Sam had noticed that Cass dressed very nicely, but a little different than any woman he'd known. Everything she wore was stylish and looked custom-made and expensive, but her skirts were cut a little higher and tighter and her jackets and blouses were cut a little lower in front. She was taller than most women, but she also wanted to be noticed. It was easy for any woman, and quite possibly many men, to be intimidated by her appearance. She not only looked coiffed, but also strong, as if she didn't need a man to tell her what to do. She marched to her own drum.
Cass insisted on driving; she knew exactly where she wanted to go, and Sam was a co-pilot, though he gazed at her like a lost puppy wanting a new home. She stopped at a deli where a picnic basket had already been prepared for pick-up. He asked her where they were going. She said told Sam to be quiet; it was a surprise. She was driving with the top down; only a scarf kept her hair from blowing in the wind. It's just as I dreamed in the showroom, he thought. This appeared to be a rare time a dream actually happened.
Cass found a tree grove off a beaten path; the trees were arranged so they would mask the two of them from the passers-by. Sam felt a bit overdressed to lunch outdoors in this secluded place, but he decided to go along with the flow. After Cass parked Sam's convertible, she arranged the picnic lunch. She had managed to select sandwiches and fruit they both liked. She had also brought a bottle of expensive-looking wine, which was prohibitedβand certainly not suited for public drinking.
Sam didn't care. His friend, Joey, had a space in the back of the Peacock Club where gentlemen could imbibe all they wanted with or without female companionship. Sam had never gone into the back space, but he had seen politicians, cops and respected business people go in, along with some ravishing ladies, probably selected by Joey. Joey had told Sam that he'd always be welcome if he ventured out back, but advised against it. It didn't take an education to see why.
Cass poured two glasses and made a toast. "To us," she said, though Sam was not sure why. He knew the lady enjoyed sex, but was not sure that she wanted to make a commitment to him.
"Now, some business," she said. "I want one of those." She pointed to the parked convertible. "Can you take care of that for me?"
"Sure, but if you just wanted a car, then why did you look at the truck catalog?" he asked.