by Lois Kasznia
“I’m pretty much free, the only thing is Jordan is playing here next week, and I’d like to see him.”
“What day is today?” Sam could hear him shuffling papers.
“Monday,” offered Sam.
“Can you make it Wednesday? Fly out tomorrow, meet me on Wednesday?”
“Sure.”
“Great. Book your tickets, hotel and limo and keep a receipt so I can reimburse you. Let me know your reservations and I’ll have my driver bring you here.”
“Will do. What’s the best phone number where I can reach you?” Sam slipped into her business mode, overcoming her shyness.
Jett rattled out a number. “It’s private so don’t give it out.” Jett laughed.
“Isn’t that an Arizona number?”
“I like you already. You’ve got a head on your shoulders. Yes, it is. Do you know why?”
“Because your children live in Arizona,” replied Sam calmly.
“I thought you weren’t a fan?” countered Jett.
“I’m not, but I did do my research. Didn’t want to start cold cocked,” admitted Sam sheepishly.
“Can’t wait to meet you, Sam.” Jett chuckled and disconnected the call.
Excited, Sam called Jordan, but he didn’t answer so she left a message. She got busy and booked her plane tickets and winced at the price of nine hundred dollars on such short notice. She made her hotel reservations and called a limo service to pick her up at LAX. Satisfied, she called Jett back and left a message outlining her itinerary. Sam dreaded the next call. Bunny.
“Hey, Mom. It’s me.”
“Hello there, Sam. Where’s your resume. I’ve been waiting for it? I’ve lined up at least four friends who say they want to interview you,” said Bunny.
“There’s been a change in plans,” began Samantha slowly. “You see, I have an interview on Wednesday.”
“Oh honey, that’s great. With what company?” Bunny sounded truly happy.
“It’s not really a company. You see it’s for an organization.” Sam closed her eyes.
“Sam?” warned Bunny. “I know that tone of voice. There’s something you’re not telling me, and I don’t think I’m going to like it.”
“No, I don’t think you will.” Sam swallowed hard, trying to organize her thoughts. “It’s a press assistant position for a famous rock star. He has a business manager to run the business side but I’d be helping with his personal schedule. He needs an organized, sophisticated and polished person.”
“Sam, you have too much education to submit to that level. Why, you’d be hired help like a servant. No way are you taking this job.”
“Mom, I’m thirty-years-old. I can make my own decisions. You know I love running things and I would be great at this job. Besides, the pay is to die for; two hundred grand a year.”
“I still don’t like it. Rock star? Do I know him? “ Bunny’s voice stilled as she put two and two together. “Your brother set you up with this, didn’t he? Didn’t he?” Bunny began screaming now. “Don’t tell me you’re going to be running around with all those music druggies like he is?”
“No,” explained Sam. “I’m the one who stays home, and I don’t know if he’s a druggie. I don’t think so. I think he’s past that stage.” Sam closed her eyes and she delivered the last punch. “It’s in Los Angles, too. I’d be moving there.”
“The answer is no, and that’s final. You’re my baby and I’m not going to have you traipsing to the other side of the country. It’s bad enough I worry about your brother. I don’t care how much money he offers you. Find a good job here instead. This is Chicago. Surely, you can find a rock star around here.”
“Mom, this is my life, not yours. I’m leaving tomorrow to interview with Jett and I should be back on Friday. I’m putting Cracker in the kennel, so you don’t have to worry about him.”
“I can’t believe you’re doing this, Sam. This is so…so impetuous of you. You’re only thinking of yourself and not your poor parents.”
“Yes, I am thinking of me and my life. I would regret it terribly if I didn’t take this chance. I think you’re the one who is being selfish. You don’t want me leaving.”
“Well,” said Bunny. “Can’t you see it’s all wrong for you?”
“Then, let me make my own mistakes.” Sam ended the call, pushing her mother’s negativity away. She then called her best friend, Deb Cicone, to tell her about the change in her life. At least Deb appeared to be excited for her.
****
Sam boarded the plane thinking the worst part of this had been putting Cracker in the kennel. He didn’t understand and carried on horribly. Her heart twisted in agony over it. She grimaced at her seat number, twenty-seven C, all the way in back of the plane. Sam had never flown first class and looked on enviously as the people sat in the wide seats, drinks in hand either reading or chatting. Maybe one day, she thought to herself. She had no carry-on luggage, so she trudged on back to her seat. At least she had an aisle seat where she could stretch her long legs. A young lady sat in the window seat and she smiled at Sam. Sam smiled back, buckled her seat belt and pulled out a novel she had been meaning to read.
“Oh, I just love that author,” said the woman. “By the way, my name is Robin.”
“I’m Samantha. I agree, this author is great I can’t wait to start reading this one.” Hint, hint. Sam didn’t really want to talk. She hoped to get this read by the end of the flight.
“Are you visiting or are you on business?” asked Robin.
“Business,” said Sam, trying to keep the conversation short.
“What do you do?” Robin chugged down some coffee which explained her highly charged state of mind.
“Uh,” Sam hesitated not knowing what to tell her, so she lied, “I’m in administration for a Public Relations firm.”
“Oh, how exciting. I’m a teacher and I just took a vacation to Chicago. Lovely city. The food there is to die for. I’m originally from Seattle.”
“Excuse me, ladies, but I think I belong here,” said a low masculine voice. Sam looked up only to be introduced to a man in his early-twenties, obviously a body builder. Sam had a problem looking into his eyes because hers were stuck admiring his abs which were enhanced by his skin tight shirt.
“I’m sorry,” said Sam and she unbuckled her seat belt and stood up to let him in. Even though Sam stood five foot seven, the man towered over her and when he sat down, their shoulders were touching.
“Well, hello there,” said Robin seductively. “I’m Robin, and you are?”
“John.” He turned to Sam expectantly.
“Sam.” She pulled out her book, and began to read, hoping the two of them would get the hint. They did. Robin and John became engrossed in their conversation which made concentration difficult and Sam ended up reading the same paragraph over and over. Sam learned John had planned on meeting up with a friend in Los Angles while they attended a baseball game. The next topic began about motorcycles, which lead into Robin’s story about her ex-husband’s collection of bikes. Then their ages were revealed, Robin had just turned forty and John, twenty-four. Sam tried hard to concentrate, but when she saw Robin squeeze John’s thigh, she almost lost it. Trying to regain her composure, Sam cleared her throat and started the chapter again. A slight movement from John caught Sam’s attention. Sam glanced in John’s direction only to find both Robin and John in a passionate embrace. Sam totally freaked out, breathing deeply in order to still her heart. Gross! Sam caught the flight attendant’s attention and asked for a glass of wine. Sam looked around for an empty seat, but the plane appeared to be full, Sam hung on the edge of the seat towards the aisle as not to have any contact with them. She glanced over at the two of them again and they had their heads together sleeping and holding hands.
When the flight landed, Sam couldn’t move fast enough to get out of there. Since Robin had a three hour layover in Los Angeles, she and John decided to rent a room before her flight. Sam shook her head in dis
gust. Then, she thought of Jett and his reputation, and decided she had better suck this up. Probably happened all the time around his place. While walking to the baggage claim area, Sam’s cell phone rang and Jordan’s name appeared on the display.
“Hey, little sister, where are you?” boomed Jordan.
“Just landed at LAX.”
“So, you’ve got the interview tomorrow? I spoke with Mom, and is she ever ticked off at the two of us. Says I’m sending you down the path to your demise.” Jordan chuckled.
“She just doesn’t want me to leave, but I’m going through with this.”
“Where are you staying tonight?” asked Jordan.
“At the Hilton. Jett’s driver is picking me up tomorrow morning around eleven. I fly home on Friday. I’m kind of nervous. Maybe, I lead too prudent of a life for a rock star.”
“It’s exactly what Jett is looking for. You’ll be fine. Listen, I gotta run. Playing a gig with Trace Adkins.”
“Country? You’re playing with him?” Sam shook her head in disbelief.
“Hey, a musician is a musician. Keep me posted.”
“Okay.” Sam hung up the phone and reached the baggage area. She saw the limo service she had hired and he packed up her bags and drove her to the hotel. Once inside, she kicked off her shoes and looked around. “I could get used to this,” she murmured as she plopped on the oversized bed and turned on the television. Her phone rang again displaying her friend Deb’s number.
“Sam, how are you? You made it okay?”
“Yeah. You should see this place, Deb. It’s awesome.” Sam rolled around on the luxurious bed.
“Of course you’re going to check out Rodeo Drive?”
“Not this time. Maybe after I get the job. Oh, I have to tell you. Something totally gross happened on the plane.” Sam proceeded to tell her about Robin and John. “Can you believe it?”
“Yes I can, Sam. Sometime it just happens. Maybe it’s not a one night stand. You are too overly cautious. Learn to live, relax a little,” suggested Deb.
“You mean you’d kiss someone you just met on a plane? Really?”
“Yeah, I would.” Deb smiled at Sam’s doubts.
“Oh.” Sam tried to process this information. “I guess I haven’t met anyone where I’d feel something like that.”
“One day. Listen, it’s late here and I’ve got to run. Call me and tell me how it goes. I’m so excited for you!”
“Me, too!” Sam hung up the phone and became lost in thought. Would she ever meet someone where she’d be knocked over by a feather? Sighing, she got off the bed and unpacked her things. She could have easily gone to bed, but Jordan had told her to stay up late so she wouldn’t get jet lag. Freshening up, Sam changed her clothes and headed down to the bar at the hotel for dinner with her laptop in tow.
****
Ian Andrews’ mood went from good to bad pretty quickly. His flight from Maui to LAX had been delayed and the airlines had ‘misplaced’ his luggage. He really hadn’t wanted to come here at all because he hated Los Angeles and his friend, Jett Robinson, could be his most trying client. Ian, being a top architect in the Maui area, had been hired by Jett to remodel the house Jett had just purchased from a rap star having financial difficulties. Jett had gotten it at a steal, but wanted to do some major renovations. Jett’s tour schedule would not allow him to come to Maui and all attempts at faxing ideas and suggestions had wreaked havoc. Jett had flown Ian in for a lengthy meeting to go over details to get the ball rolling
Ian strolled angrily through the lobby of the Beverly Hills Hilton impervious to the ‘come on’ looks from the females in the area. He had learned long ago that his good looks were more of a curse than a blessing. After one failed relationship, female companionship rated last on his list. Ian opened the door of his room and crashed on the bed. Ian sank into the luxurious mattress all but engulfing him. His phone rang and he ignored it, not in the mood to talk to anyone. What he really needed is to get rip roaring drunk. Ian sat up and put his head in his hands and stared into space. Why did he say yes when Jett had approached him? At thirty-two, he didn’t want to answer to anyone but himself. Ian had only taken the job because of the challenge, but Jett had turned it into something ugly. Jett had a tendency to be so egotistical and arrogant. Jett’s behavior gave all rock stars a bad name. Sighing heavily, Ian checked his watch, got up and headed to the hotel bar.
“Table, sir?” The hostess approached Ian with an over-eager smile.
“Bar.” Ian brushed her off, way too familiar with women like her. She wasn’t even his type; bleached blonde, scrawny with too much make up. Ian sat at the bar stool and stole a quick glance around. The bar appeared virtually empty and the bartender greeted Ian right away. “Chivas on the rocks.” The bartender nodded his head and prepared his drink.
“Menu?” asked the waitress.
“Nah, I’m good for now.” Ian checked his phone to see who had called. It had been from his on and off again girlfriend, Jennifer, wanting to make sure he had made it to Los Angeles. They had had a heated discussion about their relationship right before he left. She wanted to take it a step further, and, of course, Ian balked. They both were athletic, enjoyed surfing, racquet ball and the sex never appeared to be a problem. He just didn’t love her. Hell, he didn’t know what to do if he did fall in love, but it sure wasn’t something he felt about Jennifer.
“Hey, Bernie?” A waiter interrupted Ian’s thoughts as he watched the exchange between the waiter and the bartender. “Who does this belong to?” The waiter held a salad and a glass of red wine on a serving tray.
“The lady at the table in the corner. Caesar salad with salmon and a glass of Merlot, right?”
“You got it.” Ian turned around to see this woman and his heart skipped a beat. Talk about drop dead gorgeous. The waiter accidentally spilled the wine on her as he tried to serve her. She jumped up, enabling Ian to get a better view of her. She stood five foot seven, with long, beautiful, chestnut hair that framed her angular face. Her figure fit her just right; not too skinny and filled out in all the right places, but those green eyes held him captive. He could’ve sworn he had seen her somewhere before. He tried his memory banks, but came up blank.
“I’m so sorry,” mumbled the waiter as he clumsily tried to wipe off the red wine off of her skirt.
“I’ll do that, thank you. I need some club soda to get this out,” said the woman as she tried blotting out the stain with water. She stared hopelessly at her beige skirt as the stain grew larger and larger.
“Give me some club soda,” said Ian to the bartender. The bartender quickly handed Ian a cupful of soda and came out from behind the bar. They both approached Samantha.
Sam quickly glanced at the two of them, realizing they were trying to help. “Thanks,” said Sam, not even looking at Ian as she rubbed vigorously at the stain.
“Bathroom is over there to your left,” said the bartender. “I’ll watch your stuff and the meal is on the house.”
Now, Sam noticed her helpers. “Thanks,” said Sam appreciatively, and that’s when she glanced up and saw Ian’s amused expression. Looking into his hazel eyes, Sam couldn’t catch her breath. Good Lord! A Greek God stood before her. His sandy colored hair lay a little long and carelessly fell around his face. His skin appeared sun kissed and with a trim, athletic and powerful body. His shirt opened to reveal dark blond curly chest hair which Sam wanted to run her hands in it just to feel it.
“Are you okay?” asked Ian, worried because he thought the woman had stopped breathing.
“I’m fine,” stuttered Sam and she felt her cheeks grow warm. “I’m not used to being the night’s entertainment.” She grabbed the club soda from Ian’s hand. “I’ve got to get this stain out before it ruins the skirt.” Sam took off in a run for the bathroom, her heart pounding in her chest. She whipped off her skirt and stood over the sink, pouring the club soda over the stain. Her hands trembled and she couldn’t concentrate. Sam could only think of t
he Greek God. Now, she knew what Deb had been trying to tell her about love. She couldn’t be sure but no other man had ever had such an effect on her. Even growing up under Jordan’s tutelage, none of his friends made her feel this way.
Finally, the stain came out, and Sam held it under the dryer to absorb the water. She didn’t pay any attention to her surroundings thinking only of that man on the other side of the door. She couldn’t wait to call Deb but right now she had to take care of this.
“Hey, the guys sent me in to see if you were okay,” said the hostess as she held the door wide open and peered inside. Sam stood dressed only in her sleeveless tank top and lacy underpants with her high heels. Sam looked at the hostess but worse yet, she glanced into the mirror seeing herself exposed to anyone who wanted to look into the restroom and they were. Sam could see the astonished faces of the bartender and the Greek God staring at her with their mouth’s wide open.
“Close the door!” screamed Sam and the hostess quickly drew the door closed.
“I am so sorry,” mumbled the girl. “I didn’t think they would follow me in here.”
“I’m too embarrassed to go back out there,” said Sam hoarsely.
“Well, you can’t stay in here forever.” The girl checked her makeup in the mirror. “I think that guy is hot. I’d like to get my hands on him.”
“Why don’t you go distract him, while I slip this on? Maybe I can slink away without him seeing me,” suggested Sam.
“Good plan,” agreed the girl. “By the way, my name is Nikki.”
“Nikki, Sam. Tell you what, can you get my purse? Tell them to send everything to my room. I can’t remember the number because it’s in my purse. But my last name is Stevens, okay?”
“Sure.” Nikki swayed out of the bathroom and Sam put her skirt back on. Nikki came back in minutes with Sam’s purse. “I told them you were just drying you skirt and you were okay. I talked to Joe, your waiter, and he’s boxing everything up right now. I’ll go distract them at the bar so you can make your escape.” She smiled at Sam. “I just love this kind of stuff! It had been a dull evening until you showed up.”