Weep In The Night by Valerie Massey Goree Page B

want the stage?”
    Well done, Sam. He’d answered and changed the subject without blinking. Sadie understood his reluctance to discuss his time in foster care. He must be telling the truth.
    “You can ask them on Saturday night. Kyle wants to meet again, and everyone is coming over to my place.”
    Sylvia had called Sadie as she left Rhodes and she’d reluctantly agreed to host the meeting.
    “Sounds like a plan.”
    When they finished their decaf coffee and chocolate cake, he followed her to her car.
    “I had a good time. Thanks, Sam.”
    He took her hand. Nothing as dramatic as electric sparks traveled up her arm, but the heat from his touch radiated through her. He gazed at her face and slowly lowered his head. A kiss? She wasn’t ready.
    But he drew her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. She relaxed and sighed, the soft touch of his lips sending a shiver of pleasure down her spine.
    He released her hand and raised his eyebrows, as if he knew the effect his action had caused. “See you tomorrow?”
    “I’m working a half day. I’ll be in about three.” She slid behind the wheel.
    Sam gave her a nod and disappeared across the parking lot.
    Sadie slumped against the seat and rubbed the hand he’d kissed. Whew. She’d have to lasso her heart and keep a tight rein on it.
    On the way home, she fantasized about another date, but by the time she parked, she’d shaken the scenarios away and reminded herself she knew little about Sam.
    Although still early, Sadie prepared for bed and snuggled under the covers with her laptop balanced on her knees. In the morning, she’d visit the children’s shelter. For each trip, she took along a story she’d written, featuring characters named after children at the center. The kids loved to hear their names. She had a few more pages to compose for tomorrow’s visit.
    The hours slid by and at midnight, she turned off the light.
    Dreams featuring Rhodes’ co-workers and long ago foster families peppered her night. She awoke and dressed, disappointed Sam hadn’t made his way into her subconscious.
    Eager young faces greeted her at the shelter.
    Carmen Rios, the director, gave her a list of newcomers so she could include their names in the story.
    On the way to the indoor play area, Sadie asked, “Has a Sam Boudine ever called you? He may want to volunteer.”
    Carmen frowned and shook her head. “Sorry. Name’s not familiar.”
    Interesting. Maybe he changed his mind. Sadie would have to quiz him at their next meeting. Once seated, she wrote the names in gaps she’d purposely left blank and then gathered the kids around her.
    They squealed and clapped as she read, and then they wanted the story repeated. After the third rendition, Sadie gave the pages to Carmen and joined the kids in outdoor games.
    Close to noon, she hugged each child and then returned home for a salad lunch and a quick visit with Louise.
    At Rhodes, time hung heavy on her hands. Dreary, gray skies must have kept shoppers at home since few people visited the garden center. Sadie took the opportunity to pick up a promotion application packet from Julian and tucked it in her locker.
    Sam entered the break room, his mood as gloomy as the weather. The nod he gave her served as his greeting. He pounded the bank of lockers with his fist. The metal fixtures rattled like a dragon’s loose teeth. “Blast.” His back to her, he hung his head.
    “Sam?” She took a hesitant step his direction. “What’s wrong?”
    A mammoth sigh escaped, and he turned. The muscles along his jaw clenched. “I almost got fired because I’m late, but you’ll never believe what happened.” He paced liked a trapped lion.
    Sadie sat at a table and patted the chair next to her. “Come sit. Tell me about it.”
    He hauled the chair out and sank into it, his posture rigid. “I should have been here hours ago, but I had two flat tires.” He thumped the table. “Two.”
    Sadie flinched at his action but concentrated on his