That was a hard choice. Fifth Avenue, Times Square and Central Park were all tied for first. I could visit the two that would take the longest when Hale was gone on business. I then replied “Times Square.”
“Of course. We’ll go see it tomorrow. Then I’ll take you to one of my favorite lunch spots.”
That sounded fun. I was ready to explore the city. Having someone with me would be nice.
“Until your clothes arrive go change into the blue dress.” He said it with a wave of his hand as if I were being dismissed. He then turned his attention back to the city and the view outside the window.
Hale confused me. He could be so nice and make me feel wanted then treat me as if I were a child needing instruction and guidance. I wasn’t sure how to feel about that, but I reminded myself he had given me this job and a chance to see the world. I was living in a penthouse in New York City. This was better than what I’d expected. Though I really didn’t know what that was. I could learn to understand Hale. He was just different, that’s all. What I knew were the people from Moulton, Alabama and it was me that needed to adjust. Not Hale. He was himself. I was the one that needed to change.
I went to my room and undressed. The blue Easter sundress that momma had made hanging in the closet to my front. I slipped it on and straightened it out. It was the nicest thing I owned, yet here it seemed inadequate. Country. That’s what I was. Country. I didn’t want to be. My place of birth wasn’t my choice. I longed to be a part of this city, to fit in and not stand out.
Sitting down on the edge of the bed I looked out the windows of my room. Imagined what I might be like if I’d grown up in New York City. Would I speak differently? Walk with more confidence? Would my vocabulary be more extensive? Would I know the difference between fresh mozzarella and Brie, which confused me at the grocery store, just like the damn airport gates.
But had I been raised here I wouldn’t have momma, my sisters or Henry or the memories of my daddy, and Jamie and Ben would be strangers. And I wanted all of them in my life. Being raised in Moulton wasn’t what I hated. It was the idea of being stuck there for life. I’d gotten out and now I could truly appreciate my raising and my normal childhood.
A knock at my door startled me awake. Then it opened and Hale walked in. He took in my dress without smiling. “Your new clothing will arrive this evening. I know females like to shop for themselves and you will get a chance to do that. I’ll go with you when you do. But for now you need appropriate clothing. I should’ve seen to that myself.”
Again, with my clothes. Lord Jesus! They weren’t as bad as he was carrying on. I bit my tongue to keep from saying just that and my thoughts must have shown on my face because he gave me an apologetic smile. “Soon you’ll be ready to go out with me. You can attend dinners, like the one tonight, alongside me when properly dressed. We have to polish you up. Your beauty is enough to distract a man, but the women in this world can be brutal. They will pick you apart and eat you.”
Go with him? Why? Although the idea of a fancy party in New York was exciting I wasn’t sure why I would go along too.
“You want to take me to dinners with you?” I was tired of keeping my mouth shut. Sometimes I needed answers.
He grinned and walked over to stand in front of me. His expensive cologne made my room smell nice and I wanted to take a deep breath.
“I didn’t bring you here to keep you locked away. I enjoy your company Sam. You make me feel more like enjoying my life. I often overlook certain things that you remind me of in your excitement. Taking you with me is the main reason I brought you here to the city. First, I have to prepare you. You’re not ready for this world yet.”
He sounded like he had me here for more than a housekeeper. Men didn’t take their housekeepers to parties and teach them to be more refined. Did they? I was pretty sure that even though I didn’t know much about this life I did know that.
“But Hale, I’m your housekeeper,” I told him.
He knelt down in front of me and gathered my left hand in both of his. “You’re here to take care of things when I’m away. Yes, that’s the truth. But surely you know that I brought you here for more than tending the penthouse.”
He did? No, I didn’t know that at all.
“Sam, you’re a stunning woman. The first time I saw you I knew I would have to have you. I don’t want for much but when I see something I want then I go after it. You’re too talented and beautiful to be someone’s housekeeper. You’re meant for lights and parties. You’re meant to shine. I intend to let that happen.”
So he liked me. The funny feeling he gave me in my stomach when he flirted was mutual? “I’m trying to understand,” I replied.
He stood and pulled me with him. Tugging me up against his body, his right hand slipped to my back, and I was firmly held flush with his chest. “Let me be more specific.” He then lowered his head until his mouth brushed my neck, ear, cheek and lips. The small gasp of surprise that came from inside me was the opening he needed to have me. The warmth and taste of the wine filled my senses as he deepened the kiss and held me.
My knees began to go weak. I was torn between pleasure and shock. I wanted a kiss the night of the dance, but this wasn’t the kiss I imagined. I’d seen kisses like this on the movies. It made you blush to watch it and here it was happening in actual life.
His hand then slid to my butt. He squeezed and I inhaled sharply, Hale continuing to taste me like his glass of rich wine, my head light and body tingling, anticipating what would happen next. This was enough to give a girl daydreams and make her silly for eternity.