Once She Dreamed - 1

  He smiled. “Of course. Follow me.”

  He carried my suitcase toward the exit doors and I did as he said. The air was warm. It was summer, but being from the south I assumed it never got this hot up north. I realized I was incorrect. The sun was beaming down and I was thankful for my sundress. We didn’t walk far before he stopped beside a black sedan that was sleek and expensive looking. I watched as he opened the back door and waved his hand at me with a smile. “Please make yourself comfortable. The water in the cup holder is chilled and the mints are also for your enjoyment.”

  I felt like I was on the plane again. Being catered to. This was not something I was accustomed to hearing or receiving except in dreams or hallucinations, after drinking too much punch. And since I was being hired as a housekeeper it seemed odd I would be traveling this way.

  “Thank you,” I paused, realizing I didn’t even know his name. “I’m sorry, I don’t believe I got your name.”

  He looked like he might chuckle, but instead he replied “Williams. Miss, you can call me Williams.”

  That was an odd first name. I then returned his smile. “Thank you Williams. You’ve made my arrival here very easy and welcoming.”

  “My pleasure, miss.”

  I liked Williams. He would do well in Moulton. Not that he’d ever want to leave the excitement of New York for Moulton, but still, I could see him there. He was a helpful, nice and considerate man and I didn’t at all feel like the big city would murder or rape me, which a lot of small town people often do.

  I climbed inside and picked up the water bottle that was shaped in an odd square. The ice cold plastic felt good after a walk in the heat and I opened it and took a long drink. I didn’t reach for a mint, instead watching out the window as Williams got into the driver’s seat and we began to move. The airport parking lot was new and amazing with hundreds of people bustling about and I wondered if anyone famous was close without me noticing.

  “It’s a thirty minute drive in the traffic. This time of the day it is. I’ll have you to the penthouse as soon as I can and I apologize for the delay.”

  “Okay,” I replied. “Lordy, you’re precious. I ain’t special in the least.” I was happy to be able to just sit back and take it all in in gulps. The streets were what you’d expect, busy and pulsing with life. It was almost fifteen minutes before we went through a tunnel, emerging into what I imagined New York City would look like.

  We were actually here. This was it. I had arrived.

  My fingers knotted into fists and the grin on my face spread wide from cheek to cheek. Moulton was behind me and this new world was building itself around me. I couldn’t wait to explore it.

  Chapter Twenty

  The building was historical and the curve of its front came to a point at the street. More like points, it was amazing. I stood outside it, taking in the swarms of people around me in movement, gazing up at the place that would be my home and I couldn’t see the roof in the least. I’d always been able to see it. In Moulton one saw roofs.

  “Mr. Jude’s penthouse is located at the top in the curve. You’ll like that,” Williams said as he walked up behind me carrying my luggage. “Come with me.”

  I tore my eyes from the structure and like a child hurried behind him inside. Williams had to punch in a code to get us further than that. A man in a suit was standing at the door and Williams introduced me: “this is Miss Samantha Knox. She will be living in Mr. Jude’s penthouse.” The man nodded and stepped back for us to go forward. Once we got to the bank of elevators I was thankful that Williams wasn’t leaving. I couldn’t figure this out alone. My hands were shaking, from excitement or fear, which one I wasn’t sure. The unknown was all around me.

  We stopped on the eleventh floor and the doors opened. A long hallway led to a set of double doors and Williams looked to me. “You should have the code to the keyless entry in your instructions miss.”

  Oh. Yes I did.

  Quickly I got out the paper that Jamie had printed for me and scanned to the bottom. The numbers 382650 were waiting there for me. I located and looked at the door’s keypad and then I asked William’s a question.

  “I just put this number in here?”

  “Yes miss,” was his response.

  So I did. Punched it carefully.

  Like magic the lock slid away with a click and I opened the door for the first time. The view was instantaneous. Forgetting to walk inside I stood there and took it all in. What I could see from the doorway. The entryway alone was bigger than my house in Moulton, maybe double.

  “Would you like to go in?” Williams asked me.

  I snapped out of my daze and stepped inside so he could follow and set my bag down.

  “This is where I leave you mam. If you have any questions just call Felicity. She’s a real pro at her job.”

  I wanted to ask William’s to stay. He was the only person I knew in this city of over eight million people, not counting tourists and whatnot, though I couldn’t restrain the driver. He had a job, other people to pick up.

  “Thank you so much Williams. You’ve been great.”

  He nodded, turned and left me. Closing the double doors behind him. I moved to lock them, but the slide on its own, made its familiar click. I realized it did that internally.

  Turning back to my new home I began to smile, then laughed until I cried. This was real, I was here, experiencing this and it had all happened in a week. I left my suitcase where Williams had placed it and walked over to the full-length windows. Floor to ceiling, a first for me. They lined what looked like a living room area and I tell you the view was amazing. I wanted to sleep right here. Wake up to this view every morning.

  If my sisters could see this they would pass out. Bessy would lose her mind. If I had a camera I would take photos and send them home every week. But that was something I never saved up for. I guess they cost lots of dollars.

  There was a list on the counter in the kitchen for me. I made my way through into the next room and found an all white kitchen, with equally beautiful views. The only color in the kitchen was the black marble counters and the amber light fixtures on the ceiling. There was a fresh arrangement of flowers sitting in the middle of the island. Beside it was a sheet of paper. I walked over and picked it up, finding what Felicity had promised. Everything I needed to know. Beside it was an envelope. I found a black American Express card with my name embossed across it. There was a stack of one hundred dollar bills that weren’t Monopoly money. I dropped both of them directly back onto the counter like they were on fire or something. Then I went back to my note. Surely there was an explanation.

  I knew I’d have a card, but my name was on this one, and the cash was without reason. I quickly read her letter, looking up only briefly, to see what she was talking about. I glanced toward the white swinging door that led to another section. I figured the first door on the right was meant to be my room.

  The money was mine. My first weeks pay. I picked it up and counted the hundred dollar bills because the man was paying me in cash. I found that odd, but I didn’t argue. I assumed I would be responsible for my taxes. Since he wasn’t cutting them out. I’d need to ask Felicity about that. I had no idea how that worked.

  The card was for the needs of the penthouse. It was in my name to make it easier for me to use in the stores. They could also keep a better record on what I spent for the place. That made sense to me. I wouldn’t go on any wild sprees. Didn’t want to party down in the penthouse.

  Once I was sure I knew everything I should do today, I slowly walked towards the door, to enter the room that was mine.

  “Holy, mother of pearl!”

  Again, it was all white. With the exception of a tan chair and ottoman sleekly sitting in the corner. Some paintings with a charcoal grey were hanging perfectly centered on the wall. The blanket on the corner of the bed was the same color as the paintings. Other than that it was all very white, the views from the three windows overlooking the busy city. This wa
s a different side of the building from the one I had previously viewed. I stood taking in everything below me, as if that world couldn’t touch me.

  The note said there was a grocery store two blocks west of here. I would go and find that next. Felicity had listed a few local deli’s and bakery’s she thought I’d enjoy. I appreciated her help.

  There was also a library in this very building and a spa for tenants and guests. I wanted to go find them both. They had a basketball court, of which I had no interest, though it was nice to know they had one. I headed back down the hall to the entry onto the balcony. Felicity said there were plants to water outside the penthouse.

  As I stepped into the open it wasn’t like the balcony of a penthouse in New York City. It was similar to an English garden. There were plants and flowers everywhere. Lounging furniture that looked so comfortable one could sleep on it like a bed. The only way you would know it wasn’t a garden was to walk over to the edge and look at the view below you. It was like having the best of both worlds. I didn’t know why Hale would ever leave, for it was all I’d dreamed about.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Finding the grocery store had been a little difficult simply because it didn’t look like what I imagined. It was a storefront and the food selection was nothing like the Piggly Wiggly we had back home. But eventually I found it and stocked the kitchen with food I wanted along with the food on Felicity’s list.

  After putting things away and finding there was nothing for me to clean as of yet, I poured myself a glass of sweet tea and went out on the balcony to watch the city and relax. Believing this to be real was hard. I wanted to share it with someone, though that was the drawback here. I was alone and personally sharing, would be with myself for now.

  Sleep came easy and deep. My lack of rest from the night before caught up with me and I fell asleep quickly. Sunlight streaming in the window the next morning woke me. That, and the sound of the city. So different than the silence of the country life I had grown accustomed to hearing. Or rather, not hearing at all.

  I wondered if I would be able to sleep as easily with the noise tonight. When I wasn’t exhausted from travel. Stretching, I got up, made my bed and went to the kitchen, to make myself some breakfast.

  Then, what would I do? I had nothing to clean and no further instructions from Felicity on the matter. I was in this big city with no one. With the chance I’d been hoping for. I didn’t need someone else to explore. I could do that on my own. Besides, I had money. I could visit museums, take a cab to Central Park and then go and see Times Square.

  Excited about seeing things I’d only seen on television, I quickly ate the cereal I bought yesterday, then went to get dressed for my outing. Eventually I would have real work to do. When Hale came into town and had guests to entertain. For now I could enjoy the life I’d been offered. Tonight I’d call momma, my sisters and Henry and tell them all about my day. Everything I saw and the people I met. I knew momma would want to hear from me, to make sure that I arrived safely. She didn’t seem crushed when I left her, but I knew the reason for that. I think my mother wants more for me. More than the hand she’d been dealt.

  I was almost dressed to leave when the phone began to ring. I turned and searched for the sound and eventually found it in the foyer. It wasn’t a regular phone. It was a fancy touch screen device. Thanks to Jamie I knew how this worked and quickly answered the call. The name “Felicity” was on the screen so I knew who was going to speak.

  “Hello,” I said quickly, somewhat afraid that it rang too many times.

  “Good, you’ve found the phone. I forgot to leave instructions about it, seeing as it was a hurried addition and Mr. Jude forgot to mention it. The phone has my number, Mr. Jude’s number, your home number and a few numbers for food delivery available in that area that are highly recommended. Feel free to add whomever else you want. Mr. Jude will arrive tomorrow at noon. Be sure to have the foods from his list and freshen up and prepare his room as described on the notes I left you. He will be alone this time so there is no need to become invisible. Do you have any questions?”

  “Uh, no, I understand.”

  “Good, call if you need anything. Goodbye Samantha,” she said, then abruptly ended the call.

  Samantha? Did she think that was what Sam was short for? Frowning, I set the phone down and quickly picked it back up and slipped it into the pocket of my jean shorts. In case she called back.

  Sightseeing wasn’t happening today. I headed to the kitchen to go over the instructions for Hale’s arrival. I hadn’t expected him so soon. I was happy he was coming and that I wouldn’t be alone. There would be someone in this city that I knew.

  The idea of having drinks and watching the city sky with Hale made me smile. I shouldn’t think about him other than as my boss. But the man was fascinating. And I had so many questions I wanted to ask him. About the city and the world in general.

  I could call momma later. On my new cellular phone. A job perk I hadn’t expected. This meant I had a camera now. When I did get to take that sightseeing outing I could snap photos like a lunatic.

  A musical sound startled me and I stood there looking around the room. It took a moment for me to figure out it was a doorbell. We didn’t have a doorbell at home. Much less one that played a classical tune. I couldn’t imagine who could be here. But I went to the door anyway.

  The man standing on the other side was what one might call sexy. Or alluring, things like that. There were no other words for him. He wasn’t polished and expensive like Hale. He was, ahh, an anti-Hale. Gorgeous with dark hair and big blue eyes, his torn jeans worn at the bends. The boots he had on were for actual labor and that body of his had worked.

  “Is Hale in?” he asked, studying me as closely as I was studying him.

  “No,” I said, feeling my cheeks heat and redden from looking at him. I really liked his boots. And the tight black tee shirt he was wearing. “He arrives tomorrow.”

  The man seemed annoyed by this answer. “And you are?”

  “Sammy Jo Knox, the new housekeeper,” I replied. I felt the need to defend my presence. This wasn’t Moulton, Alabama.

  He began to twist his mouth, a smirk then touching his lips. “Sure you are. The bastard,” he muttered under his breath.

  I didn’t know what that meant exactly. I was deciding that Mr. Cowboy Texas, straight out of a romance novel, was someone I didn’t like.

  “Can I help you?” I asked in the coolest business tone I could muster. I wasn’t real big on sounding professional.

  “Probably not sugar. Probably not.”

  Well, fine then. “Hale will be here tomorrow at noon if you’d like to return then.” I had the urge to slam the door in his face but seeing as this could be a friend or business relation of Hale’s I didn’t do it that instant.

  “Tell him Ezra stopped by. We need to talk.”

  Ezra. What an odd name for a cowboy. Unless he jumped out of birthday cakes, dancing around naked and whatnot.

  “Okay.”

  He turned to leave, then glanced back. “Be careful sugar. Ain’t much here for you. Don’t ever let your guard down. Here’s not what you’re used to.”

  I didn’t respond to that. I firmly closed the door. Then I stuck out my tongue and growled in frustration. He’d said “ain’t” and “sugar.” He might as well be from Alabama. Sure wasn’t from here I can tell you. The asshole. Judging me because of the way I talked or looked. I didn’t need his advice or opinion.

  If I were lucky I’d never lay eyes on Ezra again in this city. Or any other place on earth.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Once I started cleaning and straightening for Hale’s arrival I began to find more things to do. I put fresh sheets on his bed and fluffed the thick luxurious towels in his bathroom. I went and bought flowers from the street vender I’d passed yesterday and put them in the empty vase by his bed. I wanted to be good at this.

  He was giving me a chance to live and I didn’t wan
t to give him something to complain about. I bought everything on his list and used the delivery number for the wine he requested. Felicity said they had his information on file and wouldn’t card me. They’d just leave it downstairs at reception and I could pick it up there.

  I made sure all the wine glasses were clear of spots from the dishwasher and then went about dusting, although there wasn’t any dust. Then I watered the plants outside. In a few I put ice cubes instead. I wasn’t sure what that was all about, but I did as I was instructed.

  The day went by quickly and I had no more calls or visitors stopping by. I was glad for that. I was finishing up dinner when I decided it was a good time to call home and speak with momma. As much as being here and walking outside were exciting, I still missed home. I wouldn’t go back but they were my people, before here the only life I knew.

  After the delivery of the wine I racked it, then took my new phone and called.

  At the sound of Bessy’s voice saying “hello” tears stung my eyes.

  “It’s me Bessy,” I said, smiling as I sat down on the sofa.

  “Sammy Jo?” she asked, with excitement in her voice.

  “Yes, I have a new phone number so y’all can get in touch with me. How are things at home?”

  “The same. How are things in New York!”

  “Definitely not the same. I’ve been working since I got here so I haven’t seen much, but the view from the balcony is amazing. It’s just like what you’ve seen on the television set and in the movies, all of the movies. I feel like I’m in one walking these streets. I had to go to the grocery and shop. That was its own adventure.”

  “I wish you could send pictures,” she said.

  “I can! Soon. My new work phone is one of those smart phones with a camera.”

  “Oh wow, wow Sammy Jo. You’re living the life I bet.”

  “I want to talk to Sammy Jo,” Hazel said from the background.

  “Give me the phone,” Momma then added.

  “We’ll talk soon! Here’s momma.”

  “Bye,” I said to her. Hearing her voice had been good. Just what I needed to calm me.

  “It’s about time you called,” momma said. “You arrived safely I take