Stay Away

Sam is silent the whole ride back to the hotel. Her mind is stuck on that hug. It brought back too many emotions. She did not hate it, but it also brought her tremendous sadness as memories from when they dated flooded her mind.

'It is just not right.'

Ed doesn't ask her anything. He doesn't know the whole story, but from what he saw tonight, it is a very complicated one.

"Could you sleep over tonight?" Sam asks with a hesitant voice. "I don't want to be alone." She sounds like a child, scared of the dark. "We could indulge in some champagne and ice cream."

"You had me at champagne." Ed jokes, making Sam smile for the first time since leaving the party.

They order champagne and snacks as soon as they enter the suite. He puts on a reality show on Netflix, just for some background noise. Sam finally relaxes a bit.

"So, are you going to tell me what happened at the party?" Ed finally asks.

"It was just Kei being Kei."

"What does that mean?"

"He was just being impulsive and not thinking about the consequences." She sighs. "And when it comes down to it, he can't take responsibility for his actions."

"It sounds like you guys have some history there."

Sam laughs. "You can say that again." She finishes her glass and pours herself more champagne. "We are childhood friends, but we've always had feelings for each other. At least that's what I thought.

"Kei's family had to move to Japan. I just couldn't handle it, I guess. So in senior year, I got a scholarship to spend a quarter here." She sighs again. "We dated for a bit. It was probably the best time of my life, but also the worst, unfortunately." Sam is lost in her thoughts for a few minutes, staring at the liquid in her glass. "I should go to bed." She finally utters.

"I'll take the sofa," Ed suggests.

"Why? I don't mind sharing the bed with you. It's a king size bed."

"Are you sure?"

"Unless you turned straight overnight." She shrugs.

"Never." Ed laughs.

"Do you snore?"

"Also, never." This time, they both laugh.

"Then, come to bed."

Samantha wakes up the next morning to her phone ringing.

"Hello?" she answers with a sleepy voice.

"Oh dear, did I wake you?"

"Who is this?"

"It's Amanda, dear. I heard you were in Tokyo and it seems I missed you last night at the party."

"Oh my gosh, Amanda." Sam sits up. "How are you?"

"I'm good. I was hoping I could see you before my flight back to Okinawa this evening."

"You're leaving already?"

"Yeah." Amanda chuckles. "I can't handle crowded Tokyo anymore."

Sam looks at the clock on her phone. "What about a late lunch then?"

"That sounds great. I'll text you the address of a cute restaurant I used to go to when I lived around, I am sure you will like."

"I can't wait, see you then."

She hangs up with a wide smile on her face. She loved Amanda. She was a big support when her mother passed away nine years ago. Sam could not handle her mother's illness and passing. She quit her school and fell into depression for a long time. Amanda was there for her throughout. Sometimes, it felt like she understood her even more than her own family.

Samantha follows the directions to the address that Amanda sent her. It was a small curry restaurant in Yutenji.

"Sam," Amanda calls as she stands from her seat.

"Amanda." They hug each other tightly.

"Oh, it's been too long."

"I know. How are you, dear?" Amanda asks as take a seat on the wooden chairs.

"I'm good. It's good to be here, away from the drama." Sam shrugs.

"The divorce?"

"Yeah, Andrew is being irrational. I left my lawyer to deal with it."

"That's one thing I appreciated about Kenji when we were getting divorced, he kept it civil the whole time."

Sam sighs. "Oh well, I am sure it will be over soon. How about you, how do you like Okinawa?"

"I love it. It's a little far yet closer than America, for when I want to see my stubborn sons."

Sam giggles. "I bet they're always busy."

"You guessed right. I have been begging them to come down for months." Sam laughs again. "You should come visit. It is so relaxing, you'll love it."

"I will definitely try while I'm here."

The two of them eat their lunch while talking. But after a while, Amanda looks at her watch and gets her purse.

"I think I have to go, dear. There is always traffic on the way to the airport." Sam stands up with Amanda.

"Are you driving?"

"No, one of Kei's drivers is outside."

"This was too short, do come visit me, Sam." Amanda takes her in her arms.

"I will do my best, I promise."

Amanda stares at her for a moment. "You know, I always thought you two would end up together–Kei and you." Sam feels a rush of blood as her face heats up. "But because of Kenji's father…" She presses her lips together. "He ruined our lives."

Sam is not sure what Amanda is referring to. 'Was there a clash with Kei's grandfather?'

"Anyway, take care of yourself, dear."

"You too, Amanda."

Samantha sits back down and waves at Amanda one last time before the door of the restaurant closes behind her with a chime.

'Does she know that Kei and I dated back in high school?' Sam's fingers massage her temples. 'Does she know about…' Her face pales.

"No, she would have mentioned it before if she did." She dismisses the thought before heading back to the hotel.

When Sam arrives at her room, she finds a huge bouquet of white roses on the entry table. The sweet smell teases her nose. She inhales the delightful scent before reaching for the card on the table.

I was a jerk yesterday, please forgive my indiscretion.

I hope you like the flowers.

Kei

Sam smiles, but catches herself immediately. "No," she utters. "This is dangerous."

'I really need to stay away from him.'