Chapter 13

Sami Brady dropped her purse and overnight bag on the floor beside her new front door and sighed.

Welcome home Samantha.

Her new home was a lovely, four bedroom condominium in her mother's building. Furnished by her mother's favorite decorator in her absence, it felt open and fresh.

Much like its owner.

It'd been six weeks since she'd fled Salem in a confused and lost mess. She'd walked out the door of the Dimera mansion and left with her life in ruins. She'd taken Johnny, Sidney and her mother and traveled all over the country. They'd had no schedule, no plan. They stayed in one spot until Sami was ready to move on. She'd spent that time truly enjoying her children and working through her feelings with her mother.

She'd never spent so much time dedicated to her family. No fighting, no scheming, no lies...she'd taken six weeks and devoted them completely to healing and finding a new direction in her life.

She felt rejuvenated.

Then she'd received a text message last week that had stirred old demons.

She looked down at the image on her cell phone and narrowed her eyes.

It could be a fake. It could be someone's idea of a sick joke.

Sami's money was on Kate Roberts. This text was exactly the kind of stunt she would pull to get Sami riled up enough to come back to town.

But why?

She ran her finger over the screen.

It wasn't possible.

EJ would never make love to Abigail Deveraux.

If the clothing in the picture was any indicator of the timeframe, this betrayal would have occurred some time during the winter...well before their break up.

EJ would never have cheated on her.

She walked through the open concept living and dining room space to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. In addition to sending her things, Harold had stocked her refrigerator with everything she could possibly need to start fresh with her children.

She may not be a member of the Dimera household anymore, but Johnny and Sidney would always be Dimeras. When she'd called last week to inquire about moving their things, Harold had told her that EJ had asked him to make sure that the transition went as smoothly as possible.

She grabbed a bottle of water and walked over to the large windows that dominated most of the southern wall. Her view of the Horton Town Square was similar to her mother's and was one of the main reasons she'd wanted this space. She wanted to be in the middle of everything.

The children were with her grandmother at the Brady Pub for the day so Sami could settle in to the condo. She'd spent so much time with them, she'd grown accustomed to the noise and craziness that accompanied three young children. The condo's silence was strange, but peaceful.

It was a gorgeous day for shopping in the Square. The sun was shining and it was unseasonably mild for mid August. School would start next week. Sidney would go to preschool and Johnny and Allie would be in first grade at the Catholic school her brother Eric had helped build.

Before Kristen Dimera had drugged and raped him, ruining his vocation as a priest.

Sami gritted her teeth. Eric had loved the priesthood. That toxic woman had destroyed his dream. Even after all of these months, she still felt his pain.

Not having to call that woman her sister in law was a definite plus. Not marrying EJ had spared her...and Eric...that indignity.

EJ...

Almost as if summoned by her thoughts, she saw EJ walk through the square toward the outdoor seating area at the restaurant.

She hadn't actually seen him since the day of their failed wedding.

She looked back down at the picture on her phone.

Had EJ really cheated on her with Abigail? Was that why he'd been so distracted? Was that why she'd felt like something was off?

She was no longer in love with EJ, but she wasn't made of stone. The idea that EJ could have been unfaithful hurt. The thought that their relationship had ended, tearing their family apart because Sami had doubts resulting from his distancing himself to carry on an affair with their babysitter was infuriating.

But you know that you still have feelings for Lucas.

The seldom used rational part of Sami's brain was trying to get her to let it go. Real or faked, this photo had nothing to do with the life she was trying to lead.

She needed to check in with EJ and make arrangements for the children. She knew that he must be missing them.

She smirked, grabbed her purse and walked to the door. She'd just surprise him at the cafe. If she happened to dig for a little bit of information about Abigail, then so be it.

EJ was lost in thought when he heard his name being called from across the cafe.

He smiled and looked up as Abigail rushed over with a handful of shopping bags in her arms.

She looked radiant with her hair pulled back in a simple pony tail and dressed casually in a floral printed blouse and a pair of fitted jeans.

"I'm sorry I'm late," she grinned. "I got a little carried away with mom this morning."

He stood and pulled out a chair for her beside him.

"Don't give it a second thought, darling. You are right on time. I just arrived myself."

She wanted to lean over to kiss him, but she held back and reached for his hand under the table instead.

It'd been a week since they'd decided to give their relationship a shot...and since Chad's frightening home invasion...and they'd still not told anyone they were a couple.

EJ had gotten word that Sami was returning to Salem this week and he'd texted Abigail to meet him to discuss how best to proceed.

"I missed you this morning," he said with a wicked grin. "I'm looking forward to getting to wake up with you beside me."

She blushed.

Her mother's reconciliation with Daniel and JJ's new girlfriend had left them free to spend most evenings together. It'd been wonderful. But she was still firm on not staying the night until they were open about their relationship.

She loved the way EJ made her feel. They enjoyed each other's company. They could just relax and be together.

Taking their relationship public could change everything.

"I don't enjoy sneaking into my house in the middle of the night, either," she admitted. "I will tell her. I promise. Tonight."

EJ raised a brow. "I wish you'd change your mind about letting me be there for you when you tell her. I don't want you to suffer because of me."

Abigail laughed. She could only imagine her mother's reaction to seeing them together. It'd be far better to talk to her one on one. She owed her mother that much.

"I'm as capable of handling my mother as you are of handling Stefano and Sami," she said.

EJ smiled. He'd not told her that Stefano already knew about their affair. Stefano had eyes everywhere.

He reached across the table and cupped her cheek, looking deeply into her chocolate eyes. She was so beautiful. He could not believe that she actually wanted to take a chance on him.

"I adore you. I have complete faith in you, my dear," he whispered huskily.

Abigail's eyes met his and a warm tingle of anticipation shot through her body. This attraction was so crazy to her. She had been in his arms all night, but she wanted him again with an urgency that made her catch her breath. She leaned into him and smiled.

"You know I love you," she sighed.

"EJ?"

EJ's eyes widened and he dropped his hand at the sound of his name. Abigail froze. She knew they were doing nothing wrong, but she dreaded turning to see the woman quickly approaching them.

EJ stood and smiled stiffly as Samantha walked up to the table.

"Samantha," he inclined his head in acknowledgment.

The time away from Salem had been good for her, he noted. Her hair had lightened back to its honey blonde in the sunlight and her skin was glowing.

She looked down at Abigail and frowned.

"Am I interrupting something?" she asked, raising a perfectly arched brow.

Abigail wanted to run from Sami's accusing gaze, but EJ sensed her distress and stepped closer to her. He wanted to shield her.

"Abigail and I were just getting ready to order lunch," he said smoothly. "When did your flight arrive?"

Sami's eyes narrowed on Abigail.

"Just you and Abigail? Lunch?"

Abigail looked up at EJ, desperately wishing to be anywhere but here.

"Yes, actually," he answered.

Sami looked from Abigail to EJ and back at Abigail again. She smiled crookedly and shook her head.

"I heard Chad has decided to stay in Salem," Sami said. "Are you two back together?"

Sami watched Abigail shift uncomfortably and look up at EJ.

It was true.

EJ and Abigail were together...had been together... A thousand thoughts were going through her brain, but she tried to remain outwardly calm. She would not allow them to see her anger. She'd play along with this until she could decide how best to proceed.

"No. We aren't," Abigail said. "EJ, I'm sure we can meet later. I know you and Sami must have a lot of catching up to do. I should leave you to it."

EJ nodded. Abigail was right. He honestly didn't know how Samantha would react to the news that he'd moved on. He didn't want Abigail in the line of fire.

"That's fine. I'll drop by the hospital this afternoon," he said.

Abigail gathered her bags and smiled awkwardly at Sami before walking away.

Sami watched her go and turned to face EJ.

"What the hell is going on here?"

EJ motioned for her to sit and he followed suit.

"I'm sure she just wanted to give us some privacy, Samantha," he said.

Sami shook her head.

"It was more than that. You and Abigail seemed pretty chummy over here when I walked up. Are you working on her for Chad? Are you up to something?"

EJ groaned inwardly. He'd hoped to have this conversation in private.

Sami knew perfectly well that Chad was not on Abigail's radar. She had photographic evidence. She just wanted EJ to squirm and maybe feel a little remorse over hooking up with his little brother's ex.

"No," EJ answered. "Abigail has been quite adamant about that being finished. Abigail and I..."

Sami enjoyed his discomfort. Was he actually going to admit that he was involved with Abby? He was obviously dreading this line of questioning.

"What is it, EJ? Jesus, we aren't together any more, but you know that we can be honest with each other," she said with honeyed sweetness.

"I've gotten to know Abigail, Samantha. We've been spending a lot of time together," he said.

Sami noted the nervous tapping of his foot beneath the table. She laughed.

"EJ Dimera has made a friend?"

She chuckled dismissively and rummaged through her purse for her tablet so she could check the children's calendars.

"Well, yes. Honestly. She's a pretty remarkable woman, Samantha."

Sami pulled the tablet out and rolled her eyes. I'm sure she's incredible, she thought irritably.

"Oh, I know. She's the Horton Princess. She's Allie's favorite cousin and Johnny's favorite babysitter. She's the world's best cupcake baker. Why would you be interested in a friendship with Abigail Deveraux, EJ?"

EJ frowned. He did not care for Samantha's tone.

"I like her, Samantha. A lot, actually. She is all of those things you said and a lot more. She's bright and intuitive. She's interesting."

Sami pretended to not pay attention, scrolling on her tablet screen looking for the children's information.

"I'm sure," she quipped. "I'm sure she's amazing, but you don't do the whole 'friends' thing, EJ. I'm certain her family wouldn't approve of their darling child being 'besties' with EJ Dimera. I don't buy it. Are you sure this isn't really about Chad? I'm sure you want him to stay in Salem and what better way to accomplish that goal than to reunite him with the woman he loves?"

EJ reached for Samantha's tablet and put it on the table. He wanted her attention.

"Samantha, you aren't hearing me. I'm trying to tell you that I've been spending time with Abigail and it has nothing to do with Chad."

So he was going to admit it... She sat back in her chair, shaking her head.

"You are seriously not telling me that you are involved with Abigail Deveraux are you? She's your brother's girlfriend. She's my son's cousin. She's like 25 years old!"

EJ was prepared for her reaction. He'd shared that reaction after their first time in the cabin. It didn't make sense. Nothing about the way he felt about Abigail was logical. But it was real.

"I'm sorry if it comes as a shock, but yes. I'm telling you that I have been seeing her. It's early and we've not told anyone but Chad. And yes, I am aware of her age."

Sami started laughing. Her shoulders were shaking with laughter. It was absurd...beyond absurd. After eight years of pursuing her, EJ had actually cheated on her with a mousy little girl whose only claim to any kind of importance was her ability to bake cupcakes. EJ Dimera, head of Dimera Enterprises and crime lord of Salem, was chasing after that? Little Abby Deveraux?

Her laughter stunned EJ. He'd expected rage and fury. Laugher?

She stopped laughing abruptly and raised a brow.

"You're serious," she whispered, almost daring him to take it back. "Aren't you?"

EJ watched the realization dawn across her beautiful face. He'd done many terrible things to her over the years. Even though they were no longer a couple, this hurt her. He could tell.

He covered her hand with his.

"I don't want to hurt you, Samantha. I'm trying to be honest with you. You said we were finished."

Sami yanked her hand free.

"Honest? You're trying to be honest? When did this start? You certainly didn't waste any time, EJ! How could you do this? Of all of the women in Salem, how could you move on with Abigail Deveraux? How could you do this to Chad?"

EJ looked away from her, afraid to meet her accusing glare.

"Well let's see here, shall we? One, you almost had sex with Lucas on our wedding day so I assumed the question of timing wouldn't be a problem. Two, I can assure you that I'm perfectly crisis-free. Abigail is just 10 years younger than I...hardly cradle robbing. And three, how the bloody hell do you think Chad is feeling about this? He loved Abigail! He is furious. It guts me."

She smirked and rolled her eyes.

"For a man who claims his family is his life, you have to admit it's an odd choice of girlfriend?"

EJ laughed.

"Really, Samantha? Judgment from the woman who tricked her sister's boyfriend into sleeping with her and then lied about the paternity of her child to keep them from marrying?"

Sami's eyes narrowed, but she said nothing. She put her tablet back in her purse and stood. He hadn't answered her question about when this relationship had started. He'd avoided it.

"I'll bring the children tonight and you can keep them through the weekend if you'd like," she said, abruptly changing the subject. "Will Abby be coming by to bake cupcakes? I guess you've always loved her cupcakes."

EJ stood and sighed in hopeless frustration.

"Please don't be angry with me, Samantha," he begged. "You told me that you wanted to move on with our lives. That's all I've done."

Sami wanted to tell him to go to hell. She wanted to call him on his lies and tell him that she knew just when he'd 'moved on' from their relationship. She wanted to spew rage and venom and curse him for all of the upheaval his betrayal had caused in the lives of their children.

She didn't.

She couldn't.

She would decide how she wanted to handle this later...as soon as she figured out who had sent her the picture in the first place.