"I really appreciate this," Sam said, looking at the Italian.
They had been walking for a couple of minutes and it wouldn't be long before they reached the hotel.
"No problemo," he smiled "she looked like she could use a helping hand."
"That's for sure," Sam murmured and looked at Diane in a bit of worry.
"She's going to be alright. She just had too much to drink," the guy said.
"You know how much?"
"I didn't keep count."
Sam nodded.
"She's a light drinker, you know" he smiled. He didn't know why he smiled.
"Where do you know her from?"
"Long story. But back from the US. She uh- She waitressed in my bar."
"You're a bar owner?"
"Yeah, I got one called Cheers in Boston."
"Well, if I ever come to Boston, I'll make sure to pay it a visit," the guy smiled.
"You're always welcome," Sam smiled back.
"Well, I believe that's it," he said pointing at a big building.
They stopped outside.
"You can do on your own from here. I'm pretty certain they speak English in there."
"Thank you so much for helping," Sam said as he carefully- without dropping Diane- shook the guy's hand.
"You very welcome-"
"Sam. Sam Malone."
"Alberto Martinez," the guy said shaking hands with Sam one last time.
Alberto left with a smile and Sam was on his own with Diane.
He managed to get a room while holding on to Diane. He then carried her up to their room to begin with and he then went for the suitcase.
He carefully laid her on the king size bed and made sure that if she was going to vomit, there would be a bucket right beside the bed. When he returned with the suitcase, she made some more indistinct noises, but she was far from being conscious. He spent minutes staring at her, trying to decide what to do next. She looked uncomfortable in her dress, and he decided to look for some comfortable clothes in her suitcase.
He found one of her less fancy nighties and picked it up. He then went to unzip her dress and pull it off. It took some time, because even though it needed strength to be pulled off, he had to be careful at the same time. At last it was off, and he could pull her in the loose nighty. When she was dressed for the night, he wondered what he should do. He hadn't brought any extra clothes to Italy. He had worn the same for a couple of days, and though he had taken one earlier at the land owner's place, he really felt like taking a shower, hoping that would fresh him up. He made sure she was comfortable in the bed before he entered the bathroom.
When he came out again, she had changed lying position, and he quickly went to turn her around so she wouldn't be able to be choked in her own vomit.
He decided it would be alright for him just to wear underpants. It wasn't like she would tell him to put on more clothes in her condition. Besides, it was hot like heck in there. Even though that was the case, she appeared to be freezing. He sat down in the bed and threw his legs up. He then gathered the large duvet and covered her with it. She was still white as a blanket and he felt the need to pull her close and warm her up with his own body heat. Soon enough the warmth from the duvet and him started to show on her face. Her cheeks were turning red.
Her head was resting on his chest, and his pounding heart moved it up and down, up and down.
He couldn't remember the last time he had held her so close besides the night she took off to Europe. He stroked her cheek and ran his fingers through her hair. It was such a nice feeling to have her so close again. Only occupied with breathing and holding her close, he was finally allowed- or had the time- to wonder, what had happened.
What the heck was she doing in a bar dancing on tables? Where was Frasier? How did the wedding go? Was she even a married woman?!
This, he checked by searching both her hands. No wedding ring.
She hadn't married Frasier after all. Maybe the guys were right. She did in fact want him to come and stop the wedding. But why the heck did she change the location then!? He had no logical chance to know where to find her. Something must have gone wrong. Maybe it wasn't her. Maybe it was Frasier who changed the location. Maybe he had been on to her. But if that was the case, why would he still be willing to marry her if it was against her wish? Was he that blinded by his affection toward her? His love for her?
Sam couldn't blame him if that was the case. No matter what the reason behind all of this was, he was so thrilled that she hadn't married Frasier…
That he had found her…That she was here with him now. He hadn't felt this relieved and happy in a long time.
He had no idea how he should approach the upcoming day. How would she react when she wakes up beside him? Will she be thrilled? Surprised? Horrified? He had no idea. The only thing he knew was that there must've been a reason behind it all. Why else would she even be thinking of going wild on a table in front of strangers? He had to know why. That was important.
But most importantly; her safety. She was safe. He wouldn't let anyone hurt her in any way. Including himself.
She made one of her noises, and he turned to look at her eyes, which were still closed.
She started mumbling, and he wondered if she was waking up or talking in her sleep.
She kept mumbling the same indistinct word. He listened patiently, trying to make out what she was saying. At last he got it.
"Sam."
TBC