Chapter 4
Traveling In Style
When a shiny black limousine pulled up in front of the house, Charlene wondered what they could possibly want with her. Then she realized, with a start, that this was the car Clayton had said he would send for her.
A limo? Her mouth opened in shock. She stepped back, letting the drapes fall back into place before picking up her small suitcase by the handle and heading for the door.
Charlene stepped outside onto the small porch. She turned and slid her key into the deadbolt, satisfied at the sound of it sliding into place. She paused, her hand on the doorknob.
Was she insane? She’d asked herself that no less than a million times during the past few days. She shouldn’t be going to Clayton’s house in Santa Cruz. Not only was it half way across the country, he was paying her expenses. It was shameful for someone who had always prided herself on her independence and capability to see to her own needs. She felt the heady need of indebtedness though she knew Clayton expected nothing in return.
Was it just because she longed to make amends for what happened that she agreed to go? Her stupid teenage crush had parted two life-long friends. No, she knew it was more than that. She only felt that she owed Clayton something because she wanted to feel that way.
The night after her father’s funeral, Charlene had been unable to sleep. She was lonely and filled with grief but she was unable to sleep for the fact that she kept wondering what on earth she had agreed to. Half of her wanted to go and half of her knew she shouldn’t. She had made Clayton promise that he would act like a gentleman but what happened when she lost her senses and begged him not to?
What had once been a crush had grown into something so much deeper over the years. She’d thought she was safe, inserting Clayton into her most secret fantasies. She never imagined that she’d see him again. When she’d found out he was married, her hopes had sunk irrationally. It was the only bit of news about Clayton her father had ever shared with her.
Regretting fully her impulsive decision to give in to years of longing, Charlene tried to back out of the trip but Clayton had called her early the morning after she’d seen him to confirm he’d made her travel plans. He said he would send a car and that there was a plane ticket waiting for her at the airport.
How had he arranged everything so soon?
Noticing her on the step, the limo driver got out and walked quickly up the sidewalk edging the driveway to help her with her tiny suitcase. Though she easily could have handled it herself, Charlene turned it over. Up close she could see that the man was much older than she’d first thought. His hair was gray under his cap and his face was lined with wrinkles. He was almost a full head shorter than her and his eyes were kind. A myriad of laugh lines crinkled the corners.
She was unsure what to do next so she followed the silent driver. He put the bag in the car’s trunk then went around to the side and held the door open for her.
“It should only be a twenty minute drive to the airport ma’am.” The driver touched the brim of his hat and Charlene nodded, sliding into the backseat. He closed the door behind her. She was relieved the black glass partition between them was up. That way maybe the driver couldn’t see how flustered, inexperienced and confused she was.
If Clayton wanted to impress her he’d certainly succeeded.
The surprises only kept coming. At the airport, the driver steered the limo right in through a secured area and onto the tarmac.
“What the hell?” Charlene stared out the window, expecting to see a flock of security personal come rushing at them any second. No one came. The whole place looked deserted.
Her door opened and the driver eyed her curiously. “The jet ma’am. It’s right there. I’ll get your bag and you can board as soon as you wish.”
“What jet?” Charlene hated the lostness in her own voice. She inched backwards, closer to the car than the open door.
“Mr. Ellison instructed me to see you to the private jet. I thought he would have informed you.”
Charlene pasted a smile onto her face. “I’m sure it was just a surprise.” She finally climbed out of the car and stood waiting while the driver got her bag. Once he did she followed him over to the large plane clearly waiting for her.
What the hell? How could Clayton afford this? Why did he have a private jet at his disposal? She wanted to ask the driver her questions and get some answers but she didn’t dare. She didn’t want to seem any more ridiculous than he probably thought she was already.
“The stairs are over there. Feel free to enter and find whatever seat is best. The pilot is already waiting inside and there is a stewardess to assist you with any needs you might have.” The driver touched the brim of his hat again. “Enjoy your trip to San Jose. There will be a car waiting to take you to your destination after you arrive. Have a safe flight.”
“Thank you,” Charlene said woodenly but meaning what she said. The man nodded. She wished she had something to give him for a tip but she figured the five dollar bill in her purse would be more insulting than anything.
Turning, she faced the giant plane. Holy shit. This was really for her. She was really going to get on that thing and fly half way across the country to meet a man she obviously knew nothing about. Her sixteen year old self would have leapt for joy and applauded her good luck and bravery. Her older self, the woman who had seen her father grow sicker and die was far more cautious.
As she climbed the steps to the plane’s entrance, Charlene wondered what other secrets of Clayton’s she’d discover.