CHAPTER 72: ON A CLEAN SLATE
CHICAGO:
Emma had fully resumed work at the club. Her name was placed on the night shift. Emma knew there were lot’s of gossips that traveled among the staff while she was away. She was aware that some believed she harassed Sam in front of Austin Mc Bryan. Others may think Sam hired her back to prevent mouths from running seeking to ruin his reputation.
Emma didn’t care about whatsoever the people in the club felt or think. All she knew was that she was back and her return meant a lot to Sam. Even though Emma never wanted to leave the restaurant the way she did, there was no denying that Sam’s club paid her twice what she was to earn in the restaurant as a waitress.
All Emma prays and wishes for is a transformation in Sam even though she knew his ailment is an incurable one. Perhaps he could moderate it she thought. She wanted to advice Sam about going out more often, visiting people, playing games and reading but she knew Sam must know about these technique and many others. After all he is rich and could afford any therapist in town and she wouldn’t want to overstep her boundaries.
Emma also promised herself that her discussions with Sam will relate to business and she wouldn’t pry into his private affairs. When Emma finished her shift that night, she carried her bag hurrying away. Few steps out of the building, she saw Sam in front of his limousine smiling as she came closer.
“Care for some ride home? ” he finally spoke but was still smiling.
“No I’ll be fine. I’ll get a cab.” Emma said refusing his offer and wrapping her leather jacket around her.
“Oh come on Emma its just a ride. ” Sam said waving the car keys at her.
“I thought we are good now. ” he told her folding his arms around his chest.
Emma is certain they are good but taking favors from Sam is what she wouldn’t oblige to. She will love to keep their relationship professional and maybe a bit friendly too.
“So hop in. ” Sam stated and hurriedly went to open the car door for Emma.
Emma noticed that his driver wasn’t with him. She admired his glossy tea shirt and brown plain trousers. She might not know much about Bipolar but a certain fact she had come to terms with was that Sam’s appearance depicts his emotional state and at that moment, she knew he was okay.
She went inside the limousine and sat parallel to Sam who would be driving. Sam noticed she was catching cold so he turned off the car’s air conditioner immediately. He put on his seat belt and Emma followed suit. In a short while, they were driving away from the club heading to Emma’s apartment.
“How was your first day at the club like? ” Sam popped the question at Emma who was staring at the distance from the window.
“I wouldn’t say it was like a conventional first day. ” Emma answered and Sam chuckled.
“It was good though.” she quickly added focusing her attention on the speedometer.
Sam was driving at a moderate speed which Emma really adored.
“Do You love the shift you were placed at? ” he asked her.
“Of course I do. ” she said with a nod.
They were caught up in traffic and Sam had to stop driving but the car was on and still.
“Well if you don’t like the night shift, I can have them place you on the day’s shift. ” said Sam with his back resting on the driver’s seat.
“I appreciate all you are doing to make me comfortable but I’ll be fine. ” Emma replied looking at Sam.
“Then I guess you are cool with your nightshift. ” Sam said.
The cars in front of them were gradually moving now and Sam began driving too.
“If you need anything Emma. Do tell me. ” he said looking briefly at Emma and his attention on the gear.
Emma nodded saying “I will. ”
Meanwhile, Emma knew in her heart that she might not ask Sam for any favor because she wouldn’t want to take anyone’s kindness for granted.
“Hope you didn’t have much trouble with the management at the restaurant.” Inquired a concerned Sam.
They were out of the traffic and on the route to Emma’s place. He was driving faster now.
“Not really. We have an understanding. ” Emma told him with her left palm on her forehead.
“But no doubt, I’ll be missing the atmosphere there. ” she quickly added.
“I am so sorry for the inconvenience. ” pleaded Sam while taking a sharp turn.
“Nothing to worry about. Am good. ” she said with a cheerful smile.
“I’ve been selfish huh? ” Sam asked her looking at his mirror. “I made you quit. ” he said adjusting the mirror.
“I had a choice and I chose to quit. ” maintained Emma.
“Do you think I manipulated you into leaving the restaurant? ” he asked then turned to gaze at her.
“No. ” Emma quickly voiced out.
“I came back because I wanted to and I needed you to have a clear conscience too. ” she said.
“You don’t have to feel guilty Sam. ” she said calmly and he nodded.
They were approaching her apartment.
“Can we start on a clean slate? ” he suggested.
“I thought we were on that slate already. ” Emma replied and giggled.
“We are and I will want us to make it official. ” he said parking the car in front of Emma’s apartment.
“No more tailing games or mischief from me. ” he promised lifting up his right hand which made Emma laugh.
“Yes Sir. ” she immediately replied and he laughed out loud.
“So now Emma. ” he said extending his right palm to her. “Meet Samuel Smith. The C. E. O of Smith Clubs.
“And I am Emma Phillips your bar tender.” she said laughing making Sam laugh too.
Of course she wasn’t going to reveal to him that she is a divorcée , she just lost her child and fled to Chicago to pursue a new life. Even though they had agreed to start on a fresh slate, there are things Emma just can’t talk about.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
She got out of the limousine, waved to Sam and made her way while Sam sped off.