Sam's Choice: The Sam Series, #1

Sam’s Choice ~ S.M. Donaldson

Sam’s Choice

By:

S.M. Donaldson

Sam’s Choice

Sam’s Choice

S.M. Donaldson

Copyright2012 by S.M. Donaldson

Published at Smashwords

This book is a work of fiction. Names, Characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead are entirely coincidental.

Dedicated to

My Father

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Prologue

Senior Year

Thinking back life is all about choices. It was the spring of 1999 and I was about to make one of the biggest choices in my life. At least that is what I was thinking at the time. …..

I remember it like it was yesterday, I was sitting at the Jackson Street stop light in downtown Austin. I was listening to my new Offspring cd, I had been trying to make the decision between University of Texas, Ole’ Miss and University of Oklahoma, I needed so bad to have a fresh start; I wanted to just be a face in the crowd for once in my life. I knew if I went to UT, I would still be the same girl I have been my entire life, with most likely the same group of faces from high school. I was Samantha Cates, daughter to the high profile investigator Samuel James Cates; he locked away several long time drug dealers, and tried to make organized crime not so organized. He was the job; there was no grey, just black and white in his eyes. I was the girl who was talked about my entire senior year for crap that wasn’t even my fault, the same girl who dreaded getting up and going to school everyday. My mouth flew open like a jolt of lightening and I yelled out loud in my car, I’m going to Ole’ Miss!

My dad didn’t take the news of my decision all that well, he’s a man who is used to getting his way and this was probably the first time in my life I ever remember going against his wishes. He wanted me to stay in Austin with him and go to UT, I tried to explain to him, my life had been a wreck for the past year with the return of my Mother and other stuff, all I wanted was a fresh start. I knew I was 18 and that since my college was paid for with all the scholarships I was offered he really couldn’t make me stay, but he really knew how to make you feel like you had disappointed him. After weeks of arguing with me and at the urging of his girlfriend Sheila who at the time I was sure was ready for me to leave so she could move in, he gave me his blessing. He didn’t speak to me much that summer; I guess he figured if he distanced his self he wouldn’t miss me as much. We had been on our own since I was 6, he’d taught me how to be independent, how to protect myself, to be suspicious of everyone, even those you think you trust, wish I’d learned the trust lesson a little better…

CHAPTER 1

FALL 1999

I have been at Ole’ Miss a few weeks, getting into the routine of college life. I live in the dorms which I was reluctant to do, for the simple reason I didn’t want a roommate, but since I’m here on scholarship and I don’t want a fulltime job just to pay rent I settled myself into the dorms. My roommate is the small, petite, blonde, bubbly Katie Foster. She is following the long family tradition of attending Ole’ Miss. She is a true southern belle, cardigans, pearls the whole nine yards; if I didn’t know better I would have sworn my dad had set this up from the beginning. If I have to have a roommate though… I’m glad it’s Katie; she helps me more than she will ever know.

I grew up with an overbearing cop dad, no mother, no female influences, what little bit I picked up was from my dads girlfriend Sheila and Mrs. Sarah. It’s nice to finally have a girl to talk with. I haven’t had a real friend in a long time. It’s the first time in a few years that I don’t feel like people were whispering about me. Katie being a true southern lady took me right under her wing when I got here. You might as well say she knows the college like the back of her hand; her last name is on a couple of buildings and I think she knows almost everyone here it feels like. She made sure I got the classes I wanted when I wanted them, she helped me get a part time job at a local bookstore, if I ever had a sister I could only dream that she would be as good to me as Katie is.

I’ve taken quite a load for a freshman, I’m a journalism major with aspirations of becoming one of the greatest writers of our time…yeah whatever, writing comes easy to me, I guess since I’ve never really trusted anyone enough to let them in, most of my thoughts have ended up on paper. Well, I had let one person in, so much for trusting…

So, Katie comes barreling in our door screaming It is rush week and WE are pledging for Delta Gamma.

I’m laughing, Who is we, she looks at me with those big blue eyes and says why you and me silly.

I laugh thanks but no thanks.

Come on Sam you said you want the real college experience, well sororities and fraternities are it. What are you going to do sit in the room all the time…? NO, I’m not letting you.

I sit there in shock for a minute and say okay, but you have to help me Katie I’ve never joined anything in my life.

Katie looks at me dumbfounded never a club or anything when you were in high school?

No, I was… in high school I was…. Just different and that’s the reason I came here for a fresh start.

Katie squeals YAY won’t it be great if we get to be sisters, I’m sure you’ll get in, I’m a legacy, so I’m in and my opinion matters. She says that so matter of fact, I almost laugh out loud at myself, even though she is Katie she has a way of making things happen.

Katie’s getting ready for her date with her longtime boyfriend Rich; they have been in love since her sophomore year and his junior year in high school. Call me cynical but, I just don’t believe you find love in high school. But, who am I to judge right, I come from the broken home of high school sweethearts and have my own demons when it comes to love.

Katie looks over at me and says So Sam what are you doing tonight? If you say laundry or homework I’m going to drag you out of here by the hair of your head girl.

I’m actually going to work at the bookstore until closing.

She looks at me and gives me a half smile okay at least you’ll be out in public. I swear I think I’m gonna have to call in a bomb threat to get you out of this room sometimes, well call my cell we may be at the Roman’s when you get off, you can join us.

Laughing I say, Katie you kill me, and I’m just learning my way around here. If we both end up in this sorority you want us in we’ll get to spend more time together than you want to I’m sure.

Sam, I’m gonna break you out of that shell girl if it’s the last thing I do she’s smiling as she goes out our door to meet up with Rich downstairs. I haven’t yet actually met Rich, I’ve looked at pictures of him; Katie has them everywhere. But, I’m sure it won’t be long because Rich is in Phi Delta Theta, Delta Gamma’s brother fraternity; this probably being the biggest reason Katie wants us to be in Delta Gamma.

I get dressed and head into work at Logan’s Books and Tea, it’s a small bookstore with that coffee shop appeal and it has internet access. So, needless to say for a college town it is the hang out, especially those who are fortunate enough to have a laptop. It also helps their business that Roman’s the pool hall is next door, where they really don’t care to card people. It’s a nice place to work and I get to meet some of the people that are going to Ole’ Miss, chat about some of the professors and doctors that teach classes there, I’m learning who you want for which class, that sort of thing. Some of the people come in here just to sit and read there’s a nice looking young guy with dark hair and dark eyes that always comes in orders an Irish Coffee and sits in the corner reading, I’ve noticed he only comes in on week nights, sometimes he looks as if he’s studying, sometimes I think he’s reading for pleasure. I can’t help but look at him for some reason he’s appealing to senses I’ve forgotten I had.

It’s about time to close I better call Katie’s cell like I promised, Hey Katie, its Sam are you guys at Roman’s?

Yes Ma’am.

Okay I’ll be there in five minutes.

Katie squeals into the phone,YOU’RE COMING!

Yes Katie. I run into the restroom at work and change, good thing we can wear jeans to work so all I need to do is change my top, Katie made me bring this low cut baby tee, she says that it emphasizes my boobs like they need any help, they are one of the few things my mother gave me. I brush my dark brown hair, touch up my make up and walk over to Roman’s.

As soon as I walk in the door I could hear Katie, SAM! Over here.

The latest Ermine song is blaring out of the speakers as I walk over to them, I’m pulling my cigarettes out of my pocket and light one up to help my nerves I don’t do well with crowds.

Sam this is Rich

Rich sticks his hand out and says It’s nice to finally meet you after Katie talking about you all the time

Same here I said as I exhale.

We both kind of laugh, Katie rolls her eyes at us, Whatever you two, come on Sam let’s get a drink.

This is my first time in Roman’s, but Katie swears I’ll get a drink if I order one. I step up to the bar, I’ll have a Crown and Coke.

Katie looks at me smiling look at you ordering like a pro. I just roll my eyes at her even though I haven’t had a drink since my junior year in high school. But, this is all part of my fresh start, none of that is going to happen here…. Deep breathe Sam, deep breathe.

As the night rocks on, I can’t remember half of the people I’ve been introduced to. I think she is introducing me to everyone that walks by.

Hey Sam, you want to play pool?

I look over at Rich No thanks I haven’t played in a few years, besides I’m sure Katie wants to play with you?

He looks at me and laughs, First you don’t want Katie to play she’s dangerous, and second I thought you Texas girls were tough, don’t tell me you’re scared

I look back at him, I have had three Crown and Cokes so I’m most definitely braver than when I walked in, I laugh So you think calling me chicken is gonna work?

He nods, Yep!

I look at him, Well I guess you are right, Katie are you sure you don’t want to play?

No way Hun the last time I played in here, the boys almost got in a fight to get me out because I broke some guy’s pitcher of beer.

Well Rich… do you want to rack or break? I’d forgotten how good I am at pool, before I know it I’m running the table.

I look over at Rich Good thing we didn’t play for money huh?

He gave me a shit ass grin and said I guess so, Katie left out the part of your description that included Pool Shark!

Rich how was I gonna know Sam was a good player, I just managed to get her to leave the dorm room, she’s been holding out on me she looks over at me laughing the cat’s out of the bag girl, no more excuses, you are coming out more often, you smoke, drink and play pool like a pro. The three of us laugh.

Behind me I hear a voice So what Rich are you running two girls at one time now?

Rich looks up Chase you piece of shit glad to see you out in public, I thought maybe you found Jesus or Buddha on your trip and you weren’t hanging out with the likes of sinners like me. Katie gives him a big hug and I realize that he is corner of the coffee shop guy…

Sam this is Chase, Chase this is Katie’s roommate Sam, Chase is in my frat. I reach over and shake his hand, its firm but soft, he has smooth skin and rich lips, I shake my head I’m daydreaming or drunk dreaming whatever you want to call this.

He looks at me and smiles Nice to meet you and put a name with that face.

I give him a flirty smile I could say the same thing wow alcohol is definitely making me loose tongued. Rich and Katie look at us like we are nuts.

Chase catches that look and says Sam works at Logan’s; I’ve seen her there a lot lately while I’m studying.

Katie rolls her eyes, I should’ve known the journalism/literature junkies would find each other.

Chase looks over at me and smiles, he has a gorgeous smile. Well, I’ll make it up to you guys, next round is on me, so what are you ladies drinking I know Rich’s drinking beer?

Before I could say no thanks, Katie speaks up, I’m having Parrot Bay and Pineapple Juice and Sam’s having Crown and Coke.

Nice choice Sam, not many girls drink hard liquor they all drink that fucking fruity shit. I smile, and nod my head in appreciation, trying not to blush.

Katie glares at Chase Thanks jackass.

Rich laughs Well there went my idea that you’d found religion! We laugh and carry on for hours playing pool and drinking. I’ve forgotten how much fun it is to be young and stupid, which if I’m being honest with myself I’ve never really had the opportunity to be young and stupid.

I’m going to kill that alarm clock! I roll over smacking and hitting, we didn’t get in until 3am and my alarm is set for 6am. I forgot how it feels to be hung over; I’ve got to get a shower, if I can just talk myself into getting out of bed.

I stand up and touch Katie’s shoulder, Katie, she rolls over; make up smeared everywhere not quite the southern belle this morning.

What Sam?

I need you to take me to work later; we left my car at Logan’s.

Oh, shit yeah I forgot. I’m supposed to go with Rich today to his parents, why don’t you just drive my car and we’ll pick it up when we come back?

Ok, that works, well I’m getting in the shower; I feel like a Semi parked on my fucking head.

An hour later as I’m driving to work the sun is killing me. I park Katie’s brand new cherry red Toyota Celica in what we refer to as the uninsured motorist section of the parking lot; it is much nicer than my old ’93 Accord, it would be my luck some jackass would hit it. Last night seems like such a dream in my hung over fog, once I get inside and get some coffee I’ll be better. I do have to say this is most fun I’ve had in a few years. They say laughter is good for the soul, I’m just hoping it lightens mine…Time to open the doors, oh God I hope Mr. Logan can’t tell how hung over I am… I look around I don’t see Mr. Logan’s car, Thank you Jesus, his son Ryan is opening with me today.

I walk in the back door, Hey Ryan, I’m here. Great let’s get the outside set up real quick.

He jokingly looks at me and with a knowing grin says, Sunday mornings get busy around ten o’clock or so, it’s our endless supply of caffeine, all of the college kids coming in to study, use the internet and get over last night. Oh