• It's a funny thing about what that lighthearted Tom had said, because it seemed that he did drink until he died. Apparently, he had been driving that evening, and met his fate when he veered into a light post along the side of the road. The medical staff assured his family that he had died instantly, and that he had endured no suffering. However, they were still shocked. The whole neighborhood was shocked. Don was especially shocked.

    Me? Well, he surely seemed like a pleasant man, and something about the whole thing seemed very eerie. However, I hardly knew more of him than a name, and so I felt not much more than pity. Don, however, was taking it quite rough. He dropped by to notify me that he would not be joining Samuel on Monday, and that lunch was canceled. I can't explain how deeply my heart sank as he notified me of this, and although I'm reluctant to admit so, I had found a certain anger towards Don. I would have possibly joined him to comfort his loss, however I found myself feeling quite compelled to just stay at home.

    "Miss Holloway?" Sarah's perky voice floated from the hall. I glanced over my shoulder, sitting in my favorite satin chair by the large windows overlooking the harbor.

    "Yes, Sarah?" I answered in a dull voice, my pale eyes locking on her own. She slowly approached.

    "You've received a letter from a Samuel Dulle. Do you know him, or should I dispose of it?" Sarah questioned, presenting the petite envelope.

    Now, I had to do everything possible not to show my extreme excitement. My eyes widened and I shook my head quickly, reaching out for the envelope.

    "No, no. I know him." I assured, looking to her with pleading eyes. She tilted her head slightly, handed me the letter, and left me to my privacy.

    Hastily, I opened the envelope, unfolding the delicate letter. It began as pleasant as it ended:

    "Miss Holloway,

    I understand that Don had canceled plans for lunch due to the unfortunate death of Tom Locke. However, I would still like if you would join me tomorrow at the Louden Café, around noon. I'll meet you there, doll?

    Yours truly,

    Samuel Dulle"

    In my sudden delight, I placed a hand over my chest and peered out over the harbor through the windows. A wide grin tugged at my lips as I glanced back down at the letter. My mind began to race and wander. How did the letter come so fast? He must have delivered it himself; the Postal Service doesn't deliver on Sundays. I didn't really care; either way, Samuel Dulle wanted to see me.

    Monday came around. I had already picked out my outfit the night before, and contemplated how I would wear my hair. The morning was filled with anticipation; I spent careful time adjusting the most minor details to my appearance. I had chosen a cream-colored sundress with delicate little heels. My hair fell around my shoulders, and I wore a wide-brimmed hat to match my sleek dress.

    As the chauffeur delivered me just a store away from the café, I carefully stepped out of the car. I looked around, noticing the familiarity of the part of town I was in. Something very familiar caught my eye; the little corner florist with the pretty bouquet. Interestingly enough, the bouquet with the 'Sweet Pea' was gone, and replaced with an arrangement of blue flowers. I looked to the Louden Café now, and scanned the people sitting on the patio.

    There he was in all his glamor. He sat so perfectly relaxed at a table towards the center of the patio, reading the paper with those steely grey eyes, his brows slightly furrowed. Taking a deep inhale, I approached the table slowly, sitting in the only other chair at the little glass table. He lowered his paper calmly, his eyes falling on mine with the most intense stare. I almost felt frozen as I stared back. A grin found itself along his lips, as he leaned back in his chair.

    "Well, good afternoon!" He greeted pleasantly. Glancing over his shoulder, he waved down a waitress, requesting a cup of coffee for me. I found myself smiling pleasantly, my hands neatly clasping each other on the table.

    "How are you today?" He asked curiously, clasping his hands as well in his lap, looking me over almost speculatively. "You look lovely!" He added. I laughed softly, looking down at the table while adjusting my hat.

    "Thank you, and I'm doing quite well." My words were a bit lower than I intended, but it seemed that I had lost slight control of pitch. He nodded, as if he didn't even notice my anxiety. The waitress returned with my coffee, and he thanked her.

    "It's a shame, that Tom fellow." Samuel began, grasping his cup of coffee and taking a sip. "Didn't get to meet him. Was he nice?"

    "Yes, he was." I instinctively took a sip as well. "It was so weird.. he was drinking that evening, and I remember he said he could drink until he died."

    "How odd." Samuel noted, brows furrowing slightly. I shrugged.

    "Don seemed quite upset." I added, glancing around the small patio.

    "I noticed." His response was a bit dull, and he looked out where I was staring. "What?"

    "Oh, nothing, I just stare." I explained hurriedly, blinking as I looked at him. "Sorry, it's just-"

    "Cute." He finished for me, a smile tugging at the left corner of his lips. I couldn't have been more tickled if I tried. "Oh, I have something for you." He bent down to pick something up from beside his chair.

    I couldn't believe my eyes! The vase, the flowers, and all! The beautiful collection of red flowers, and the violet 'Sweet Peas' among them! My jaws parted slightly as I grasped the vase, looking over the flowers in their splendor.

    "My god! They're amazing!" I gasped, my eyes fixed on them. Samuel just smiled at my pleasure, nodding.

    "Those are the ones you fancied, right?" He said, just to add to the amazement. I looked to him curiously, still smiling brightly, and tilting my head.

    "How did you know?" I nearly demanded, gently placing the flowers by my side.

    "Know what?" He answered innocently, although it was obvious he knew they were exactly what I wanted. He glanced at his watch casually, before looking me over once more.

    "I'd better get going." He informed me, slowly standing and pulling out his wallet to pay for the coffees. "Don't worry, I've already arranged a car and driver to take you home." He continued, looking up to me as he put his wallet away.

    I should have said something, but I was too lost in the moment. He chuckled slightly before walking to my side and offering a hand for me to stand. I carefully grasped his warm hand and stood, looking to him admirably.

    "This won't be the last time, I trust?" His words seemed silly to me. As if I would reject him?

    "Of course not."

    And, with that, he kissed my hand and hurried off down the block. Stunned, I looked over to the street, noticing a car pulling up awaiting for me to depart. Quickly picking up my bouquet, I entered the car and left.

    When I arrived home, Sarah met me at the door, accompanied me inside, doted over my beautiful bouquet, and performed several other actions without me truly noticing. I was simply so enamored by this Samuel Dulle that I could hardly speak. Sarah graciously offered to set the bouquet up in my room, and I handed it to her as I took a seat in my favored satin chair.

    Such a short meeting, yet so meaningful. Samuel Dulle was not any ordinary man. He knew me well, very well; and yet, I had to wonder how. Did I care, as long as he desired me? My head was swarmed with so many thoughts, I could only sigh and laugh at how silly I had acted at the café. I placed a hand to my forehead, taking my hat off.

    Samuel Dulle had captured my heart, yet again.