Turning around I went back inside and headed for the kitchen to cook. My stomach was rumbling loudly. I needed food to think about this. I knew if I called and asked momma, she would tell me “yes, you’re being greedy.” But then, of course, I could tell myself that momma didn’t understand things. She saw them differently because of the way she had lived, which wasn’t the life I desired. I was a dreamer. I chased after my dreams. I wanted so much more and I wouldn’t feel bad about going after my goals. If I hadn’t wanted more I would’ve missed this opportunity by being married to a guy in Moulton, when Hale stopped by the bakery. Things align and have a reason. That, I believe in my heart.
Knowing there was something bigger, a thing barely at the tips of my fingers, has kept me going since I was little. I loved the fantasies I created in my head. They were escapes from the reality I was born in, its hard edges and sharp nasty points, pricking my dreams everyday.
Now, here I was, living fantasies. I wanted to think that daddy was in heaven smiling down on what I was doing. He knew what I wanted to do. Not once had he told me I shouldn’t.
I also wanted this life for my sisters. Even if they didn’t for themselves. I knew if I could show them there were other options outside of Moulton, Alabama, they’d soon see things different. Momma was Moulton. I understood that. But I wanted to give her more. Less worries about money and the bakery. I would send cash home to make that happen, as soon as I got ahead.
Hale brought me here to change me. A part of me wanted that. To belong to the life he lived. But I was scared of what it all meant. This was going to be a huge leap. I had come and would somehow survive.
Chapter Two
I heard his voice before I saw him. He was on his phone as he walked down the hallway from his room past the kitchen. I could tell from his tone it was business. He was annoyed and irritable and gesturing.
Moving quickly I finished up his breakfast. He wanted two poached eggs and kale salad, mixed with dried cranberries and walnuts. It didn’t seem very filling to me. Nor did it look appealing. I was glad I wasn’t expected to eat this. My sugary cereal with slices of banana would serve me well as usual.
“I can’t move the meeting. I have a prior engagement. It’s at seven and I won’t miss it.” As he walked back into the kitchen, Hale spoke into his slim, flat smartphone. I had his French pressed coffee prepared. The French press thingy had thankfully come with directions. I’d never seen anything like it. He took it from my hands sighing loudly.
“Lunch here will be the best I can manage. I’ll be here at twelve like we planned. They can join me here. Otherwise this will have to wait.”
Hale ended the call and slipped the phone into his pocket. He greeted me, but it took effort.
“Good morning Sam,” he said with a tight smile. He didn’t look as if the morning was good at all. If he’d let me fix him a real breakfast he might enjoy it better.
“I’ll take my breakfast outside. Where is the paper?” He asked, walking quickly towards the exit of the kitchen.
I snatched up the paper I’d retrieved from the door and lifted his plate to follow. I wondered if this was what he wanted. Someone to wait on him hand and foot. I’d never been around a man who needed a servant. My daddy would’ve been slapped, if he’d asked my momma to serve him. But I was the hired help. Maybe this was a rich people thing. I had a lot to learn.
The romantic guy from yesterday was gone and in his place was… this. I wasn’t here for romance anyway. At some point a line would be drawn. I guess Hale was drawing it now.
He took a seat at the table and I waited until he settled back in his chair. I then placed the plate to his front, positioning the paper to its left.
“Can I get you anything else?”
He looked at his food and then me. “This is perfect. Are you not eating?”
“I ate earlier this morning when I woke up.”
He motioned to the seat across the way. “Please join me if you will. I hate to eat alone.”
I liked it out here in the open with the energy of the city just below us. Maybe waiting and eating with Hale wouldn’t be so bad. That is, if he wanted me here.
I took the seat across from his stare and he immediately studied my clothes. “Better. Much, much better.”
Saying thank you seemed silly since he’d bought the clothing and knew what it looked like before. The fact that my clothes hadn’t been good enough still bothered me, but this was different. I was wearing a work uniform. I guess that was how I’d look at it. I’d have to let that go. He might know what was best for me. Here anyway, in the city.
“I wasn’t sure what to wear while working.”
His smile was one of amusement. “You chose well. Did you try on the cocktail dresses?”
I assumed they were the fancy ones, so I hadn’t done more than touch them. I was afraid of the price tags and fabric. “No,” I replied, with a shake of my head.
“Make sure they fit and that you like them. You’ll be needing them soon enough.”
I would? He was ready to take me out in public? My heart rate increased and then I realized I might go into a panic if he did. Or if he kept talking about it.
“Will you be having a lunch meeting here?” I asked to change the subject. I would need to know how many were coming and what to prepare when they did.
He nodded. “Yes. For three.”