Chapter 14

      After dealing with the morning’s events, it was getting close to noon. Sam got cleaned up and ate at Mexican Inn, one of her favorite Mexican food restaurants. She went over to the bank and had four cashier checks made up for one hundred thousand dollars each. She now set out to give the checks to the people that had affected her life most in the last several years.

      This would be the best part of winning the big prize. She could enjoy her life as well as pay back the people that stood by her while she was down.

      First stop, Devlin’s convenience store. When Delvin saw her enter the store, he didn’t recognize her at first. Sam had cleaned up, got new clothes, and had a look of confidence and security. Delvin needed respectable customers and greeted her with, “Yes ma’am. How are you doing today?”

      She just smiled, “Delvin, it’s me, Sam.”

      Delvin was kind of annoyed trying to figure out who it was for a second. Suddenly his jaw dropped, and he hesitated, “Sam? Is that you? You look completely different. You look great. Did you hear, someone at this store won the big lotto. They’re giving the store a lot of money. Which means they’re giving me a lot of money. I won some money betting on those Giants. It’s been an amazing few days. Have you checked your ticket.”

      Sam started laughing and holding her hands up, “Whoaaa. Delvin! Yes, it was me. I told you I would win someday. Well, today’s the day. I won.”

      Delvin just stood there not knowing what to say. “You wouldn’t be telling ol Delvin a big, tall story would you Sam.”

      “Yep, those were my numbers, and I’ve already collected the money.”

      Delvin began rambling, “Boy Sam, I guess no more shelter for you. Heck you could own the shelter. Although I don’t know why you’d want to buy it. I’m going to lose all my football bets now …… I’m never going to see you again.”

      Sam finally stopped him, “Delvin, I’ll still come down and see you. Probably not as much, but I’ll be down here. Anyway, I’ve come into a large sum of money.”

      “Yeah, the jackpot was seventy seven million dollars.”

      “Right, and I’ve decided to thank people who’ve been close friends and helped me through all these years that I’ve needed people. You, are one of those people that helped me out, a lot.”

      Sam held out the check for one hundred thousand dollars and gave it to Delvin. “Here you go, this is for you. It’s just a down payment. When I figure out my finances better, I’m going to give you more. So don’t worry about betting on the games.” She laughed as she said the last part.

      Delvin looked at the check and saw what was written on it. He slowly reached out for the check while still looking at Sam.

      Delvin looked down at the check and just held it in his hands for a few seconds. “I can’t believe this Sam. I, I, just can’t believe it.”

      Delvin suddenly grabbed Sam by the head, gave her a big kiss on the forehead and then began hugging her. “Thanks Sam. Thanks, you don’t know what this means to me. I’ve been having money troubles for months. This will solve everything!”

      Sam stopped for a second and grabbed Delvin by the shoulders, “Now this money ain’t for gambling. This is good money for investing in the business. You understand?!”

      “No. No, I’m going to put this money to good use. You’ll see Sam, this will be used right. As a matter of fact, I’m not going to place another bet until you come back down here and give me advice.”

      Sam felt really good, “You invest this money in the business, and I’ll come down here and we’ll talk about betting on the football games. I don’t want to miss that. I enjoy that.”

      Sam and Delvin talked a little longer and then she departed to give away the next two checks.