Chance Encounter

The day finally arrived for Brian to meet Adam. As he got dressed, Brian couldn't understand why he was so nervous about meeting a four year old child. Brian showed up at Samantha's house just after 8:00 in the morning. They were going to Six Flags for the day. Brian's idea. He hoped Adam liked him. He really wanted to make a good impression on the little guy.

Samantha and Adam were sitting on the front porch when Brian pulled up the driveway. Brian smiled when he saw them. Adam was sitting beside his mother, his chin propped on his hand just like Samantha, a little baseball cap turned around backwards. The little boy's blue eyes were shining brightly and he had a big smile on his face.

Samantha smiled and waived when she saw Brian. She looked amazing. A tight baby blue shirt and black shorts, her hair pulled up in a ponytail. She was so different from Leighanne. She wasn't afraid to go out in public without something from Versace or Dolce & Gabana on. The Gap was more Samantha's style. Brian's too.

"Adam, this is Brian," Samantha said, smiling.

"Is he Brian from Burger King?" Adam asked, looking up at Brian, confused.

"Well, sort of," she answered, giggling. "But this is the real Brian. That was just a toy Brian."

"I know that Mom," Adam said, sounding exasperated.

"Hi," Adam said happily to Brian, "do you have a little boy for me to play with?"

"No," Brian said, laughing, "but I have two dogs."

"I like dogs. Except the mean ones that bite. My grandma's dog bit my foot one time," Adam said, taking Brian's hand without even any prompting. "Are we going to Six Flags today?

"We sure are," he answered, smiling at Samantha.

Samantha smiled back at him. Brian and Adam were going to get along fine. She knew that. Adam pulled Brian to Samantha's car, and Brian buckled him into his seat.

"Can I drive?" Brian asked, holding his hand out for the keys.

"Of course. Just don't wreck my car or I'll kick your butt," she said, putting the keys in his hand.

As they drove down the highway, they chatted a little. Adam was in the backseat, jabbering to himself.

"So what did Nick want the other day. You never told me," Brian said, quietly.

"Oh, that was just a little private business between me and Nick. Nothing to concern yourself with," she answered, smiling.

"Good private or bad private," he asked. He knew how possessive Nick could be sometimes, and he didn't want Nick ruining things for him.

"Just private. Don't worry about it, ok? He and I just had a little talk. Everything's fine."

"I don't like the way that sounded," Brian said, glancing over at her. "Did he say something stupid?"

"We're talking about Nick here. What do you think?" she said, laughing.

"I think he probably did. Sam, I'm sorry for anything he might have said that offended you."

"Brian, I said don't worry about it, ok? Everything is fine. Nick is a cute kid. I make it a point not to get offended by cute kids. They don't know any better."

Brian laughed. "You're right. He doesn't know any better. We didn't do a very good job raising him unfortunately. AJ either, for that matter."

"Now AJ's not a kid. I could easily be offended by him," she said, shaking her head and remembering the Hooter's waitress comment.

"AJ offends everybody," Brian said, laughing. "We don't even make excuses for him anymore."

Their day at Six Flags was a success. Brian had ridden all the little kid roller coasters with Adam, as well as the bumper cars, the train, and several water rides. Samantha didn't ride those, but she watched happily as Adam held Brian's hand and dragged him all around the park. Brian had the energy and enthusiasm of a little kid, and Adam loved it. Jeff never did things like this with him. By the time they left at dusk, Brian was carrying Adam. Adam's arms were around Brian's neck, his head on Brian's shoulder, and his eyes were heavy. Sam could tell he would be asleep before they left the parking lot.

"Is he too heavy?" Samantha asked. "He can walk if he is."

"No. He's fine," Brian said, smiling at her. It was so nice to be with her. Like a real family. He hadn't been bothered too much that day. Just a few pictures and autographs. It wasn't that people didn't recognize him, because he could see them whispering and giggling, but it was as if they just didn't want to disturb the wonderful time he, Samantha and Adam appeared to be having.

When they got home, Samantha put Adam to bed and joined Brian in the living room. They sat on the couch watching television for a while. She curled up beside him and rested her head on his shoulder. He rested his hand on her leg, which was pulled up on the couch. It felt so good to be near his warm body.

"I feel grungy," she said, yawning. "I need a shower."

"Me too. At least you didn't get that nasty water on you from Thunder River," Brian replied. He sniffed his shirt and wrinkled his nose. "I smell like the bathroom in a Texaco station."

"Is that you? I thought I forgot to take out the trash this morning," she said, giggling.

"You're mean," he said. "Very, very evil and mean."

"I'm joking. You always smell good to me... just more so at some times than others," she said, still giggling.

"OK, that's it. I'm going home," he said, starting to get up.

"No, Brian! I'm sorry. I was kidding."

He stopped and smiled. "I know. Me too. I'm not going anywhere yet."

She hit his arm lightly. "I really need a shower, though," she said. "Really, really need a shower. I feel so nasty. Sticky."

"Well go," he said, smiling. "Take your shower. Leave me down here all nasty and sweaty. I don't mind."

"Brian," she said, giving him a sexy look, "would you like to join me?"

He stared at her for a minute. "I'd like nothing better."

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