Chapter 20
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Martin was a nervous wreck. He had made sure to arrive before the team because while he was physically progressing faster than anyone could have hoped, he was still a bit slow moving and tired easily. For their little reunion he wanted to appear 100. He wanted to show them that he was the same Martin he was two months ago; whether he really felt like him or not.
He thought back to his phone conversation with Sam the night before. The decision to call her was a sudden one, courtesy of Sam Adams a.k.a. liquid courage in a bottle. He had been sitting on the deck and decided that it might be easier seeing her if they talked on the phone first. And remarkably, it only took him three tries to finally dial her number. When he had heard her voice on the other end of the line it was like a homecoming; warm and familiar.
He tried to keep it light – he didn't want to get into a heavy discussion on the phone. He just wanted to check in and see how everyone was doing so when he saw them in person he wouldn't feel like he was the odd man out. He would know some of what they were talking about; kinda like doing a background check before an interview. At least that is the rationalization he gave himself. It wasn't just an excuse to talk to Sam.
He was relieved that Sam knew him well enough to not press him; she sensed he wanted the phone conversation to be upbeat so she kept the tone light, something he was extremely grateful for.
They had stayed on the phone for over an hour talking about Danny, Viv, Jack, work, sports. The one topic they managed to avoid like a live land mine was the subject of "them." Martin had to admit that he was surprised that it was so easy to talk to Sam considering that the last few conversations he had had with her before were usually strained and awkward. He wasn't sure if it was the three beers he drank beforehand or whether they were really getting back to good.
He couldn't help but wonder if his mom and sisters were right when they said that Sam still had feelings for him. Of course, it was easy to be kind to someone who was injured; but she wasn't so nice when you were well, the Devil on his shoulder reminded him. Then the angel spoke up and said that Sam was trying to mend the rift and to give her a chance. The Devil argued back that he had to protect himself; she was still fully capable of re-breaking his still mending heart. The Angel yelled that he still wanted to be her friend and that meant forgiving her. The Devil rebutted that he was kidding him self – he could never just be friends with Sam – his feelings ran too deep. The Angel was gearing up to counter but Martin was too tired to listen to their arguments anymore and decided to let them to duke it out on their own; he had to get ready for dinner.
So here he was, sitting at a table at Scalo's, waiting for the team. He was fiddling with the breadsticks as he looked around the restaurant when he spotted them headed his way. He quickly returned the breadsticks to the basket and with sweaty palms and a racing heart he stood up and smiled to greet them.
Jack approached first. "Martin, it's good to see you." He looked Martin over carefully before reaching out to shake hands. While the gesture seemed very formal, Martin noticed Jack's eyes were full of concern.
"Hi, Jack." Martin replied, nervously stepping side to side.
Next up was Vivian who simply said, "Martin," before reaching out and hugging him. Martin squeezed her tightly and softly said, "Hey, Viv."
When they broke the embrace, Viv stepped back and held him by the arms and said, "You look good."
"You're looking pretty great yourself." He tenderly smiled at her. He really meant it; she looked strong, fit and healthy.
And then, taking Martin completely by surprise, Danny stepped up and as Martin extended his hand to shake, Danny grabbed him in a big bear hug. Martin was completely dumbfounded. He hugged Danny back and let go, dropping his hands to his side but Danny showed no signs of releasing him. So he patted him on the back and tried to step away but Danny only increased his grip. He looked round at the team for help when Jack finally spoke up, "Hey, Danny, be careful, Emma's going to get jealous."
Danny gave a small chuckle and finally let Martin go saying, "Sorry, it's just really good to see you."
"That's okay; it's good to see you too." Martin met Danny's eyes and he suddenly felt a strange sensation run through his body; phantom pains where his wounds were and a feeling of déjà vu. But as quickly as they appeared they were gone.
"Can I get in on this action now?" Martin and Danny turned to see Sam grinning at the sight of them.
"Oh, yeah, sorry." Danny stepped around the table as Sam walked up to Martin.
"Hey." She smiled at him.
"Hey yourself." He returned with an equally shy smile on his face.
They stood there staring at one another for a beat when Martin made the move to hug her hello by putting his arms out as Sam stepped into them. Sam moved her arms around him and laid her head on top of his shoulder.
As Martin inhaled the intoxicating smell of Sam's hair and skin, the little Devil appeared and quietly said, "Uh-oh, we are in trouble…."
The Angel just sat back and smiled.
