Chance Encounter

Brian and Kevin entered the room. Brian fanned the air.

"Damn, AJ. You'd think you'd know better than to smoke with that cough," Kevin said in his best fatherly voice.

"I know, I know. I've already gotten a lecture from Mom over there," AJ said, laughing.

"Mom? Is that all I am to you," Samantha said, punching in the arm lightly.

"Kidding," he replied, rubbing his arm.

"OK, Samantha. Ready to grab some lunch?" Brian asked, his eyes shining with hope.

"Sure. Let's go," she said, grabbing her purse. "Oh, and AJ... please see a doctor, OK? Even if you're not going to go, at least tell me you will so I won't worry about you."

"I promise I will," AJ said, shaking his head and laughing.

Samantha and Brian went down to the front of the building and hopped into the limo. They pulled up to a nice restaurant and sat on the patio. Brian ordered a beer, and she ordered a water with lemon. Brian looked a little uncomfortable as they sat at the little round table.

"What's wrong?" she asked, laughing. "You look like a cat in a room full of rocking chairs."

Brian smiled and shook his head. "Nothing. Just haven't been on a date in a long time." She noticed how he got little crinkles around the corners of his eyes when he smiled, and he had such pretty blue eyes. They were... sparkly. Almost mischievous. Like he was up to something.

"A date? This ain't a date, honey," she said, rolling her eyes. "This is just lunch. It's not a date unless I get to pick the restaurant. And I don't go on dates with married guys."

Brian looked down at his hands, which were folded on the table. He twisted his gold wedding band around his finger. He had wanted to forget he was married for just a little while. A couple of fans walked over and got Brian's autograph. Samantha smiled and sat back in her chair, watching him interact with the girls. He was so gracious and nice to them. But she could tell it was a practiced art. She didn't think she'd ever be able to be that polite if people were constantly interrupting her dinner. After the girls left, Brian turned his attention back to her.

She leaned forward, resting her chin on her elbow. "You know what? You're a great guy. She doesn't know what she has. I mean, the girl's a fool."

"Thanks," Brian said, blushing a little. He couldn't believe he had spilled his guts to a complete stranger. He was having a few seconds of regret.

"Hey," she said, reaching across the table and placing her hand on his, "I mean it, Brian. I spent five years in a relationship with somebody who didn't appreciate me, so I know how it feels. It feels shitty. You deserve more."

Brian turned his hand over and took her hand in his. He looked into her eyes and smiled shyly. Her hands were so warm and soft. For a moment, he could imagine what it would be like to have them running over his... No, that was wrong. He felt guilty for even imagining it. His thoughts were interrupted by the waitress, who had placed their plates on the table. He reluctantly let go of her hand. His reluctance didn't go unnoticed. Samantha felt a flutter in her stomach as she watched him sit back in his chair and take a deep breath. They were quiet for a long time.

"So, how bout those Braves," Samantha said, looking up from her plate and smiling. Brian returned her smile, breaking the spell of discomfort that had been left hanging when he held her hand. He liked this girl.
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When they got off the plane in Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport, it was nearly midnight. They were both tired and Samantha just wanted to go home and take a shower. But, she knew she'd have to make one stop first. She had to go by Lila's to pick up her son. She glanced at her watch as they made their way up the ramp to the terminal.

"Got somewhere to be?" Brian asked.

"Yeah. Actually I do. I have to run to my friend Lila's house on my way home," she replied.

"Oh, OK," Brian said. He didn't ask why. He didn't want to be nosy.

They went to the baggage pickup area and got their luggage. Samantha pulled out the handle on her suitcase and turned to Brian.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye," she said. Even she could hear the hint of sadness in her voice. They had spent the entire day together, and deep inside, Samantha didn't want the day to end.

"Um, do you have a business card or something? You know, so I can get in touch with you. Maybe we could have lunch or something?" he asked, sounding shy.

"Oh, uh, yeah. Sure." She reached into her purse and pulled out one of her cards. Brian put it in his wallet and hugged her tightly. He smelled so nice. Not all cologne-y. Just nice. She hugged him back, wrapping her arms around his waist. She could feel the firm muscles of his stomach pressed against her, and those damned butterflies started flapping their wings again.

"I had a great time today," he said, still hugging her.

"Oh, come on. Don't get all mushy on me," she said, laughing. "You know, this happens to me all the time. I get stuck in an elevator with internationally known pop stars, and they always end up getting so attached to me. I don't know what it is. Just dumb luck, I guess."

"Haha. You're funny," Brian said, sarcastically.

"Seriously. I really need to go. I'm beat," she said, pulling back in spite of herself. She could actually let him stand there and hug her forever. But he was married. And she had to pick up Adam.

"Ok," Brian said, kissing her cheek. "I'll call you."


"Sure," she said, waiving goodbye as she walked through the sliding doors. The cool Atlanta evening jarred her back to her senses. What was she thinking? He was M*A*R*R*I*E*D. She knew she'd never hear from him again. But it was cool hanging out with him while she could.
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