With a hard swift tug I freed the rope from its anchor. A moment later, the hot air balloon began to rise. Below me I saw people leaving the book signing and I saw Max near the entrance of the park.
Then I saw Erik running and screaming. He didn’t look mellow at all. I laughed and waved to him as the hot air balloon drifted.
There were some trees ahead. It occurred to me that I had no idea how to make the hot air balloon go higher or lower. I remembered something from a movie about cords and fire, but I had no idea which to pull. I shrugged and decided to just let things flow.
When I looked back down at the ground again there was a huge crowd of people under me. They were all shouting and waving their hands at me.
I narrowed my eyes. “What are you all screaming about?” I shook my head. “It’s beautiful up here.” I looked back at the sky in time to see the tree line that was quickly approaching.
My heartbeat quickened. The trees. What was going to happen when I hit the trees? I couldn’t wrap my head around what I should do.
I looked back down at the ground again. To my surprise there was Max. It surprised me even more to see him on a bicycle. He seemed to be pedaling so fast that I thought he might end up flying.
“Oh, Max! I’m so proud of you!” I waved to him from the basket. “Look at you! You’re doing so good! You’re so amazing!”
Max pedaled even faster.
In the distance I heard a siren. I looked back at the sky. But all I saw was trees.
“Oh no.” It finally hit me that I was in quite a bit of danger. All of a sudden the hot air balloon slowed its progress.
I looked down to see that Max, now off the bike, had the rope wrapped around his hands. The balloon was so strong that it was pulling him across the ground. But the more he tugged, the lower and slower the balloon moved.
Soon other people gathered around him to pull on the rope and the balloon eased much closer to the ground.
“Okay, I’ve had enough.” I tossed one leg over the side of the balloon basket.
“Wait!” Max shouted. “I think you’re still a bit high to jump, Sammy!”
“I’ll be fine! Don’t worry so much!” I laughed and swung the other leg outside of the basket.
“Samantha, no!” Max held up his hands.
“Yes, Max! Catch me!” I flung myself out of the basket.
In my mind I was a swan leaping into my lover’s arms. In reality, I plastered Max against the ground amidst shrieks from onlookers.
I gazed into his eyes and smiled.
Chapter 27
“Sammy. Where did you get those cookies?” Max smiled back at me, but he sounded more than slightly out of breath.
The question struck me as funny, so I giggled. I laughed so hard that I rolled off him and stretched out in the grass. Above me the sky glistened with shards of sunlight.
“So beautiful.”
Max shook his head. “Maybe we need to get you to a doctor.”
“No, Max. The sky is healing me. Here, see for yourself.” I patted the grass beside me.
Around us people rushed to pin down the hot air balloon. But I barely noticed. The sky swallowed me whole and rocked me in its wispy clouds. Max stretched out beside me. His elbow brushed against mine; the crease of his sleeve tickled the tender skin. I laughed again and stretched my arms out beside me.
“Isn’t life magical, Max?” I looked over at him.
Max smiled at me. He didn’t point out that I’d squashed him, or that he had to race to catch up with me, or even that those cookies were likely spiked. He just stared into my eyes and smiled.
“You make it magical, Sammy—every single day.”
I grinned and rolled over to kiss him. As the chaos dwindled around us, I lost myself in Max’s warm lips and loving arms. There, once more, I relaxed. Not because of the cookies, but because of his acceptance and the unconditional love that he showed me.
He looked into my eyes and smiled. “What are you thinking right now?”
“Honestly?” I studied him in return.
“Yes. Honestly.”
“I’m starving.”
“Ah, yes—the munchies.” He laughed. “Let’s get you to the nearest restaurant.” He escorted me out of the park.
I didn’t even notice the strange looks that I knew were being directed at me. It wasn’t until we reached the exit of the park that I even remembered there were other people in the world aside from Max—and this was only because of the angry man that charged up to us.
“You stole my bike! I saw you do it. Don’t even try to deny it.”
His voice sounded so familiar, not because I’d met him before, but because it was the same tone I’d used with Erik earlier in the day. The thought that I could be that wound up and stressed out horrified me all of a sudden.
Max frowned. “I borrowed it. I didn’t steal it. It’s right where I left it at the center of the park. I needed it to save my wife.”
“I don’t care why you needed it, it wasn’t yours to take. If I find a scratch on it, you will buy me a new one.”
“That’s fine. Here.” Max reached into his wallet and handed him a business card. “This is where you can reach me. Just let me know if your bike needs any repairs.”
“Plan on hearing from me.” He glared at Max.
Max guided me past him and out of the park.
About twenty minutes later, with my mouth stuffed to the brim, it hit me all at once. I blinked. Then the subtle relaxation that filled me disappeared. One by one the events of the day paraded through my mind. The dance that the peculiar thoughts did inside my head taunted me.
“Max, oh my God. Max, what did I do?”
He pushed another container of cheesy fries toward me. “Don’t worry about it now, Sammy.”
Worry. The word slammed into me like a truck. I’d spent about three hours not worrying about anything. All at once all of my concerns had returned, heavier than ever.
I recalled my not-so-graceful landing.
“Max, did I hurt you?” I looked into his eyes.
“No, I’m fine.” He took my hand in his. “It’s not your fault, so don’t even go there.”
“Sure it is.”
“No, it’s not. You ate some spiked cookies and—well, stole a hot air balloon.”
“Am I going to jail?” I grimaced.
“No jail for you.” He patted my hand. “You just need a little time to recover.”
“Wait.” I wracked my mind, then looked back at him. “Was I hallucinating or were you riding a bike?”
“Yes, I was. I needed to get to you fast, and there was one close to me.”
“So I stole a hot air balloon and you stole a bike.” I laughed. “We’re both going to jail.”
“Stop saying that before you give someone an idea.” He grinned. “It was quite an adventure.”
“I’m so proud of you for overcoming your fear, Max.”
“Thank you, Sammy. But I only did it because you were in trouble. I didn’t think twice about it.”
“It’s interesting that you say that. I’m sure that my inhibitions were reduced by the pot, and even though it led to some questionable choices, I have to say I learned something from it.”
“What?” Max searched my eyes. “How not to get off a hot air balloon?”
“No.” I winked at him. “I learned what it feels like to be free of all my worry—of my need for control.”
“A little more control would have helped in that situation.”
“You’re absolutely right. But I did enjoy that sensation of freedom. I want to experience that more in my life. I’m always trying to control things that are either out of my control or don’t really need to be controlled. It’s time I started practicing a little more relaxing and a little less stressing.”
“Here’s to that.” Max held up his glass of soda.
I clinked it with my glass of water. It was a perfect ending to a groundbreaking day. Although the cookies had been a
mistake, I didn’t regret it. I’d learned a lesson I might not have learned otherwise.
There was one more person I needed to thank. The one man I thought would ruin my trip to Amsterdam had proven to open my mind in very unexpected ways.
On the walk back to the shipping container, I recalled the way it felt to look into the sky. It made me feel free—that there was no beginning and no end. Perhaps that was the lack of control that I needed.
As it was now, I saw things with a beginning and an end. Maybe I needed to embrace the concept of infinity.
Chapter 28
When we returned to the shipping container, Erik greeted us at the door.
“I thought you two might prefer a hotel tonight. I realize that I may have driven you two a little too much in the wrong direction.” He frowned and looked over at me. “I’m sorry, Samantha—about the book signing, about the shipping container, about everything.”
“Oh, please. Don’t be.” I smiled and patted his cheek. “You shouldn’t be sorry about any of that. You’ve made me very happy.”
Erik stared at me for a moment, then he looked past me at Max. “She’s still high, isn’t she?”
“No, I don’t think so.” Max laughed. “She’s turned over a new leaf.”
“Really?” Erik studied me. “Just what was in those cookies?”
“I’m not exactly sure, but whatever it was, I don’t need to experience it again. The book signings were perfect. I really hope that you believe me. I don’t think there will be any that are more memorable than this last one.”
“Ah, just wait until you have your meeting with Poppy. She flew in to meet with you this evening before you head off to London.”
“Wow, I feel like we just got here.” Max rubbed his head.
“We did just get here.” I met his eyes. “That’s the life of being on tour.”
“I wouldn’t trade it.” He kissed my forehead. “I just hope we get some down time in London. I’m ready for a little rest after this wild ride.”
“Is that a dig?” Erik smirked. “Because I feel like it’s a dig.”
“I think Max is referring to the bath in the canal.”
“That, or the tablet to the nose, or the leap off the hot air balloon.” Max rubbed his neck. “I’m pretty sure I’m going to need a massage.”
“I can help you with that.” I smiled and rubbed his shoulders.
“Well, before you two get started on that, here is your hotel key and this is the restaurant where Poppy will meet you for brunch tomorrow. Don’t be late. She hates it when people are late.”
“Hm. It sounds like we might get along.”
“Ha-ha.” Erik winked at me. “Just remember, when you want to come back to Amsterdam and have the best time of your life, there’s only one name to speak.”
“Yes, what was the name of that coffee shop owner?”
“Now you’re funny? I spent all this time trying to get you to loosen up and now you joke around?”
“Oh, she’s funny, trust me.” Max grinned.
“When I visit again, we’ll spend some time getting to know one another, Erik. I think there’s a lot more you could teach me about living a mellow lifestyle.”
“And I’m sure there’s some perks to your desire for organization.” He shrugged. “Maybe.”
“Thanks again, Erik.”
“Any time.”
As Erik walked away, Max nudged me with his shoulder. “Are you coming back to Amsterdam for Erik or the cookies?”
“Maybe a little of both.” I winked at him.
The hotel room appeared vast in comparison to the shipping container we’d been staying in—the bed embarrassingly luxurious. I flopped down on it and yawned. With one finger I poked my belly.
“I think I ate too much. I made up for all my attempts to diet since I’ve been on tour.”
Max stretched out beside me and pushed up my shirt. “Looks good to me.” He grinned and then planted several kisses along my stomach.
“Stop! You’re tickling me!” I laughed and pushed him away. “I love you, Max.”
“I know. Even if you’ve tried to kill me a few times, I still know that you love me.”
“I didn’t try to kill you.”
“No, you didn’t succeed.” He wrapped his arms around me and yawned against my shoulder. “But you definitely tried.”
“Max, don’t say that.” I passed my hand back through his hair. “I got you back on the bike, didn’t I?”
“Oh, you’re going to take credit for that?” He laughed, then looked into my eyes. “It’s true, you did. When I saw you floating away in the hot air balloon, all I could think about was getting you back. I didn’t even hesitate. You have that much power over me, Sammy.”
“Just remember that the next time we end up in a canal.”
“Next time?” He smiled slyly. “Next time we’ll have to find Erik’s old swimming hole.”
I fell asleep with a smile on my face, and strange thoughts about cookies and swimming holes floating through my mind.
When I woke the next morning, Max still slept soundly next to me. I brushed a few kisses along his cheek, then eased my way out of bed. It was much simpler than trying to climb over him. I didn’t even get tangled up in the blanket.
I was quite curious about meeting Poppy. London was a mystery to me. Despite the fact that it had the least of a language barrier, I wondered if I would fit in with the culture. On one hand it could be very eccentric, and on the other it could be very proper.
While I showered, I tried to figure out what would be best to wear. I decided to go slightly casual, selecting a brightly colored blouse and simple slacks.
I spent a little time on my make-up—more than I usually did. After the incident the day before, I had a few blemishes to cover up.
Once I’d finished I looked over to see that Max was still asleep. He’d had quite an adventurous day too. I scribbled a note for him and placed it on the bedside table.
On my way out the door I grabbed my purse and a notebook. I hoped that the woman I was meeting would be a little more organized than Erik had been.
Chapter 29
The cab ride to the restaurant was fairly short. When I arrived, the restaurant was nearly empty.
“Excuse me?” I looked at the hostess. “I’m supposed to be meeting someone.”
“I have a table reserved under Poppy Cantwell. Is that who you are meeting?”
“Yes.” I smiled.
“She’s not here yet, but I can seat you.”
“Great. Thank you so much.” I followed her to a small table.
“Would you like to order?”
“No, I’ll wait. I’ll just have a water, please.”
“I’ll be back with it in a minute.”
“Thanks.”
A minute later, just as she’d promised, she returned with the water. I toyed with the straw in the glass. With every second I waited I became a little more insecure. Was she coming at all? Would she be a no-show like Erik had been at first?
I stroked my fingers through my hair and smoothed it down. My mind was still swimming with the memories of the day before. It wasn’t exactly that I regretted it, but being that out of control was a brand new experience for me.
I shifted in my chair and glanced at my watch again—ten minutes past the time of the meeting. I double-checked my phone to be sure that the name of the restaurant was correct.
When I looked up from my phone, I saw a woman strolling toward me. She wore a neat, snug pantsuit with wide lapels that reminded of a few decades before. Her dark hair was wound into a smooth bun at the top of her head. Every step she took was produced with even grace and determination.
I smiled at her, anticipating a smile in return.
Instead, she paused, looked me over, then sat down in the chair across from me. “Samantha.”
“Yes, I’m Samantha.”
“I know that.” She cleared her throat and placed her phone in the middle of th
e table. “I’m Poppy. I will be your contact in England. I thought perhaps visiting you here would give us a chance to get to know one another. However, I don’t need to try very hard to get to know you, do I, Samantha?”
I stared at her. The cool tone of her voice made me think there was a serious problem.
“What do you mean?” I smiled a little. “Because you’re a fan of my book?”
“I’m not sure that I can say that. I have read it. I did enjoy it. But I expected a lot more from you.” She clucked her tongue and shook her head.
“I have to say that I’m confused by what you’re saying. Have we met before? Maybe I don’t recall?” I narrowed my eyes. She didn’t look familiar to me, and I thought I would have remembered those striking brown eyes and the lilt of her English accent.
“No, unfortunately we haven’t met before. I do wish that we would have. Perhaps, if we’d met before this, I’d have more of an idea of who you really are to combat what I’ve been forced to see here.” She tapped her phone screen.
Before I could question her further, I saw the screen come to life with a video. To my horror, it was me waving to Max from the hot air balloon and begging for him to catch me.
“Where did you get that?” I looked up at her with wide eyes.
“It doesn’t matter where. What matters is that I could have gotten it from any number of sources. It’s all over the Internet right now, and it’s not likely that it will fade away any time soon. In it you’re clearly impaired. Aren’t you?”
I swallowed hard. It was a conversation I never expected to have. I didn’t normally take chances that led to uncomfortable discussions like this.
“I was, but I wasn’t even aware that I was.”
“What does that even mean?” She frowned. “I know here in Amsterdam things are different, but you need to understand that I offered my book shop to you out of support of your inspirational book—because I thought it bolstered the role of women in literature. But this shows me the complete opposite.”
Sammy in Holland (Single Wide Female Travels #3) Page 9
