“Yeah. I’m good. I drove to California to see my grandpa. He said you stopped by.”
“I did. I wanted to surprise you. I hope you’re okay with the arrangements I made,” he said, and a tear slid down her face. He was so sweet and thoughtful.
“It all sounds perfect. Why’d you do it, Sam?” she asked.
“For you. I thought it would make you happy, and I want to make you happy. Annie, I’m so sorry about what I said in your office last week. I didn’t mean it. I hope you know that. I went in there half-cocked and pissed off at Wayne and wasn’t thinking straight.”
“Okay.”
“Okay, you forgive me? Or okay, you accept my apology but bugger off?”
She gave a soft laugh. “Okay, I accept your apology, but I’m still not sure about this.”
“Fair enough. Can I take you to dinner when you get back? When are you getting back?”
“Sure. I’ll be home tomorrow, but late. How about Thursday?”
“I’ll clear my calendar,” he said. “I’ll let you get some sleep. I’d rather have this conversation in person anyway. Drive safe and call if you need anything.”
“Will do. Good night, Sam.”
She hung up and stared at the phone. She knew people could change. Just look at all the changes she’d made in her personality and in her life. But could Sam change? Did he want to? Maybe she should take all the Brody Robinson books she’d given her parents and give them to Sam. Chuckling at the thought—how pretentious would that be—she finally fell asleep, still not knowing what to do.
The rest of the drive back to Bellevue was uneventful. She stayed at the same hotel and slept like the dead. The next morning, she booted up her computer to start looking at houses. Her real estate agent had gotten back to her to say she would put Annie on an automated email list that would send her listings that fit her criteria right as they came on the market.
Before she became too engrossed in house hunting, she searched for the Home Away from Home retirement center.
From the pictures, it looked like a five-star resort.
They had a garden that the residents ran and cared for. There was an enormous pool that was partially outdoors and partially indoors. And on the second floor of that building, a fully stocked gym. There was a medical clinic that had a variety of doctors on staff.
According to the website, they cooked the food on-site, and the sample menu looked mouthwatering. No recooked chicken at this place.
There were a wide variety of room sizes and services. You could go from independent living, in your own luxury apartment, to hospice care all at the same facility. It was a definitely place for the rich and famous.
When she clicked on the rates, her eyes nearly popped out of her head. Twenty thousand dollars! A month? Good God, they must spoon-feed the residents. Of course, Sam had picked the finest yet most outrageously expensive place ever. How were she and Pops going to be able to afford that? There was no way. She’d have to find something close but more affordable. She wouldn’t say anything to Pops until she found something though. He’d been so excited about this place. And why wouldn’t he be? Geez. She wanted to move in.
A little while later, she turned off the computer and focused on getting ready for her date with Sam. He had texted to ask if she could do lunch instead, which she’d agreed to. He had a hectic schedule, and she knew he probably had to move things around to fit her in on such short notice.
Digging around in the duffel bags, she found a casual, teal-colored sundress to wear and ironed it. She took a little extra time with her make-up and was ready right on time when Sam came to pick her up.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Sam was relieved Annie had agreed to go out with him. He’d finally figured out what his grand gesture of apology and love was going to be, and it was totally dependent on her coming with him today.
He showed up at the hotel right on time. She opened the door, and his heart swelled at the sight of her. He stood there like an idiot, not moving or saying anything, staring at her. After an awkward minute, she said hi and reached out to give him a tentative hug, but he was having none of that. He pulled her in and embraced her hard.
“I’ve been so worried about you,” he said gruffly.
“I’m fine, Sam. But thank you. I appreciate the concern.” She pulled back and smoothed her hair. “Let me just get my purse, and I’ll be ready.”
Once they were in the car and she couldn’t escape, he spoke again. “So, I have a surprise for you. I’m not sure what you’ll think, but I hope you like it.”
“Who doesn’t love a surprise?” she said, still somewhat guarded.
“Scale of one to ten, how hungry are you?”
“Oh, maybe a six,” she said. “Why?”
“No reason.” He didn’t take his eyes off the road, even though he could feel her staring a hole through him. “Do you trust me?”
“Yes,” she replied. “I trust you.” Heavy emphasis on the I and the you. “That’s never been an issue.” She finally looked his way and raised an eyebrow.
“Touché.” What an idiot. Now she was thinking about how he didn’t trust her. Precisely what he didn’t want her thinking about. Smooth, MacDonald.
He pulled into the Bellevue airport and headed toward the hangar that housed the Samatrix jet.
“Sam, what’s going on? I thought we were going to lunch.”
“We are. Just not in this state,” he quipped as he parked the car and got out. He ran around to get her door, but she sat still once he opened it. She turned to him.
“Sam, you can’t just throw money or planes or expensive dinners at our problem.”
“I know, I know. Seriously, that’s not my intent. I have
