One Sultry Summer (Texas Summer #12)

Chapter 1

Valerie Masterson

On a blissfully warm summer day in San Francisco, the fog has burned away.

The sun is shining brighter than it has in ages.

The temperature has soared to a delightful seventy degrees for the first time in what feels like forever.

This unexpected warmth feels like a gift, breaking our record and inviting everyone outside to soak up the rare sunshine.

The city comes alive with laughter, swirling colors, and the scent of blooming flowers, as people relish the moment, embracing the sweet taste of summer.

I can only imagine the temperatures further inland.

In just a few short hours, I’ll be stepping into a dazzling gala to honor the mayor for his philanthropic work with the community.

I can’t wait to immerse myself in an evening filled with music, dining, dancing, and networking.

It gives me a chance to put my talent as a property acquisition manager to the test. I pride myself on finding ways to get new clients.

I feel confident that I will be successful, and some might say I’m an overachiever.

I laid everything on my bed, from the black sequin dress to the vintage heels and accessories. I like adding my flare to whatever I do; some say even my attitude is unique.

It’s been a couple of days since I’ve heard from my mother, I should give her a jingle. I pick up my phone and before I can even unlock the screen, I receive an incoming call. No surprise, it’s my mother. It felt like she was reading my mind.

“Hello, mother.”

“God. You make me feel old. ”

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

“You called me “mother,” which implies that I’m ancient.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“How about you call me by my first name?”

I roll my eyes at her proposal. Thank goodness she can’t see my face. “I’m uncomfortable with that, but I appreciate the suggestion. So, what prompted your call today?”

“I called to see if I could use one of your suitcases.”

“Sure. Are you going on a trip?”

“I am. I felt inspired by your trip to Mexico for Layla’s bachelorette party.”

“Really?”

“All your stories of having fun on a beach, drinking margaritas, dancing, and getting a tan. Maybe, it’s my chance to have fun and find love.”

“Love? I didn’t find love.”

“No. But Layla did. Anyhow, perhaps I can find a stepfather for you.”

My face sours at the thought. “Mom, I’m twenty-eight, I don’t think I need a stepfather.”

“I know Hun, but I need someone to keep me warm at night.”

Eww…just eww. “I think you’re sharing too much, Mom.” She giggles at me. “Are you pulling my leg?”

“Yes, Val, you need to relax and take a joke sometimes. But seriously, you know the Margarita club I’m part of? We’re going on a seven-day, six-night cruise to Mexico.”

“Well, that sounds lovely Mom. I’m glad you can take a little time for yourself.”

“How about you?”

“What about me?”

“Val, it’s like pulling teeth with you. Have you found anybody special yet?”

“No, I haven’t found anyone since our conversation three days ago.”

“Come on, the clock is ticking.”

“Are you talking about my biological clock? ”

“I’m talking about my desire for grandchildren.” I place my hand on my forehead and sigh.

“Yeah, I’ll get right on that.”

“Great! You simmer on that for a bit, and I’ll pick up the suitcase tomorrow afternoon.”

“Goodbye, Mother.” I accentuate the last part and laugh at myself.

I shake my head at her. I know she’s joking, but it makes me think that she’s not wrong.

Even if there is a chance at immaculate conception, my chances are slim.

Well, who knows? Maybe I can find my knight in shining armor at tonight’s gala.

A few hours later, the doorbell rang. I placed my lip gloss on the side table and descended the stairs to my front door.

I could see the outline of a figure through the curtains as the sunlight cast a shadow on my front door.

I pulled the curtain back a tad to see Devin standing there, rubbing his hands together. I quickly opened the door.

“Devin, come on in.” He looks devastatingly gorgeous in a suit.

“I’m not too early, am I?” We stopped in the foyer.

“No, not at all. We still have plenty of time. The car should be here to pick us up in about a half hour. Would you like something to drink?”

He swallowed. “No, I think I’ll pass, thank you.”

“What are you so nervous about?”

“Meeting the Mayor.”

“Oh, he’s nothing to get bent out of shape over. He’s just like everyone else. How did Samuel feel about you going out with me? Was he jealous?”

“What’s funny about it all, is he wasn’t jealous about me going out with you.

He was jealous of me meeting the mayor. He thinks he’s super-hot.

” I truly admire the incredible bond they share.

It’s heartwarming to see how confidently they playfully joke with one another, showcasing the depth of their relationship.

“Oh, so he’s on Samuel’s hall pass list. ”

“Yup, along with a long list of celebrities.”

“So, who do you have on your list?”

“How much time do you have?”

I laughed aloud and smacked him on the shoulder. “Come on up, are you sure you don’t want a glass of wine?”

The steps creaked as he followed behind me. “Okay, maybe one glass.” A smile stretches across my face. “You have a beautiful home. What year is this building?”

I popped open a bottle of wine, poured a glass, and handed one to Devin.

“It was constructed in 1902, not only stands as a testament to its time but also weathered the tumultuous 1906 earthquake.”

“Is it true that most of the destruction was caused by fires and not the actual earthquake?”

“Yes, that’s right; due to broken water lines.

He ran a hand against the intricate woodwork above my fireplace. “I love these old Victorian-style homes. ”

“So do I. There’s something about their charm.” I watched Devin sip a longer swallow of wine.

“You would think it’d be cold and drafty, but it’s not.” I noticed his cheeks were slightly pink.

“Devin, I think that’s the wine hitting you. Are you okay?”

“Um, I may have drunk that too fast.” He displayed his empty glass. “Remind me not to drink at the party, I don’t want to embarrass you or me.”

“I highly doubt that.” My phone pinged; I picked it up to see the notification. “Looks like our car has arrived. Let me get my cover-up.” I added a black mesh, long-sleeved, see-through cover-up made of tulle.

“You look pretty, but that cover-up is useless.”

“I know, but it looks fabulous on me.” I placed my cell phone in my clutch and was about to apply lip gloss when he stopped me.

“No, don’t ruin it by adding lip gloss. That’s so nineteen eighties. Do you have lipstick, maybe in a rose-colored shade? It would suit you better."

I did what he suggested and applied lipstick. “How’s this?”

“Perfect. Let’s go.”

I locked the door behind me, then we walked down the steps. The driver opened the door and Devin motioned for me to enter first. The limousine was a tad too big for just the two of us, but heck, we were traveling in style tonight.

“Okay, Samuel is going to be so jealous.”

“Maybe don’t tell him about the limo.”

“Agreed.” He smiled as he looked around, touching buttons.

The ride was smooth, and the conversation was enjoyable. When we pulled up to the event, the limo door opened, and it felt like Oscar’s or the Golden Globe Awards, as newspapers and television stations lined the red carpet.

This must be what my friend Rae McCarthy feels like when she’s at premiers.

Some might believe that being friends with someone famous means I become famous by association.

However, that’s not how it works. Yes, I know a celebrity or two, but it doesn’t change who I am.

I’m just a normal, down-to-earth person like everyone else.

Do I have a fiery attitude? Only when caged like a hungry bear. Am I a jealous woman? No, I have nothing and no one to be jealous of.

“Are you ready to enter? You look distracted.”

I smile and shake my head. “I’m good.” He puts his arm out and I link mine with his. The doors open to the gala, and I’m amazed at how beautiful the decorations are. The hallway is filled with gorgeous bouquets of red and white flowers along the tables lining the marble floor.

I showed the attendant the invitations, and after careful inspection, we were let into the ballroom.

Shimmering like stars in the night sky, five exquisite crystal chandeliers hung gracefully from the high vaulted ceiling, casting a warm, inviting glow across the elegantly decorated room.

Devin and I stop briefly to appreciate the ambiance.

“Can we sit anywhere?”

“No, we’re assigned a certain table.” I turn the invitation over where it indicates our table number and a list of dinner options to choose from. “We’re sitting at table seventeen.” We walk around scouting for our assigned table when we bump into the mayor.

“Val, so lovely to see you.”

“Hello, sir. Congratulations on your award nomination.”

“It’s nothing compared to how beautiful you look tonight, Val.”

“Oh, stop, Mr. Patterson.” His eyes traveled up and down my body, and it made me uncomfortable.

“Please, call me Maxwell.”

“Mr. Patterson, let me introduce myself. I’m Devin Appleton, Valerie’ s date.” His smile disappeared quickly, and he excused himself. “Well, that was weird.”

“To say the least. He made me feel awkward.”

“And this guy is getting an award? Samuel will be so disappointed that his dashing mayor is disgusting underneath his pretty boy exterior.”

“Maybe he’s been drinking? By the way, what made you step in, Devin?”

“He kept calling you Val as if you were close or intimate. Frankly, the only person I’ve ever heard call you Val is your mother.”

“You’re very astute.”

“Come on, let’s go find our table. You can thank me later by buying me dessert. Especially since you know I like chocolate.”

“Perhaps you can save me a dance for later?”

“Now you’re pushing it.” We both laughed as we made our way toward the table.

We mingled with individuals from companies I had the pleasure of working with before.

They expressed a job well done. During our conversation I was approached by Ridgemont Capital about a high rise they wanted to renovate.

I pulled out my business card and told them to call me at their earliest convenience.

Devon made an impression with them as well as he talked about Ridgemont’s expansion project.

His knowledge of the company gave us an edge among the competition.

Once the crowd started to disperse, we grabbed a cocktail and people watched.

Breaking up the monotony of business with a touch of humor was a refreshing change.

It’s amazing how finding joy in trivial things can bring a smile and lighten the mood.

As we gathered around the table, I leaned in close to Devin and whispered, eager to share the key players in town—the movers and shakers who shape everything around us.

As my co-worker and friend, I wanted to take him under my wing and mentor him.

With a good head on his shoulders and a good concept of how Phoenix Construction is run, Devin is meant to do so much more than the receptionist position he currently holds.

We’re fortunate to live in San Francisco, a city that fosters an inclusive and accepting environment for people from all social classes.

A vibrant city that’s a melting pot of tradition that I’m proud to call home.

The evening is filled with dancing, and socializing.

The venue radiated grandeur and opulence, adorned with lavish decor that captivates the senses.

Every corner of space is meticulously crafted to exude elegance and sophistication.

Around me, dishes are served featuring succulent fish, a delightful prime rib dinner, fresh vegetables, a crisp side salad, and decadent chocolate mousse for dessert.

I was glad they could accommodate my request for a vegetarian dish.

It’s not that I can’t eat meat, it’s a choice I made a few years ago.

Then, the moment we’d all been waiting for arrived.

We listened to a speech talking about the mayor’s dedication to the homeless and the residents of San Francisco.

I look over at Devin and he’s trying to keep his eyes open.

I don’t blame him. I stifled a yawn by covering my mouth with the cloth napkin.

After the last speech, you could tell the mayor was ready to wrap it up and call it an evening. He accepted his award, with a lighthearted speech, which oozed with charismatic charm. He made the crowd laugh and thanked everyone for coming.

When the crowd started to clap, Devin’s head jerked up from his slumber.

I patted him on his hand. “Are you ready to go?”

“I’m sorry I nodded off.”

“No worries. Honestly, I’m a little worn out with all the networking we did. A good indicator of overdoing it is that I tend to lose my voice.”

“Do you want to get some hot tea or stop at a pharmacy?”

“You’re sweet. No, let’s just head home. I’ll have the limo driver drop you home first.”

He stood and put out his hand. I picked up my purse and we made our way outside and waited for our limousine to come around.

Even though I’m exhausted, I must admit this was a successful evening for the company, as I landed a new client.

Now, off to home where I can have peace of mind of a job well done.