Sage folded her arms across her chest. “That’s really not funny, Daddy.”
Malcolm reached over and took Sage’s hand, giving it a loving squeeze. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I know you didn’t, but you’re right,” she admitted. “My singleness is beginning to bother me. I can’t deny that I want a husband and a family, but I’m not desperate or anything. I’m just ready for marriage. I’m tired of dating and the relationship goes nowhere.”
“I have a feeling that you are going to meet the man of your dreams soon,” Barbara told her.
Sage smiled. “Mama, you were always a romantic.”
She picked up her menu, scanning the entrées. “I’m in the mood for seafood today.”
“So am I,” Malcolm responded. “I think I’m going to have the grilled tilapia.”
“That sounds delicious,” Sage murmured. “Mama, what are you ordering?”
“I think I’ll have the grilled chicken and ravioli.”
“I’m going to order the tilapia,” Sage decided aloud. She glanced toward the restaurant entrance and said, “It’s about time those two showed up.”
Ari and Natasha made their way over to the table and sat down.
“Hey,” Ari greeted. “Sorry we’re late. Natasha’s meeting ran longer than we expected.”
Natasha nodded in agreement. “It’s my fault.”
“We haven’t ordered yet,” Malcolm stated, “so you’re just in time.”
The waiter arrived a few minutes later to take their orders.
“So where are you two with the wedding plans?” Barbara inquired after he walked away from their table. “Have you narrowed down where you want to have the wedding ceremony?”
Natasha smiled and nodded. “We’d like to have the wedding at the house. Ari and I feel this is the perfect place to begin our life together as husband and wife.”
Barbara gave a slight nod of approval. “I think it’s a wonderful idea.”
Sage agreed. She was absolutely thrilled for Ari, but there was a part of this that highlighted the fact that there was no man present in her life. It wasn’t the lack of male companionship literally, because she was constantly approached by celebrities, business professionals, athletes and even a couple of college students.
However, Sage was very selective and cautious when it came to relationships because of a bad experience she went through in college—something that still haunted her from time to time. She was determined that no other man would ever deceive her again.
* * *
Sage thought about the homeless man from the day before. She had not been able to forget about him. It was the expression that was on his face—the one that said although his circumstances looked as if he was past hope, he was still optimistic about life.
Impulsively, Sage headed toward the lobby exit. She walked outside, her eyes surveying the surroundings. A way of relief swept through Sage upon seeing him.
What am I doing?
She didn’t wait for the answer. Instead, Sage inhaled deeply and then exhaled slowly before approaching him.
“I thought you might be out here,” she said. “My name is Sage. What’s yours?”
“Ryan,” he responded. “Ryan Manning.”
“I hope that you were able to enjoy a hot meal and a clean bed. I know that the shelters are overflowing, and they can’t accommodate everyone.”
“Yes. Thank you for the money. I can’t tell you how much it helped.”
She smiled. “I’m glad I could help you in some small way.” Sage paused a moment before continuing. “Actually, I would like to try and really help you, Ryan. I can’t explain it, but my gut instinct tells me it’s something I should do.”
Ryan’s eyes widened in surprise, but he remained silent.
Sage was well aware of the curious glances and stares she was receiving from people all around them, including the hotel employees, but she didn’t care. She had to do what was in her heart.
“I hope I won’t offend or embarrass you by this question, but when was the last time you had a bath and some clean clothes?”
He gave a slight shrug. “It’s been a few days.”
“Well, we’re going to change that right now,” Sage stated. “I want you to come with me.”
She couldn’t remember the last time she had acted so impulsively, but it was too late to turn back now. Sage had always trusted her instincts; this time would be no different.
Chapter 5
Hotel security hurried toward them, but Sage quickly waved them away. “He is with me,” she told them. “There’s nothing to worry about. I’m fine.”
Ryan silently noted that the two men backed off immediately, although their body language signaled that they were still on alert and ready to pounce, if needed.
He was still in shock that Sage had not only given him money but was now leading him into the Alexander-DePaul Beverly Hills Hotel.
Patrons gasped and stared in horror as they made their way through the lobby. However, Sage Alexander appeared to be oblivious to the stir she was causing. She walked over to the front desk. She was speaking so softly that Ryan had no idea what she was saying to the reservation manager.
He dropped his head to keep from meeting the gazes of anyone.
“I’m going to take you to a room on the second level,” Sage told him. “You can shower and shave, and I’ll have Franklin bring you some clean clothes.”
“Franklin?”
“He’s the head of our security and someone I trust with my life.”
“I appreciate all you’re trying to do for me, but Ms….you don’t know a thing about me. For all you know, I could be a serial killer.”
“That’s why I want Franklin to meet you,” Sage responded. “He’ll let me know if there is anything I need to worry about where you’re concerned.”
Ryan chuckled. “Do I need to worry about a cavity search?”
Laughing, Sage shook her head no.
“Ms.—”
“It’s Alexander, but please…just call me Sage,” she interjected quickly.
“Okay, Sage…why are you doing all this for me? Are you some type of Good Samaritan?”
“I wouldn’t say that,” she responded with a smile. “I just care about people, that’s all.”
A young woman with blond hair and wearing a trendy-looking business suit greeted Sage but took one look at Ryan and then glanced away.
“I apologize for her rudeness,” Sage stated as they walked to the elevators.
“People are uncomfortable when staring poverty in the face,” Ryan responded. “They know that it exists, but they do not want to put a face to it.”
Ryan had been a guest at the hotel in the past. In fact, it was one of his favorite places to stay when in Los Angeles. He was acutely aware that everyone was staring at him—some with open disdain. He cleared his throat softly.
“Really, why are you doing all this?” he asked when they were alone in the elevator.
Ryan reminded himself that he had to tread