Male Territory

By

Mary Suzanne

 

 

Chapter One

 

Samantha sat at the table looking through the mountain of unpaid bills.  When her young brother slammed the back door, she slipped the bills in the folder and glanced up.

“Sam, Mark wants me to go to the park with him,” he told her reaching into the cookie jar.

“That’s a good idea since I have something to do today.”

“What is it?”

“I’m going to see Tony Santino about a job. If you get back before I do, stay at Mark’s house.”

“I will,” he said as he headed out the door again.

When their parents died tragically, she became both parents to Tommy. In recent months, the economy had taken a downward trend and the company she worked for closed.

The future didn’t look too rosy as she picked up the thick folder to put away.  That knot under her right shoulder blade made itself known for the third time that night.

She cleared away the dishes before going upstairs.  As she reached her bedroom, her gaze drifted to the dresser where a framed picture of her parents sat.  The strong featured man and the beautiful woman at his side smiled lovingly.   She walked over and picked up the picture, cradling it gently in her hand.

“I'm taking care of Tommy," she whispered softly to their images.  Somehow, Samantha felt sure her parents knew this already.  She studied their faces a moment longer, before replacing the cherished picture on the dresser.

After showering, she looked through her closet and removed a green dress.  As she stood in front of the mirror, she fastened the cool sundress in place and noticed how it curved her petite frame gently.  Applying powder to her small nose, she skillfully hid the lightly freckled patch that continually popped out during the hot, summer months.  She blotted her pink lips, and walked down the stairs with a spring to her step.

While she gathered her car keys and handbag, she thought how lucky she had been in meeting Tony Santino through her old job.  He was the head of a local hiring hall and his job was to send workers out to different contractors that needed someone for a short time.  Although Tony gave her signals that he’d like more of a relationship with her other than a friend, Samantha didn’t find her feelings leaning toward romance

She had shared a few lunches with Tony and they became friends quickly.  On one of their luncheon dates, he told her that he would find her a job if she ever needed his help.   Samantha thought back to his offer and how kind he’d been to her. She had wondered at the time whether there were any strings attached since he had made romantic overtures more than once in the past.  Tony was such a generous person trying to help her when he could, but she couldn’t worry about that now.  The time had arrived to ask for his help.

As she started out the front door, Samantha heard the phone ringing.  She stepped back into the hallway and lifted the receiver.

"Sam," Tony greeted her warmly.  "I wanted to make sure I caught you before you left for my office.  Something urgent has come up and I’ll have to cancel our meeting.  Maybe we could discuss what we were going to talk about over the phone.

"Yes, we could do that,” she blurted out, before she lost her nerve. “I wanted to ask if your offer of a job still holds.”

"Of course, it does. There's only one problem, though.  The only work available is a truck driving job."

"Oh."  Samantha sighed lightly, feeling her hopes beginning to fade.  "I've never driven a truck before."

"Wait a minute, I shouldn't have used the word problem because I'm sure you’ll be able to handle it.  I want you to go and see Larry Andrews, a friend of mine.  He owns a construction company and I’m sure he’ll be more than willing to show you the basics in driving a truck.  I’ll call Larry and explain that you’re coming.  His company is located at Fifth and Bell."

"Do you really think I can do it?"  Hesitation filled her tone.

"I'm sure of it. It isn’t male territory any longer.  Stop by his place tomorrow and as soon as you get your upgraded license, call me."

"I will, and thanks," she said gratefully, feeling the relief flowing through her.    "I know you're busy, so I'll be in touch."

"You'll make it," he said encouragingly.

“Thanks again.”

When she replaced the receiver, the old nagging doubts crowded in.  She wouldn’t consider failure at this point.  It looked as if things were finally falling into place for her and she’d not only be able to support her brother, but pay some of the delinquent bills.

"Sam."    She could hear Tommy calling her name as he ran through the hallway and stopped in the living room where she stood. "Didn't you go to see Tony?"

"I talked to him on the telephone, instead.  I'll be a truck driver as soon as I get instructions and can pass the test."  She hid her unsettling thoughts of moments ago behind a cheery smile.  The main reason she had to succeed stood in front of her with an enthusiastic smile on his face.

"Oh, wow, you're going to be a truck driver,” he said as he tossed the baseball he held from one hand to the other.  “Is it going to be an eighteen wheeler?"

"Hardly,” she laughed in a lighthearted tone.  "I'm hoping it's a small truck."  Samantha placed her hand on his shoulder as they walked toward the kitchen.  "Since I don’t have to meet Tony, you can help me fix something for lunch today."

* * * *

As Tony had said, Larry Andrews was a very patient man, instructing her on the art of handling all of his trucks.  Samantha's head felt in a whirl, listening to all his instructions, but she kept up with everything he showed her.  On the fourth day, Larry decided it was time she took her test at the drivers' station.  He drove her across town, giving her an encouraging pep talk before she walked into the building.

After taking the written test, the driving part came next. Samantha could feel the moistness coating her hands from her nervousness. . The man doing the testing smiled at her and handed her the upgraded license.

She waved the papers in the air for Larry to see as she walked out of the building.  On the drive back to pick up her car, a thrill of anticipation filled her thoughts.  Now there was no stopping her, she thought silently.  The worst of her ordeal was over. The countless hours of practicing and then taking the test paid off. Little did Samantha know that her troubles were just beginning.

As she reached her house and stopped in the drive, she saw Tommy coming around the side of the house.  She couldn’t help noticing how his brown gaze held a questioning look.

"Did you make it?"  He asked, no longer able to hold his curiosity in check.

"Yes," she burst out excitedly.

"I knew you could do it, Sam.”

"You really know how to make a person feel good.  I have to scoot into the house and call Tony before he leaves his office.  If you're going over to Mark's, be sure and be back in time for lunch.  Have you enjoyed spending your summer vacation so for with Tommy’s family?”

“We have a lot of fun,” he answered, hopping around wanting to finish the conversation and head to Tommy’s. “I’ll be back early.”

Samantha walked over to the phone and dialed Tony's number.  It wasn’t long before his deep voice sounded over the line.  Before he had a chance to ask her any questions, she told him about the license in a hurried rush.

"This must be your lucky day. Report to work Monday morning for the Kincaid Construction Company located on Elm Street.  Check in with the owner, Clint Kincaid."

"That's wonderful news.” Adrenaline pumped speedily through her veins.  “Thanks again for your help."

"What are friends for if they can’t help one another? Let’s have dinner Saturday night to celebrate your new job.”

"I'd love to,” she accepted, without a moment's hesitation.

“I’ll be by to pick you up at seven.”

“See you then.”

Everything looked as if it might work out for her.  She’d be able to take care of Tommy and they wouldn’t lose their home.  The house meant a lot to her. This was all she had left of her parents and they loved the two-story dwelling. Tony was giving her the chance of a lifetime and she could never thank him enough for his generosity.  Moistness coated her lashes over Tony’s thoughtful gesture.

* * * *

Later that night, Samantha and Tommy drove to a local pizza restaurant for a celebration. .     Money was tight, but this was a special occasion and needed celebrating.   She couldn't remember when she felt so young and carefree.  Her worries were almost over.  By Monday, she would be working for a paycheck again.

* * * *

On Saturday evening, Samantha sent Tommy over to Mark's for the night before she began getting ready for her date with Tony.  She twirled in front of the mirror, with the full skirt billowing out around her legs.  Her long, auburn hair tumbled gently across her bare shoulders, reaching to the tiny straps of her rust colored dress.  She touched her nose with powder, and noticed how her green eyes brimmed over with the excitement.

Everything seemed to happen so quickly this week, but she felt she could handle anything that came her way.  When the doorbell rang, Samantha walked down the staircase.

"Come in,” she invited Tony, with a smile curving her lips.  Her gaze quickly skimmed over his dark suit and tie, blending well with his bronze skin and dark eyes.

"You look beautiful, Sam.” His gaze swept her from head to toe.

"Thank you," she murmured, a red flush tinting her cheeks.

"Why, Sam, you're blushing," Tony teased, with a grin.  "That's something I don't see every day."  He leaned toward her and brushed his lips softly against hers.  "Are you ready to leave?"

"Yes.” She picked up her purse and walked with him to his car parked at the curb.

On the drive, Tony glanced across the seat at her. "Do you feel nervous about work Monday?”

"Maybe a little.”  More than a little, she thought silently, but she didn't want to tell him the extent of how much.  "I'm sure I can manage with all the training your friend gave me."

"I'm positive you will, too."  He reached over and placed his hand across hers on the seat, squeezing it gently.

 It wasn’t long before he pulled onto the parking lot of the restaurant and walked around to her side of the car. He took her hand in his as they walked toward the foyer of the building.  After entering, a hostess met them and led the way across the crowded room to an outside patio. The roof of the dining area consisted of a heavy awning.

"This is lovely.” Samantha glanced out at the dark skyline sprinkled with an array of glittering stars.

"I thought you'd like it.”

Samantha's gaze drifted around the patio studying the other customers filling the crowded room.  A small commotion at the entrance caught her attention and she found herself watching the exchange.  The hostess was showing a group of men to a table, and the sound of their laughter floated across the still night to where she and Tony sat.

One man in the group stood out from the others, catching her undivided attention.  The words ruggedly handsome kept filtering through her head as she continued to study every detail of his features.  The stranger's face looked striking as she noted his straight nose, and a strong chin.  She judged his height to be more than six feet.  The width of his chest put a burden on the fabric of his sports coat, stretching it precariously at the seams.  His wide shoulders looked muscular and strong. They narrowed down to a trim waistline and thighs.  His deep blue eyes looked even bluer by the contrast with the bronze coloring of his skin.  A shock of black hair lined his forehead and his face held a look of impatience as he brushed aside the stray lock.

"Sam," Tony uttering her name broke into her silent study.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, glancing across at him and suddenly feeling flustered.  "What was it you were saying?"

"I want to make a toast,” Tony explained, lifting his glass toward her.

"All right.”

While she waited, she felt the hair rise unexpectedly on her neckline.  From the familiar sensation, she knew that someone watched her.  Glancing at the table behind Tony's chair proved she was right.  The blue-eyed stranger sat listening intently to their conversation.

"I want to drink to your success in becoming a truck driver.” Tony smiled and tapped his glass against hers.

She returned his smile as she slowly sipped the wine.  Against her better judgment, she found her gaze straying to the tall stranger across the aisle.   Sure enough, he watched her again with narrowed eyelids.  As he heard Tony's words, a dark expression lined his features.

A chill raced down her spine over his look. Who was this man, and why should he be listening in on what they were talking about?  There had to be some reason he became so angry after hearing Tony's words.

She intentionally turned her head away and gave Tony her full attention.  For the remainder of the evening, she made it a point not to let her gaze stray to the intimidating stranger.

* * * *

Later that night Tony stood on her porch until she unlocked the door.  "I had a wonderful time," she said, turning back to him.

"I enjoyed it, too," he said softly, his mouth claiming hers in a tender kiss.  When he lifted his head, his gaze glowed warmly from the reflection of the porch light.  "Call me Monday night and let me know how you made out on the job.” He stepped off the porch onto the sidewalk.

"I will," she promised, waving to him.

When Samantha entered the house, an image of the stranger from the restaurant popped into her head.  Who was that man?  She couldn't ever remember seeing him before tonight.  There had been no reason for him to become so angry listening to their conversation.

Samantha dismissed the stranger from her thoughts. Tomorrow would be a big day and she refused to let this man jeopardize it.