"Wow, that's quite an age gap. And you met when you were in college, right? He was your professor?" Andrea asked this time and I had to force myself to look at her.
"Yeah," I smiled weakly as my stomach turned.
"Well, love is love, and he clearly loves you very much," Carol said, sounding enthusiastic. I smiled at her as well before nodding and going back to what I was doing. They didn't ask me any more questions, thankfully. I just washed the clothes and listened to them talk.
When we got back to camp I offered to hang everything up to dry. They all had families and people they cared about. There were things they would rather be doing. I, however, wouldn't have rather been anywhere but right there, hanging that laundry alone.
"Hey there, darlin'," Though I wasn't particularly used to the southern drawl I recognized Merle right away. He brushed aside and white t-shirt and stood in front of me between the two clothes lines. He crossed his arms and looked down at me, that same smirk planted on his face.
"Where's your boy toy? Haven't seen the two of you apart yet," I bent down to pick up a pair of Amy's shorts before answering.
"I don't know," I said, not looking at him. If Sam were to show up I'd probably be reprimanded just for looking at him.
"Don't know, huh? Well, I guess it's just you and me then," He leaned so near to my face that I could smell the sweat beading up on his chest.
"Please, stop," The words came out in a pleading tremble that I hadn't expected. I'd never heard a sound so pathetic, especially coming from me. Merle's smile dropped and his eyebrows knitted together.
"Hey!" I jumped and my eyes widened slightly as an arm snaked around my middle. "There's no need to bother my wife. What can I help you with?" I closed my eyes tightly and looked away, trying to calm myself.
"We were just talkin'. Ain't nothin' wrong with that," Merle responded defensively. My eyes darted from Sam to Merle. They both looked ready to pounce on each other. Sam was fooling himself. Merle could probably kill him in the time it would take Sam to land a single effective punch. In comparison, Sam was scrawny.
"She doesn't want to be bothered. I'm sure you can find someone else to talk to," Sam sounded so calm and civilized. The look in his eyes didn't mirror that though.
"I wasn't bothering her. Was I, sugar?" My eyes darted to the grass.
Sam abruptly let go of me and stepped in closer to Merle.
"What did you just call her?" Sam growled, all calmness leaving him.
"Sugar," Merle responded. "She is awful sweet," He winked at me again, not looking or sounding the least bit worried.
"Do not speak to her like that! She's not your woman, she's mine. If you even look in her direction again I will shoot you where you stand," Sam threatened. I took a few steps back, looking around for anyone who may be of help. I spotted Shane and started waving to him, trying to get his attention.
Merle laughed loudly.
"I bet you ain't never held a gun in your life," By this time Shane had caught on to the commotion and was hurrying over.
"What's going on," Shane touched my shoulder. The two men were too busy arguing to notice he'd showed up. My only response was to shake my head.
"Are you willing to bet you life on that? Just stay the hell away from my wife," Sam got even closer to Merle, who had uncrossed his arms and was grinning like a maniac. He looked like he was going to beat the shit out of Sam and he was going to enjoy it.