Besotted in Belfast

A huge smile broke across her face. After checking on her sleeping roommates, she grabbed her coat and tip-toed out. Thankfully, the seals on the hospital door allowed her to exit to remain unnoticed by the slumbering duo behind her.

She grasped his hand and pulled him down the hall, but she could barely contain her excitement, whispering, "How did it go?"

Sam blushed, but enjoyed the soft, warm grip of her hand on his, rather than her crushing the life out of it. Once they'd turned a corner, she stopped, standing in front of him, eager for his news.

"Well, see this on top of my head?" He bent down so she could inspect his head.

Her fingers ran over his scalp, searching for something noticeable. "Uh, I can't see anything."

"Exactly." He stood up straight, looking at her bemused face.

"Eh?"

"Yes, there's nothing there, because I've had to eat my hat."

Her eyes searched his and flicked across his face, searching for a hint of what he meant, and then the penny dropped. No soon as her fist landed on his shoulder, her hands clasped his upper arms and she squealed with joy.

"Wow, so I was right? And you have to tell all, but no more teasing me with your corny jokes as sometimes I don't know how to take you."

"Ah, okay... But only if you tone down the thumping. I think you've given me a dead arm. You're stronger than you look."

Summer released him and held his hand, whilst rubbing the impact zone with the other. "Sorry, I didn't mean to. It's just you were a lot longer than I'd expected. I was getting worried and not sure whether to phone the doctor's office or call out search and rescue." She giggled and looked coyly at him whilst her hand lingered on his arm.

Sam rolled his eyes at her. "Ha ha ha hilarious... I suppose it's too late to go to the Titanic experience?"

Summer checked her watch. "We could go, but unless you give me some information, you're more likely to feel the wrath of my frustration and end up at the bottom of the dock wrapped in chains, tied to an anchor."

"Ha ha, you're just impatient. I was thinking I could explain on the bus on the way, but I'm peckish and you must be starving as you didn't have any breakfast."

Summer pulled a face before laughing. "I missed breakfast because you had an appointment and Doctor Donaldson was only free this afternoon because of his busy schedule. So, yes, I am a little more than peckish. Come on."

Sam was ecstatic when Summer's hand slipped into his as they continued along the corridor.

"Luckily, there is a reasonable cafe here on site, so you can still tell me all about it on the way."

Once in reception, they dropped their visitor lanyards off and signed out before leaving the building.

"Right here," Summer indicated, and they walked through more disjointed buildings. "Spill the beans then, running man."

Having enjoyed being closely coupled with her, Sam had forgotten her demands for the doctor's findings. "Well, we covered a lot of ground. He asked lots of questions and gave me some weird tests, but the long and short of it is..."

Sam left her hanging, grinning, but had to continue when she spurred him on with a steely glare. "Yes, I have dyslexia. Not disastrously but certainly enough to affect my education. He said that the problem is that, like a lot of sufferers, I'm too good at hiding my struggle. He explained it better and will write a report to send to the university, as it has undoubtedly restricted me in performing my best throughout the course."

Summer squealed and spun him around to leap at him. At first he was sure she was going to kiss him, but she settled for a crushing hug, with her cheek pressing his. Once more, her perfume filled his nostrils and her cool skin against his excited him.

Her lapse in her carefully sculpted exterior relented, and she relaxed away from him as she coughed in embarrassment, avoiding his questioning look. She pointed to an entrance to another nondescript concrete building with a sign confirming it was the route to the cafe.

She lead the way but her hand refrained from finding Sam's again and he trailed behind, wondering if she were now scolding herself as he had many times since meeting her or maybe just simply keeping their relationship at a friendship level. The doorway lead them into a long corridor that took them past some bathrooms and opened out into a large, bustling food court.

They headed to the queue for the buffet style food bar as Sam realised they'd come in through the rear entrance to what seemed to be the main hospital building. The menu boards displayed a vast array of selections that could cater for every diet known to the human race.

Whilst shuffling along, they had an in-depth discussion over their choices and levels of hunger. In the end, they both settled on separate flavours of omelettes and to share a bowl of chips with coffees. The chefs didn't take long to cook their orders on the other side of the counters and soon they were heading to a table in a quiet area after Sam had paid.

As they both tucked into their food, Sam opened up. "I suppose I'd best tell you more before I end up swimming with the fishes, courtesy of a new ankle chain and anchor lucky charm."

Summer spluttered a laugh and waved a fork at him. "See, now you're getting the idea."

They continued to eat as Sam outlined the simple and the few more complex tests he undertook. He was sure he'd forgotten some nuances of the simpler ones and definitely didn't understand some explanations the doctor gave him.

"You should have called me, so I could have taken notes, or at least be able to help you remember." Summer smiled and reached across the small table to squeeze his hand.

"Er, no phone!" Sam pulled an incredulous face. Her eyes betrayed he'd hurt her feelings, and guilt ran through him. He immediately squeezed her hand back and stroked his thumb over it.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to throw it back at you... It's very kind of you to offer and it would have been nice to have had you there too." His heart thumped with joy as she returned his smile, but she had to drag her hand away from his to finish the last of her omelette.

Throughout their meal and conversations, nurses and students who knew Summer continually interrupted. Whether to pass the time of day, or asked if she was working the Valentine's Day shift that evening.

Sam couldn't help but tease her about her popularity. One thing that struck him was that they were all enthusiastic to see her and a few commented politely on how nice it was for her to be out of her usual dungarees.

Sam caught a few winking and insinuating that they assumed the two diners were a couple. A few came straight out and asked if he was her Valentine, which infuriated Summer. Several were subtle enough for him not to notice but they still incurred her wrath, which sometimes comprised a glare and other times her sharp tongue. After each outburst, she always subsequently apologised to him, explaining it was nothing personal.

They'd emptied their plates and drained their cups long before they exhausted the conversation. Although it had meandered to a point where they'd forgotten its original topic. Out of the blue, Sam asked, "Is it too late to even consider visiting the Titanic Experience? Would you prefer to do something else, or shall I just get us something else?"

"Yes, sorry... Umm, let's go home, so we can chill before going out."

After clearing their table, they headed out, but this time via the main entrance so they could catch a more direct bus. Once settled on a bus in some empty seats and moving through the building rush hour traffic, Summer returned the conversation to its original aim.

"How did the Doctor leave it, now you're diagnosed?"

"Ah, well, it was all a bit of a blur. In hind sight, it would have been better to have you there, even if only to witness me eating my hat. But, he's going to write a report and will send into the university, as he knows the procedures and who to contact. He promised to send me links to websites, charities and organisations that will support me. Once I get my new phone, I can check my emails."

"That's brilliant. Did he have any idea over time scales?"

"Not really, he said it may go well as we're still midterm, so staff and professors will be available, but it could be weeks or months before I hear. If he needs anything more from me, he'll be in touch with you until I get a phone."

Once more, their conversation diverted down various avenues as they made their way back to Summer's apartment, having a slightly longer walk at the end. Throughout, he avoided any reference to the casual comments in the hospital cafe or anything to do with Valentine's Day. Once inside, Sam instructed Summer to put her feet up and made her a mug of tea.

Sat on the sofa, they flicked through the film channels to find they were all romances with even the odd thriller and action films spuriously linked to Valentine's Day. As Summer surfed across them, tutting and mumbling in disgust as more Valentine related content appeared, she finally settled on a music channel that they used as background whilst they chatted.

The deeper they delved into Sam's background, education, pastimes and family, the more he realised how little he knew of Summer's and her avoidance of discussing it became increasingly obvious. He decided not to press it further, fearing he'd resurrect some dark, repressed memory that she'd prefer not have anyone stir up and damage their developing close friendship.

Sam hadn't enjoyed another woman's company like this in a long time. They both sat, facing towards each other, with their legs almost touching, as they talked and teased each other. She certainly exuded confidence, and he loved it. Her cheeks glowed when she laughed. She ran her fingers, unwittingly seductive, through her hair, when her laughter caused it to fall over her eyes that often sparkled with glee.

A few times, she reached across to tap his hand, shoulder or knee to underline a point or a punch line, but always removed it, as if scared of getting too close. He even felt tempted to tease her, to see if she'd contemplate being bi, but scolded himself once more on his vanity whilst resolving to grow up and be the best male friend she could ever wish for.

Sam kept dreaming up new anecdotes and tales about himself, to keep Summer's attention for as long as possible to maintain the magic alive. But all too soon, she had to check her watch and realised they were running out of time before Tina came for them to walk to begin her shift at the bar.

Much to his disappointment, the bubble burst and they headed to the kitchen to see what they could rustle up at short notice. Twenty minutes later, they were sitting back on the sofa with cups of tea whilst eating fish finger sandwiches.

"I should feel guilty about being so lazy, but it's so yummy." Summer giggled.

"You shouldn't, as it's probably the healthiest fish finger sandwich ever. Brown bread, fish, sliced tomatoes and, if the packet is to be believed, even the breadcrumbs on the fingers are healthy!"

"Ha ha ha, thanks for the positive spin on my guilt."

Sam knew the bubble wouldn't reform, so he went to the kitchen to wash and tidy up as Summer headed to her bedroom to change. As he dried the last plate and returned it to the cupboard, he heard the doorbell.

"That'll be Tina. Sam, can you let her in? I'll be ready in a minute." Summer called from her room.

He dashed down the hall and on the third ring, he pressed the door entry button. He leaned outside to watch Tina make her way up the stairs, wrapped in a warm coat and scarf.

"Hi, she's nearly ready."

As Sam stepped back inside, he heard the bedroom door open behind her, and Tina gasped, looking over his shoulder. He turned to see Summer in a better fitting a 'Belfast Student Union' polo top than yesterday, but this time in a black skirt, with glossy black tights that proved she had a gorgeous pair of legs.

Tina and Sam stood in shock as Summer struck a modelesque pose, grinning.

"You like?"

Tina spluttered, "You never wear a skirt! But you're fabulous."

Sam tried not to stare, but Summer seemed to have blossomed in the short period he'd known her and her body certainly improved each time she shared more of it. "I agree. You look gorgeous."

Summer beamed back and strode towards them. "Not bad for a little barmaid, eh? I'm about ready. Sam, get your act together and we'll make a move."

Sam joined her in putting his boots on as the pair dodged around each other as they collected their coats. Summer produced an umbrella from beneath one of her other coats and the three of them headed out.

The walk to the students' union wasn't short, but neither was it anywhere near as long as Sam expected. He ensured he memorised the route, just in case. Security welcomed Tina and Summer, waving the trio through without asking questions of Sam as they breezed through the entrance into the main bar area.

The long bar filled one side of the large room and a low stage at the other, with only a few minor groups huddled about tables around the periphery of the larger dance floor. The band for the evening was setting up their sound system and drum kit.

Sam followed the women to the opening in the bar, but he stayed on the public side. The opposite end had a return on the counter where it turned into a wall, so he headed there to pull a bar stool up and made himself at home.

He hung his coat on a hook tucked under the lip of the timber counter and surveyed the room, as he hooked his feet up beneath him on the stool. Summer and Tina reappeared from a back room with a crate laden trolley for Tina to restock glass fronted fridges with cans and bottles.

"Hmm, well handsome man, what brings you here and what can I get you?" Summer asked coyly, her hand unwittingly playing with one of the pump handles as if it were a phallic symbol.

Sam laughed, shaking his head. "An attractive landlady with a nice bum has bewitched me, and in my desperation I followed her here, but a terrible ogre is forcing me to marry his ugly daughter."

Summer burst out laughing her hand reach over to briefly squeeze his. "You're getting the hang of it. You never know, in a few years you might be good enough to create stories with Emily. So pray, what magic potion would one want to start this night of Valentine's to rid yourself of this witch's curse?"

"Nay, good serving wench, but some enchantments are best not broken as I enjoy her merry jesting. But if I were to wish such a drink, a lovely dark Guinness would be welcome."

A smile beamed across Summer's face as she reached for a clean glass to pull him a slow pint and let it settle.

With their relationship on a closer, more relaxed level, Sam thought he'd push the boundaries. "So, are there any young maidens you're hoping will catch your eye, with romance in their eyes, tonight?"

She scowled back at him, grimacing, and gave a slight shake of her head. "Nope, no such perfect maiden exists."

"Surely, on this night of romance and cupid's arrows, within this grand meeting place, out of all the fair maidens flocking here to satisfy their heart's whim, at least one maiden will turn your head?"

She peeked at him over the top of her glasses and clenched her lips together. "No."

"Surely then, you must have a princess locked in an enchanted tower awaiting your return. With golden hair and a heart that sees only you."

She glared at him before topping the Guinness up and painting a shamrock in the foam cap with the last of the beer. As she placed it on the edge of the counter closest to him, she snarled. "If you want it to remain in the glass, you'd best stop or it'll be in your lap." She motioned as if to tip it towards him before she removed her hand.

"Cash or card? Oh yes, I forgot, you're a poor waif and stray, who'd better be nice to his landlady or it won't just be the beer he's wearing."

Sam grimaced, feeling nervous now and afraid he'd pushed his luck too far. Then he caught a glint in Summer's eye as she turned away from him, to hide the start of a smile being stifled. "Oh, you're cold and after I bought you lunch."

She faced him with her eyes alight with fire. "Oh, that was so kind of you, especially after I arranged for your appointment with the busiest paediatrician in Belfast who set aside his busy schedule just for me." Her eyebrows rose to furrow her brow as she glared at Sam as she headed for the till on the other side of the row of pump handles.

Sam's world fell apart, and his heart plummeted in despair. "Oh, ah... Geez, I'm sorry. I think I've crossed the line."

Summer's fingers poised over the till's touch screen, deep in thought as a grin grew and she stifled a laugh. "Oh, damn it. I can't keep a straight face, you big idjut." She glared at him, full of frustration. "I don't know what you've done to me. I can't even pretend to be mad at you."

She stabbed at the screen. "That'll be two pounds twenty, please."

"You're joking? In Bristol that is nearly four at the union and over five on a nightclub."

He dug into a pocket for some coins whilst he juggled with his emotions. She'd sucked him into her deception so easily. Had he fallen that badly for her? Doesn't she not sense what she's doing to him? Or was it just him, assuming or projecting a straight relationship on her? He was right; he had gone too far.

He thumbed two pound coins and a twenty into her palm, aching to hold her hand and plead forgiveness. She thanked him and cashed them into the till. From his stool, not only did Sam have a perfect view of the entire room, but his eyes could also admire Summer's slim body inside her tight clothing, side on.

Looking along the bar, he caught Tina catching him admiring her lesbian friend, and they both looked away, feigning innocence. Once more, Sam scolded himself for assuming his relationship with a gorgeous woman was based on a sexual attraction rather than on friendship.

"Hey, you okay? You look as if you've committed some dreadful crime and need to confess." Summer asked, as she joined him at the end of the bar, leaning against the counter.

Sam felt his cheeks burning, sensing she'd sensed his self critique. "Ah, just annoyed that you'd caught me hook, line and sinker."

Her eyebrows rose in surprise. "Annoyed at me?"

He immediately shook his head, "No, not at all, at me."

She studied him, realising that there was more to his answer than her ruse to mislead him. "You okay, we good?"

"Yeah, it's just me." Sam hid behind his pint as he took some sips.

"Hey, hang on, that was me this morning, or was it yesterday? Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the wee donkey, we are a pair."

They both burst out laughing and Sam nearly spat his beer out in shock.

"What the hell was that?" Sam exclaimed.

"For sure, you've never heard that?"

"Nooo."

"Geez, it's sort of, a local saying that was dying out, but they quoted on a TV detective series, with the addition of the wee donkey, and it went viral. So now everyone is quoting it, just not in church."

"Well, I've certainly not heard it before... Maybe mum has, as she watches all those TV cop dramas."

Sam took the light-hearted bridge she had quickly built between them and built upon it. They returned to chatting casually, with Summer not having any customers. Tina and the few other staff attracted anyone approaching to serve them from their stations.

The pair unwittingly rebuilt their little bubble of friendship between themselves as the room slowly filled and the bar got busier. The band began tuning and checking their sound system as a few more staff arrived. Sam wondered if there was a conspiracy afoot as they covered Summer's station, leaving her to talk with him.

The band progressed from calling "one, one, two, two," from various microphones and tuning guitars to playing short pieces as a curtain next to the stage opened to reveal a DJ who began playing more upbeat music that drowned out the piped music before they turned it off.