while you at work because we know how much this would hurt you... we wanted to do it while we were all together so you wouldn't go home alone and..." I pause. A look of pain flashes across Amanda's face making my heart drop.
"Alright ladies this was fun but time for me to go home. Vickie come on. I'm bored now" Savannah snickers.
All I see is red before I lose control. I don't remember how it happened but the next thing I knew is I was being pulled off Savannah.
"Hey! Buck! I think Sam and the Girls are fighting with some Random Chick in the bar? "Chimney said
"No! no! It's not a random chick! It's Savannah! Don't she dare lay a hand on my Girl. "Buck replied as he ran towards to the bar. As he pulls Samantha away from the cat fight.
"Let go of me!" I scream. I look down to the tan muscled arms that are wrapped around my waist.
"Quit fighting" Buck said. When the hell did, he get here? I give it one last try before I let my body relax. Once Buck feels I am not tensed up and hitting his arms, he releases me. I fix the hair out of my face as I turn to face him. The look on his face tells me he isn't so pleased right now. His jaw is clenched and his eyes are narrow.
"Fighting in a bar baby? Seriously?" He says sternly.
"She deserves it" I respond, not looking at him directly in his eyes. But there is a possibility I can get kicked out of this bar. I catch Alex looking at me from behind the bar with a wild expression on his face as he couldn't believe what unfolded before him.
Honestly neither could I but Savannah has been looking for it and she had no right to come here and ruin the night for everyone, especially Amanda. What does she gain from hurting Amanda? She has done nothing to Savannah but that's the kind of person she is.
I walk over to Amanda who has tears streaming down her face. Gigi and Mazzey are by her side holding her as they all look at me.
Across the bar is Vickie dragging Savannah out the entrance but you can hear her screaming even from the back of the bar.
"I swear to god Vickie, I will kill her!" Her voice slowly starts fading out as Vickie gives her a good push out the building, disappearing past the rustic doors. Something she should have done in the first place when I told her to.
"Amanda" I say. I reach for her hand. She's trembling. Her glossy eyes avoid mines.
"Don't you dare go near me! You are not my Friend anymore! I don't want to hear your explanations! " Her eyes are to the ground now, chin trembling.
"I'm so sorry, I know we should've told you sooner but I guess we were just thinking it was best to wait...though that wasn't our decision to make."
Amanda wipes her hand across her nose. When she looks up at me, I notice how red and puffy her eyes were. Her cheeks were wet. My heart sank even lower.
"No. I don't know. I just don't want to see you for now Sam" her voice gives out. Gigi holds her tighter.
"We're sorry baby. I hate that she did this to you" Gigi says softly.
"I can't believe Ty would do this to her" Mazzey says. Amanda breathes in at the mention of his name.
"G! get her home" I suggest, looking around to find eyes on us. I don't want them to see her breakdown even more. Amanda shakes her head while covering her mouth to avoid any louder sobs from escaping. Seeing Amanda in this state is painful. She deserves so much more.
"I will take care of her don't worry. I will talk to her" Gigi said
"Baby? " Buck's deep voice calls out to me. I twist my body towards his direction give him a puzzled look but he only motions me over. I sigh and tell the girls I'll see them tomorrow which they nod before walking out the front doors too, all holding on to Amanda who's in a daze.
"Yes?!" I say a bit too harshly then I realize it's Buck.
"I'm Sorry. I'm just pissed off about what happen" I said
"Yeah, I know you're better than that." Is all he says with a straight face.
"I'm sorry?" My arms cross over my chest as I wait for him to elaborate. Better than standing up for my best friend?
"Fighting in a bar is not professional"
"You let Savannah get to you tonight. It's what she wanted and you gave her the reaction she was looking for." His soft ocean blue eyes tell me I know he is somewhat right. Savannah came here looking for a fight. And she got one.
I cry at Buck.
"My Friend is mad at me! "I said
"Shhh. Let's go to our table first" Buck said I nod.
"Hey! What happened back there?" Hen asks
"Gigi and the others left already" Maddie added
"Yeah, one of your friends is crying what happened?" Eddie asks
"Hey! Let Sam calm down first before we ask her question" Chimney said
"yeah, ahmm. That Savannah told Amanda that her Boyfriend is hooking up with her" Buck said
"and my Girl here she's the one who first knows it. But she chose not to tell Amanda yet" he continues
"It's not your Fault Sam. "Hen said
"He is right, her Boyfriend should be the one tells her not you" Chimney added
"Don't be sad. I know your friend will understand it. Not now of course she's mad at you but eventually she will come around" Maddie said
"Yeah Sam. Maddie is right" Eddie said
"I know. I'm just really mad at Savannah "Sam replied wiping away her tears
"Savannah? Is that the girl comes to our station? To Invite you to some sort of party?" Chimney asks
"Yeah. The night of the Gala. That's the First and Last time I'm with her" Buck said
"I don't like her" Hen said
"Me neither" Maddie added
"There's something's off about her. Buck be careful to that girl" Eddie commented
"Yeah, I Know." Buck said
"Yeah, that girl knows to be a slut. I'm sorry for the word. But she's known to sleep with any other guys or flirts" I said
"Ugg! I'm not in the mood anymore" I added
"Baby? You want to go home?" Buck, ask I nodded.
"See you around Sam. Don't be stress about what happen today. She will forgive you soon let her be for a while. or talk to her when the situations calm down" Hen said
"Thank you, guys. Iloveyou all" I said
"Be careful. Buck take care of her, ok?" Maddie said
"Yes, I will. See you guys at the station tomorrow" Buck said
This is not the good day for me. I hope Amanda will forgive me. And hear my explanations. As soon as we got back to my apartment. I told Buck to stay with me for the night, and he agrees and I try to left a message to Gigi, to ask how's Amanda. She said Amanda is still upset and mad. Better to talk to her tomorrow. And she also told not to think more about it. She knows Amanda will forgive eventually because she's a sweet girl.