Finally Getting Love Right

by Jamie Nichols

  “Ok, So then you need to tweak your beat a little bit.” Sam said getting strait to the point. “Make it softer. Instead of saying ‘I love you so much’ as much as you did change it up a little. Make sure to add something about how special the day is, as well. Other than that, That sounds pretty decent.”

  “Ok, That wasn’t as bad as I was expecting.” He said.

  “Why would I give a perfectly workable song a bad review? Like I said, a little tweaking and you will be golden.”

  “Thanks for the feedback Sam.” Max said.

  “Not a problem. I want to hear it when it’s done.” Sam said smiling.

  “You have a deal! Well, I have to go. My class starts in a few minutes.” Max said as he got up to leave.

  The rest of the day went by rather slowly. Sam called and confirmed that Jeffrey had made the order on time. The company stated that the order was made earlier than usual and the shipment would arrive one full day earlier than usual, tomorrow morning at 6 am. Sam called Jeffrey into her office. She wanted him to think that there was a possibility that she could terminate his position if she felt like it. She knew already that having Jeffrey around was a godsend. There was no way she was letting him go anywhere and she knew just how to make that happen.

  “You wanted to see me, Sam?” Jeffrey asked as he appeared in the doorway.

  “Yes, Come in and shut the door behind you please.” Sam said flatly. Jeffrey did as he was told and sat down across from her. “Why did you place the order early?” She asked in a somewhat angry tone.

  “I wanted to show you that I was on top of things.” He replied in a half frightened voice.

  “I see. Well now the order is coming in tomorrow morning. I never make the order early because then it comes too early. I can’t afford to have people on call whenever the order randomly comes. I am not calling anyone in tomorrow morning Jeffrey. You will have to be here at 6 am to help the driver unload and start stocking. Never do this again.” Sam said in the same tone.

  “I am so sorry Sam. I didn’t realize that there was a reason you waited to make the orders.” Jeffrey said obviously starting to panic.

  “Calm down.” Sam quietly opened her desk drawer to grab out a set of keys.

  “I am sorry Sam. I didn’t know.”

  “It is ok. Next time you should ask.” Sam decided that now was a better time than any to reveal her plan. She silently prayed that she wouldn’t regret this decision. “You have done well these past few weeks. The fact that you have helped so much will not be forgotten. Your probation period is over.”

  “Sam?” Jeffrey was literally freaking out now. ‘He thinks he is getting fired’ Sam thought silently laughing.

  “I have decided to make you operations manager with one stipulation. You still have to take directions from Max as he is store manager and, of course, myself. I have decided to finally take some time for myself. I am entrusting you with my metaphorical baby, do me proud.” Sam finished smiling.

  “Seriously? Thank you Sam you won’t regret it.”

  “Good. So Operations manager. How was your date last night?” Sam tried to pry.

  “It was great. We went to dinner then a movie. Why?”

  “No reason really, Pepper wouldn’t tell me this morning. That’s all.”

  “Oh.”

  “Ok. I am going to teach my class then head home. I trust that you can close up and make the deposit?”

  “Definitely.” Jeffrey answered as he returned to the register to tell everyone about his promotion.

  Sam finished her last class early as she was tired. She gathered her things and went home only to find a distraught Kylee on her doorstep. Sam quietly got out of her car and walked over to Kylee.

  “What’s wrong sweetie?”

  “I am never going to get married!” She cried.

  “Yes you will. You are getting married in 6 months.” Sam reminded her.

  “No.” Kylee continued to cry.

  “Let’s go inside.” Sam said. They quickly went inside and settled on the couch.

  “The pastor can’t do the wedding anymore. He is retiring in 8 weeks.” Kylee still sniffing.

  “There are other pastors, Kylee.”

  “I have to be married by my pastor! He married my parents.”

  “Oh. I am so sorry Kylee.”

  “I just don’t know what to do.”

  “We can figure something out. We always do.”

  “Ok.” Kylee said knowing Sam was right.

  The two of them spent a few moments in silence. Sam went to go change into something more comfortable. When she returned to the living room, Kylee was sound asleep on the couch. Deciding to follow suit, Sam went back to her room to sleep herself. When they woke up the next morning, Pepper had breakfast waiting for them.

  “Kylee are you feeling better today?” Pepper asked.

  “Why do you ask that?” Kylee said.

  “I figured that you weren’t feeling well since you stayed last night.”

  “Oh. Well it was something like that. I am better now.”

  “That is good to hear.” Sam chimed in.

  “Yea, I will have to re-think the whole getting married thing though. I had my heart set on getting married by the same pastor as my parents.” Kylee said with a twinge of reality.

  “Why can’t you?” Pepper asked.

  “He is retiring in 8 weeks.” Kylee started. “Well I have to go. Dillon is probably worried sick.”

  The second Kylee had closed the door behind her, Sam had a brilliant idea. She would throw two surprise weddings in 6 weeks. She was careful not to look too excited so Pepper wouldn’t suspect anything. Sam hurried through her morning routine. She couldn’t wait to tell Dillon and Max her plan. When she got to her car she three-way called them both.

  “Hello?” Dillon answered first.

  “Hello?” Max chimed in.

  “Hey guys. I have a beyond brilliant idea. Can you guys meet me in my office in ten minutes?”

  “I am already here.” Max said stating the obvious.

  “I can be there.” Dillon added.

  “Thanks guys. You won’t be disappointed. I promise.” She said hanging up on them. She instantaneously dialed Liz’s number.

  “Hello?” Liz said.

  “Hey, my office in five minutes please?”

  “Why?”

  “You will find out when you get there.” Sam hung up as she pulled up to her store front.

  Sam was surprised to see how smooth everything was running when she walked in. Jeffrey had amazingly gotten the entire shipment stocked already. The store was packed today, which was good. That meant when Sam put her ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door, Kylee would not be able to find out why.

  Sam waited in her office for Max, Dillon, and Liz to arrive. Max and Dillon walked in together chatting about the latest wedding drama. Liz was soon to follow. When everyone was seated and the door was shut and locked behind them Sam started.

  “I know I have probably got you all wondering why I wanted you here.”

  “Well yes.” Liz said.

  “Well I have had the best idea in the world.”

  “What idea might that be?” Dillon asked.

  “I figured out how to solve one problem and surprise one soon to be wife.”

  “Ok Sam, what is your idea already?” Max said.

  “Surprise weddings in six weeks!” Sam was almost disappointed by the lack of reaction. She decided that they were just is shock.

  “That is a fabulous idea Sam!” Liz said excitedly.

  “I am in.” Max said grinning.

  “You care about her dreams don’t you?” Dillon answered in a thoughtful tone.

  “Yes, I do.”

  “I am in then. What do you need us to do?” Dillon asked.

  “All I need you to do for the moment, Dillon, is call the pastor and fill him in. Make sure that he can do both weddings on six weeks from Saturday. I will let you both know location in the mor
ning.”

  “I can do that.” Dillon said as he got up to leave.

  “Max, Can you please take my classes today? Have them play accompaniment for you.”

  “I guess.” Max was hesitant.

  “They should be decent. I only have my advanced students today.”

  “Ok. See ya later.” He said walking out the door with a casual lean. Sam turned to Liz.

  “Have Charlee close for you today. We are going on a trip. Liz just gave her a glance. She gave in rather easily though.

  “Where are we going?” Liz asked curiously.

  “You’ll see.” She said with a devious smile.

  .

  CHAPTER 7: MAKING IT HAPPEN

  Sam pulled her car into the familiar driveway of The Ameslee. Liz had been trying to pry out of her where they were going the entire drive. Sam just happened to be in a mischievous mood, which made her want to keep Liz guessing even more. When she arrived at the guard post, she was not surprised to see the same lonely man that was always there.

  “Hello.”

  “Hello there Miss Sam.” He replied in a somber tone.

  “Everything alright?” Sam asked mildly concerned.

  “Yes ma’am. I just miss my family is all. I haven’t really seen them in a few months.”

  “I am sorry to hear that.”

  “It is ok. I am the sole bread winner of my family. As long as I work, they can live in a decent manner.”

  “That is certainly notable. Is Mr. Ames still here?”

  “He is Miss. Shall I inform him of your arrival?”

  “No. That is ok. I am really here to see Roger.” Sam said as seriously as she could muster. The mood she was in made her want to surprise everyone today.

  “Ok. Have a nice visit.” He said with a pained smile as he pushed the button to open the gate for her.

  “You have a nice day.” She said sympathetically.

  Sam continued up the drive at a slow pace. She noticed the decorations that the workmen were currently installing. They were very pretty swags of multiple colored lights. They reminded her slightly of sheer curtains, as crazy as that sounded. She continued to take the sight in as she arrived at The Ameslee’s entrance.

  “Miss Samantha, to what do we owe the pleasure?” Roger greeted her at the door.

  “I have decided to plan two surprise weddings. I am hoping that you know if the ballroom is available 6 weeks from Saturday?” She gave him a hopeful smile.

  “Let me look for you.” Roger said as he started tapping on the computer keys. “It looks like it is available.”

  “Can you make it unavailable for me? Just until I talk to George. I will let you know for sure before I leave.”

  “Certainly. Go right in. He just got out of his meeting.” Roger answered.

  “Can I ask you a question first?” Sam asked.

  “Sure.” Roger answered in a drawn out tone.

  “How on earth do you always know where he is and what he wants?”

  “We have a real-time schedule on our computers as well as an internal chat room.”

  “That makes a lot of sense.” Sam started “Thank you Roger.” She grabbed Liz’s arm and headed toward Georges office. Sam realized that she had not told Liz about the crazy old bat of a secretary that George had. She decided that now was the time to tell her, before they had to deal with her.

  “I should probably give you a heads up about his secretary. She is one angry lady.”

  “I doubt she is that bad.” Liz said slightly.

  “You may doubt it now, but you will see what I mean.” Sam finished quietly as they walked into the office.

  “WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?” The secretary’s voice rang out in anger.

  “We are here to see Mr. Ames.” Liz said all too nicely for the situation.

  “No you will not!” The secretary all but screamed at her.

  “Look lady, I don’t know what your deal is but leave her alone. I am assuming your beef is with me?” Sam said loudly.

  “You will not treat me this way!” She answered flustered.

  “I have never been anything but honest with you. I am only treating you how you are treating me”. Sam said calmly.

  “You WILL be leaving NOW.” The secretary picked up the phone and asked for security.

  “Sam.” Liz nudged.

  “What?” Sam whispered.

  “That lady is Elle’s Mother!” Liz exclaimed quietly.

  Sam had never met Elle’s mother before, nor did she care too. The fact that it just happened that Elle’s mom was George’s secretary chilled Sam to the bone. All of the anger and outrage that she was pushing toward Sam made perfect sense now. Sam knew that the woman blamed her for what had happened with Will. Sam decided to take action.

  “You do know that neither of them mentioned to me that they have been married all this time right?” Sam said making direct eye contact.

  “I did not know that but it doesn’t change anything.”

  “Actually it does. Does he know who you are? Or that when you found out he was back in town that you took the job here knowing that I would eventually appear?” Sam said receiving no response. Sam took the lack of response as an acknowledgement that George had no idea who this woman was. She figured that she would give the woman the chance to tell him herself. As if there were cue cards hanging somewhere, George walked out into the waiting room.

  “What is going on in here?” He demanded not seeing Liz and Sam from where he stood. When he received no answer Sam decided that the woman’s chance to come clean was gone.

  “Will you tell him or should I?” Sam said catching George’s attention startling him.

  “Does it matter?” She said rolling her eyes.

  “I suppose not. Well honey,” Sam started slowly “Your secretary called security on me because before ever meeting me she already hated me.”

  “Why? Who could hate you?” He asked.

  “She hates me because she is Elle’s mother. She thinks I knew that those two have been married this whole time. When, in fact, I didn’t find out until the other day.” Sam answered. George turned to his secretary.

  “You didn’t think that when I asked you to call her room last weekend that you should have told me about the conflict of interest. Better yet, you didn’t think to tell me that when you started?” He started reaming her out.

  “It was not relevant information.”

  “Obviously it was.” He started calming down a little bit. “Security will escort you down to the conference room. I will join you later.

  “Yes Mr. Ames.” She said following the security guard whom had come through the door when George was talking.

  “Sam I am so sorry. Why didn’t you tell me when you came to see me last weekend?”

  “I didn’t know her. Liz is the one who recognized her.” Sam said turning to an extremely quiet Liz.

  “Liz?” George said in a tone that expected an answer.

  “Sorry.” Liz snapped out of whatever was going on with her. “Yes that is Elle’s mom. I met her a few years ago.”

  “I am glad that you recognized her.” George started, “Now I assume you came for a reason?”

  “I have a plan but I need help. I already have Liz on board but I need your help too.”

  “Anything.” George said gazing at Sam.

  “I am throwing two surprise weddings in six weeks. I want the ballroom.”

  “Oh, that is easy. I will do you one bigger though.”

  “All I am asking for is the ballroom.”

  “I know, Sammy, You can have it, but I feel like I wouldn’t be a good boyfriend if I didn’t offer to pay for everything as well.” He said smiling.

  “What?” Sam was stunned and caught off guard by what he had said.

  “It would be my pleasure.”

  “How?”

  “Sammy, I am a multi- billionaire. I have money to play with. It will enable you to bring any dream they may have to life.”


  “Ok?” Sam agreed cautiously.

  “I also have resourced s that you couldn’t dream of. I will be right back.” He said exiting the room.

  “Are you alright?” Sam asked turning to Liz.

  “Yes. I just want to know why you didn’t tell me about Will and Elle?” Liz said a little hurt.

  “Well one, we haven’t really seen each other and two it was part of a deal that I made with Will so he would leave me alone.”

  “Oh. I thought maybe you just didn’t want me to know.”

  “It was never like that,” Sam said hugging her. They were interrupted in the middle of their heart to heart by George.

  “Ladies, I want you to meet your design team. They will help you plan and execute any idea that you may have.” George said as he walked into the room.

  “Our design team?” Sam asked.

  “Yes.” He answered. “ Go on.” He was talking to the red head that stood in the middle.

  “Hello, I am Shelly. I will be your point person. Let me introduce the ladies who will be focusing on wedding 1. This is Tabitha, Isabelle, and Andi.” Tabitha was a short red head that looked like she had an attitude by the way she stood. Isabelle looked like she was barely 18. She was the typical head cheerleader type. Andi, the brunette, was the antithesis of a business woman. “ The ladies that will be working on wedding 2 are Brianna, Sara, and Heather. They are known as the triplets around here because even thought they were born to different families, they look the same, streaks and all.

  “Oh wow.” Sam said. “Thank you.”

  “Don’t mention it” George said.

  “Liz can you go with them and fill them on Kylee and Charlee? I need to speak with George a minute.”

  “Ok.”

  “Let’s go to planning room 1 ok?” Shelly said to Liz as they walked out.

  “When did we define our relationship?” Sam asked when she was sure they were gone.

  “I guess we did today.”

  “I can live with that.” Sam said kissing him before running out of his office and down the hall to catch up with Liz.

  They were getting stared at like they were the confederate army breaking down union lines. The nine of them arrived to the planning room virtually unscathed. The room was large but cozy. There was a medium sized table in the center of the room. The ladies sat around it and got to work