Clean Slate ch5

The kettle whistled, startling Lucky. Sam took it off the stove and poured the boiling water in the coffee press. The boiling water mingled with the fresh ground coffee set off an aroma that filled the kitchen.

"You are just like my father. He never misses a chance to remind me of my Spencer genes," Lucky said.

"That really was a joke you know," Sam said apologetically. "I didn't mean to imply that being a Spencer meant being unlawful."

"Maybe that's what it really means. Even if that's not what you're saying." Lucky said, thinking about Sam's plight.

"I don't think I ever got to thank you properly for what you did for me and Jason. I'd be in jail if it weren't for you. You risked your career; for someone you barely know, on top of that."

But Lucky knew her more than she thought. He thought about her more than she realized. She really did remind him of his father, Luke. Tough and relentless in their pursuit of what they wanted, be it treasure or justice or love. "I just stood up for what was right," he replied.

"Lucky, that's exactly what makes you a Spencer."

He smiled a little at her. Lately, when he thought of his relation to his father, it was always in a negative light. But here was a woman who was almost a little female version of his father - sexier of course. He looked at the grilled-cheese sandwich he had made for himself and was embarrassed by his lack of manners. His mother would have slapped his head for being so thoughtless. "Would you like a grilled-cheese sandwich, Sam?" he asked.

"Mm. That looks good. Yes. I would love a grilled-cheese sandwich, Spence." Sam said eagerly.

He turned the stove on and began assembling the sandwich. Meanwhile, Sam poured coffee for both of them. They sat in the kitchen and silently devoured their meal.

"Midnight snacks are really bad," Sam said.

"They sure are," Lucky responded with his mouth full. "Sam?"

"Spence?"

He opened his mouth, the sandwich still in his mouth.

"Gross."

"That'll teach you to call me Spence."

Sam laughed, "Okay... Spence."

Lucky groaned.

"I swear, that was the last time. What was that noise you just made anyway?"

"I don't know. It's either an old man or an old dog."

Lucky looked at Sam, taking the last bite.

"You are so different from Ali. It's amazing to see the same face with a completely different persona. I mean, I just watched you eat that sandwich in a way I could never imagine Ali would."

"She is a bit delicate. It's weird seeing her and-"

Lucky watched some bread crumbs on the corner of her mouth waiting for it to fall on it's own. But he couldn't take it anymore and reached out to wipe it off.

Lucky's sudden touch stunned Sam.

She continued, a bit embarrassed, "Sorry. I get sloppy when I'm hungry."

"No worries. It's a bit of a relief. Ali's such a neat freak. And eating with her is like eating with Nicolas. I end up watching them half the time - just awed by the way they eat."

Sam laughed again, "I know! It's like a show. I tried to get her to eat craw fish at Loos Gnaw and she practically ran from the restaurant."

"You took her to Lisa Gnaw? That creole seafood shack?"

Sam nodded her head.

"On Hollow Road?" Lucky continued. "How do you know about that place?"

"Jason and I were out on his bike and we decided to go as far as we could... before everything that happened."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up."

"Well, lately it's kind of the elephant in the room everywhere I go."

"Sam, I hope you don't think that I was avoiding you or being insensitive lately. When Ali told me what happened with you and Jason - I figured the last thing you need-"

"It's okay, Lucky. I've come to terms with it... maybe not. The reason I'm down here in the first place was because I couldn't sleep, but it's hardly because of that crappy bed upstairs that's keeping me awake."

"Why don't I go upstairs with you and we can trade beds. I barely use the thing."

"Lucky..." Sam looked down trying to hold her tears back. Lucky's selflessness towards her as of late had really made an impression on her and it hit her hard. True generosity and selflessness was always hard to come by throughout her life. It had made her wonder about Laura Spencer and she wanted to meet the woman who raised such a child as Lucky. As happy as she was for Alicia's relationship with him, she began to develop the uneasy feeling that her spoiled bratty twin might not be good enough for a man such as Lucky. She was surprised when they got together. Sam had always thought that she was more like Lucky's type. But as always, she kicked herself for even thinking that way.

"You don't have to do that," Sam said.

"I insist."

"We're gonna make a lot of noise dragging your bed into my pathetic little room"

"Okay, that is a bad idea now that I think about it. Here, take my keys and drool on my pillow all you want. I swear, the linens are clean. I've been sleeping at Ali's lately."

"Lucky, that is really too much. I can't."

He grabbed her hand and forced her to take his keys. "I won't take no for an answer."

"Lucky... thank you. Okay."

"Alright. Now go. Go before this coffee wears off and I change my mind."

"I'm gonna help you clean up."

"No. Go upstairs."

"Fine. Here you go." Sam handed Lucky his keys back. "I won't be needing these."

Lucky looked at here confused.

"I've got my paper clip," Sam said and winked at him.

Lucky watched her leave the kitchen and laughed silently to himself. That girl.