“You did not even give me a chance to prove to you how wrong you were. You just up and left.” Sam said as she felt herself start to tear up.
“I am sorry about that.”
“How could you possibly afford all those gifts anyways? And what was with the empty ring box?” Sam questioned him.
“It is a long story that I will tell you later. Can we please just enjoy the moment for the time being?” He flashed his smile at her.
Sam felt herself start to feel a familiar sense of being overcome with a sort of joy and wanting. It was the way George had always made her feel. She had always loved him. No matter how hard she had tried to forget him and the way she felt about him. He had a sense of power over her in which no man before him had ever been able to do to her.
“I just need to know one thing before I can start to forgive you.” Sam said casually.
“Anything” George replied.
“Why did you come back?” Sam asked
“I couldn’t stay away from my best friend and soul mate anymore.” George said.
Sam jumped down from her rock and walked over to the man standing against the cave wall. She couldn’t believe how good he looked with his chiseled body and his blonde hair. He looked like he had just walked out of a romance novel especially with the tattered jeans he was wearing and t shirt that outlined his torso perfectly.
“I should slap you for all the things you put me through. If I didn’t know you as good as I do then you would be getting slapped.” Sam said seriously.
“I know.” George said. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close. Sam was so close she could feel him breathing. His chest was rising and falling faster than normal. She looked up at him slowly. She hugged him and said “This does not get you completely off the hook.”
“I know. I am not going anywhere.”
Sam pulled away before her heart made her do something that her mind was completely against. No matter how much Sam wanted to run to him, be held in his arms, and feel his kiss again. She refused to give him the satisfaction. Sam would not let him know just how elated she was that he was back.
“Well now you know who the mystery is.” George said slowly.
“I should have known. It’s exactly like you to try and make me wonder.” Sam smiled.
“We should get going. The biggest surprise is yet to come.” He said smiling.
“Where are you taking me?” She said.
“Don’t worry about it Sammy. Just go home, put the dress on, and pack the other stuff. I will pick you up in half hour.” He said as he ducked behind the waterfall and broke out in a sprint up the trail.
She gathered her things and started up the trail. When she got to her car she looked around for a sign of George. He was long gone by the time she had gotten to the parking lot. She got into her car and headed home. Sam got home and ran into her house. She frantically grabbed for her phone to call Liz. She pounded the buttons and hit send.
“Liz, I won’t be coming to Tj’s tonight. I will explain everything later. Answer if I call you ok?” Sam hurriedly left the message on Liz’s voicemail.
She ran into her room to find her favorite duffel bag and an extra pair of sweats. She walked into the living room still winded from running around her house. She carefully folded the sweat suit and put it into the duffel. She grabbed the dress and shoes and headed back into her room to get ready. She quickly showered and tousled her hair until it looked crimped. Sam slipped into the dress and new sandals. Glancing in the mirror she thought to herself ‘I look amazing in this dress.’ Sam grabbed her sneakers and some socks. She walked into her closet and found her lingerie stash and pulled out a few choice pieces.
‘Ding dong ding’
“Just a second!” Sam yelled at the door. Walking into the living room she dumped her handful of stuff into the duffel and zipped it up. She left it on the couch and walked to the door. She was about to say hello when she realized who it was.
“Will, what are you doing here? I don’t have time to deal with you tonight.” Sam said as she started to get angry.
“I came to apologize.” Will started.
“I honestly don’t want your apology. Since you are here though you can take your stuff from my lawn.” She sneered at him
“Ok. Can we talk? I feel like there is unfinished business between us.” He choked out.
“No. I have no unfinished business with you. If you want the bedroom furniture though you can have that. I am having Javier take it in the morning.” She said
“Oh. Ok then. Bye Sam.” Will said turning around and gathering the bags of his things that she had thrown out the night before.
As Will was pulling out of the driveway, a limo pulled up along the curb. She stared as the driver got out and walked around to open the door. George looked stunning in a black tuxedo.
“Are you ready?” He said as he was walking up the sidewalk.
“Yes, I am. Just give me a second to get my things.” She smiled.
“When did you buy this house?” George asked
“Right after I got home from vacation. I needed a change” She explained.
“I see.” George said. “ You look amazing. Shall we?”
“Of course.” Sam said as they walked out of the door.
“So are you going to tell me where we are going?” Sam asked.
“No. You will know where you are when you get there.” George said. “I know you don’t like surprises but this is going to be worth it. I promise.”
They got into the limo and the driver started driving away. Sam was amazed at the lengths that George had gone to impress her. It was unlike the George Ames she remembered. They turned up a tree lined road. After what seemed like forever, they came to a guard post that was positioned in front of a large gate. It reminded her of a manner or castle in a movie. The limo pulled through so that the guard could talk to George.
“I’m sorry sir but there are no limos allowed here today, as per the boss’s orders.” The guard said to the cracked window. The guard was a small, lanky man. He was bald and wore a uniform that was 2 sizes too big for him.
“I am sure you will find that there is an exception for me.” George said as he rolled his window all the way down.
“Oh!” The guard was taken aback. “Of course sir.” The guard said as he hit a button that made the gate swing open.
The limo pulled through the gate and started up the drive. It was a winding drive with beautiful flowers lining the way. To the right was a large garden. To the left was a wall of vines. She tried to look ahead and see what was coming but she couldn’t see through the privacy shield.
“You have been quiet the whole way here.” George said calmly.
“Sorry, I have been admiring the scenery.” Sam said quickly.
The car came to a stop in front of what looked like a castle. The driver came around the car and opened the door. He held it open for them as they got out. Sam took a second to look around. She had never seen anything like it. They were parked under a huge glass and stone archway. The columns had to be 2 stories high. They were made of riveted glass. There was a stone portrait on the ground beneath her feet. The top of the archway was made of tinted glass. It seemed to make the stars look bigger.
“Welcome back Mr. Ames.” The concierge chimed. “The ballroom is all ready for you.”
“Thank you Roger.” George said to the man. “Please take Miss Lee to the doorway. I will meet you there momentarily.” He turned to Sam and said “I have to take care of something really quick. Please follow Roger.” He then turned and went inside.
“This way, Miss.” Roger said offering his arm.
Sam took the man’s arm and walked inside through the huge wooden doors. She looked around the lobby. The colors were rich, warm purples and reds. It made her feel as though she was royal. The check- in desk was very elegant in mahogany wood. She was steered down a hallway to her left. They walked about twenty feet and then came to a halt in front
of another set of big wooden doors.
“Please wait here, Miss.” Rodger said releasing her arm and walking back toward the main door.
She didn’t have to wait long before George appeared. He had in his hand a bouquet of tiger and calla lilies. Her favorite flowers.
“They are so beautiful!” She said smiling.
“Are you ready Miss?” George smiled.
“As ready as I will ever be.” Sam said. She was starting to feel herself get nervous again.
“Close your eyes.” George whispered in her ear and she did.
George cleared his throat as the doors in front of them opened. George led her into the room. He guided her down a set of steps and into the middle of the room.
“Now, open them.” George said softly.
“Wow!” Sam said as she saw the room before her.
The ballroom was big enough to fit a thousand people in it, and still feel like it was at least half empty. It was a 2 story room with a balcony around the entire second story The columns that lined the wall were spanned every 10 feet, and looked like they came from old roman ruins. It gave it the sort of ancient charm that most ballrooms lack. There were floor to ceiling deep purple curtains lining the long walls. There was a stage on the far end with a gold stage curtain. There was a single table set for two in the center of the room. Sam was intrigued with the room. It made her feel lucky and loved in a weird way.
“What do you think?” George said as he led her to the candlelit table.
“It’s amazing. Whoever designed this place was a genius.” Sam said still looking around at all the details.
“Yes, I am a genius.” George said.
“You designed this?” Sam asked as he pulled out her chair for her.
“Yes. I designed and own this whole hotel.” He replied as he signaled the waiter for their first course. “I hope you don’t mind, but this won’t be a traditional dinner.”
“I don’t mind. I have learned to not mind what I can’t control.” Sam said laughing.
“That is good.” George replied.
“So how do you own this whole hotel?” Sam asked.
“Do you remember my great uncle Mitch?” George asked as the first course was laid in front of them.
“Vaguely.” She said as she started to eat her salad.
“Ok. Well he died 2 years ago and he left everything to me. He had a lot of money and stocks but most importantly he had a chain of large hotels in Europe and Asia. Since my cousins were all cut off a long time ago, I inherited everything. So I threw myself into the hotel business and started building this hotel within a month of inheriting everything.” George replied.
“Oh. I am sorry about your uncle.” Sam said genuinely.
“It’s ok. I think that his legacy is living on well through my work.” George said as the waiter came back and took the first course plates and delivered the second course.
“Dessert before dinner?” Sam asked as the waiter uncovered the piece of cheese cake on each plate.
“I told you it wasn’t going to be a traditional dinner. Dessert now and dessert later.” He chuckled.
“Ok then? I can go for that. This is from the cheesecake factory isn’t it?” Sam said taking a bite of her cheesecake.
“How did you know?” George said.
“It is the only place we have ever eaten cheesecake together.” Sam said.
“I had forgotten that.” He said.
“No you didn’t. If you had forgotten we would not be eating cheesecake at all right now.” Sam said back at him faster than he could have possible thought.
“Ok. You got me, I didn’t forget. I forgot how well you knew me Sammy.” He said finishing his cheesecake.
“Yea well that is because I have always known you. I used to be able to tell you what you were going to say before you even thought about saying it. I am not so sure about that now though.” Sam said quietly. “I am not really in the mood for another dessert.”
“That is ok.” He signaled the waiter who turned to a switch. Music starting playing as the stage curtain opened slowly. There was a string quartet playing Beethoven.
“May I have this dance?” George said standing up and putting his hand out for her to take.
“You may.” Sam started as she took his hand and followed him to the dance floor. “Since when are you this polite?”
“Since I became a business man. Plus, I figured that being a little polite after so long it would be nice. Don’t you like me this way?” He said as he spun her.
“I’m just not used to it I guess.” She replied.
They danced for an hour before heading up to the balcony to have some wine. They sat on one of the couches and grabbed a glass of wine from the table. They started to talk about what they had been up to since they last saw each other. They both avoided the topic about what had happened. Sam wanted to talk about how she felt, but she was scared that it wasn’t the right time.
‘Is there ever a time to say “Hey, I am still in love with you and I don’t think we should see each other because every time we try it always ends the same. I wish that things were different but it isn’t.”’ She thought as she smiled to make it seem like she was listening to his stories.
“What is wrong Sammy?” He seemed genuinely concerned.
“Nothing is wrong. It has just been a long couple of days. Do you mind if I just head home?” Sam asked.
“Don’t be silly. You have the presidential penthouse for the night.” George replied.
“Oh, I couldn’t.” Sam replied.
“It has already been arranged. Your bags are in your room already.” George said sounding hurt that she didn’t want to stay there.
“Ok. I suppose if my bags are already here.” She said yawning.
They walked out of ballroom and went to the elevator. The doors opened and they went in being careful not to bump the attendant. The elevator doors closed and the attendant asked “what floor?” in a tired annoyed voice.
“Top floor please.” George replied.
“Yes sir. May I have your key card please?” The attendant asked.
George handed the attendant his key card. The attendant inserted it into a slot and then pressed a pin number into a pad on the screen above the buttons. When he was done the attendant handed the key card back to George.
“Sammy, you have the entire master suite. I will be in the guest suite.” George said as he stepped back.
“I am staying in your room?” Sam said angrily.
“Not my room. You will have your own room. I will just be in the same suite. Don’t be mad at me. I just thought that you deserved the best room. That just happens to be mine.” He replied as the elevator doors open.
“Oh.” Sam said as she stepped out into the penthouse.
“Your room is to the right.” George said taking off his tuxedo jacket.
“Thanks. Goodnight George.” Sam said walking into the master room and locking the door behind her.
She kicked off her shoes and took off her dress, throwing it on the floor. She put on her pajamas and grabbed her cell phone out of her purse. She went into her phone logs and clicked send on Liz’s number.
“Hey. How was Tj’s tonight?” Sam asked her.
“It was boring without you here. So spill the juicy details. Who is it? Where are you?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. I am not exactly sure what the name of the hotel is.” Sam said.
“I am sure I would believe you. Who is it? The suspense is killing me. What do you mean you don’t know the name of the hotel?” Liz questioned rapidly.
“It’s George.” Sam said quietly.
“What did you say? I could swear you told me that it was George.” Liz spat quickly, a hint of disgust in her voice.
“Yes, it is George. I am in his penthouse.” Sam said laughing randomly.
“What are you laughing at?” Liz asked.
“I just realized how crazy this all sounds.”
/> “Ok, well I am going to go to bed now. I will come by the store tomorrow ok?” Sam said as she yawned.
“Ok. I will see you tomorrow.” Liz said and then hung up the phone.
Sam laid on the bed, closed her eyes, and fell asleep.
When Sam woke up the next morning she looked at the clock and started to panic. It was her day to open her store and she was late. She grabbed her clothes and threw them on. She quickly threw the dress in her bag and slipped on her flip flops. She ran out the door and straight to the elevator. Sam stabbed at the button until the door opened.
“Good Morning. What floor please?” the attendant said.
“Lobby please.” Sam said hurriedly.
The elevator door opened and she darted to the concierge desk.
“I need a car or the limo now.” She said. “I am late for work.”
“Here are your keys ma’am. The valet will have your car in a few seconds.”
“My car?” she questioned “I arrived in a limo. I do not have a car here.”
“Mr. Ames had your car picked up last night so you would have it today.”
“Oh. Thank you Roger.” Sam said as she spotted her new car pulling to a stop outside.
Sam got in her car and headed for her store. She hoped that Max had come early and opened. If not, she stood to lose money. She sped down the drive, through the gate, down the road, and back onto the highway. She arrived at her store in fifteen minutes flat.
.
CHAPTER 3: RE-ARRANGING
Sam was relieved to find that Max had already opened the store. She owned a music store called Franklin Street Music. She opened the store a year ago, and it was already doing better than she could have imagined. She was putting the finishing touches on her classrooms upstairs today. She would finally be able to provide the community with the music lessons she felt it so desperately needed.
“Hey Max. I am so sorry that I am late.” Sam rang apologetically.
“It is ok Sam. You deserve a break every now and then.” Max said
“I didn’t mean to be late today. I want to get those classrooms ready for next week’s opening.” Sam said
Finally Getting Love Right Page 3
