Chapter One
My dreams were full of fairytales. Traveling the world, going to fancy parties, and even outrageous closets full of clothes. When I opened my eyes I felt ashamed of myself even though I couldn’t exactly control my dreams. It still felt wrong to be so wrapped up in the things Hale could give me.
I liked him as a person. To me he was more than his money.
But would you like him if he lived in Moulton?
That was momma’s voice in my head. Bringing me back to reality. The truth was, a part of me was superficial. I wasn’t in love with Hale. I was fascinated with him because of the life he lived.
This was a part of my journey. It wasn’t like I was marrying the man. I was working for him, and although he said he wanted more, and score one for momma because she’d just said that to me, I wasn’t sure what more would be. Could I fall in love? Would it be easy because of all he could give me?
You were raised better than that. Momma’s voice again. Ricocheting around in my head.
While trying to clear my thoughts I finished making up the bed and dressing. Momma’s voice finally left. Images of Hale did not. It was just after sunrise and although Felicity’s note said Hale would awaken at eight ready for breakfast on the balcony with the morning paper, I wanted to have a head start making everything perfect. Plus, I really needed my own bite of breakfast and some coffee. I studied myself in the mirror. The new wardrobe that arrived last night had been surprising. Everything felt different. The fabric even smelled fancy.
Figuring out what I was supposed to wear everyday was confusing. The two really extravagant dresses hanging in my closet were the most mind boggling of all. Where would I wear those? Last night I’d slipped on the shoes that matched them and lapped the room a couple of times. They gave me the silly feeling of playing dress up. Like I was a child or something.
He’d even had panties and bras delivered. I wasn’t sure why it mattered what I was wearing under my clothes. I figured no one saw that and my undies were just fine. But these felt nice. Satin and silk. Putting them on made me feel like a princess. After changing three times I decided that the black linen shorts and delicate looking sleeveless blouse were good enough for casual. Though they didn’t feel casual in the least. The price tags were gone, but I had a feeling that clothing arriving without a price tag was too shocking for the average person to comprehend.
Cooking breakfast in this was going to make me nervous. He’d said not to unpack my bags, meaning he didn’t want to see me in any of my own clothes. Hale wanted me dressed in what he had purchased and I would do what he said. I tried not to focus on the cost of my outfit. I pulled my hair back into a loose low braid and proceeded.
The penthouse was quiet. Just the light muffled sound of the busy city came through the windows. I went to the glass doors in the living room and stepped outside to take in the view. I needed reminding I was here. Everyday I would need reminding. I was afraid I would suddenly wake and this would all be a dream. I’d be back in Moulton at the bakery. Something I did not want. The part of my life that kept me in Moulton was over and done with forever. I hugged myself and smiled as I studied the city below me, bustling and colorful and pulsing, people hurrying about in their business attire, while others carried shopping bags. The tourists were obvious with their cameras and phones snapping photos for friends back home.
Soon I would be a part of that world. Hale would take me to parties and lunches. I would walk the streets in my expensive clothing just like I lived in a movie, one continuously playing for me. My smile grew as I imagined what life with Hale was going to be like in the future. Would he take me to his other homes? Would I travel with him on his plane? I had no idea what surprises were in store for Sammy Jo Knox from Moulton.
I wanted to see so much. Do and experience it all. New York City could never be uncovered, because there was so much inside it to reveal. And I wanted to peel it back. As much as I thought I could. That wasn’t greed, now was it? Was my ambition blind to that? Was my desire to live my dream and its fancies arrogant self-absorption? These questions pinged in my head.
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.