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Edo wasn't sure what had changed. He and Samantha had been skirting around flirting all day, and he’d even found himself actually wanting to be near her; but he'd been caught totally off guard when she'd grabbed his hand.
He hadn't minded, though.
That, in and of itself, was strange enough. But even more strange? He wished he had done it first.
He’d had a handful of girlfriends—a single handful, only five—during his six years in the states, but with all of them it had been a long, slow process of getting used to each other before he’d wanted to hold hands, hug, or anything else. He’d never had any relationship move this quickly.
But Samantha, too; what had changed for her? She'd been distant, withdrawn, right before she'd split to go off around the pond. But by the time she got back around, it was like she was a totally new person—her eyes were so focused and determined, and yet so teasing at the same time.
Whoever this new Samantha was, Edo was definitely interested in getting to know her better.
He looked over at her as they trekked back up the hill towards where the gravel path cut over to the Pitti Palace and the exit. She was puffing a little, and her face was going red. It was kind of adorable.
Just that morning he'd reminded himself that she was a tourist, and not only that, she was too young for him. But now? He reached out and took her hand, grinning at the electric current that ran between them as he pulled her forward up the hill. It had been a long time since he'd let himself get distracted by anyone. She wouldn't be here that long anyway, so really, what was the risk? They could have a little fun, and she could go back to the states with a story of a romantic Italian vacation—that was probably all she wanted anyway.
Her hand tightened in his, pulling him to a stop. “Wait,” she gasped, dropping forward to put her hands on her knees. “I can't—too fast—”
Without even thinking about it, Edo passed her hand to his left one and stepped closer to her, reaching to rub her back but realizing too late she was wearing that blasted red backpack, as always. He rubbed her shoulder instead. “Sorry I went too fast; I got carried away.”
She straightened, looking at him with a glint in her eyes that made him wonder if she knew just how carried away his thoughts had been getting. “It's okay. You'll just have to take it a little slower with me.”
Even if she didn't intend a double meaning there, it was a good warning. Besides, she looked a little ill beneath the redness of her face. He looked again, more closely. “How much water have you had today?”
She looked embarrassed. “I forgot my bottle.”
Edo had been carrying a water bottle with him all day and stealing sips periodically; how had he not noticed she hadn’t been doing the same? Unfortunately, he’d finished his off almost an hour earlier. “Let's go back into the city. You need something to drink or you'll be sick.”
She smiled, but it was a little pinched. “I think I already am.” She stumbled forward, using Edo's hand for balance. “You're right, we should probably go.”
She really was starting to look bad. Edo tried to remember what he knew about heatstroke. Should he have her sit down? Fan her? She obviously needed water.
And here he had thought things were shaping up to be romantic.
#
SAMANTHA LAY HER HEAD down on the table of the little café they'd found close outside the gates of the Boboli Gardens. Her stomach threatened to rise, and she took deep breaths to force it back down. Of all days, she would forget her water bottle today.
She peeked under her arm at Edo, who sat beside her looking nervous. He'd helped her get here and bought her a bottle of water, but she’d drunk it too fast, and now her stomach was churning even more.
She lifted her head a little and nodded toward the counter. “You should get some lunch. I'll be fine soon, just have to let the water settle.” She dropped her head again, not willing to push her luck.
Edo hesitantly patted her shoulder, but stopped immediately when she winced. “I'm fine. But... are you going to be okay?”
She might never recover from the embarrassment of getting sick in front of the guy she’d decided to somehow make fall for her, but other than that? Yeah. She’d be fine. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
“For helping me get out of the gardens? For taking me there in the first place? For... I don't know. For not bringing anything smelly to the table right now.”
Edo's voice was light as he replied, “All of those are fine, but if you throw up on me, it's over.”
She tipped her head sideways and looked up at him. “Oh yeah? That's a deal breaker?”
Edo shrugged. “I don't know. Maybe? I've never had a girl throw up on me before.”
Samantha let her shoulders shake a little in laughter, but quickly put a hand on her stomach and stopped.
“Sorry. I shouldn’t make you laugh.”
“I like laughing.”
“Even right now?”
Samantha considered. “I like that someone is trying to make me laugh right now.” She watched him for a reaction, but either it didn't work as a flirting attempt or he had a great poker face.
It was true though—she loved having someone trying to make her laugh. She loved having someone sit next to her while she wasn't feeling well. She loved feeling like he was taking care of her.
It had been a long time since anyone had taken care of her.
They sat there until Samantha's stomach settled, then Edo ordered her a mild risotto and didn't complain at all that it took her a long time to finish it.
Part of Samantha felt she should not get too used to this—that if she let herself enjoy it now, it would be too hard to go back to not having it when she had to leave.
But she had decided to make sure he wouldn't forget her, and now she added to that resolution — she was going to get every bit of caring and comfort that she could over this next week. She would let him take care of her, and see what kinds of memories she could create before she had to go back to Apple Grove and being the one who took care of everyone else.
It would be worth any possible pain when she left.
She hoped.