“Jamie, right?” Sam asked.
“Yeah, you got it.”
“I like your hat.” Sam smiled and grabbed the brim gently with his fingertips. I loved my brown, wide brim boater hat. It had a white lace band wrapped around it, and it made me feel stylish and sexy whenever I wore it.
“Thank you, it’s my favorite,” I said taking it off self-consciously and fiddled with the brim before putting it back on.
So, is there more to your name Jamie or do you go by one name like a lot of the other celebrities.”
“I’m far from being a celebrity but its Winters, Jamie Winters.” I laughed and awkwardly held out my hand to shake his. I instantly regretted doing so.
“Mine’s Ellis. Sam Ellis.” He said smiling in return as held out his hand to shake mine. He continued to look directly into my eyes, making me feel all too self-conscious again. I was getting tired of feeling awkward in my own skin. I needed to learn to be able to handle a man’s attention. I never had this much trouble before.
I couldn’t help but notice that Sam was several inches taller in height and he had a natural maleness and athleticism that contrasted his toothy grin. He seemed like the kind of man that was completely unaware of how attractive he was. Sam wore a white button down dress shirt like the one I spilled alcohol on - I winced at the memory. He also wore a black suit and matching dark gray and black striped tie. Entirely different from the outfit he wore at the dojo but made him just as attractive. I believed it definitely was a small world but never imagined I’d run into him here.
Maybe it was the law of attraction where the power of positive thinking can lead to happiness, wealth or health. If you were lucky enough, all three happened to you.
“It’s very nice to meet you again.”
“Nice to meet you, as well.” Sam smiled.
“I guess it’s a small world, huh?”
“Definitely is. I came over to tell you that you guys were great. I see that you’re a woman of many talents. Is there anything you cannot do?” Sam teased.
“Play the violin?” I suggested.
“Ah, you’ve got a weakness after all.”
“Shh, don’t tell anyone.” I teased.
Oh God, was I actually flirting with him? Was he flirting back? He started it.
“Have you guys performed a long time?” Sam asked.
“Most of them have, but I joined a couple of years ago.”
“I would have never guessed,” Sam said as he glanced around the room. “They definitely went all out with this event, it looks great.”
I looked around the room and smiled to myself. It was exciting, and I had a great time. I wanted more days like this. “I can’t take all of the credit, I had nothing to do with the planning. I’m just the entertainment. We are fortunate to be able to keep playing for the country club especially at today’s event. Everything seems so incredible.”
“Oh, that’s right. You guys are the musicians that the committee keeps referring to. I remember seeing you guys at other events before. No wonder you seemed awfully familiar when I first met you at the training center. I’m really sorry, I didn’t quite catch on quick enough. I’m not really at these events all too often. Just on the rare occasion and enough to keep my membership. Are you a member here too?”
“No, I’m not. Don’t you have to be a resident here to apply for membership?”
“Among other things, I think. I really don’t remember, I’ve had this membership for years. My parents signed all of us up a long time ago. So, if you don’t live in Sutton Hill, where are you from?”
“Oh, I live up in Cottonwood Beach. I’ve lived there for a few years now.”
“Oh, that’s not too far from here at all. How do you like it up there?” Sam asked.
“I love it there, especially because everything I need is always within walking distance. It’s no Sutton Hill, though. I love it here too.”
“Sutton Hill definitely has its unique charm. I’ve lived here most of my life. What do you do in Cottonwood Beach or is it just the band?”
Boy, he was inquisitive, I couldn’t imagine why.
“No, the band is just for fun. I work for a consulting company. We provide advising and remediation services for non-profits. I’m looking to get out of it; I don’t think I can deal with the politics anymore. How about you?” I inquired.
I was curious about what he did for a living as it must have been something over the top if he resided in Sutton Hill.
“I love knowing what’s going in the political arena but if you mean interoffice conflict, then I’m definitely not a fan, but I am the President of Jerry Ellis Enterprises and also the Director of the Jerry Ellis Foundation.”
“Hold it. The Jerry Ellis? As in the legendary Jerry Ellis?”
“Yes, he’s my father.” Sam laughed.
Jerry Ellis was a pioneer in the acoustic movement and was someone I grew up to admire even though he had already passed away before I discovered him. I remembered watching a documentary I recorded on a VHS tape over and over when I was younger about Jerry Ellis and his family. It was a documentary showing his old home movies that showcased Jerry, his wife, and their five kids.
There was one part of the documentary that I watched more often than the rest that struck a chord with me. It was a clip of Jerry singing his classic Marry Me song while his youngest son Samuel played the harmonica alongside him at some studio. I used to watch the documentary regularly until I accidentally left it behind when I packed up for college.
The documentary aired on television in one of those once-in-a-lifetime showings. If you missed it, you never saw it again. There was no way Sam was the same boy in that documentary.
I remembered the time when I looked him up on one of those random, dull nights several years ago because I wanted to find out what Sam and the rest of the family were up to. It was all old information primarily focused on the work of his father and also his death but nothing really about the rest of the family and what they or Sam looked like now. It was almost as if he disappeared into thin air and there wasn’t a way to get my old VHS tape back, and in the end, after I became occupied with college, I eventually forgot about Jerry Ellis, and my life had moved on.
I think it was Jerry’s death and the story of his life was what inspired my love for music, and I’d like to believe he was responsible for the person I became and the type of man I wanted to settle down with. Jerry was a great man and an even more awesome family man. He was the kind of father you always wanted to have and the kind of person you wanted to love.
What I loved most about him was how his performances gave life and soul to the lyrics he personally wrote. There was so much depth and forethought in the words he chose, and it wasn’t a wonder why he took so much time in putting out each album. I idolized the way he was able to express himself. It’s primarily the reasons why I love to write, it helps me get out what I can’t seem to communicate verbally.
In the past, whenever I wanted to explain to someone special to me how I felt, I always seemed at a loss for words or said the wrong thing, but with the right lyrics and through music, people always understood what hoped they would feel.
“He’s your father? I can’t believe it, he’s been my idol for as long as I could remember. He’s such a legend!”
“Well, thank you.” Sam chuckled. “Yes, he’s is my father, and I’ve been the head of the Foundation for a long time. I take it you’ve heard of the Foundation as well?”
I knew about the Jerry Ellis Foundation and corporation but not as much as I should have, but ever since I was preoccupied with college, my life was different after that. All I knew about it was that they were formed to keep the history of Jerry Ellis and all he had accomplished alive. He was also a local legend here in Sutton Hill and did a lot of charitable work in the community in his later years.
The Foundation ran charitable events throughout the year raising money for youth in the arts, the
Jerry Ellis Scholarship Fund and set up several for-profit businesses building brand awareness and the Ellis name and all that he represented.
“Yes, I’ve heard of it, but I don’t exactly know too much but wow, would have never guessed you two were related. Gosh, anyone who’s anyone knows who Jerry Ellis is.”
“To me, he was just my father.” Sam shrugged.
“I get that. You probably thought the limelight was a normal occurrence and didn’t see it for what everyone else saw it as.”
“Don’t get me wrong, he’s an amazing man, but he was just my father and one of my family. I was so young when he was in the music industry, I didn’t understand it for what it was. By the time I was old enough to know what he had accomplished, he had already retired. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to go on a rant. It wasn’t my intention.” Sam apologized profusely.
“No, it’s okay. I understand what you’re saying.”
“So you told me you loved Sutton Hill right?” Sam asked.
“Yeah, definitely.” I agreed.
“I guess it would be to someone on the outside but living in a place like this, it can be exhausting. I love living by the bay, but the sacrifices you have to make being here doesn’t seem entirely worth it some days. I shouldn’t be telling you all of this, we just met.” Sam remarked.
“No, it’s okay. I appreciate the honesty.”
Before he could explain further, a man I didn’t recognize walked up to Sam. He was wearing an expensive three-piece suit, had white hair with a receding hairline that gave away the fact that he was at least a decade older than Sam. The older gentleman slapped Sam on the back with a devilish grin on his face.
“Sam, there you are! I have been looking all over for you.”
“Mark, sorry about that. Coming to these events always keeps me occupied. I think I am all talked out.” Sam shook his hand firmly.
“It is quite the event, indeed. Who might you be?” the older gentleman, Mark, eyed me.
“Mark, this is Jamie Winters.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said as I shook his hand.
The older gentleman chuckled, “You always are Sam. You are quite in demand by the stakeholders and by the ladies.” Mark said suggestively as he nudged Sam in the ribcage and winked at me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Winters.”
“Mark Ripley is the Foundation’s attorney,” Sam explained.
“Guilty as charged!” Mark guffawed. “Say, Sam. Jack Holden has interesting ideas that could help with your pursuit of NSK. It could also be a great partnership between the estate and his firm. Let me introduce you to him.” Mark said. “I’m sorry, Ms. Winters but I’m going to have to steal him away.”
“Be my guest.” I smiled.
“I’ll join you in a minute,” Sam said.
“Time’s ticking, Sam. Don’t keep him waiting. Opportunities like this don’t last forever.” Mark had urged before he disappeared into the crowd.
“Charming guy,” I said sarcastically.
Sam looked at me and sighed, “He can be a little abrupt, but he is a good man.”
“It’s okay. It’s not like it’s the first time that’s happened and it probably won’t be the last. You should get going, it looks like it was crucial that you meet this Jack Holden guy.”
“Apparently.”
“Plus, I’ve got to get back too. Intermission is almost over. It was nice seeing you again.” I said as I awkwardly held out my hand to shake his. I wasn’t quite sure what the proper protocol in Sutton Hill was for these types of situations.
“Likewise.” Sam quietly chuckled as he shook my hand before following Mark into the crowd.
Chapter Four
JAMIE
“WHAT WAS THAT ALL ABOUT, HMM?” John teased.
“Yeah, who was he?” their drummer, Aaron chimed in while Lily laughed.
“Who? I have no idea what you mean.” I teased back to avoid their interrogation.
“You know what we mean. Who was that guy you were talking to just now? You seemed awfully chummy. I mean you two were talking for a long time.” John pointed out.
“Oh, he was just some guy.” I waved him off.
“He wasn’t just some guy. We all saw the two of you talking. You were practically standing there grinning from ear to ear at him. Like ‘Oh, mystery man. You rock my socks!” John teased.
“Oh hush!” I playfully shoved him.
“Come on guys, the break is nearly over. We’ve got an hour or so to go.” Jackson, our bass player, pointed out.
“Keep avoiding the subject, Jamie, we will get an answer one way or another.” Aaron pointed his drumstick at me before sitting at his drum kit.
“Sure you will.” I readjusted the mic stand.
Ninety minutes later, the main festivities of the Gala were over, and the city was getting ready to start the fireworks show. The attendees were encouraged to congregate at the nearby beach.
“Hey Jamie, it looks like everything is pretty much packed into the van. We’re ready to take off. If we leave now, we will still be able to go to Lily’s cousin’s BBQ party.” Jackson urged.
“You know what? I think I’ll just stay here a bit longer. Maybe watch the fireworks a little.”
“Are you serious? We always go together. It’s like tradition!”
“You’re going to stay here? Are you sure, Jamie?” Lily joined in the questioning. “We always go to my cousin’s house after a gig, especially on the Fourth of July. You know that.”
“Yeah, I know. I just want to stay and watch the fireworks.” I repeated.
“You can watch the fireworks at Jose’s house. It’s all the same fireworks anyway.” Lily explained.
“I just want to stay here a little bit longer. Go ahead without me, I’ll be there later.”
“Is this about your mystery man?” John teased.
“No, of course not. Besides, I don’t know where Sam is. He might have left by now.” I laughed.
“Sam is it?” Aaron chuckled.
“Okay, but how are you going to get there? We will have the van.” Lily asked.
“I’ll call for a ride. Stop worrying, have a fantastic time. I’ll be there later.” I hugged each of them goodbye.
“Call us when you are on your way, okay?” John suggested over his shoulder as he picked up the rest of the equipment and put them inside the van while Aaron, Lily, and Jackson got inside.
“I will,” I said as I waved them goodbye. I turned around to see the crowd dispersing out of the building and walking towards the beach that was a mere few blocks away.
It was a chilly night, and the breeze blowing had me slightly shivering. The closer I got to the beach, the colder it got. The group congregated on the beach, and most were prepared to watch the festivities and had their lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks in tow.
Some were sitting in their lawn chairs, others sat on their large beach blankets sprawled across the sand while others like me stood. The one thing we all had in common was that we all looked up towards the sky in awe at the fireworks display that seemed to boom throughout the heavens.
After several minutes, I felt a light touch on the small of my back that gave me more goosebumps that already started to develop from the wind. I turned around to see Sam standing there, and I smiled back at him.
“Oh, hi again.”
“Didn’t think you’d still be here after the event. Where is the rest of your band?” Sam asked.
“They went to a party,” I explained.
“You didn’t go with them?”
“No, I wanted to stay and watch the fireworks.”
“They have fireworks everywhere. The ones here aren’t all that different. Sutton Hill doesn’t go out of their way to make them extraordinarily unique.”
“I know, but I just wanted to watch them here. I’m going to join them later.”
“Well, that’s good. Is someone picking you up?”
“Do you want a ride? I could take you. I’m not doing anything after this.” Sam asked.
I should take him on his offer, it would prolong my time with him.
“Are you sure? It wouldn’t be a problem.”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll be fine.” I smiled assuring him. “The fireworks are so beautiful; it is my favorite part of the holiday. That is, after the BBQ hamburgers and hotdogs.” I confessed.
“You’re shivering. You must be cold. Do you want to wear my jacket?” Sam asked.
“No, it’s okay. I’m used to the cold weather.”
“Please, I insist.”
After putting his suit jacket around me, he told me about his family’s holiday traditions, “Growing up, it was a tradition in my family to go out on my dad’s boat and sail out a mile and watch the fireworks from the war. They were some of my favorite times.”
“Do you guys still do it? Keep up the tradition, I mean.” I asked.
“Sometimes. Most of my brothers and sisters and their families go on one of my brother, Mark’s boat. It is big enough to hold all of us.”
“Your kids must really love it,” I said.
“Oh, I don’t have any children. I’m not married.”
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t know.” I apologized profusely despite the useful fact that I know knew. It made me wonder, though, why he never had any children. Was he gay? It never occurred to me that he could be.
“It’s okay, you wouldn’t have known.”
“Mind if I ask why? You don’t have to answer that if you don’t want to.”
“I don’t know, to be honest. I mean, it was never a part of the grand scheme of things. When I was younger, I traveled the world and partied a lot. Having children and settling down was the last thing from my mind. Eventually, I had to buckle down when I was approached to take over the organization, and it’s been busy ever since. Besides, I’ve always imagined if I were to have kids, I’d be married and settled. It’s hard to do that if you’re always traveling, meeting with big partners, attending charity events. There’s no time to dedicate to one person consistently.”
Twelve Miles (Serendipity series Book 1) Page 4