Rarest of Blues

By Leah Beth Collins

How can love letters from a World War I correspondence still be relevant?

After abruptly leaving college, Samantha Schuyler sets out to find an answer on her sojourn to Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Finishing a tour in Iraq, Coastie Kyle Kincaid settles into civilian life. While touring the art district, Sam stops at a quaint coffeehouse and encounters Kyle Kincaid. Integrous, Kyle is determined to earn her trust. Vulnerable, Sam is determined to keep her darkest secret hidden until love’s tenderness softens her resolve.

Inspired by Sam rekindling her passion for art, Kyle renews his passion for politics. While Kyle gets closer to realizing his dream, Sam faces her worst nightmare, returning to the place she fears most. In a cruel twist of fate, Kyle finds himself torn between the life he leads and a life without Sam.

Shattered dreams and broken trust are the obstacles on the path to forgiveness. If romance is a buoy, then redemption is an anchor. The words that have the power to trade yesterday’s hurt for tomorrow’s hope can be found in unexpected places. Through God’s grace and mercy, life can surprise us with the rarest of blues.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9781638857044

Book preview

Chapter 1

Dipping a squeegee into a bucket of cold soapy water, Sam imagined that the bucket was her palette, the squeegee was her paintbrush, and the window a blank canvas for creating a masterpiece. Sam unscrewed the top of her Tangerine Propel and took a swig. The sun was beating down in the small town of Potomac Falls, Virginia, on a beautiful spring day.

Screwing the top back on the bottle, Sam stood back and surveyed her handiwork. She took the rubber band from her wrist and put her hair into a ponytail before picking up her bucket and moving on to the next section of windows. After forty-five minutes, Sam was satisfied with her work. She went into the back entrance, and lifted the bucket over the sink. Once the dirty water washed down the drain, Sam rinsed out the bucket before washing her hands.

Windows have been washed. No streaks.

Thanks. Are you hungry? I’m making chicken salad.

That sounds good.

Sam’s parents co-owned the restaurant. It was an odd arrangement for divorcees.

Why don’t you sit down and eat lunch with me before the noon rush? Sam suggested to her mother, Naomi.

What rush? Since the new restaurant opened, our business is dwindling.

College students have taken their final exams. Business will pick up again.

Sam’s mother had not been the same since Hannah, Naomi’s grandmother, had passed away last fall. Sam remembered Hannah’s moment of coherence that made an impression. Love is strongest at the point when all has been forgiven.

As the plane descended, Kyle looked out the window at the view of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He breathed out a sigh of relief, with another tour to Iraq behind him. Kyle felt blessed to be among the living. The plane touched down on the tarmac, and then taxied for a while before the passengers were free to stand up and retrieve their belongings.

It’s good to be home, Kyle said.

You can say that again. How do you feel about reuniting with Emily?

Nervous.

Thanks for having my back, man, Zander said gratefully.

Thanks for having mine.

The men hugged each other after filing off the plane before going their separate ways.

While Sam’s parents were discussing business, she wondered where the college kids were planning to go for summer vacation. Since Sam had taken a semester off, her parents put her to work at their bistro.

Hello, Red Letter Bistro. This is Sam. How may I be of service?

Hello. Could I speak with Naomi Schuyler, please?

Can I ask who is calling?

Pinnacle Women’s College in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

In what regards?

The History Department has come across letters that belonged to her great-grandmother, Scarlett Hannah. We need permission to use the letters as part of our curriculum.

Please hold, Sam told the lady on the other end of the receiver.

Mom, there is someone on the phone from a women’s college in North Carolina. She wants to talk to you about Scarlett’s letters.

I need to take this call, Clayton.

A few minutes later, Naomi appeared and asked Sam, Could you make a trip to Elizabeth City this week? The department needs a signature from our family to use Scarlett’s letters. I can’t get away right now.

I’ll look for directions online.

Clayton slipped Sam a fifty-dollar bill.

Thanks.

Early the next morning, Sam got on the interstate and headed south toward North Carolina in her Jeep Liberty. She yawned, stretched, and listened to a playlist. Sam decided to pull over for a midmorning snack. Sam got out of her car and stretched her legs as she estimated another hour or so to her exit. Sam’s cell phone sprang to life as she was taking a swig of Tangerine Propel.

Hello?

Hi, hon. Are you making good time?

Yes, Mama. I should be pulling off onto the exit in an hour.

I was just checking.

Thanks, Mama. I’ll see you later tonight.

After turning off the interstate, Sam made a left-hand turn toward the downtown area. It’s not too far from ECSU, she thought.

After making her way through downtown, she made a sharp turn to the right. Pinnacle Women’s College was located on the corner. Sam got out of her car, and she stretched her long legs before walking toward the front entrance. She opened the door, took a deep breath, and spotted the information desk in the corner.

Can I help you, ma’am?

"Yes. I’m Sam Schuyler, and I have a meeting with Faith Wyse regarding Scarlett’s letters.

Let me buzz her office, and I’ll let her know you are here.

Thank you.

Sam found a seat against the wall and waited. A few minutes later, she saw a dark-haired woman in her midforties walking down the long corridor.

Thank you, Marjorie.

You’re welcome.

Hello. I’m Professor Faith Wyse. It’s nice to meet you, Sam.

It’s nice to meet you as well, Professor Wyse.

Let’s go into my office.

Sam followed Faith into her office.

Do you and Naomi have any reservations about signing over permission to use Scarlett’s letters in class?

No, though I am wondering how Pinn was able to locate her letters.

"Josiah Zachary is my great-grandfather. He and your great-great-grandmother had a romance during WWI, and although their romance didn’t last, he kept her letters. Josiah’s estate has just been released because my grandfather, who held power of attorney, passed away recently.

I’m sorry for your loss.

Thank you. I have typed up an agreement between your family and the college to use Scarlett’s letters for a designated amount of time. After the semester is over, the college will give the originals to your family.

Sam nodded. She signed the agreement.

Thank you. Our summer courses will begin in a few weeks. I am leading research and a discussion about Scarlett’s letters. We would love to have you in our discussion group.

I’ll consider it.

There’s a research assistant position open in our History Department. It pays minimum wage, and it covers ten percent of tuition.

Thank you. You’ve given me a lot to think about.

You’re welcome. I really appreciate your time today, Sam.

It was a pleasure to meet you, Professor Wyse.

You as well, Sam.

Sam walked out of Professor Wyse’s office, and she stopped by the information desk on her way out to ask for a course catalogue.

A few days later, Sam was sitting in her favorite booth, filling out an application for admission.

I am proud of you for taking a step in the right direction.

Thanks, Sam said, briefly looking up.

After a week passed by, Sam had completed the essay portion of the application. By midweek, she gassed up the Jeep and headed toward Elizabeth City. Sam hand-delivered her application to the admission’s office. Then, she drove downtown to the art district to tour the art galleries. Silently, Sam critiqued the local artwork that was on display.

Kyle was struggling with working at his father’s coffee shop. He could not shake the feeling that he was meant to do something more than inherit his father’s coffee business. The familiar smell of the freshly brewed coffee was not a comfort, but a nagging reminder that he was right back where he started.

How long is your shift, man? Zander asked.

I’m working until closing, Kyle replied.

Have you got plans with Emily later?

No. She canceled. We can’t seem to get back on track.

Give it some time, things will get back to normal.

I feel like something has changed. I hope she knows that she can talk to me about it.

If you love each other, then you should be able to make it work. You do love her. Don’t you? Zander asked, sitting on a swivel stool, drinking a cup of coffee, while Kyle stood behind the counter with a bar rag over his shoulder.

Just then, the door swung open. Zander turned around in his swivel stool when he felt the chill in the air. Sam stood at the open door, locking eyes with Kyle. Quickly, she turned her attention to a booth in the back corner.

Excuse me, is this seat taken? Zander asked.

No.

Are you new in town? he asked, sitting down.

Yes, I’m visiting for the weekend.

Zander noticed that Sam was not making eye contact with him.

After giving Zander some time to chat her up, Kyle approached her booth.

Hi, my name is Kyle. What can I get for you?

Sam noticed his nice smile.

I’d like a caramel cappuccino. Please?

Sure. Would you like whipped cream? And I didn’t catch your name.

No whipped cream. It’s Sam.

"Is that short for Samantha?"

Yes.

"Well, I like it. Samantha, that is."

Thanks.

You’re welcome. I’ll bring your order to you right away.

Thanks.

That’s my best friend, Kyle. We just got back from serving a tour in Iraq.

Thank you for your service.

It’s our duty. I’m Zander Masterson.

I’m Sam Schuyler.

Nice to meet you, sweet Sam.

Sam fidgeted in her seat.

Am I making you uncomfortable?

No, not really.

Here’s your caramel cappuccino without whipped cream.

Thank you.

Just then, a herd of high school kids walked in, and Kyle knew that business was about to pick up.

What brings you to town?

I’m applying to college.

"ECSU?"

No.

"Are you an upperclassman?

Yes. If I’m accepted, then I will start my junior year.

I’m sorry. I was staring. He tried to recover quickly. You have the most beautiful green eyes, Sam.

Thank you.

Do you need someone to show you around town?

I’ll keep that in mind.

Do you need help moving into your new place?

I’ll probably just live on campus. I’ll see you around, Zander.

Hey. Did you enjoy your cappuccino? Kyle asked.

Yes. Thank you. How much do I owe you?

$3.85.

Here you go.

Kyle reached for the money, and grazed her fingers with his. His hand was warm and strong, Sam noticed. Her hand was cold and soft to the touch, he noticed.

Good night, Samantha.

Good night.

Kyle watched as Sam disappeared into the night.

When the high school crowd left, Kyle started closing procedures.

I didn’t get her number. She caught me staring at her chest.

Oh.

She’s a D-cup at least.

Just then, Kyle heard a slight knock at the door. Emily was standing there. He opened it for her.

Hey, Em.

Hey. Can we talk?

Sure. Zander, this is your cue.

Hey, Emily.

Hey, Zander.

I’ll talk to you later, man.

All right. Go take a cold shower, Kyle couldn’t help but add.

Do you want to sit down?

Yeah.

So what’s on your mind?

Emily took a deep breath. I’m glad you’re home safely. It was so hard when you left, and I missed you so much. Then, I met someone else, I realized that I didn’t miss you so much.

What am I supposed to say to that, Emily?

I want to see where things go with him. I’m sorry, Kyle.

Have you slept with him?

Emily stalled.

You owe me at least that much.

Yes.

Kyle felt like he had been pierced through the heart.

I’m so sorry that I’ve hurt you.

You can leave now.

Kyle, I’m sorry. I didn’t want us to end this way.

There isn’t an us. You made sure of that. I asked you to leave, and if you don’t leave right now, I’m going to physically remove you.

Emily got up and walked out. Kyle locked the door behind her. He slid down against the door, onto the floor, and sobbed, Welcome home, Kyle.

Chapter 2

Within two weeks, summer programs were to begin at Pinnacle Women’s College, yet Sam had not found a place to live.

Faith was leaving her office to attend her grandfather’s estate sale. When she turned the corner, a piece of bright-pink stationery came loose from its thumbtack and fell to the floor, getting her attention. Faith bent down to pick it up, and she noticed it was a bulletin from the corkboard.

Sophomore student in desperate need of a roommate. Are you available to move in this summer??? If so, please contact Anneliese Quinn at 252-555-2830.

Sam, Faith thought. She walked back down the corridor toward the information desk.

Marjorie?

Yes, ma’am.

Could you call Sam Schuyler, and tell her that I have a prospective roommate for her. Give her this information.

Yes, ma’am.

Thank you, Marjorie.

You’re welcome.

After the estate sale, I’m supposed to volunteer with the Rose Buddies at Mariner’s Wharf.

Yes, ma’am. Your messages will be on your desk in the morning.

Thank you. Have a nice day, Marjorie.

As soon as Faith walked away, Marjorie picked up the phone and dialed Red Letter Bistro."

Red Letter Bistro, this is Naomi. How may I be of service?

Hello, Naomi. This is Marjorie from Pinnacle Women’s College. Professor Wyse wanted me to call Sam to let her know that she found a prospective roommate for her. Have you got paper and a pen?

Yes.

"Anneliese. That’s A-n-n-e-l-i-e-s-e. Quinn. That’s Q-u-i-n-n. Her phone number is 252-555-2830."

Anneliese Quinn. 252-555-2830. Got it.

Please tell Sam to call her as soon as possible.

I will. Thank you, Marjorie.

You’re welcome, Naomi. Bye.

While Sam was at the car wash, her cell phone chimed.

Hello? she answered.

Naomi relayed Marjorie’s message to her daughter. Blessings.

Thanks, Mama.

Quickly, Sam dialed Anneliese’s number. She was busy drying her hair when her cell began ringing. Anneliese turned off the dryer, and she answered the call before it went to voice mail.

Hello?

Hi. Is this Anneliese?

Yes.

This is Sam Schuyler. Professor Wyse from the History Department at Pinn told me about your bulletin.

Yeah. It’s located downtown. Camellia Court Complex. It’s on the second floor. It has two bedrooms and one bath. My parents have already paid the deposit and first month’s rent. How soon can you come and see it?

This weekend.

That’s fine.

Great. Would you like to meet at Kincaid’s Coffee in the art district?

Sure. We can meet there at noon for lunch, then I can take you over and show you my apartment.

I’ll see you then.

See you then.

On Saturday, Sam got up early to prepare for the day ahead.

I thought you might like to have chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast this morning. They’ll stick to you for a while, and give you fuel for that long drive ahead of you.

That sounds great. I’ll set the table.

Your dad and I are so proud of you.

Thanks. It was nice of Dad to pay for the U-HAUL and hook it up for me.

Drive the speed limit, and don’t take any sharp turns, Sam.

Yes, ma’am.

Sam and Naomi had a leisurely breakfast together before she got on the road.

After exiting the interstate, Sam missed the turn onto the main highway. As the GPS was navigating her through town, Sam saw a beautiful church with a prominent steeple. Another mile down the road, she saw the welcome sign, Harbor of Hospitality. Sam entered the art district, and she found a parking spot close to the coffeehouse. When she got out of her Jeep, Sam stretched her long legs and looked forward to scanning the menu.

May I help you? Kyle asked. Hi, Samantha.

Hi, Kyle.

I wondered if I would see you again, he admitted, handing her a menu.

Sam smiled. I am meeting a potential roommate today. Do you know how I could contact Zander?

Yeah. I can give you his number.

Great. Thanks. He offered to help with manual labor.

I could help as well. I’ll call Zander on my break. He offered, putting a pad and a pencil in front of Sam. Write down your number, and one of us will call you when we’re available.

Okay. Thank you, Kyle, Sam said, writing down her number."

You’re welcome, Samantha. Thanks for your number.

Sam turned toward the window, and she noticed a girl sitting at one of the tables outside.

That might be her. Can I take her a menu?

Sure. Have you decided what you want?

I’ll try the club on wheat berry bread and a fruit cup with bottled water.

Okay. I’ll be out in a second to take… What’s her name?

Anneliese.

I’ll take Anneliese’s order in a few minutes.

Thanks.

You’re welcome, Samantha.

Hi. Are you Anneliese?

Yes. Are you Sam?

Yes. Nice to meet you.

You, too. What a cute top! It’s so nautical.

Oh. Thanks. It’s one of my favorites.

Sam was wearing an aqua three-quartered sleeved shirt with sequined blue-anchor accents, a relaxed pair of flared jeans, and sandals.

I like what you’re wearing too.

Thanks.

Anneliese was wearing a vibrant-pink blouse paired with a black bolero and crop pants. She wore kitten heels.

I just placed my order. Kyle said he would take your order shortly, Sam said, handing Anneliese a menu.

Thanks.

You’re welcome.