108

"I'm really, really sorry for chasing you away like that. I was stupid back then and I couldn't see that I was losing the best friend I ever had. You meant a lot to me too, you still do."

"Thank you," she whispered, sniffling. "I accept your apology wholeheartedly. ... I'm just glad to have you back, Anthony."

"It's good to be back, Samantha," I replied before lifting her hand up and placing a kiss upon it. She laughed and sniffled, wiping away a couple of rogue tears from her eyes. She gazed to the ceiling once more, taking a deep breath and shakily sighing. She held my hand a little tighter, both of us relaxing in silence for a moment or two.

"You're the only guy I've ever done this with," she said. "And ... you're definitely the only one that deserves it ..."

"Wow," I remarked in surprise. "Well, thank you for that honor."

She smiled and laughed, both of us gazing happily at each other after making love as two very happily reunited friends.

Samantha then glanced over at the clock.