“Ready yet Missy?” asked Vernon Moore. “Not meaning to rush, but if we’re to make Houston and your flight on time, we best get moving.”

 “I am indeed ready,” replied an immaculate Carissa Lane, smiling to her chauffeur and emerging from a motel suite. “How about making yourself useful and take my bags out to the limo? There are just two; I’m taking it easy on you this trip.  Only going to be in L.A. three days, then I’m coming right back so I can pester you some more.”

 “Oh, I’ll consider it,” smiled Vernon, gathering Carissa’s luggage. “Wouldn’t do this for just anybody, but for you I’m willing to make an exception.  Gonna miss you lady, even if it is just a few days. I noticed you didn’t have much packed”.

“Don’t need much if you don’t use much,” she said, “Especially when I’m returning so

soon.”

 Sliding bags into the rear of the big limousine, her chauffeur cheerfully moved to the side of its shining, black frame.  Opening a door for Carissa, he announced they could be on their way if she would just please hurry.  “Even if she was a bit sassy,” teased Vernon, he still found her refreshing.   

 Tucking her head, in an effort not to disturb recently styled hair, Carissa entered and seated herself comfortably. Enjoying elegant luxury and spacious legroom, she was provided relaxing contentment.  Placing trust in Vernon, Carissa cheerfully allowed her chauffeur to begin their journey to Houston.

 “Believe we’re in for rain this morning,” he commented, glancing skyward through a huge windshield.  Activating ignition, wipers and pressing the gas pedal, a sleek vehicle rolled quietly into action.  

Carissa, peering through windows, saw clearly the reason for Vernon’s statement. Very light at the onset, windblown rain steadily increased, meandering aimlessly across the windshield. “I realize it makes highways more dangerous, but I love traveling when it’s raining. There’s something special about being tucked inside a nice, warm car, against the wet and cold, with miles rolling behind you.  It’s even more so when one has a nice, friendly chauffeur escorting her,” she smiles.

“Don’t push your luck, lady,” retaliates Vernon.  “Friendly chauffeur would have done just fine; nice chauffeur may be taking it too far.  I’m in a grumpy mood this morning.”

“Oh, I know better Vernon Moore.  We’ve known each other a long time, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen you in a grumpy mood.”

“Well, I might be someday,” he laughs. 

Noticing a soft canopy of embellished, autumn leaves, Carissa admired gorgeous beauty in the merging hills of East Texas.  Arriving during late March, she had been here several months. The countryside had seemed under siege with dogwood and other blossoms.  Pretty azalea flowers, yellow jasmine and roses, flocked yards in the nearby town of Warrington.  The coming of late September and its changing landscape had not diminished the land’s beauty in any manner. Evergreen pines, retaining natural color, stood as graceful ambassadors to many types of stately, mature hardwoods.  Carissa found this area held a special appeal.  It was refreshingly abundant with hospitality.  Though not considered Dixie, the land and its people reached out vividly with southern charm and character.

An actress on location, she was employed with Magnum Productions, Inc. of Los Angeles, California.  The company had been filming in Texas almost a year.  Work proved continuous, ongoing and even rigorous at times without breaks.  Relieved to have a breather, she looked forward to a few days in L.A. and spoils of a modern city.    

 Carissa, as one might imagine, was extremely attractive.  She was also a star of the silver screen and had been since her teens.  Striking, auburn hair flowed to the base of a long, smooth neck, framing a beautiful face.  Accenting this were dark, flashing brown eyes, lips so full one might think they were pouting, and a figure appearing as if she had been molded into her clothing.  A red dress, sexily fitting her form, ensured few men would fail to notice her.  Now in her mid-twenties, with several outstanding movies completed, Carissa Lane was known and recognized throughout the world.

Having acted on movie sets in many beautiful places, Carissa actually enjoyed being on location. She often grew bored with repetitious Hollywood scenes.  At present however, the actress was anxious to return home.  There were expiring contracts to be renewed and recent outstanding offers  pleasingly lucrative.  Quietly thinking to herself and occasionally conversing with Vernon, they steadily traveled toward Houston.  

Enjoying the passing countryside, Carissa considered work accomplished thus far.  Filming had proceeded well, they were at least a month ahead of schedule and she felt the movie, when completed, would be a huge box office hit.  Feeling successful and smiling contently, Carissa silently thanked God for her good fortune and accomplishments.  Experiencing such contentment, little did she realize less than a mile ahead, walked someone who would have a profound effect on her life.

           Vernon and Carissa saw the rain-soaked figure at precisely the same moment. With arm held out and protruding thumb clearly visible, he was hoping for a lift through chilling rain. Rolling past, Carissa noticed the young man, even though drenched, was impressively handsome.  Upon seeing his attractive face, she could not believe the initial impact. Determined to confirm what she actually saw; the actress began pleading with Vernon to offer a ride.  She could not fathom anyone having to walk in this weather and also desired a much closer look at the individual.      

Vernon, fully aware of the rain’s intensity, cautiously began pressing brakes.  Having noticed a stalled pickup alongside the highway, he reasoned the fellow to be having motor trouble. Looking back through a rear window, he and Carissa could see the lonely figure continuing his walk.  Thinking a potential ride had passed him by, they watched as he pulled up a jacket collar and slipped cold hands into pockets of his jeans.

Seeing bright, red flare of brake lights and what they offered, the young man began running toward the limo.  Vernon, pulling safely off the highway, pressed an electric button unlocking a door.  Reaching their vehicle, the potential passenger hesitated upon seeing lushness of their limousine.

Opening a door while looking to Vernon, the young man stood saturated. “Sir, I appreciate your stopping, but I’m far too soaked to get in this fine vehicle,” he said.  Carissa, her attention riveted, noticed wet, black curls, literally pasted to his forehead.

 Rain streaming down the gentleman’s face, Vernon instantly appreciated his courtesy. The reliable chauffeur was always cautious and never picked up strangers, especially with someone important aboard.  He would not be doing so now were it not for foul weather and mostly Carissa’s determined pleading.  Normally, two security guards would be accompanying them, but due to a severe stomach virus, none were available.  Factoring in thoughtfulness displayed by their potential passenger, Vernon felt more at ease. 

 “Aw, never mind, if it gets wet, it will dry,” he assured. “Come on, get inside out of this weather, everything will be okay.”

“Sir, I hope you realize how grateful I am for your stopping, I really am,” said the young passenger, still very cautious about seating himself. Giving a slight smile and only glancing at Carissa seated in back, he continued.  “When I saw what you were driving, I didn’t feel I had a prayer for a ride.  Sorry about getting your seat wet.”

“How far you going?” asked Vernon, pulling back on the highway.

“Only need to go a few more miles,” he answered.  “When we come to it, I’ll point out a dirt road teeing into the highway and will get out at that point.  We live down the way a short distance.  Guess you noticed our old pickup setting alongside the highway.  The generator’s giving us trouble and needs replacing, been trying to hold off buying another until my mom sold her broilers. Thank goodness, she has just done that.  Several other ways we could have used the money, but I know where some of it’s going.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean,” said Vernon.  “It’s always something with vehicles.  You folks involved in the heating business, are you?”

“No….no, sir,” answered their passenger.  “We’ve never been involved in any type of heating business.”  Studying Vernon, he respectfully questions, “Out of curiosity, why….why do you ask?”

“I’m sorry; didn’t mean to pry,” replied Vernon.  “Thought I understood you to say something about your mom selling boilers?”

“No sir,” he responds smiling, rain yet clinging to his face.  “Broilers….chickens….we raise chickens for a living and sell them on the commercial market.”

“Oh….oh, now I understand,” says Vernon.   

“Mostly my mother, younger brother Riley and I are involved,” he stated.  “An older sister Amanda, helps on occasion, but she’s married now and lives in Houston.  We have a small farm.  It’s not much, but all we had when my dad passed away. Mother is very good at managing money; we make out alright.”

“Sorry to hear about losing your dad,” responded Vernon.  “I know it must have created a hardship.  Lost mine when I was ten, I know the feeling.”

“Yes sir, we sure do miss him.  It did create some challenges, but we’ve adjusted fairly well.”

“That’s a good, positive approach,” states Vernon.

 “Again, let me say I really do appreciate this ride.  Feels good to be out of that cold rain,” assured the young man.

 Carissa, having not said anything, was listening to their conversation while wrestling a small throw blanket from a storage compartment.  Having retrieved it, she offered the soft cloth as a towel for drying hair.

 Wiping rain from his eyes and hearing her feminine voice, their passenger reached back gladly accepting Carissa’s offer.  Putting the small blanket to use, he proceeded with drying.  Having completed the effort, he turned smiling, looking toward the rear seat.  Intending to offer thanks, his mouth fell agape and eyes opened wide realizing he was staring into the face of Carissa Lane, one of the world’s most recognizable and well-known actresses.

“Oh dear Lord, what is happening here?” he exclaimed.  “Are….. are you……are you who I think you are?”

“Well, it all depends,” smiled Carissa, continuing to admire his good looks.  “Who do you think I am?”

 Hearing her voice, he knew beyond any doubt she was the famous actress.  Realizing assistance received was coming from Carissa Lane and her chauffeur; he sat speechless.  Word had it a movie was being filmed in the area, but being very busy, not a lot of heed had been given to what he thought most likely a rumor.  Convinced now it was anything but, the young man could not believe where fate had placed him.

“You are as beautiful in person as on the screen.  I cannot believe I’m riding in the same car with you.  This is just unreal.  You Sir, must be her chauffeur.  Please excuse my lack of manners. I’m Lance Devins,” he said, smiling to Vernon while extending his hand.  Looking back at Carissa through soft, blue eyes; curly hair, black as midnight framed his face.  Shining with remaining dampness, it further accented Adonis-like features.

“Vernon Moore, and I’m pleased to meet you,” said the driver, accepting and returning Lance’s handshake.  “From what I hear, you already know her name, and you are correct son….this beautiful lady to whom you speak is none other than Miss Carissa Lane, star of stage and screen.”

“Oh, gracious Vernon, I appreciate the introduction, but you don’t have to say it like that,” smiled Carissa, leaning forward offering her hand.  “You’re apt to scare the poor boy to death with that much emphasis.  I am Carissa, and I’m just a working actress trying to make a living like everyone else.  It’s indeed a pleasure to meet you Mr. Devins.  Have you lived around here very long?”

“For twenty years I’ve lived in Warrington and Tinden County.  All my life they have been my home.  Now here I am with the most beautiful lady in the world talking to me.  This ain’t really happening!” exclaims Lance, “It can’t be.” 

“Don’t mean to interrupt, but we are probably near the road you mentioned,” stated Vernon, smiling at Lance’s enthusiastic response.  “We’ve traveled a few miles .”

“Good gosh!” he exclaimed, turning his attention back to the highway before them.  “I have been so taken finding myself in your company, I almost forgot.  That’s it up ahead; you can see it just before the highway starts up the next hill.”

Again, beginning his braking early, allowing for conditions of wet pavement, Carissa’s chauffeur slowed the big limo.  Coasting to the entrance of an intersecting road, he brought the vehicle to a complete stop.  Noticing rain had not slackened, Vernon thought Lance was surely in for a wet walk.  Realizing the young man was not only going to be soaked, but also cold and muddy, he watched as rain flowed down pleated ruts of a dirt road.        

“Thank you both so very much, I really do appreciate the ride,” Lance stated, preparing to exit the vehicle.  “I don’t know that I can truly express my gratitude for both the lift and this fascinating experience.  I’ve enjoyed meeting you Mr. Moore.” 

  Again turning towards the rear seat and smiling to Carissa, their young passenger exclaims; “Miss Lane, you cannot imagine how truly beautiful you really are!  It has been an absolute joy meeting you; I can hardly believe that I’ve touched hands with Carissa Lane.  You are an exciting actress.  I have long admired your talent and work.  Please accept my wishes for continued success in your career.”

 “I appreciate your encouragement, it is very thoughtful,” accepted Carissa.  “How far down this dirt road do you live?”

“Probably a couple of miles,” Lance answered, revealing a shy, bashful smile.  “To be truthful, many times as I’ve traveled this old road, I can’t remember ever checking the distance.  We just come up and go down it ‘cause it’s the only road we have.”    

“Well, have you noticed Mr. Lance Devins, it is absolutely pouring out there?” teased Carissa.  “Do you often swim in weather this chilly?” She could feel herself becoming steadily captivated with Lance’s soft manner and prolific features.  Even though having just met the young man, he exuded an unmistakable aura.  She had first noticed his obvious good looks.  Now that he was closer, they were not diminished – if anything, more pronounced. Carissa could not believe the overwhelming feeling engulfing her.  Turning to Vernon and thinking perhaps she was the one who needed to step out in the cold rain, Carissa suggested they drive the young man home.

“You’re right Missy, it would be a long, cold walk,” agreed Vernon.  “What is this road like down towards your house?  I mean, is it real muddy and slick?”

“Both,” Lance replied.  “Much as I appreciate what you’re considering, I can’t allow you to drive down there in this fine vehicle. You’ve already done a lot for me; can’t risk you getting stuck or possibly damaging your limo.”

“Really don’t think you have much choice Mr. Devins,” commented Carissa.  “I’m surprised we’re not already headed down it Vernon.”

“Alright by me Missy, if it suits you,” declared Vernon, teasing. “Just looking at him, he really doesn’t appear to be that good of a swimmer.”

“Oh man, please don’t do this,” pleaded Lance, bracing his feet to the floorboard and pushing back against the seat.  “I don’t want you to get stuck or have any kind of delay.  It would be better for me to walk than take a risk like this.”

Driving a short distance, listening as .tires splattered through rain and mud, Vernon realized the drive would be no challenge. Weight of the heavy limo and wide tires kept the vehicle steady and on course.  Vigilant and watching the road, he was about to comment how well the drive was progressing when suddenly a large, white animal bounded across before them. The vehicle made a quick, fishtailing movement due to mud and Vernon’s attempt to avoid a collision with what he recognized as a deer.  The animal was beautiful, sleek and totally white in color.

“Good gracious, what was that?” exclaimed Carissa, upon seeing the leaping creature.

“It resembled a deer, a wild deer, I’m sure. Never have I seen one that’s snow white in color,” proclaimed Vernon, having brought the limo to a full stop.

“That was a deer,” said Lance.  “He is a beautiful animal with a perfect white coat.  For several years he has lived in this area; it is his domain.  People call him Nod.  You have just seen what many hope to witness, but never have.  Some consider him a myth, but as you have just seen, he does exist and is very real.  The countryside around here is often called “Nod’s Kingdom”.  This must be a good omen.  Maybe we won’t get stuck after all.”

With all laughing about Lance’s prediction of good luck, they pressed further along the country road. Soon they found themselves pulling up before a frame house in need of paint.  Protruding from a rusty, tin roof, a metal stovepipe emitted white smoke.  Curling upwards exposed to the wind, it is quickly ushered away.  Chickens scattered across a rain-soaked yard in head-bobbing fashion at the sound of the limo’s motor.  Two sleepy cats lying on the front porch, lifted curious heads.  Gazing soulfully at the vehicle, they consider rain too much to brave for the sake of investigation, and soon resume their sleepy positions.

Lance’s mother, upon hearing the approaching vehicle, stepped out on the porch.  Smiling and clad in a pretty dress, patterned from decorative feed sacks, she appeared warm and friendly.  Studying the fancy limousine, she wondered why it had stopped in her yard. Pleasant as the lady seemed, years of hard work and farm life were evident.

“That has to be your mother,” declared Carissa.  “Even from this distance, I can see the resemblance.”

“Yes, she is my mother.  Mom works long hours each day, as we all do, trying to make a living.  She is always first up in the morning and last in bed at night.”

Stepping from the limo, Lance leaned back inside thanking Vernon and Carissa. Extending his hand to Carissa, he says, “Miss Lane, I don’t know how anyone can be as beautiful as you.  I wish it were not raining so heavily; I’d love for Mom to meet you, but I can’t ask y’all out in this weather.  She is absolutely not going to believe who brought me home.  Best of luck as you both journey on, may Godspeed.”

Not immediately releasing his hand as Lance attempted to depart, Carissa gave it a noticeable squeeze.  At first Lance thought it was his imagination but feeling another and noticing the look in her eyes, he knew it was not.  His spirit soared, realizing both were intentional. 

“You seem to be a sweet, caring, young man. I can assure you I’ve enjoyed this very much. Hope we see each other again, and I hope it’s soon,” she concluded, with a warm smile.

Pulling away from Lance’s house and starting back to the main highway, Vernon contemplated about the fine, young man they had just encountered.  Lance was wholesome and overflowing with character. 

“Boy, I have never in all my life,” Vernon heard Carissa comment.  “I must say, that is one more good-looking young man.”

“This might cause us to miss your flight Missy,” said her chauffeur.  “Hopefully not, but there is the possibility.”

“Oh, no matter,  I’ll catch a later flight if necessary.  I’m willing to miss my flight any day for what I’ve just shared.”                     

 Glancing in his rearview mirror, he saw Carissa turned and looking anxiously back down the road toward Lances’ home.  Vernon thought he had noticed her revealing signs of being smitten in the young man’s presence.  He soon realized it was not his imagination.  Never had he seen Carissa acting in this manner.  Coming to the paved highway and continuing towards Houston, another thought crosses his mind: If Carissa sees Lance again…..and thinking she most likely would…..it might soon be difficult to tell exactly who’s the star and who’s the fan.