“Mmm, a woman like me?”
“So full of life and passion.”
“Ah. I see.”
“How is it possible you see anything worth the effort in me?”
“Well, some guy once told me that I would have to work at the things that were the most important to me.”
“He sounds condescending.”
“He’s alright.” She shrugged, pretending to think it over. “I wouldn’t kick him out of bed.”
“Lucky bastard.” I inhaled her neck before leaving a soft kiss. “I love you, Suzie Samuels.”
“I love you, too.”
Epilogue
Suzie
The following Spring
* * *
“‘Anonymous Investor Funds Ford’s Fosters,’” I looked up from the newspaper to check on Ford, who hadn’t stopped shaking his head in disbelief. “‘An anonymous investor has donated one million dollars to the local start-up, Ford’s Fosters, based out of Green Valley, Tennessee this week. The start-up was created by former UT professor Dr. Clifford Rutledge as a way to help at-risk youth gain access to higher education.’ It goes on. Ford, this is incredible. I can't believe it.” My eyes scanned the page, greedy for more.
Ford hid his face in his hands. Emotions colored in his cheeks and ears.
“‘Ford's Fosters focuses on free, safe public transportation for youth from all over the region looking to participate in various outdoor activities, like rocking climbing and hiking. “Our goal is to encourage learning while providing an outlet for all that pent-up teenage energy in a safe, chaperoned environment. Everybody deserves somebody to believe in them,” Rutledge said about his dream charity.’ This is fantastic. This just came out in the Knoxville News this morning!” I hopped up and down as my voice wobbled with joy.
The whole room broke out in applause. Jack had brought the paper in with the cakes and getting all our attention by hooting and hollering—understandably so. As soon as I saw the headline, I started reading it to the whole room.
Ford, on the other hand, remained stunned silent. Eventually, he said, “I still can't believe it.”
“Oh, it’s real, my friend.” Jack slapped him good-heartedly on the back before shaking his shoulders. “You wanted it, you got it. You worked damn hard trying to find investors. You earned this.”
“I just wish I knew who to thank… I can’t imagine who it was.”
“We probably won’t ever know. We know who it wasn’t.” I made a face to Gretchen, referring to Ted Bouffant, who had been convicted of insider trading charges in March.
Ford stood and gingerly took the newspaper from me. Behind him, the room broke out in applause. “Okay, enough. Enough.” He motioned everybody to be quiet. “I’m blown away and honored, but today isn’t about me or Ford’s Fosters, it’s about Suzie. She’s the reason we are all here today. The light of my life.” He grabbed one of the many plastic champagne glasses and raised it to me. “Cheers to the most courageous, beautiful, wonderful woman I have the honor of calling my life partner.”
“Cheers,” the crowd sang.
I felt my eyes getting glossy so I waved at my face. I would not ruin perfectly amazing makeup. I would not. He stepped back with a bow to me and I stood up to face the crowded space.
Now I felt the full force of embarrassment as a room full of people looked to me, clapping. I lifted my chin and held out my arms. “Welcome to Stripped. Green Valley’s newest—and only—full-fledged pole dancing studio.” Gretchen and the rest of the SWS waved and gave me thumbs-ups from the crowd.
More people than I’d ever imagined in a million years were here; including, but not limited to, the most church-going, pearl-clutching ladies of Green Valley. Despite the fear of complete and utter rejection, I kept my voice strong.
“If some of you out there are worried about starting on the pole, I offer a variety of classes for all skill levels. The point is to come out, shake your booty, feel sexy, and have fun.”
A few women blushed at the word sexy, but most clapped loudly.
“Our first class is tomorrow at ten a.m. for anybody looking for chair dancing basics. For now, enjoy the snacks and refreshments provided by Donner Bakery.”
The room clapped and I headed to Ford, fanning myself along the way.
