Relieved with the change of conversation Sami let her shoulders relax. "I can't wait for the foal to be born. She's the size of a house."
"Not sure if she would appreciate that analogy but I get you. Any idea what you want to do with the foal?"
"No idea. I haven't really thought about it. To tell you the truth I’ve had too many other things on my mind." She smiled at him, watching his chocolate brown eyes roam over her face.
"Such as? Talk to me."
"Garth and what he wants to do. He is worried you won't want him anymore and the thought is making him sick with worry."
"Sami, you wound me with your thinking. Why on earth would I not take on Garth now, because I got hurt in a stupid accident of my own making?"
A shadow passed over his eyes and it hurt her to see the pain she was causing him. She had the same thoughts as Garth and from the look on his face he knew that too. "Look, I'm sorry but we have issues with being wanted apparently and it is kind of hard to throw off if you know what I mean. We seem to run better when we don't have to rely on anyone but ourselves."
"Well, you can tell Garth it would take more than this for me to not employ him. He's as smart as a whippet Sami, surely you can see that?"
"Yeah, but I'm biased."
"James loves the way his mind is always working. Don't be surprised if he learns more about winemaking while he is with us."
"The idea was for him to learn agriculture, wasn't it?" Sami asked.
"Yes and he will. I'll make sure of it. But he has one of those minds that soak up information like a sponge. I'm looking forward to teaching him what I know."
Sami squeezed his hand. "Thanks, that makes me feel much better."
Mason’s phone rang and she grabbed her bag. "Damn, I forgot I was going to give you this back." She unzipped the bag and clasped the phone as it rang again. Clare's face filled the screen and she handed it over to Mason before walking over to look out of the window.
As hard as she tried to block out the conversation, it was impossible in the small room.
"Clare, no. I would rather you didn't. No, I…" Mason cursed and dropped the phone to the bed.
"Well, I guess it's my cue to leave." Sami plastered a smile on her face and slipped her bag over one shoulder. "Get better soon, Mason and let us know if you need any help when you get home. Bye."
"Sami, wait..."
She pushed the door open without turning back to him. For a moment she had forgotten he already had a girlfriend and had relaxed her guard far too much.
Sami, you freaking idiot. When are you going to learn?
Tears blurred her vision as she turned down the corridor and headed to the front entrance. Too late she noticed the shadow in her path. The contact made wince as she was pushed into the corner of the wall, landing on her shoulder.
"You idiot country girl. Look what you've done!" The scathing voice of the woman who claimed to be Mason’s girlfriend screamed at her.
Way to go Sami.
She wiped her eyes and looked down at the floral arrangement scattered over the floor. Flowers were broken and strewn in a puddle of water. Stains were also down the front of the skirt Clare was wearing.
Great.
"I didn't see you."
"Well, that much is obvious. How could you? You've wrecked the flowers and look at me. My skirt is ruined. You sloppy country hick. You never should have moved here in the first place." The evil looks Clare shot her way wounded her less than the words.
"I hardly think I was the only one to blame. You ran into me as well."
"Typical of you low bred country folk. Totally ignore all responsibility. I don't know why Mason even bothered with you. Oh right, he wanted your land." She tossed her hair over her shoulder and sneered at Sami. "And look where it got him, in hospital all thanks to you."
"It was hardly my fault. He said as much just now."
Let the bitch have it Sami.
"You stay away from him, you hear me? His father already threw you out once and I won't hesitate to get him back, do you understand?" She advanced on Sami, spittle coming from her mouth.
Sami backed off as a nurse walked around the corner. "What happened here? Let me go and get a cleaner." She turned back and headed the way she had come.
"Stay away from him. He is mine? Just because he took you to bed to get what he wanted, don't go getting any ideas. He used you plain and simple, you aren't good enough for someone like him."
"Fuck you." Sami walked away with her head held high and her heart breaking. Thanks for bringing it home, bitch. Like we need anyone like you to tell us how good we are.
She ran out of the hospital to where her car was parked, jumped in and slammed the door before breaking down in tears. Resting her head on the steering wheel Sami bawled her eyes out. Being told she wasn't good enough shouldn't have hurt so much but it did.
It was some time before she was composed enough to drive home.
Chapter 22
When she pulled into the driveway Garth came down to meet her.
"How is he?" He held open the door for her.
"Good. Ready to come home already and get into work."
"Did he say anything about the job?"
"Yeah, he did. He can't believe we would think he would blame me and not take you on. He is pretty impressed with you Garth and the job is still yours." She got out and slammed the door. "I need a drink."
He tipped his head to one side and looked at her closely. "What happened? Your eyes are red, Sami? Spill
