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 said, 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,” said Sami, 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 with Shared Travels.”
“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 is 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 calls 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, watch 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.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
“Hey, Jane,” said Marc.
“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,” said Marc. “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,” said Marc, 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 to 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 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,” said Marc.
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.”
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 two to three 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.”