Page 41 of Sun, Sea and Spotted Squid

A cross-examination appeared to be incoming and Sam wanted to shut it down as quickly as possible.

“Me and the others haven’t been getting on. Nothing major.”

“Why didn’t you mention it?”

“Because you would try to fix it and it can’t be. I’ve behaved shittily and I don’t want you to know about it.”

To his horror, tears were welling up inside him.

Why does this man always make me cry?

He frowned and started tucking into his food.

“I thought I picked up tension,” he said. “That kind of makes what I’ve got planned a bit awkward.”

Sam froze. “What do you mean?”

“As it’s your final weekend, I’ve arranged for us all to go to Madrid for the night on Saturday. The high-speed train is brilliant. We can be there in ninety minutes. I’ve booked a tour to see the sights and a great dinner. The aquarium have even said we can stay in a fancy hotel.”

The glint in his eye suggested he had high hopes of them staying the night somewhere.

“I think I’ll bow out. Sorry, Ruben.”

His face dropped.

“Are you sure? I will protect you from the others. I promise.”

Perhaps in another world that would have been wonderful. The last thing Sam needed was a roll in the hay with Ruben the weekend before he left for good. Besides, his thoughts were still occupied by Wolfgang morning, noon and night. It would be cruel.

“Thank you for the offer. I’ll be fine.”

Sam lay in bed that Saturday, listening to them all excitedly leaving their rooms. Once silence reigned, he breathed a sigh of relief. The place would be his for a whole twenty-four hours. Not that he had an orgy planned or anything. He was content with not having to time trips to the bathroom and kitchen when the coast was clear.

To celebrate he vowed to cook himself a decent breakfast.

With a spring in his step, he threw some clothes on and headed out to the market. In no time he would be home and this a distant memory. Why shouldn’t he make the most of it.

When he got back from the supermarket with meat and vegetables, he stopped in his tracks to see Wolfgang standing in the kitchen.

He was too busy stacking his plate with cheeses and meats to turn around.

“What are you doing here?”

“I live here.”

Sam had no idea why Wolfgang was giving out attitude. Although he did admire Wolfgang’s attempt to cast himself in the hurt party role. The ego on the man knew no bounds.

In no mood for confrontation, Sam dropped his bag on the table. “Give me a shout when you’re done.”

Wolfgang grabbed him by the arm before he had a chance to storm out.

“Wait.”

Sam stared down at his arm. “Take your hand off me.”

He did as asked yet something stopped Sam from carrying on upstairs.

“I am sorry for what happened.”