by Lois Kasznia
Play for Me
By
Lois L. Kasznia
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
About the Author
www.lazydaypub.com
Play for Me
ISBN-13- 978-1-61258-074-6
ISBN-10- 1-61258-074-2
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Copyright © 2013 Lois L. Kasznia
Cover art by Bret Poinier
This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, any events or locales is purely coincidental. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.
No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission from the publisher LazyDay, with the exception of quotes used in reviews and critical articles.
Dedication
I give sincere thanks to my husband, daughter, Lazy Day Publishing, family and friends who have given me encouragement and support. My stories are based on variations of real life experiences, so I want to thank all of you who have touched my life. My memories of you will always live on.
Chapter One
“I can’t even cry prettily,” sniffled Sam as she looked at herself in the mirror. Sam thought about all the movies she had seen where the leading ladies would cry so stoically. Their eyes would glisten with tears that slipped daintily down their cheeks. Nope. Not her. All she saw were puffy, bloodshot eyes and a red nose that would make W.C. Fields proud. Sam splashed cold water on her face, tightened the belt on her robe and went back to bed, pulling the pillow over her head. Her faithful companion, Cracker, a Siberian Husky, cocked his head in confusion over his owner’s behavior. “Face it, Cracker. Today has to be the worst day of my life.” Even with the pillow over her head, Sam couldn’t shut out the images of the day.
“Samantha? I need to see you in my office right away,” said Paul Levin, CEO of General American Life Insurance, in Chicago, Illinois.
“Yes, sir,” said Sam as she hung up the phone. Taking a quick peek in her compact, Sam smoothed down the curls of her long chestnut hair and then checked her teeth to make sure none of her lunch showed. She grabbed a pad and pen and strode into her boss’ office. Sam worked hard at General American and had climbed the corporate ladder. Within five years, she accepted the position of Vice President of Marketing; a job she took very seriously. Although she and Paul were good friends, she treated him with the utmost respect.
“Have a seat,” said Paul as he got up from his desk to close the door. Sam quickly assessed the reason for this meeting. Nothing good ever came out about a closed door meeting. Her guard came up.
“Is there a problem?” Sam asked cautiously.
“Yes, there is,” said Paul carefully. “You know, Sam, business has been hurting. With the economy and all, people are not buying life insurance. Sales are down and we’re not pulling in the business we should be to keep afloat.”
“But look at the new campaigns we have going,” replied Sam. She started to put two and two together and her heart raced with dread. “So far, they seem to be working.”
“Look, Sam. I’m really sorry, but it’s just not enough. I have to let you go.”
“What?” Sam couldn’t believe this. This job had been her whole life, her everything. She had thrown all of her energy into this job which explained why she still stayed single without any children. “You can’t let me go. You need me, Paul!” Tears started to well up in her eyes, but she made damned sure she wouldn’t embarrass herself in front of Paul.
“I’m sorry, Sam. I really am. The decision came from the Board of Directors. They feel that our marketing needs a new direction.”
“But I thought they liked me,” said Sam in a small voice.
“Yes, they like you, but not where the company is headed. It’s not the end of the world. You’ll land on your feet. They’ve even given you quite a healthy severance package. A year’s salary, plus four weeks of vacation pay. There’s no bonus, since the company is operating in the red.”
“I can’t believe this,” said Sam absolutely stunned. She stood up and looked around not seeing anything but a gloomy future. Thoughts of her new car, her upscale condo payments loomed ahead. She could hear Paul talking, but nothing sank in.
“You need to stop by Human Resources where you’ll get your severance package.”
“What about my things?” asked Sam as she looked at her office. She glanced up and saw Beth, her secretary looking at her with a sympathetic look on her face.
“I’ll have Beth pack it up for you. Sam, I really am sorry. Call me later if you have any questions and if you need a reference, I’ll be more than happy to give one for you.”
****
Sam’s cell phone wouldn’t stop ringing, so she turned it off. Cracker jumped on the bed and stepped on Sam. “Cracker, ouch! Jeesh your nails are long and you shouldn’t be on the bed!” Sam sat up and pushed her long curly mane out of her face. Cracker sat face to face with her. “What?” asked Sam, feeling grouchy. Even her dog wouldn’t leave her alone. “Do you have to go out?” Sam got out of bed and padded to the front door to gather Cracker’s leash. That’s when Sam heard the pounding at the door.
“Samantha Stephanie Stevens! I know you’re in there. Let me in.” Sam cringed at the voice. Mom? This day had gone from bad to worse.
“Mom, I don’t want to talk about it. Please.” Sam had no choice. She opened the door to let her mother in.
“I can’t believe they let you go,” stormed Bunny Stevens. “I’m tempted to give them a piece of my mind.” Bunny appeared beautifully dressed as always, and could have easily passed as Sam’s older sister. Both were tall and trim, with green eyes set in an attractive angular face. Both had beautiful chestnut hair; Sam’s being long with curls where Bunny’s style had been cut in an attractive bob. However, Sam had been more endowed than her mother, something she had always tried to hide, especially in the corporate world.
“My life is over. That’s all there is to it, Mom. I’m going to sell the condo, the car and just live on the streets. Me and Cracker.” Sam flopped on the couch with her back to her mother.
“It’s Cracker and I, and no, you’re not going to live on the streets. You’re going to pull yourself together, whip up that resume and get back to the land of the living. Now!” Bunny had her arms crossed and tapped her foot in anger. “We Stevens are not quitters.”
“Mom, I’ll be okay. I just need to wrap my head around this day. I mean, it’s a total shock. I’ve given this company my heart and soul. I haven’t taken any extended vacations, I’m not married nor have a boyfriend. I have to sort things out.”
“I warned you, young lady. How many times have I told you I wanted a grandchild? It could be too late.”
“Don’t I have a brother for that?” snapped Sam.
“Don’t get me started on him. Traveling all over the world with druggies who call themselves musicians. Ha! He probably has venereal disease.” Bunny then looked at Sam and attempted some humor. “Crying doesn’t help, Sam,” she said softly. “It adds wrinkles to your eyes
.”
“Mother! Stop! Jordan makes plenty of money and he’s not a druggie. It’s what musicians do. They love to perform.” Sam glared at her mother and decided to zing her, “Who knows, you might have grandchildren you weren’t even aware of.”
“Samantha Stephanie Stevens, you just stop right there,” demanded Bunny. “You get dressed. I’m taking you out to dinner.”
“I don’t want to go. I’m not hungry.”
“You’re going!” Bunny took Sam’s arm and pulled her up out of the cushions. She propelled Sam into the bedroom, snatched a pair of jeans and a top from the closet and handed it to her. “Dress.”
“Oh, all right,” Sam stumbled into the bathroom, cursing her mother.
“And why isn’t your cell phone on?” shouted Bunny from the other room. Sam just rolled her eyes.
****
Seated at the restaurant, Sam eyed the menu with disinterest. However, the thought of a Cosmo beckoned her taste buds.
“Sam, take off your sunglasses. It’s not polite to wear them in a restaurant.” Bunny stared determinedly at Sam across the table. “Now, this is what we’re going to do.”
“Order a pitcher of Cosmos?” asked Sam hopefully.
“On one condition. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. You’ve got lots of potential. I don’t know how many times I’ve been through this with your father. Picking computers as a profession proved to be a big mistake.” Bunny shook her head. “But that’s neither here nor there. You’ve got to get your resume together. I have friends in high places where I think I can get you in.” Bunny adjusted her reading glasses and whipped out a notebook and a pen.
“Mom, I haven’t done a resume since college. I’ve had this job since I graduated.” Sam thought about what she had done over the years. Could she write it down? Sure she could. She had been in marketing. She could whip something up. Maybe her mom’s enthusiasm started rubbing off on her. “Okay, so I do the resume. Then what?”
“Give it to me, and I’ll give it to my friends. Also, join Monster, Career Builder, you know, those employment websites. Then, there are job workshops to attend so keep your wardrobe and job skills up to date.”
“Let me do one thing at a time.” Sam stopped short as her phone rang. “Just a minute, Mom. Hello? Jordan? Is that you? Where are you?” Sam mouthed to her mother. “Jordan.”
“Our Jordan?” Bunny sat up, obviously curious.
“Yes,” said Sam. She turned her attention back to her twin brother. “Jordan, what’s up? I’m with Mom.”
“Now what? Are you in trouble?” asked Jordan with a laugh. He knew how his mother and little sister did nothing, but push each other’s buttons.
“I’ll tell you later. Are you going to be in Chicago?” asked Sam excitedly, glad at the prospect of seeing her brother. She really missed him at times like this.
“Yeah, that’s why I’m calling. Next week, I’m going to be playing lead for Asylum Monkees at the House of Blues. I’ll be in town for that night. Is it okay if I stay with you?” asked Jordan.
“Sure! You’re always welcome. Can you get me in?” Sam always liked this part.
“Better yet, I’ll get you a backstage pass.” Jordan smiled as his sister’s enthusiasm.
“Awesome! Wait, Mother wants to talk to you.” Sam handed the phone to Bunny’s outstretched hand.
“To what do we owe the honors, Jordan?” Bunny sounded gruff but she looked pleased to speak to her son. “Sam will be pretty busy, so don’t take advantage of her. She lost her job and has to look for a new one.”
“What? Put Sam back on the phone,” demanded Jordan.
“No, I’m not done yet.” Bunny glanced impatiently at the waitress as she hovered to take their orders. Sam quietly ordered some appetizers and two Cosmos while her mother chatted with Jordan. “Do you need money?” asked Bunny quietly.
“Mom, I’m good. When’s the last time I asked for any? Besides, I wanted to talk to Sam. I’m going to be in town for a night. What I could use is your infamous pot roast for dinner.”
“You sure you don’t need a little something to tide you over?” It killed Bunny that Jordan didn’t need any money.
“I’m good, Mom. Really. Let me talk to Sam.” Bunny reluctantly handed the phone back to Sam.
“I’ll be there as soon as I can, Sam. Tell you what. Why don’t you call me later and tell me all about it. If it’s true, I just might have a job for you.”
“Really? Doing what?” This certainly got Sam’s attention.
“Call me later. I’ll be waiting.” Jordan ended the call, leaving Sam even more curious.
“What did Jordan say and what did you order?” demanded Bunny.
“He said he had to go and would talk to me later. I just ordered a little something and a Cosmo. I’ll do my resume first thing tomorrow and will get it to you pronto.” Sam put her elbows on the table with her chin in her hands and stared at her mother. “What’s next?”
“I should be a career counselor instead of a stay at home mom,” replied Bunny. Sam listened painfully as the night progressed.
****
“Jordan? It’s Sam.” She felt exhausted from spending an evening with Bunny.
“Hey, little sister. What happened? I can always tell when Bunny is on a roll. You have to get out of that city.”
“Oh Jordan, it’s been awful. They laid me off. Five years of service down the drain. Mom found out about it because my secretary told her when she called me.” Sam sat on the couch with her legs curled up. Her glass of Merlot sat dangerously on the arm of the couch.
“Which is why I don’t work nine to five and I’m my own boss. Sam, you’re a strong person. You were meant to do other things. Besides you’re a spinster. When is the last time you had a date?”
“Jordan, don’t even go there. You sound like Mom. She’s always trying to fix me up with someone. I just haven’t found anybody worthwhile.”
“That’s because you’re not looking hard enough, but enough of this. Just the other day, I ran into Jett Robinson from the eighties rock group, Savvy.”
“Oh I can’t stand him!” uttered Sam. “He thinks the world of himself. I even refuse to watch his reality show.”
“Now, don’t be too hasty, little sister. He could be your ticket to a new career,” warned Jordan.
“What? I refuse to go on his show and slither all over him. He’s old and washed up.”
“Sam, he’s nothing like that in person. It’s all an act. He’s actually a really nice guy. Here’s the gig. You wouldn’t be on his show; you’d be his press assistant. He’s looking for a really sharp woman who is just the opposite of the bimbos you see on the show. This person would answer his emails, make appointments, weed out people looking to cash in on his money. Things like that. You’d be paid very well, and would run your own shop.”
“I don’t know,” said Sam. “I did get a nice severance package so I’m not hurting for money.” Still, curiosity won out. “How much money?”
“We’re talking close to two hundred grand a year plus fringe benefits,” tempted Jordan.
“You’ve got be kidding,” stated Sam, stunned. “That much money? What do you mean fringe benefits?”
“I don’t know all of it, but clothes, cars, lunches. Stuff like that. I told him about you and he really wants to meet you. Of course, this would mean living in Los Angeles. Think you can handle it?” challenged Jordan.
“How did you meet him? I know you’ve played with a lot of famous people, but wow. I’m impressed.”
“I’m helping the band with their latest song to be released next month. They needed an extra lead guitar and they found me. He and I got to talking for hours and this came up. I told him I had an awesome little sister who has been wasting her time in the corporate world. I showed him your picture and he said you were exactly what he wanted.”
“You showed him my picture? Which one? Jordan, I take lousy pictures. You know that.” Sam covered her eyes, mortified. She
tried to think which picture Jordan had of her.
“No, you don’t. Well, do I have you convinced yet?”
“Ohmigod. Let me think about this. It’s so sudden.” Sam closed her eyes, trying to absorb it all.
“Good. I’ll let him know you’re interested. He’ll probably want you to fly out as soon as you can for an interview.”
“Get the details and I’ll whip up my resume. Will he pay for the flight out there?”
“Don’t worry about the resume. Jett isn’t into things like that. It’s the word of mouth in this business.”
“Oh.” Another thing Sam couldn’t understand, but she tried to go with the flow here. “How do I get in touch with him?”
“I’ll give him your phone number. Catch you later, Sam.” Jordan hung up, and Sam sat there staring into space, mulling over the conversation. She jumped up and booted up her lap top and searched everything she could about Jett and Savvy.
Chapter Two
“Sam? This is Jett Robinson. I got your number from Jordan.”
“Jett? Oh yes, Jordan said you’d be calling me.” Sam couldn’t believe she had Jett on the phone. He sounded like such a normal person, not this big oversexed rock star. Well, maybe he’s not that old.
“Good. Jordan told you what I am looking for?”
“More or less. He said I’d be helping out with your fan base and making sure everything runs smoothly.”
“That’s right. I need someone who is organized and can pretty much take control of running the organization. But the most important thing is that you’re not a fan.”
“He told you that?” asked Sam in surprise.
“Hey, I’m not offended at all. Too many people get caught up in the character I play and can’t do the job right. I need someone with a perspective to keep the real world from the make believe world. What does your schedule look like?” Jett sounded all business.