“No, I don’t,” Sage stated. “I’m good at reading people and…well, when I saw you yesterday I felt in my gut that I had to do something to help you.”
“I don’t mean to sound ungrateful,” he told her.
“It’s okay,” Sage responded. “You don’t know me either, so I can understand why you would be apprehensive.” She awarded him a bright smile. “All I can say is that it was placed on my heart to bless you.”
Ryan followed her off the elevator. Sage had a little bounce to her walk; her hips swayed gently from side to side. She was dressed in a pair of navy slacks and a bright orange and navy silk top. Her long hair was neatly secured in a ponytail by an orange-and-navy barrette.
She was a woman with a mission, and Ryan could tell from her demeanor that she would let no one thwart that determination.
Ryan considered all of the women he had come across throughout his life and could truly say that he had never met a woman like her. His ex-wife was also a very determined woman, only she had no problem using lies or manipulation to get whatever she wanted. It never occurred to her that perhaps being honest was the way to go, especially if one wanted to earn trust.
* * *
Inside of the luxury hotel suite, Sage handed Ryan a menu. “Feel free to order whatever you want to eat. It’s my treat.”
He hadn’t been aware that he was staring at her until she said, “What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?”
Ryan cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. I…I just can’t get over how generous you are. I’ve never met anyone like you.”
“I’m just me,” Sage responded with a shrug. “There’s nothing special about a person who cares about others. I’m one of many.”
“I don’t agree,” he responded. “To some degree, that quality makes you rare. People say they care, but I believe that actions speak a lot louder than words.”
“I knew there was something very different about you,” Sage murmured.
“What do you mean?” Ryan asked, instantly on guard.
“Just that I’ve been around many of the homeless. I volunteer at one of the shelters twice a month. I know that you’re educated. There’s actually many layers to you.”
“Not all homeless people have some sort of impairment,” Ryan blurted. “People end up without a roof for many reasons—mortgage and rent arrears, the breakdown of relationships, families or friends withdrawing their support. However, it seems that most people assume that only those suffering from personality difficulties, the onset of mental illness or addiction live on the streets.”
“I think I’ve been guilty of that assumption,” she confessed. “Even at the shelter, I have never come into contact with anyone who speaks as eloquently as you. Most are dealing with addiction or a mental illness. I guess I just never really considered that included in the transient population could be people who have lost their homes or jobs.”
Ryan decided not to say more for fear that he would give away the ruse. He had probably already said too much. Sage didn’t appear to be suspicious of him. Perhaps she just assumed that he was speaking in defense of his current situation.
Their gaze met and held.
Sage broke the visual exchange by saying, “I’ll have Franklin get your clothing size.” She checked her watch and then said, “I’m afraid I have a meeting to attend, but I’ll check on you afterward.”
“Thank you for your kindness,” Ryan murmured sincerely. “I don’t know many people who would go this far for a stranger.”
“We shouldn’t have to wait for something terrible to happen before we reach out to help others,” Sage stated. “My dad used to say this all the time.”
“Sounds like your father is a wise man.” Malcolm Alexander apparently shared some of the same philosophies as his biological father.
“He is,” Sage confirmed. “He also used to say that a true act of kindness happens when there is no reason to be kind but simply out of caring for our fellow man.”
Ryan gave a tiny smile. “I like that.”
Sage walked toward the door. “I have to go, but I hope you’ll enjoy your bath and meal. Franklin will stop by and arrange for some clean clothes for you.”
She was gone before Ryan could utter a response.
* * *
“Franklin, I wanted to let you know that I placed a guest in unit 210,” Sage announced. She called him from her cell phone as soon as she left Ryan.
“Is this a friend of yours?” he politely inquired.
“Not really,” Sage answered honestly. “He is someone who has been living on the streets as a transient. He’s an educated man, and I’m pretty sure something must have happened in his life for him to be homeless. In a way, he reminds me a lot of you, Franklin.”
“I see.”
“This is not something that I’ve done before, but there is something about this man. Franklin, I felt as if I had to do something to help him.”
“I understand completely,” Franklin responded.
“Do you really?”
“Yes. As you know, I was homeless when Mr. Robert and I met,” Franklin reminded her. “Like you, he had a kind heart, and not only did he give me a job but also a place to stay. You and your grandfather are kindred spirits.”
“I do feel this connection with Robert,” Sage admitted. “I’ve never said this before because I don’t want my family to think I’m losing it.”
“There’s nothing insane about it,” Franklin assured her. “His blood runs in your veins as well as your father’s. It’s natural that you would possess some of his traits.”
“We’ve been so blessed, Franklin, with all of this. However, even before the inheritance came about, I’ve never known what it feels like to be hungry or homeless. I volunteer at the homeless shelters and donate, but this time it just didn’t seem enough. Once I looked into this guy’s eyes, I just had to do something more.”
Franklin had served as a butler to Robert DePaul until his death. Her father had no use for butlers, so he promoted Franklin as head of the security and housekeeping staff. He traveled frequently, making sure everything ran smoothly with all of the hotel properties. He often accompanied Malcolm and Ari when they travelled, rarely entrusting them to the care of any other member of the security team.
“If you would see that he has some clean clothes, you can put them on my personal account. I mainly wanted to alert you in the event someone said something about his being here. Please make sure the security team understands that I do not want him harassed in any way. I want Ryan’s stay to be a comfortable one.”
“Understood. How long will he be staying here?”
“I’m not sure,” Sage answered. “I’m hoping we will be able to provide a job for him, as well. But anyway, thanks so much, Franklin. I appreciate all that you do for us.”
“It is my pleasure,” Franklin responded. “I will head to the second level to introduce myself to your guest. I want him to know that he can contact me if he needs anything.”
Sage smiled. “His name is Ryan Manning. Thanks.”
Beneath all the grime, Sage could see glimpses of an extremely handsome man. He had not been on the streets long, she decided. He was muscled and strong. Ryan hadn’t missed too many meals—that much she was pretty sure of, although she really didn’t know much about him.
Sage made