The late spring heat shimmered outside the downtown hotel as Sami Collins eased her black Toyota Sequoia into the circular drive. Her vehicle, polished to perfection, mirrored the sharp professionalism she prided herself on. Around the lobby, rolling luggage clattered, conversations buzzed, and car doors beeped open—a typical Monday in the city’s sprawling heartbeat.

Her client, Jake Jacobs, gathered his personal things before stepping out of the SUV. The man carried himself with the precision of a veteran executive but softened as he turned to Sami, offering a warm handshake.

“That was exceptional,” said Jake. “Seriously professional,” he added, pulling a slim envelope from his blazer. He held it out like an offer she couldn’t refuse.

“Mr. Jacobs, you’ve already tipped through the app. There’s really no need,” Sami replied, her smile warm but firm.

“Nonsense,” Jake grinned, shaking his head. “Take it, or I’ll leave you a mediocre review, and we both know you deserve a stellar one. Don’t make me stoop to bribery.”

Sami hesitated, the envelope dangling between them like a dare. With a faint laugh, she relented, tucking it into her bag. “Thank you. Shared Travels.” She handed him a couple of her business cards. “Please call us again if you want another long trip.”

“I promise I will.”

As Jake disappeared into the hotel, Marc Winston’s attention lingered on the driver’s polished departure. He caught the tail end of Jake’s enthusiastic praise: “...best ride I’ve ever had... flawless service... highly recommended Sam.”

Intrigued, Marc looked for the driver of the SUV, but it was too late. The driver’s door clicked shut, and the vehicle pulled into traffic before he could catch more than a silhouette in the glass’s reflection.

When Jake approached the desk, Marc’s curiosity got the better of him. “Excuse me, sir, did I hear you mention a great ride?”

Jake’s face lit up with the enthusiasm of a satisfied customer. “Oh, absolutely. Shared Travels. Sam is top-notch. Professional, efficient, personable. Worth every penny.”

“Mind sharing their info?”

Jake reached into his pocket, retrieving a crisp business card. “Here. You won’t regret it.”

Marc studied the card: Sam Collins, Shared Travels. The minimal design conveyed sophistication—just enough detail, professionalism, without overselling. The bold simplicity matched the persona Jake had described.

Marc tucked the card into his wallet. He needed a way to Missoula, Montana, and fast, and he had a great lead for a vacation trip. Flying wasn’t an option; he’d already dismissed that with a firm no. If this “Sam Collins” could deliver the service Jake raved about, it was worth exploring.

As he headed toward the elevator, Marc’s thoughts lingered on the driver he hadn’t seen. Professional, efficient, personable. Sam Collins had set the bar high.

Marc called Shared Travels in the morning, setting the wheels in motion for an unexpected journey.

The business card rested on the desk beside Marc Winston’s laptop. His evening had been planned: an easy dinner, a movie, but now, curiosity had gotten the best of him. He tapped the edge of the card as he reviewed the details: Sam Collins, Shared Travels. Minimal, professional, yet personal in its simplicity.

Jake’s words replayed in his mind: “Professional, efficient, personable. Worth every penny.” It was rare for someone like Marc, used to luxury chauffeurs, to feel intrigued by something as ordinary as a long-distance ride service. Yet here he was.

Marc leaned back in the hotel armchair, the city lights stretching across Houston’s skyline behind him. His cell phone pinged on the side table, breaking the silence. It was his sister, Jane Winston.

“Hey, Jane,” Marc said.

“Marc! Tell me you’ve booked your flight,” Jane’s voice carried its familiar mix of cheer and exasperation. “Mom’s convinced you’re driving just to annoy her.”

“No flight,” Marc said. “I’m working on something else.”

“Something else?” Jane scoffed. “You can’t just wing it with a rental car, Marc. This is my wedding we’re talking about.”

“I know. I’m figuring it out.”

A pause hung between them, the weight of her disappointment traveling through the line. Marc didn’t budge.

“Well,” said Jane. “Just don’t overthink it. I need you here in one piece, not half-dead from exhaustion.”

“I’ll see you in Montana, promise. Take care,” Marc said, glancing again at the card on the desk.

Marc opened his laptop. A quick search pulled up the Shared Travels website’s clean design, straightforward booking system, and a section dedicated to their premium long-distance rides. He skimmed the details, noting the emphasis on safety, discretion, and comfort. There was no mention of Sam Collins being a woman—or a man, for that matter. Just professionalism wrapped in subtlety.

Marc’s finger hovered over the “Book Now” button before he closed the page. Tomorrow. He’ll call tomorrow. Tonight, he needed to think.

The thought of two weeks on the road with a stranger was both tempting and unnerving. Still, if this was going to be his first real vacation in eight years, why not start it with a story worth telling?

On Tuesday morning, June 13, 2024, at 9:00 am, Marla Chase was already at her desk in the Shared Travels office in Austin, TX, reviewing the new booking request.

“Shared Travels, Marla Chase speaking.”

“Morning. I’m looking to book a long-distance ride,” Marc said.

Marla clicked open her scheduling app. “Happy to help! Where’s your destination?”

“Missoula, Montana.”

She pulled up the route details, calculating the trip as she spoke. “We can make that happen. You’ll be working with Sam Collins, one of our best.”

“Perfect,” said Marc.

“Sam’s just returned from a trip,” said Marla, adjusting the calendar. “How does Wednesday at 8 am sound for pickup?”

Marc hesitated. “Can’t it be earlier? I’d like to leave as soon as possible.”

“I understand, Mr. Winston, but we prioritize safety and quality. A day of rest ensures the trip will go as smoothly as possible. I assure you that Sam will make it worth the wait.”

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There was a pause. Marc exhaled. “Fine. Wednesday it is.”

Marla noted his flexibility with a small smile. “We recommend eating breakfast before the trip starts. Sam will meet you at your hotel entrance at 8 am.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

After the call ended, Marla texted a message to Sami:

New booking alert!

Client: Marc Winston

Pickup: 8 am, Wed. June 14

Destination: Missoula, MT

Rate: $700/day + bonus of $500 (leaving Wed instead of Thurs)

Sami’s reply buzzed seconds later: Are you serious? I need a break, Marla.

Marla grinned and hit the call button.

“You’ll survive,” said Marla as Sami answered.

“Define survive,” Sami shot back.

Marla laughed. “I know you wanted Thursday, but this guy’s paying top rate—and I’m sweetening the deal with a $500 bonus if you leave tomorrow.”

“You owe me.”

“Always. Now go get ready. You’re going to be stuck with this guy for weeks.”

“Fantastic. Can’t wait. Bye, Marla. Now, where exactly is Missoula, MT?”

Sami sighed, muttering to herself. “I hope this guy’s decent. It’s going to be a long trip.”

The next morning, Sami sat at the dining table, her laptop open in front of her and a steaming cup of coffee within reach. She reviewed the last details of the Montana trip. The familiar beep of an incoming message broke her focus.

Marla’s name beeped onto the screen:

“Final confirmation for Marc Winston. Pickup at 8 am tomorrow. Big payday, girl!”

“Great,” said Sami, as she typed back a quick acknowledgment.

Alex, Sami’s sister, walked into the dining room, her hair still damp from the shower. “Montana trip?”

“Yes.” Sami glanced up from her laptop.

“You don’t seem excited,” said Alex as she grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge.

“I am... mostly. It’s just a long haul, and I’m already tired,” said Sami.

Alex sat across from her, twisting the bottle cap. “Isn’t this the guy who’s paying extra to leave earlier than you planned?”

“Yes. Marla sweetened the deal, so here I am, rearranging my week.” Sami closed the laptop.

“Well, at least the money’s good.”

“True, but I still need to pack. Montana in the summer means warm days and cool nights, right?”

“Layers, Sami. Always layers. Don’t forget your hiking boots. You’ll probably stop somewhere scenic.”

“Hiking boots? Not on this trip. I’m the driver, not the tourist.”

“Still, it’s a road trip, not a prison sentence. Maybe enjoy the view for once.”

“I’ll enjoy the view if my client doesn’t turn out to be a nightmare. For now, I need to focus on getting there and back without a hitch.”

As Alex headed back to her room, Sami began making a mental list of what to pack: sturdy clothes, comfortable shoes, and essentials for the long haul. At least she had the evening to get everything in order.

Sami’s phone beeped again as she finished folding the last of her laundry. She picked it up, noticing Marla’s name on the screen.

“Hey, Marla. What’s the update?” Sami asked, tucking the phone between her ear and shoulder as she grabbed a clean towel.

“Just checking in to make sure you’re prepped for tomorrow. Your new VIP client is Marc Winston, leaving from The Charles Hotel at 8 am sharp. He’s headed to Missoula, Montana, and he’s already approved all the standard policies—pit stops, fuel costs, and overnights at your discretion.”

“Got it. What else do I need to know?”

“Not much. He’s paying top rate, and I got him to throw in an extra $500 to shift the pickup a day early. He seems like a professional type. Polite, punctual.”

“Let’s hope that’s true. Anything else I should watch out for?”

Marla hesitated for a moment. “Well, his note mentioned ‘urgent travel,’ but it didn’t sound dramatic. Just be your usual professional self, and you’ll be fine.”

“Always am. Thanks, Marla.”

After the call ended, Sami reviewed the details and drew up a rough route that she would confirm with Mr. Winston. Montana wasn’t exactly a quick trip, but the payout made it worth it. She glanced at her desk, where her planner, notebook, and mileage logs were already laid out.

Across the room, Alex appeared in the doorway. “Was that Marla?”

“Yes, and I’m leaving for Montana tomorrow morning. Long trip, big paycheck.”

“Montana? Wow. That’s, like, halfway across the country.”

“Pretty much. But it’s worth it for the rate he’s paying.”

“Guess that means I’ll have the place to myself for a bit. Don’t get too comfortable out there—still need you around to help with wedding stuff.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be back before you know it. And hey, this gives you a break from me too.”

“Fair point.”

“I thought you would agree.”

The next morning, Sami stood beside her Toyota Sequoia, its sleek black exterior reflecting the warm morning sunlight. She adjusted her sunglasses and checked the time on her phone—7:55 am. Right on schedule.

The revolving doors of the hotel opened, and Marc walked out, dressed comfortably. His stride was purposeful until he glanced up and saw Sami leaning against the driver’s door. He was surprised to see a woman, but masked his reaction with a polite smile.

“Good morning, Mr. Winston,” said Sami, extending her hand.

Marc returned the handshake, his grip firm. “Good morning. It’s nice to meet you. I wasn’t expecting...” He paused, catching himself before finishing the sentence. “Such a polished setup.”

“Well, Shared Travels prides itself on delivering top-tier service.”

“Clearly,” Marc replied. He glanced at the packed trunk and nodded. “I take it we’re all set?”

“Ready when you are,” said Sami, gesturing toward the passenger door. She climbed into the driver’s seat, her notebook tucked in the console, ready for the journey ahead.

Marc slid into the passenger seat, the faint scent of leather and citrus welcoming him. As Sami started the engine, he glanced her way, his curiosity simmering just beneath his composed exterior. This was going to be an interesting ride.

Sami adjusted her rearview mirror as Marc settled into the passenger seat. The air conditioning filled the car as she double-checked her navigation app.

“So, have you had a chance to read through the contract?” asked Sami, glancing at Marc before pulling onto the main road.

“Not yet. It’s been a busy morning. If you could walk me through the highlights, I’d appreciate it. I’ll go over the details tonight.”

“Fair enough. It’s pretty straightforward. Our day starts at 8 am and ends by 6 pm, give or take. We’ll aim for about 400 miles a day, with breaks mid-morning, lunch around noon or 12:30, another break in the afternoon, and a hotel stop by evening. Sound good?”

Marc nodded.

Sami continued, without missing a beat. “The key is flexibility. Traffic, weather, or other delays can shift the schedule, but we try to stick to the plan. It’s built for comfort, not speed.”

“Got it. Seems reasonable.”

“I’ll take care of hotels along the way. You’re responsible for meals and any extra stops you want to make. Oh, and if you have specific preferences for lodging or food, let me know now.”

“Understood. What about sightseeing? Are there built-in stops, or is that on me?”

“On you. If you want to see something specific, let me know in advance. Otherwise, I stick to the route.”

“Efficient. Well, I do want to stop in Las Vegas, Nevada, for two days. Take in a show and gamble a bit. I also want to drive to visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It is in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, near the town of Keystone, and do you know of a beautiful scenic route near there? Someone once told me that not far from there, you can drive just across the border of Wyoming, and there are some breathtaking views.”

“I know the area. It’s majestic. Everyone should see it at least once.”

Marc leaned back, a faint smile across his lips. “Perfect. Let’s make this trip one to remember.”