“Of course. Be right there.” Shoving the phone in her pocket, Sam grabbed a jacket and her keys and headed out to the truck. Paul was beginning to be one of her regular clients. His old Ford seemed to break down every other week at least. She had tried convincing him to replace it, but he insisted the truck still had life in it.
Paul’s truck was parked in front of Norma’s, but Sam walked past it, wanting to find out what Paul had already tried first. No need to repeat something he had already done. As the front door opened, the overpowering smell of flowers hit her. What was going on here? Norma was not the floral type.
The lights inside the restaurant were dim, but light enough for Sam to see a magnificent rose arrangement on every table and covering the bar. Yellow, red, white, and pink varieties filled every bouquet. What was going on?
“Norma? It’s me, Sam.”
No voice answered her, and Sam stepped further into the dining area, looking for Norma and Paul.
The kitchen door swung open, and her heart skipped a beat.
Brent stood in the doorway. Dark stubble covered his cheeks and chin and there were a few cuts on his forehead which hadn’t been there when he left, but his eyes—those warm pools of chocolate that melted her heart—hadn’t changed.
She wanted to rush to him, to tell him how much she missed him, but she refrained, crossing her arms instead. If he was about to spew slick words at her, she wanted her defenses intact. “What are you doing here? And where's your girlfriend?”
Brent turned his head to the side. “Julia?”
Julia’s head poked through the doorway over Brent’s shoulder. An expression of contrition covered her face, and her lips pursed together. “I may have been mistaken about Tricia. It turns out she isn’t pregnant, and they broke up weeks ago and didn’t get back together.” She threw a glare at Brent. “A fact Brent could have told me sooner and saved everyone some trouble.”
Sam took a step back as the emotional wall came crashing down, but there were still questions she needed answers to before she allowed her heart to soar. “Okay, so you don’t have a girlfriend who’s pregnant. That still doesn’t explain what you’re doing here.”
Brent’s lips parted in a full smile, showing off his perfect white teeth. “Must I spell it out for you, Sam Jenkins? I’m here for you.” With light footsteps, he crossed from behind the bar to a few feet in front of Sam. “You were all I thought of when I left on Monday, and the cabin seemed too quiet and empty. Then Tricia showed up, making me realize I didn’t want quiet or her. I wanted you. When the accident happened, I was on my way back to Soda Spurs to see you.”
Her heart pounded in her chest, urging her to step into his arms, but she still had questions. “But why didn’t you call me? Why didn’t I hear from you?”
With another step forward, he took her hand. Sam enjoyed the warmth that traveled up her arm.
“When Julia filled me in on what happened, I figured you wouldn’t believe me unless I could tell you in person, but they wouldn’t release me until they were sure I was alright. Evidently, I had a small concussion, but as soon as I was released, I drove here. It was torture not calling you, but it allowed me to plan this.” He motioned to the extravagant flowers filling the room.
Joy pulsed through Sam as his fingers entwined with hers. “But what about your career? Won’t you be returning to Houston soon?”
“Yes, I do need to return to Houston. In fact, I need to fly back Thursday, but I want to spend the next few days with you.”
“And what happens after that?” Sam asked. A few days would be fantastic, but she had a business here. And Brent’s life was in Houston. Could they really make it work?
“We’ll figure that out.” Brent squeezed her hand tighter. “I’ve got plenty of money. I can drive out or fly you to Houston for weekends until we decide. I don’t know what the future holds, Sam, but I’d like you in it. You’re kind of my muse.” His eyebrows inched up in an endearing puppy dog look as he waited for her answer.
Sam looked around the room. There had to be hundreds if not thousands of flowers. No one had ever done anything so extraordinary for her, and she imagined that Brent had much more up his sleeves. It would be scary opening her heart again, but wouldn’t it be worse if she turned him away?
“What’d she say?” Norma’s voice carried out from the kitchen.
“She hasn’t said anything yet,” Brent hollered back, and Sam bit her lip to keep from laughing. Brent’s smile stretched across his lips as he continued, “But she’s smiling, so I think that’s a good sign. Why don’t you guys come out here and help me convince her?”
Fanny stepped out from the kitchen, followed by Norma and Paul. “So, are you?” Fanny continued.
“I’m going to assume there is no truck to fix.” Sam dodged the question and looked at her friends.
The elderly woman rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “It’s called a ruse, woman. Now answer the question. Are you two dating? Because if you pass on him, I might have to scoop him up myself.”
The small gathering laughed, and Sam turned back to Brent. “I don’t know. Are we?” Her whole body tingled as she awaited his answer.
“I’d sure like to.”
“Me too.”
“Then kiss her already.” Norma’s voice broke their moment, earning a chuckle from both Sam and Brent.
“It would be rude not to, since she’s our host.” Brent’s voice was deep and husky as he lowered his face.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Sam closed her eyes and turned her face up to meet his.
As his lips touched hers, a shock of electricity traveled down her spine.
The friends behind them clapped and cheered, but Sam’s focus remained on Brent. When he pulled back, she smiled up at him. She was finally excited for the future for the first time since arriving in Soda Spurs.
“This will be great publicity.” Julia’s voice broke the moment. She had her phone pointed at them and was rapidly clicking what Sam assumed was the camera button
Everyone in the restaurant turned simultaneously to her.
“What? He’s a star, and he needs to sell his movies. People love a Cinderella story. They will eat this up.”
Norma stared at Julia for a minute, a dumbfounded expression on her face. Then she shook her head and turned back to the rest of the group. “Well, I think this calls for pie.”
“I’m always up for pie,” Paul said.
Brent and Sam smiled at each other. Sam didn’t feel the need for pie, but she wouldn’t pass down the opportunity to spend more time with Brent.
“You should have the apple. It’s delicious.” Brent smiled as he pulled her to the bar.
She swatted his arm playfully. “I know that. I live here, remember?”
“I’ll have a slice of apple too,” Fanny said loudly, “and a big scoop of ice cream.”
“Do you have any gluten free pie?” Julia asked as she inspected a barstool before gingerly sitting.
Norma’s deep laugh filled the room. “Honey, round here we don’t even know what gluten is.”
Julia’s face flushed red. “Oh, well, then maybe just a coffee,” she stumbled. Pausing, she looked around the small room. “Do you have a cappuccino maker?”
“Is she for real?” Norma asked Brent.
Brent shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. “City dwellers. What can I say?”
Laughter ensued again as Norma rolled her eyes and turned to get the pie. Sam took a moment to survey the motley crew. A meddling older woman, a redneck farmer, an uptight agent, a lively cook, herself, and Brent. Before today she would have classified him as a city slicker, but he seemed to be morphing into small town charm right before her eyes. Sam smiled as she thought about how God could unite even the most opposite of people and make something beautiful.
Thank you, God for your sense of humor, she thought as Norma returned with plates laden with pie. And thank you for this family, as odd as it might be.
; Brent turned her direction and flashed a wink before digging into his slice of pie, and Sam’s heart fluttered as she thought of the blissful future ahead of them.
Chapter 15
“Come on.” Brent tapped his heel in feigned agitation. It was Thursday evening, and had to get to Houston tonight to make his meeting in the morning, but he wasn’t in a hurry for that reason.
“It would help if you told me where we were going,” Sam hollered from her closet. “I mean I would dress differently for Marnie’s than Ernesto’s.”
“If I told you that, it wouldn’t be a surprise.” Brent looked down at his watch. If they didn’t hurry, they might miss his surprise and then his agitation would be real. “Just pick something nice. You look beautiful in anything.”
Sam emerged from the closet wearing a simple black dress, which she tugged and pulled on, revealing her uncomfortableness.
Brent let out a low whistle. “Wow, you look amazing.”
Pink flooded Sam’s cheeks. “I feel overdressed.”
“It’s only because you’re used to greasy coveralls and jeans,” Brent laughed, taking her hand and pulling her close. “You look great.” He placed a quick kiss on her lips before pulling her toward the front door.
“Wait.” She placed a splayed hand on his chest. “I need my truck keys.”
He shook his head and smiled down at her. “No keys tonight. You’re not driving.”
“Um, you don’t have a car, remember? You totaled it right after I fixed it. Not cool by the way.” She swatted his arm playfully.
“Well, I had to find some reason to see you again,” Brent returned.
“Haha.” Sam’s smile turned serious. “Never do that again though.”
“I promise; now come on.” Brent opened the front door and enjoyed the gasp that escaped from Sam’s lips as she spied the stretch limo he had ordered.
“We’re taking a limo into Soda Spurs?” she asked. “Don’t you think that’s a little showy?”
Brent chuckled. “We’re not eating in Soda Spurs, Sam.” He waited while she locked the front door, and then took her hand again as he helped her down the stairs.
Sam shook her head, but she smiled as he opened the limo door and helped her inside. “I have to ask, aren’t you supposed to be heading back to Houston tonight?”
Brent climbed in beside her and closed the door. “Don’t worry, there’s plenty of time after dinner.” He pursed his lips together to keep from smiling and giving away his secret.
“Can I ask you something else?” When he nodded, she continued. “Julia mentioned your family wouldn’t have come to the hospital. Can I ask what happened between you?”
Brent sighed. “We were always wealthy, but my father believed in a strong work ethic. When I told him I wanted to be a writer, he wasn’t pleased. He wanted me to work on wall street or something a little more stable. So, I moved to Los Angeles and that was the last we spoke.”
“I’m so sorry, Brent.” Sam laid a hand on his arm and stared at him with glistening eyes.
“Thank you, but tonight isn’t about sadness. Tonight is about new beginnings.” He wrapped his arm around Sam and pulled her closer, enjoying the sweet smell of her shampoo.
Half an hour later, the limo stopped and the driver opened the door. Brent climbed out first and held his hand out to Sam. Her eyes widened as she took in the surroundings. “I don’t understand. I thought we were having dinner.”
“Oh, we’re going to have dinner.” Brent bit the inside of his lip to keep his smile from stretching across his face. “But not here.” He took her hand and led her up the red carpet. “I need to get a new car. I thought we’d eat on the plane on the way to Houston and then you could help me pick out my next car. I know a car isn’t a necessity in Soda Spurs, but I don’t like being without one, and I really miss driving.”
“Won’t they be closed by the time we get there?” Sam asked, glancing at her watch.
“Maybe for the general public.”
“But you’re not the general public,” Sam said slowly.
“No, I am not. Now, come on. Your dinner awaits milady.”
Sam laughed as he led her up the steps of the airplane. “Will we be returning tonight?”
Brent shook his head. “No, since I have my meeting in Houston tomorrow, I thought this would be a perfect time to show you around. I’ll take you to your hotel after the dealership.”
“But I didn’t pack anything,” Sam protested.
“Already been taken care of.”
“But the shop,” Sam continued.
“Also taken care of. Don’t worry, Sam. I have this all covered. Now, come on. I’m starving.”
“Good evening, sir, mademoiselle.”
The words were uttered by a woman in a pressed black skirt and white shirt who stood just inside the plane. Her blond hair was curled into a knot at the nape of her neck.
Brent issued a thank you as they passed her.
Sam nodded a hello at the woman, but her eyes were taking in the insides of the Learjet. She had never been on a private plane before. Instead of the several tight rows of seats, there were only eight spacious seats. Four seats had their backs to Sam and four faced her. A large empty space existed in between the two front rows, but a table draped in a white tablecloth and sporting china and a vase of roses filled the space.
“Do you always travel like this?” Sam asked Brent. Awe was the only emotion she could feel and it overwhelmed her.
Brent chuckled a deep resonating sound. “Of course. What’s the point of having money if you don’t use it. Sometimes I drive though, but that’s on hold until I get a new car.”
He led her to the table and helped her into one of the seats before sitting across from her.
“My name is Monica, and I’ll be your waitress and stewardess today. Our flight will be a short flight, but plenty of time for you to enjoy our petite sirloin and fingerling potatoes.”
Monica turned and disappeared down the aisle and Sam smiled at Brent. “This is more than you needed to do to impress me.”
“Maybe, but you deserve it.”
Sam glanced out the window as the plane began to move. She hadn’t flown often, but enough to remember the funny sensation that erupted in her stomach when the plane began gathering speed. Sam felt no such sensation this time. The takeoff was so smooth, she wouldn’t have even known they had lifted off if she hadn’t been watching out of the window.
Monica reappeared a moment later carrying a tray that held a bread basket, two plates of food, and two wine glasses with a sparkling red liquid that sloshed gently against the sides of the glasses as she adjusted the tray.
She placed a glass in front of each of them, followed by the plate of food, and finally the basket of bread in the middle. The sweet smell of the meat glided up to Sam’s nose and set her mouth watering.
“Let me know if you need anything else,” Monica said before disappearing again.
“Shall we pray?” Brent asked.
Sam could only nod. She was still amazed by the situation. Was this what dating Brent would be like? She closed her eyes and listened to his melodic voice as he thanked God for the food and the many blessings he had been given. Sam felt blessed as well. She might not have Brent’s money, but it appeared she had a Christian man who was willing to focus on God with her. What more could she ask for?
After Brent finished with an ‘amen,’ Sam dug into the food. There was a ravenous hole in her stomach yearning to be fed. She didn’t usually skip meals, but she had been so focused on work and trying to earn enough to keep the shop open that she hadn’t even thought to eat until just before Brent showed up for their date.
Sam wasn’t sure whether it was the food or the hunger burning inside her, but as she chewed the first bite of steak, she decided she had never had a finer one. The meat was crispy on the outside and coated with some smoky glaze, and the inside was soft and flavorful.
“This is amazing,” she uttered betwe
en bites.
“Well, I couldn’t very well take you on a plane and serve subpar food, could I?” he asked with a smile. “I’m glad you like it though. You deserve the royal treatment, Sam.”
As the heat crawled up her neck, Sam wondered if she could live like this. She had grown up in a simple home. Plenty of food on the table and a roof over their heads, but she had never been able to take dance or gymnastics growing up due to the lack of money. Sam had never felt like anything was lacking though as her parents had filled the gaps with love, but now she wondered if life would ever be the same. Could you live with money like this and then go back to none? Would Brent ever be truly happy in Soda Spurs?
Sam kept the questions to herself, not wanting to ruin the night. There would be plenty of time to ask them later.
Brent felt like a kid at Christmas as the limo pulled up to the North Houston Porsche dealership. He couldn’t wait to have Sam help him pick out a new car. Truth was, he could have just ordered the car he wanted. Pierre, the owner, would know what he liked. But Sam was a mechanic, and even though she didn’t often work on Porsches, he thought she might enjoy seeing them, hearing them, maybe even test driving one.
He held the limo door open for her and smiled when her eyes grew round as she climbed out of the limo.
“Is this a dealership or a whole city?”
Brent chuckled. The building was huge-two stories with a showroom that typically displayed two dozen cars. Yellows and reds from the setting sun glistened off the white building. “Come on.”
The dealership was officially closed for the evening, but as promised, Pierre had the side door unlocked.
“We’re sneaking in?” Sam asked.
“We’re getting special treatment,” Brent replied as he opened the door.
The room opened into a large showroom. An expansive white desk stretched across the room and the white marble floor glistened as if it had just been cleaned.
“Ah, you made it. Good to see you my friend.” Pierre stood from behind the desk. He walked over to greet them, his Italian loafers clicking on the marble flooring. His short black hair perfectly matched the color of his expensive suit.
A Brush with a Billionaire Page 9