by Lisa Powell
Violet went to follow him, but she stopped, when she heard him tell the staff to make sure she was gone when he got home. They all had sadness in their eyes. They really thought she was the one.
Violet sat on the bed for a few minutes when she heard a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
“I am sorry Violet…” the maid started.
“It’s okay. Give me a few minutes.” Violet got up took a shower. She put on her robe and went to the closet. She dug deep back into the closet. She grabbed her clothes she had on when she walked through that door. She grabbed her old purse. She went to the bathroom and changed. She went through her purse and found something to pull her hair back with.
She found some cash she took a deep breath and walked out. She handed her purse to the maid.
“Want to look through it.” She said.
“Why Violet, take everything he has given you.” The maid said.
“I want nothing from him not one red cent. Please look through it.” she repeated.
The maid looked through her purse she had nothing in there from him. Violet saw a picture of them. She went up to it and ripped herself out of it. “He wants me gone right?” and she put it in her purse. She walked down the steps and everyone was watching.
“Want me to drop you off somewhere?” asked the chauffeur.
“No thanks. I will walk,” Violet replied.
They all stood there and watched Violet as she headed down the drive. She got to the road and soon she disappeared. They all had sadness in their hearts and some had tears.
When Sam got home the staff was waiting. They knew he would ask the normal questions. He walked in picked up the mail and was going through it. The maid came up to him.
“Is she gone?” he said looking at the mail.
“Yes she is.”
“How long did it take?”
“15 minutes.”
Sam stopped and looked at her “15 minutes!” he sounded shocked.
“Yes Sir and what would you like to do with all the stuff she left?” the maid said.
“What stuff?” Sam said. None of the women ever left anything. They even tried to take more than what he gave them.
“She took nothing Sir.”
“Nothing?” he stated.
“Nothing sir, she walked out of here with the clothes she walked in with,” the maid stood there.
“I don’t believe she didn’t take anything.”
“This way sir,” the maid took him up to a room. They had everything in there that Sam got her. From jewelry to clothes all the accessories. She didn’t even take makeup anything, she left it all everything. Sam just stood there unbelieving.
“Well what do you want done with it?” the maid asked again.
“Give the clothes to charity. I will sell the jewelry, take whatever you want throw the rest away.” He said and he turned and left.
“As you wish.”
He walked into his bedroom and he called the maid in “What’s this?” as he held the picture to her.
“She said you wanted to get rid of her. So she ripped herself out.”
Sam took the picture and threw it away. Sam took a shower and got dressed for dinner.
The house was really quiet. He got to the dining area they served him dinner. He was used to Violet being there chatting talking up a storm. But all he heard was the ticking of the clock and a few noises coming from the kitchen. He couldn’t take it so he got up poured himself a drink. He went out and set by the pool. When he sat down he looked over and her chair was gone. The image of her came back lying there bathing in the sun. He shook his head “It’s over!” he shouted and threw his drink. He got up and went to his room. A few minutes later there was a knock on the door.
“Yes,” he called.
“Here is all the jewelry. Where do you want it?” called the maid.
He opened the door “Put it over there,” he pointed
The maid set it down and left. Sam really couldn’t believe she didn’t take anything. She had to have taken something. He didn’t realize, it was his heart she took. He started going through things. As he was the memories where coming back on certain pieces of jewelry he got her. He would smile at the thoughts. Then he ran across her favorite piece. He thought for sure she would have taken it. This was one of the hardest break ups he ever had to deal with. Maybe because she did leave everything, he didn’t know. Then he sat down on the bed and looked at the garbage. He picked up the picture, he looked at himself. He looked so happy as he remembered what they were doing at that time. He took the picture and put it away. He lay back on the bed it was so quiet to quiet. Violet wouldn’t leave his mind. For eight months she lay next to him and now she was gone.
Violet was torn up and she had enough. She went back to her old place packed up everything. All she had was a few bucks to her name. She got a hold of Todd and told him everything. She said she was moving back home. She needed to borrow money, he understood. She made flight reservations. She took a cab to her job, picked up her paycheck and quit her job. She told them her mother was sick. She had to care for her and she was moving back home. She went to the jewelry store and made the last payment on the watch.
The sales person was all smiles, he didn’t think she could do it, but she did.
“Why such the sad face Violet, you paid for it and on time,” he said.
Violet took a deep breath. “I wanted to give this to him on his birthday. But I have to leave and care for my sick mother. And he is away and I won’t be able to see him,” she sighed.
“I am so sorry to hear that. You worked so hard Violet,” said the sales person.
Violet looked at him. “Can this be delivered to him on his birthday?” she was hoping.
The sales person smiled. “Yes Violet, anything for you. Just tell who and where.”
Violet told them, when she did, they all looked at her, “Sam? The Sam? Rich Sam?”
“The same,” she replied.
“Never has anyone worked so hard to give him such a gift. He will be blown away,” said the sales person.
“Yes I am sure he will be.” Violet tried to smile.
“We will make sure he gets it Violet,” said the sales person.
“Thank you,” she replied and walked out the door. She got into the cab and left. She headed for the airport.
A couples days later, like they promised, the gift was delivered to Sam at his office.
He got back from lunch and saw it there. He opened it and he was shocked. He looked at the engraving and it said, “Love Violet”. At first he was furious and tried to find out who put it there. He was told it was delivered. He went straight to the jewelry store.
“Who delivered this?!” he questioned. He sounded a little upset.
“We did,” the clerk smiled.
Sam saw all them smiling so he kept his cool.
“Do you like it?” said the sales person.
“When did she ask you to deliver this?” Sam questioned.
“A couple of days ago, she was so sad she couldn’t give it to you herself. She worked so hard for months paying for that watch,” the clerk replied.
“She worked for this?” questioned Sam.
“Yes, you are very lucky to have found this one. Must be refreshing to know there are women out there that want more than your money. I told her you would be blown away when you saw it” Said the sales person.
“She worked.” Sam repeated.
“Yes, every week for the past two months she came in here. She did over time and dropped her full paycheck, plus all her tips on that watch. Just to have it paid off so she could give it to you on your birthday. Too bad her mother got ill and she had to leave before she could give it to you.”
Sam just stood there he didn’t know what to think. Now that conversation made sense. She was talking about this watch not his money. This is what she wanted to give him this is what he would be blown away by. That’s why she was so excited.
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sp; “Are you okay? Don’t you like the watch?” ask the clerk.
“I love the watch but the time is off a little could you adjust it?’ Sam replied as he cleared his throat.
“Not a problem,” said the clerk.
Sam left the store his head was spinning. She worked for this! For me, she did this because she really loves me. He went back to the office he saw Todd in the elevator.
“Todd!” he called.
Todd quickly pushed the button and the elevator closed. Todd wanted to avoid him as much as possible.
Sam finally caught up with him, “Where is she Todd?” Sam asked.
“Sorry but I promised never to tell. I told you to leave her alone. You really broke her heart. You made her pay the big price didn’t you,” Todd glared at him.
“Todd tell me what I want to know. I can make your job harder or even lose it.” Sam looked at him.
Todd stood straight up and looked at Sam and said. “I am not telling you a thing. So fire me boss,” he just stood there.
Sam knew right then Todd wasn’t going to give in and he would risk his job over it. He knew Violet must have told him everything. And he did call Violet high priced hooker.
He was ashamed at what he done and said to her. Why did he feel so guilty?
“Okay Todd you win,” and he walked away.
Sam had to find out about Violet but it wasn’t going to be through Todd.
Chapter 3
Violet moved back home but she had changed. She was known as the Ice Queen. She was no longer the sweet loving young woman that left. The lesson of life from the city damaged her soul. She was cold and shrewd. A couple months later she came upon a business proposition and she took it. She got herself deeply in debt. But her business was doing well and she was slowly paying off her debts. She started living well at the expenses of others, but she didn’t care, she was cold hearted. Then one of her business associates invited her to an event. They had to fly out for the event. Never in her life did she think she would see Sam again. But little did she know, he also, had investments with her associate. When she walked in with her associate Sam saw her right away. He noticed a change in her, the way she carried herself and acted.
“I need you to meet someone Violet,” said her associate.
Violet saw Sam and she knew who he wanted her to meet. Violet’s heart filled with hate, she despised him now and would do anything she could to hurt him ruin him, she didn’t care. Sam saw them walking his way and he was all smiles His heart started doing flips.
“Sam, I would like you to meet my newest associate Violet, Violet Sam,” he said.
Sam reached for her hand. “It’s nice to see you again.” He said.
Violet looked at him and said. “Have we met before?” Sam froze her eyes were ice cold “I am sure with everyone you meet you must have me confused with someone else.” she smiled a fake smile.
Sam let go of her hand and stood straight up. He knew he hurt her bad. He needed to make amends, but he didn’t know how.
“Violet, here is doing very well with the new business. She is a real go getter. I am glad we found her,” said the associate.
“I am sure she is.” Sam replied just staring at her.
“Well if you gentleman will excuse me. I have some mingling to do,” they nodded and she left.
Sam kept staring at her, but she didn’t look his way, not even a glance nothing.
“You really think you know her Sam?” asked his associate.
“I do know her.” Sam replied. He went to the bar and stood. His associate followed.
“Well she acts like she doesn’t know you,” he said as they watched Violet. She was radiant. She was mingling flirting make proposition deals.
Sam took off his watch and turned it over. “Look,” he said.
The associate looked. “Love Violet,” he said and looked back at Sam.
“Yeah you know me.” Sam put the watch back on.
“You fell for her didn’t you?” his associate said.
Sam took a deep breath. “Yes, but it was a little too late before I realized it. And now look at her. She is nothing like what she used to be,” he just stood there unbelieving the change.
The evening went on and Sam saw Violet step out onto the balcony. He followed her.
“Violet,” he said her name softly.
She turned and looked, “Sam right?” she questioned.
“Why do you insist that you don’t know me?” he sharply said.
“Why do you insist that I do?” she questioned.
He reached out to her, she saw the watch and then she looked at him.
“You got this for me Violet. I wear it all the time,” he took her hand in his.
She pulled her hand away. “I didn’t get that for you,” she looked at him.
He took off the watch and turned it over. “Love Violet.” He said gazing at her.
Violet looked at him with cold piercing eyes. “I told you, I don’t know you. You don’t know me. Whoever that woman was who got you that watch no longer exists. And why would a man like you be wearing something as cheap as that?” she snapped at him.
Sam couldn’t believe Violet. Her eyes were so cold, her voice sounded even colder.
“I wear it because the woman who got it for me worked hard for it. She loved me and wanted to prove she loved me. I wear because I fell in love with her,” he said softly.
“Well shame on her, she should have known better to think a man like you could ever be capable of love. And shame on her for falling for such a foolish thing like love with a man such as you.” Violet quickly said and she turned and left.
“Violet!” Sam called, but she kept right on walking. A few minutes later he saw her leaving.
Violet knew he would look for her. She went to her hotel and checked out. She got the next flight she could and flew back.
Sam asked his associate where she was staying. He told him but when Sam got there she was gone. Sam had to find her and he knew his associate knew all about her.
A few days later Violet got a letter in the mail from her mortgage company. Her contract was sold to a different company. She was shocked at the name then she became furious.
“He can’t do this to me. I won’t let him,” she threw the papers.
Sam bought out her contacts her debts. Now she would be paying him. He smiled he was so cleaver, he thought, and he thought he had her again. But what she did shocked him.
Violet sold her house paid as much as she could on her debts. Then she filed bankrupt. She moved in with a friend. She bought a rusty old car and went back to work as a waitress.
When the papers reached Sam and he saw she filed bankrupt, it blew his mind. He was furious he wasn’t told about this. But like always everyone took care of his business situations. They got them over quickly and quietly like they always did. And he lost a lot on this one, a lot more than he ever thought. He was paying a price, a greater price then he ever thought. Not only did he lose out on a lot of money, but he lost his heart to her. And now she was cold. She was his queen at one time but he turned her into an Ice Queen.
Sam had to make it up to her. He sent her an apology and offered to pay off her debts. He wanted her to keep her business. But the paper work came back “Resident unknown, return to sender,” she had moved once again.
“Todd, do you know where Violet is?”
Todd glared at him. “I really don’t know Sam.”
“You would tell me wouldn’t you?”
“Maybe, I don’t know Sam you really hurt her.”
“I know I have Todd. You can’t begin to realize how much I regret what I did and said.”
Todd saw the sincerity, he herd it in his voice. “I really don’t know Sam, I haven’t heard from her in a while. I am really starting to get worried about her.”
Todd gazed out the window both were silent for a moment. “You know Sam; she honestly thought you loved her. I tried to tell her, but she wouldn’t listen to me.”
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“That’s because I did.” Todd spun around but Sam had already turned and left.
Todd realized at that moment, Sam really did love Violet. And he knew that Violet did love Sam at one time. He felt bad for both of them, but Sam deserved what he got. Maybe it was a life lesson and he would treat women better. He knew Sam had to realize not everyone was after his money. Todd felt he learned his lesson. He decided he would try and help them both. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, but he had to try.
Violet was struggling with her new job. She could barely make ends meet. But she was surviving. Her friend she moved in with wasn’t much help with things. She didn’t like to clean up after herself and Violet needed to get out. Violet started looking for another place to live. She saw an ad in the paper for a caregiver to an elderly lady and she went to check on it. It included room and board. It was going to be tough for Violet because all her passion was gone. But the lady saw something in Violet and hired her.
Violet took good care of the lady but she still was cold the lady asked one day.
“You take great care of me Violet, but why are your eyes so cold?” she said.
Violet looked at her and tried to smile. “My eyes are like my heart,” she replied.
“But you have so much to give dear,” the lady said
“My giving days are over. I am just doing my job. Is there anything else you need before I leave for work?” Violet asked.
“No dear I am all set,” she replied. And Violet walked out the door.
The lady knew what heart ache was and she saw it in Violet. She may be old but she knew.
The lady wrote an old friend a letter and asked him to run a check on Violet. She wanted to know about her past. She found out how Violet used to be and the traumatic change in her when she got back from the city. She also found out about Sam. She was a nosy old lady but she saw something in Violet and she wanted to help. She saw a lot of herself in Violet and didn’t want her to end up like her bitter old and alone. The only reason she put that ad in the paper is so she had someone to talk to. Someone who would spend time with her she was tired of being alone.
It was getting close to the holiday seasons and all kinds of parties were happening. Violet finally called Todd. He was relieved she was okay, he begged her to come out but she refused.
