Unleashed by Sara Humphreys Read Free Book Online Page A

smiling faces, and a twinge of longing hit her. What is it like to have that? she thought wistfully. “He’s adorable. You’ve got a beautiful family Billy.” Sam handed the photo back.
    â€œWell, quit the yappin’, and get back to work, Billy boy.” Millie slapped him good-naturedly on the back.
    Sam and Nonie took a seat at the counter as Millie poured them some coffee.
    â€œSo, your grandmamma tells me you need a job, and as fate would have it, I need a good waitress. These summer kids are gonna split on me in the next couple of weeks, and it’ll just be me and Billy. If you take it, it’ll be just like old times. You interested?”
    â€œAbsolutely, Millie, you’re a lifesaver.” Sam smiled.
    â€œWell, we aim to please round here. What’s say we have you start the last week of this month? Give you a week to get back in the swing of the things before the Labor Day crush. Sound good?”
    â€œI could start tomorrow.”
    â€œWell, I don’t know about that. Your grandmother just got you back. I’ll never hear the end of it if I hog up all your time right away.” Millie pursed her lips and scratched her head. “How ’bout the day after tomorrow?”
    â€œWell, OK.” Sam sipped her coffee and shrugged. “Day after tomorrow sounds fine, I guess.”
    â€œShe’s right dear,” Nonie chimed. “Besides, it will give you a bit of time to concentrate on setting up your art studio.” She smiled at Millie over her coffee.
    â€œWhat art studio? What are you talking about?” Sam sent a confused look to Nonie who was busy sharing a conspiratorial glance with Millie.
    â€œYou’ll see when we get back to the house. Right now, we need to head over to the art supply store and stock up. Bye, Millie. See you tonight at your place for bridge.”
    Nonie put money down for the coffee and walked out to the car, leaving Sam sitting there with her mouth hanging open.
    â€œWell, you gonna just sit here like a wide mouth bass? Don’t do that, you’re scarin’ my customers. Go on. Git. I’ll see you the day after tomorrow for work.” She flicked her dish towel at Sam.
    â€œB-but,” she stammered, feeling bewildered.
    â€œNo buts. Go with your grandmother. She’s been planning this surprise for you ever since you said you were comin’ home.”
    She stood up, slipped on her aviator sunglasses, and went out to the car. Nonie sat in the passenger seat with a satisfied smile on her face. Sam started the engine and stared at her grandmother. “Okay. Spill it.”
    â€œYou drive. I’ll spill as you say.”
    As they drove over to the art supply store in town, Nonie began to divulge the surprise she’d been carving out. Once Sam told her that she was moving back home, Nonie went to work on setting her up an art studio in the little garage at home. Sam couldn’t believe it. She was so used to working in a catch-as-catch-can way. The idea of having an entire studio space for her was like winning the lottery. When they pulled into the parking lot of the art supply store, she shut off the car and grabbed Nonie in the biggest hug she could muster. “Thank you so much.” She laughed.
    â€œYou’re so welcome. Come on, missy, let’s get you stocked up. By the way, I’m paying.” She raised her hand to stop any reply. “Don’t even think of arguing with me. I’m an old woman. If you fight with me about it, it could give me a heart attack. Consider it your thirtieth birthday present.”
    The crisp air-conditioned air hit her bare arms and legs welcomingly. She closed her eyes and breathed in the distinct aroma of paint with a hint of sharpened pencils. It reminded her a bit of the first day of school. Nonie got a shopping cart, and they went to town. Charcoals, brushes of varying sizes, paints, watercolors, pencils, paper, canvas—the