Frog Prince Read online

  “Come on, Kandi, you know I like Chase. I’ve told you that a thousand times. I have fun with him. He’s really not as bad as you and Sam thinks. And I promised him, I’d give our relationship a real shot.”

  “So what’s the problem with Sam? If you don’t have feelings for him don’t worry about it.”

  Rebe didn’t answer, in fact she looked away.

  “Rebe, oh my God. You love Sam.”

  “Of course I love him. He’s my friend and has been for almost five years.”

  “You know what I mean. Stop using legalese on me. Are you in love with Sam?”’

  “I can't answer that. Things are too confusing at the moment. I can't be analyzing how I feel about another man when I'm in a relationship, but I wish….”

  “You wish you'd come along with Sam.”

  “Yeah. I do. We need to talk also. Some of this is my fault.”

  “Would you listen to yourself? Sam is in love with you and you think it's your fault. You can't control his emotions. Who do you think you are? Besides, you love who you love, and apparently Sam loves you. And you…well you don’t have any idea who you’re in love with. Or maybe you do and just don’t want to admit it. Rebe, the idea that you don’t trust me, your best friend to share the truth with really hurts. This is the second time you’ve pushed me aside. The first time with Jamie. And now with Sam. What gives? Are we best friends or not?”

  Rebe was aware Kandi was playing her, but still there was some truth in her statement. They were best friends. They didn’t have secrets. Rebe groaned.

  “What am I supposed to do? This is so beyond awkward. Just tell me, Kandi, what am I supposed to do? Chase came on this trip to support me, and to meet my parents. I keep telling you that I promised him I'd give us a real try. He's trying, he really is.”

  Kandi didn't answer just listened to Rebe with her head tilted slightly allowing a sigh to escape from time to time. When Rebe finally ran out of steam she gave her a look before asking the obvious.

  “Come on, Rebe, tell me please. Even if you don’t tell Sam, tell me. Are you in love with Sam?”

  “I'm not sure I even know what being in love means. But I do love him. And like you said I’ve always known Sam had feelings for me. I've known in spite of the nasty little names he's lobbed at me through the years. I'm not stupid. His opinion means the world to me. He's the one person who can get me through the hard times. He makes me challenge myself and do things I would never do without him needling me. I can depend on him. He makes me sound like a darn romance novel.”

  “Are you ever going to tell me what happened between the two of you when your brother died? Why was Sam the only one you wanted to be around?”

  Rebe reached out and gave her friend a hug. She’d never meant to hurt her feelings by not seeing her after Jamie’s funeral. Just as she’d not meant to hurt her parents. She sighed and pulled away to answer Kandi.

  “It was instinct. For those two weeks I was weak and I allowed it because I knew Sam would be my strength. He was my haven in the stormiest time in my life. I knew Sam loved me and I knew I loved him. I know you're wondering if anything happened between us. Yes, but not what you think. I laid in his arms, in his bed, and gave my heart permission to grieve and to begin to heal. There wasn't so much as a sexual look that passed between us. He was my rock, my protector and my love.”

  “Then why did the two of you go after each other after that time was over?”

  “That was my doing. Sam was so deeply in my heart and I loved him so much that I had to end it. I had to find a way to make him stop loving me. I had to stop loving him. It would hurt too much for something to happen to him. Besides, as much as I was aware that he loved me, I also knew because of my brother's...” Rebe’s breath hitched. She still didn’t like saying the word. Then she took a deep breath, let it out and continued.

  “Because of Jamie’s death there was this sense of obligation on Sam's part to take care of me. I wasn't going to fall into something with him because he'd saved me.”

  “So the mutual hate you guys participated in for the last couple of years, was it all an act?”

  Rebe laughed. “Definitely not on Sam’s part. Though he says he never hated me, he just couldn’t stand me. I think if I'd never become involved with Chase, Sam never would have examined his feelings for me.”

  “And just what brought on this revelation? Why now do you know he's in love with you?”

  “It was the music. But before that when he had the spray for my leg cramps…well, when Jamie died and Sam drove me home, my legs hurt, and were swollen. He remembered.”

  “How do you know he didn't have the spray for himself?”

  “He didn't. And all the food he brought. They’re all my favorites.”

  Kandi thought about it. “That's such a random thing.”

  “You might thing that but the thing of it is Sam thinks about me, my comfort, my likes and dislikes. But the thing that let me know for sure was when Chase put the music on and I heard the song. I knew Sam had brought the CD to tell me how he felt about me. I wish ….”

  “That he'd not brought it or that Chase had not played it?”

  “I wish we'd been alone when he did.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I'm not going to do anything to hurt Chase's feelings. Even though he didn't want to come, he did, and I don't want my parents worrying about me. So, I'll have to think of some way to keep the peace.”

  “Good luck with that. But I think the idea that we're going to stop at a hotel and get a room is driving Sam crazy thinking you're going to be with Chase in the biblical sense, and probably in the room next door to Sam’s.”

  “Yeah, it's even awkward for me. How am I going to all of a sudden tell a man I've been sleeping with for years that him not in the mood? The truth is with Chase, I don’t have to be in the mood. He touches me and well…”

  Kandi covered her ears. “Enough already. TMI” She. thought for a moment and snapped her fingers. “We can say we'll get two rooms to save money. You and I can take one and the guys the other one.”

  “Please, Chase will offer to pay for all three rooms.”

  “Oh yeah I forgot about him being super rich.”

  “Don't start. Besides, there is no way in the world I’d ever attempt to put Chase and Sam in a room together. For sure only one of them would emerge alive.”

  “Well, it looks as if you might have to make a decision.”

  “I don't know why we need a room. We only have a few more hours until we get home.”

  Laughing Kandi said, “Because Sam knows you're tired and need to take a break. He could care less about the rest of us. Even when he's pissed with you, he still looks out for you. I wish I had a man who cared about me the way Sam does for you.”

  “How did this happen?”

  Kandi laughed. “That’s a conversation for another day. Right now we’d better get back outside before Sam and Chase stop playing nice and start trying to kill each other instead. I have to tell you even though I understand why you had to ask Chase if he wanted to come, it was still a dumb idea to have them both in a car together for so many hours. I have no idea what is going to happen when we make it home. Sam could always stay with us.”

  “No, that’s not going to work. After everything he’s done for me, that would hurt his feelings and I can’t do that. Besides, he’s familiar with my parents.” With another sigh Rebe headed out the door.

  When she reached the car she went to stand next to Sam. “It’s okay if we keep driving. I’m okay.”

  Sam smiled. “I know what you’re trying to do. Thanks. I’m an adult. You’re here with Chase and that’s that. We’re going to get a room and let you rest…all of us could use a bit of rest. Driving has been kind of tense.”

  Within an hour they’d found a hotel and checked in. True to her word Kandi had tried to make a case for the girls sleeping together and the guys sharing a room. Chase had looked at her, reached
for Rebe’s hand and laughed.

  As days go, the next morning wasn’t nearly as bad as it could have been. Everyone’s mood seemed to have improved and they actually managed to have fun, to joke and laugh. Not one barb or snide remark was made and when they stopped for lunch and Chase treated, Sam and Kandi accepted. Chase was sitting in the front with Sam and pulled the seat up without being asked in order to give Rebe more leg room. Sam saw and almost smiled. So yes, Rebe considered it a very good start to the day.

  Finally pulling up in front of her childhood home, Rebe took in a breath trying hard not to allow the memories of the last time she'd been home to overwhelm her. She teared up but was determined not to let them fall. She should be ashamed of herself for being such a coward and not coming home to visit her parents. And she was, she acknowledged as she exited from the car. Her gaze collided with Sam. He had a worried look on his face.

  “Are you okay?” Sam asked

  She smiled at him. “I want to be. I have to be.”

  “I'm here for you,” he assured her. Rebe glanced at Chase who was giving her a WTH look. Sighing heavily, and biting her lips, knowing without a doubt she should shift her gaze away from Sam, but was unable to do so. As much as she didn’t want to cry she was crying all the same.

  Before she could move or even take her next breath, Sam was there cradling her in his arms holding her to him, caressing her, whispering words of comfort. And when she felt strong enough she lifted her head and he kissed her gently on the forehead then chucked her underneath her chin. Kandi and Chase were staring at the two of them with a dumbstruck look on their faces. While they stared at them a sort of metamorphosis appear to be taking place in Chase. He walked toward them and inserted himself between her and Sam. It appeared the truce between the men was ending. Rebe could understand Chase’s point.

  “I've got this, Sam. If Rebe is in need of being comforted, I'm her boyfriend, I'll do it.”

  Sam's eyes blazed. “You have no idea what's going on, or how Rebe is feeling. But you're right about one thing. She’s with you and I'm sure you can comfort her.”

  Going to the back of the car Sam lifted the carp and removed his bag along with a heavy wrapped object and ignoring all of them walked to the door of Rebe's parents’ home and rung the bell. When the door opened Rebe's mother looked at him in surprise and burst into tears hugging him to her. It was several long moments before she pulled away and Sam took her hands.

  “I brought Rebe,” he said and watched as mother and daughter stared at each other.

  What the heck just happened? Rebe wondered. Though Sam wasn’t a stranger to her parents she’d certainly not thought he’d receive the kind of welcome her mother had just given him. Turning toward Kandi she tilted her head

  “Kandi, what was that? Why was my mother so happy to see Sam? She didn't even notice me standing in front of the house. Kandi gave her a hug but no answer. Then she hunched her shoulder.

  “Good luck with everything. I have to go in and see my parents.” Grabbing her luggage, Kandi made a beeline for the house next door. Rebe watched as Kandi made her way to the door of her home and opened it with her key.

  “Are we going up or what?” Chase asked.

  Rebe didn’t know why she wasn’t running up the stairs to her mother or why her mother wasn’t running down those same stairs to her. She gave Chase a tiny hint of a smile. “What's the rush? You said you we weren't serious enough to meet my parents?”

  Chase stopped. “After last night I know this isn’t about me, or even our relationship. Rebe, what’s wrong? Are you feeling pressured from your parents to marry? Has Sam offered you that?” When Rebe didn’t answer, Chase sighed and pulled her in close and whispered in her ear. "You have to admit I've been trying.”

  “Yes, I'll have to admit to that. But should you have to try? Should I? she wondered. Should love be as hard as the two of them were making it?. Taking a deep breath, Rebe placed her hand in Chase’s and walked up the stairs of her childhood home. Before she could utter a sound her mother was crushing her in her arms, and her father hearing the noise had joined in. Her plan had been not to cry anymore, but just like a few seconds ago, here she was bawling like a baby. Luckily the tears were tears of joy. When she could catch her breath she pulled away from her parents to make the introductions. “Mom, Dad, let me introduce you to Chase McGuire

  Rebe held her breath as her parents smiled at Chase and shook his hand. Then both of them glanced toward Sam and Rebe saw the question in their eyes. What the heck was going on why had they thought …then she wondered again. Why were her parents so overjoyed to see Sam?

  Before she could put more thought to the question they were ushered into the house and within moments after removing their coats, mugs of hot chocolate had been given to them. Rebe hadn't had a moment to adjust. She was too busy watching Sam talking to her mother. They were both in a small alcove off the living room. He was giving her mother the wrapped package he'd brought in

  Rebe stared while her mother opened it, gasped in amazement then threw her arms around Sam again, and appeared unable to talk.

  “Mom, what is it?” Rebe had to know what was going on so she rushed toward her mother, turning the painting so she could see. She ended up doing the same thing her mother had done. She’s always known Sam was a good artist, the realism in his paintings was one of the reasons she no longer wanted to go into his apartment. There were too many memories.

  She found herself staring in awe at the painting. Jamie’s face was smiling back at her. Her gaze moved to her own image while instant memories flooded her body. It was one of the last pictures she’d taken with her brother before the accident. The painting was so lifelike she could swear she sensed her brother near. She could even smell the scent of the cologne she'd bought for his last birthday. The blend of citrus and spices tickled her nostrils.

  With an almost silent groan Rebe found her body swaying her hand raised to touch the canvas. She wanted badly to reach out and touch her brother’s face, wondering if he’d feel as alive as he looked. Finally the urge to find out overcame how irrational the act would appear. It didn’t matter. She couldn't stop what was about to happen. It was as though she were in a dream as she watched her fingers gingerly trace her brother's face. Her gaze went to Sam. She had so many questions to ask him. She'd have to be a blind fool not to know the relationship between him and her parents was solid. Was this one of the things he wanted her to learn about him? Did it count that it had just happened.

  Glancing back at the canvas she noted the bracelet her brother had given to her was around her wrist. She’d not had it on when they'd taken that picture. Then she looked at the earrings, the ones Sam had given her, the same one's she'd worn when he’d taken her to the dance. She blinked and one tear after the other slid down her face. “Thank you, Sam.”

  Sam shrugged, feigning an indifference he didn’t feel.

  Rebe couldn’t stop looking at Sam. Even when Chase walked up to her and slid his arm around her waist she continued staring at Sam. “It's so beautiful. When did you paint this?”

  “Who’s the guy?” Chase asked breaking the spell.

  Three pair of eyes turned to her with identical quizzical expressions. She knew what they were thinking. Why had she never told her boyfriend anything about her brother? And no, she hadn't hidden him away.

  A thrumming pain shot to her temples and she paused as she thought about it. Yes, she had hidden her brother from Chase. She'd removed all traces of Jamie from her apartment, taking their pictures that had resided on the mantle and putting them away, refusing to look through family albums or to visit her parents. For almost three years she’d not spoken his name to anyone but Sam. Everyone was staring at her, waiting for her to answer Chase. She couldn't help her nervous habit of licking her lips.

  “That's Jamie, my brother.”

  “Oh, where is he?” Chase asked.

  Darn it she should have told him. Now was not the time but she needed to answ
er before Chase asked anymore questions. “My brother was in an accident a couple of years ago…almost three years. He didn't make it.” Rebe’s eyes swung back to Sam. “He and Sam were good friends.”

  Snapping his fingers Chase’s gaze turned quickly toward Sam. “Now, I get it. So that's why you tolerate Sam’s interference.

  Really, could they have chosen a more inopportune time to have the conversation they were on the verge of having? Rebe took Chase’s hand intending to lead him away while answering him. Chase wouldn’t budge. She was forced to answer.

  “Sam's wasn’t only Jamie’s friend. He was my friend as well. He’s been there for me while my brother was alive and after. He’s always been my advocate. There was just a period of time that I forgot about that and treated him as though he were my enemy.” She looked up at Sam. “I'm sorry, Sam. That's a beautiful picture. I'm sure my parents will love it.”

  “He started painting it for you,” her mother answered. Sam touched her mother's arm and her mother stopped the explanation. This was getting to be a bit too much, she had to get away from Sam, she couldn't and she wouldn't be rude to Chase. He was her boyfriend, not Sam.

  “Chase, let me show you the rest of the house. Is it okay if Chase takes the upstairs guest room?” she asked over her shoulder, somehow knowing that Sam would be taking over the basement, the place that used to be her brother's domain. She wished for a moment that she'd not been goaded by Sam, and had never asked Chase to come.

  With a sigh she headed toward the stairs. This was another thing Sam had maneuvered her into. Well in spite of what Sam had thought, Chase came. Did that mean he cared? Or did it simply mean he was trying to make sure Sam didn't score more hero points.

  It was funny how in a few shorts months both her and Chase had been affected by Sam. Both were looking at him as being a hero, and all because of her second occupation of writing about heroes and heroines.

  Rebe took in a breath and exhaled. Being home again brought up so many happy memories. It had never been about her not wanting to come home. It was about the loss being renewed and tripled. Her brother wasn't home and would never be coming back. She missed him like crazy. Even now she didn’t think she could stand being in their parents’ home knowing he was gone.