by Lois Kasznia
“Welcome to my life,” said Sam, sighing. Okay, she had to give up the Greek God, but hadn’t she made a fool of herself already? Sam gave Nikki about three minutes and she slipped out the door unnoticed and made a bee line to the elevators. Once in her room, she closed the door and fell into the bed face first. Of all the embarrassing things to happen. Good Lord. Someone knocked on the door and a voice yelled, “Room Service.” Sam got off of the bed and opened the door slowly.
“This is on the house.” He set the tray down carefully. “And this is from one of the guests at the bar.” He handed Sam a bottle of red wine. “He also has a note here.” The waiter fumbled in his pants pocket. “Here,” he said as he handed the note to Sam. Sam took the note and stared at it. She then looked at the waiter who had cleared his throat.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Tip.” Sam took some money from her purse and handed it over to the waiter. “Thanks.” She closed the door and slowly opened the note.
“Sorry you had a rough evening. If you’re up to it, why don’t you come back down and meet me for a drink. Ian.”
“Yeah, right,” said Sam sarcastically. “You probably think I’m an idiot and will hop into bed with you right away. You might be the most gorgeous guy on this planet, but I’m no fool.” Sam opened Ian’s bottle of wine, ate her dinner and tried to quell her nervousness about tomorrow’s interview.
****
Ian stood still, thunderstruck when he saw the woman clothed only her in lace panties and high heels. The image burned in his memory and no matter how much he drank, he couldn’t get it out of his mind. He had to find out her name. He didn’t think she would take him up on his note, but at least he could try, right? The bartender and the waiter were mum on her identity, so he couldn’t even get past them. Ian started getting drunker and now the blonde hostess didn’t look all that bad.
“I get off at eleven,” said Nikki as she sidled up to Ian.
“Great. I’ll buy you a drink,” slurred Ian
“Hey, buddy. I think you’ve had enough,” said the bartender with a frown for Ian.
“I’ll switch to Coke,” said Ian as Nikki sat down beside him. “What would you like? Nikki, is it?”
“Nikki.” She turned to the bartender. “I’ll have a Captain and Coke.”
“You were a big help today with that lady,” commented Ian. “Thanks for going into the bathroom to check up on her.”
“No big deal.” Nikki shrugged. “She seemed really nice. If it were me, I’d be yelling and screaming. But let’s talk about you.” Nikki placed her hand on Ian’s leg. “What brings you to Los Angeles?”
“Business.” Ian tried to figure out how to get back on the subject of the woman.
“Okayyy,” drawled Nikki. “What kind of business.”
“Tell you what, Nikki. I’ll answer your question if you answer one for me.” Ian looked at her pensively
“Sure, what would you like to know?” Nikki pouted prettily.
“How old are you?”
“I’m twenty-four. I just graduated from college. I plan to be an actress.” She tossed her long, blonde hair to the side. “I might be getting a break. Someone is hooking me up with Girls Next Door.”
“Man, that’s big,” commented Ian, not at all impressed.
“So, what’s your business?”
“Houses. Design and remodel.” Ian took a drink of his Coke.
“Who do you design them for? Are you planning on somewhere around here?” asked Nikki.
“Nope. In Maui.”
“So, what are you doing here?” asked Nikki.
“That’s another question,” said Ian. “I get to ask another one.”
“You’re funny,” laughed Nikki. “I like you.”
“Thanks.” Ian patted her hand like he would a little girl’s. “Here’s my question; the lady in the bathroom? What’s her name?”
“Why do you want to know?” Nikki became suspicious.
“Here,” said Ian to the bartender. “Nikki needs another drink.” He turned his attention back to Nikki. “Do you ever have the feeling you know someone, but can’t remember where you saw them let alone remember their name?”
“Of course. So you think you know this person?”
“I do. It’s really weird, you know? But now that’s another question.”
“I have to watch you,” laughed Nikki. “Okay, one question at a time.” Another drink had appeared in front of Nikki, and she had no problem downing that one, too.
“I could make this worth your while.” Ian settled into the chair, this thought just popped into his mind. “Do you have a business card? Have you ever watched Cradle of Lust?”
“Why, what are you talking about?” Nikki looked at him suspiciously.
“Let’s just say my client?” He didn’t even have to finish.
“Jett Robinson?” shrieked Nikki. “No way! Really?”
“Yup. If you give me your card, I’ll give it to him when I see him tomorrow.”
“Ohmigod! You’d do that for me? This is awesome!” Nikki dug in her purse and pulled out a business card with her picture on it. “Here, take three of them in case he loses them. I can’t believe this.” She quieted down for a moment. “What’s the catch? Sex?”
“Nope. Just the lady’s name.”
“That’s it? No sex? Bummer! I am h-o-t!” She took her index finger and ran it along her leg and then blew on it.
“I’m saving you for Jett. I hear he’s insatiable.” Ian winked at her.
“I can’t wait! The lady’s name is Samantha Stevens and she’s in room two-twenty-one. Don’t tell her I told you.”
“You are a sweetheart, Nikki. Here, have another drink on me and I’ll make sure Jett gets a chance to meet you.”
“You’re great. Are you sure you don’t want some hot sex?”
“Positive. I’m too old for you.” Ian kissed the top of her head and walked away. Samantha Stevens, Stevens. “I know that Stevens name from somewhere, but where?” Sighing hopelessly, Ian went to his room in a funk.
Chapter Three
Nervously, Sam kept checking her reflection in the mirror to make sure she presented the ‘right’ image as if she knew what image she wanted. She wore a navy blue suit, a white silk blouse with a v-neckline. The jacket hung long over her short skirt. Sam wore a long silver necklace with matching earrings and a silver watch. Her hair draped down round her face and lightly brushed with curls. Her makeup had been done tastefully with just a touch of mascara and a nude color lipstick. Sam knew that Jett wasn’t tall, so she wore only two inch heels. Jordan wasn’t that tall, either, and being around women taller than him always bothered him. Okay, time for D-Day. Sam walked to the elevator and took it down to the Lobby where she had been instructed to meet the limo driver just inside the reception area. She scanned the crowd and didn’t see anyone who resembled a limo driver, so she took a seat. As she watched the crowd, she saw the Greek God walk into the area. Her heart skipped a beat and she prayed that he wouldn’t notice her. Maybe if she didn’t pay attention and looked the other way, he wouldn’t notice her. Sam positioned herself so that her back faced him and she stared at the potted plants in the corner. When she looked up at the paintings on the wall, Sam could still keep an eye on him through the glass reflection. Ian had dressed casually in long shorts, a Hawaiian theme shirt and wore flip-flops. He carried a large circular tube under his arm which Samantha presumed were blue prints. He scowled and he glanced at his watch. His eyes went to the door and he headed right towards where Sam sat. Sam bent down to flick an imaginary speck of dirt from her shoe, her hair falling down hiding her face. Didn’t work. Ian smiled as he sauntered up to greet Sam.
“You didn’t show up last night,” pointed out Ian.
“I had other plans, sorry.” Sam smiled to be pleasant, but her heart wouldn’t stop pounding in her chest. She had never been this nervous with a man.
“Too bad, you missed a good time. Or so I think.” Ian smiled when Sam roll
ed her eyes. “I didn’t mean that how it sounds. I’ll start over. Name’s Ian. Ian Andrews.” He held out his hand.
“Samantha Stevens,” murmured Sam as she shook his hand. His hand felt strong and firm. Sam blushed as she thought of his hands over her body. Now where did that come from? She shook herself mentally trying to get a grip. His hazel eyes had her totally captivated.
“Samantha Stevens.” Ian shook his head, not letting go of her hand. “You know, that name sounds awfully familiar. And you look familiar.” He stared at her intently.
“Well, according to my family, there’s only one of me. Maybe I have a cosmic twin somewhere in the universe.” Sam reluctantly let go of his hand.
“I can tell you’re not from around here,” commented Ian trying to place her accent. “New York?”
“No, Chicago.” Sam felt uncomfortable as Ian stared a hole into her. “You’re from around here?”
“Born and raised in San Diego, but I live in Maui now.” Ian had taken a seat next to Sam.
“I’ve never been to Hawaii. Maybe one of these days,” commented Sam.
“It’s a great place to live. Surfing there is out of this world, and you can easily try one of the other islands. Do you surf?”
“I’m from the Midwest. There’s no ocean; only Lake Michigan,” laughed Sam. “I’ve never even swam in an ocean.”
Sam’s remark threw Ian a curve because he had never met anyone who hadn’t been in an ocean. “Really?” exclaimed Ian. He loved the way Sam’s eyes sparkled when she laughed and the little wrinkles around her eyes were endearing. He wanted to always have Sam smiling.
“Really. I can do wake boarding, and I am pretty awesome at snowball fights.” Sam raised her head proudly, waiting for Ian’s response.
“Well there you go. I’ve never even seen snow. I’m pretty much a water guy.” He stopped and regrouped his thoughts. “So, what brings you out here?”
“I have an…” Sam stopped short when a burly man interrupted their conversation.
“Ian?” The man clasped Ian’s hand to shake heartily.
“Toby, good to see you, my man. Is Jett ready for me?”
“You must be Samantha,” said Toby as he reached for Sam’s hand. “Toby McEntyre, employee of Jett Robinson.”
“Pleased to meet you,” said Sam liking him already, but appeared confused. She turned to Ian. “You have a meeting with Jett?”
After a couple of minutes of uncomfortable silence, Ian’s curiosity won out. “I’m going to ask you the same question,” said Ian just as confused.
“You both do,” laughed Toby. “Jett’s a busy man and his touring schedule needs to get a few kinks worked out. Ian, he’ll meet with you first and then with Samantha. Limo is right this way, folks.” Ian and Sam followed him blindly and crawled into the back seat facing each other.
“What are you seeing Jett about?” asked Ian first.
“I have an interview with him.” Sam felt a little shocked about both of them meeting Jett.
“Are you going out for his reality show? Because, honey, you’re not dressed for the part. I don’t mean to be rude, but…” Ian shook his head.
“How dare you?” accused Sam, defensively. “I’m not anything like that. The job is a press assistant. According to the description, he wants just the opposite and he wants someone who doesn’t like his persona.”
“Jett is an animal,” warned Ian. “He can turn nice girls like you into vampires.”
“You don’t have a very high opinion of him, do you?” accused Sam.
“Have you ever met him?” Ian challenged him.
“No, but my brother says he’s cool, and I know my brother wouldn’t put me in danger.”
“Your brother?” Ian looked at her questioningly. “Your brother knows Jett? Are you sure your brother likes you?”
“Well, he better, because he’s my twin,” stated Sam angrily. Greek God had lost his shine in her eyes.
“That’s it!” cried Ian. “I know who you look like. You’re Jordan Stevens little sister. Now I see the resemblance. You’re his twin?” asked Ian incredulously.
“You know my brother? How do you know my brother?” asked Sam astounded.
“He’s one of the best lead guitarists around. Twin? I thought you were his little sister?”
“He always says that because he’s ten minutes older than me.”
“I’m going to talk to Jordan. Is he nuts?” asked Ian, furious at Jordan.
“Hey, only I can say that about my brother,” exclaimed Sam. “Enough about me. Why are you meeting with Jett if you dislike him so much?”
“I’m remodeling his house in Maui. He just bought it and wants it totally revamped. It’s a challenge if anything, something I’m looking forward to, but sometimes dealing with Jett can be a pain in the ass.” Ian looked out the window to get a bearing where they were. “We’re almost here.” He turned back to Sam. “I know we’ve just met, and I really don’t know you, but please be careful.”
“I think I can handle myself,” said Sam still pretty miffed at Ian. Toby had opened the car door and Sam got out first and Ian followed. “Oh my Lord,” said Sam as she took in the size of the mansion. The white stucco two-storied building loomed in a semi-circle with a massive fountain out front. Looking closely, the figurines adorning the fountain were naked mermaids in lewd poses. Sam’s jaw dropped to the ground.
“As you can see, I’m not kidding.” said Ian sarcastically, reading Sam’s mind. “This is an outrage to architects everywhere. Here you have a classic style building to be defrauded as something as ostentatious as this fountain. Jett and I discussed this and Jett promises the one in Maui will be nothing like this.”
“I can see your point,” said Sam in agreement. “But I guess it’s part of his ‘persona’ for Hollywood.”
“Come on in,” said Toby jovially. “Jett changed his mind. He wants to meet with Ms. Stevens first, Ian. He’ll call you in when he’s done.”
“Great,” said Ian, irritated already by the situation. “I’ll take some water.” Ian followed Toby and Sam inside.
“Oh good Lord,” said Sam under her breath, She stared at the foyer with its huge black and white tiled floor that looked like the board of a chess game. A massive chandelier with pink crystals with lights hung from the ceiling. Artwork depicting various sexual positions lined the hallways and along with French Provincial furniture. Toby led Sam back into a recording studio where chaos reigned with various guitars perched on their stands. Soundboards, speakers, microphones and drum sets were placed strategically. Sam had been to a lot of recording studios with Jordan so she could appreciate the excellent pieces of equipment.
“Samantha?” A melodious voice came from behind one of the massive speakers. Out stepped Jett looking nothing like what the gossip magazines portrayed him as. He wore jeans with holes in the knees, flip flops and a large oversized denim shirt. His signature black unruly hair was held back conservatively by a bandana. His vivid blue eyes the color of aquamarine stared intently at her.
“That’s me,” said Sam graciously, trying to hide her surprise. “You can call me Sam.”
“You’re a dead ringer for Jordan.” Jett’s eyes never left her face and he smiled at her warmly
“Well, he is my twin,” explained Sam. “Fraternal. He’s ten minutes older than me, and he’s way taller, as you know.”
“I hope all of this equipment doesn’t intimidate you,” explained Jett as he stepped over the wires to shake Sam’s hand.
“I grew up with Jordan. I’m used to all of this. I can’t tell you how many concerts I’ve helped him with by setting up equipment.”
“Here, let’s go into my office,” said Jett as he led the way to a private room off of the studio. Sam followed him inside to an office sized room with a desk, a laptop and lots of filing cabinets. Papers were strewn about and it looked totally chaotic. “Now, you see where I need help?” said Jett not at all pleased. “I’m a musician and these de
tails escape me. Gina?” Jett threw his hands in the air. “What can I say, but she had no organizational skills.” He stopped abruptly and Sam almost ran into him. “Let me rephrase that. Gina said she was organized, but she had bigger things in mind, if you know what I mean.” Jett looked at Sam pointedly.
“Well then, I’m the right person for you,” said Sam emphatically. “I don’t have lofty ambitions, but I can whip anything into shape.”
“That’s what Jordan said,” said Jett with a smile. “And I do appreciate the way you’re dressed professionally and your good manners.”
“You’re welcome,” said Sam somewhat flattered. “Let’s get down to business.” Sam took a seat and pulled an iPad out of her briefcase. “Now, how do you have things organized?”
“I don’t,” said Jett with a helpless shrug. “I feel like I’m throwing you into the lion’s den. All of this has to be filed and recorded. It’s all of my fan mail. We told Gina to log down everyone who has contacted me, like a base or something. I don’t think she did.” Jett pointed to the laptop. “Who knows what’s on that.”
“You know what, Jett?” asked Sam as she surveyed the damage. “I don’t have anything planned for today, so why don’t I poke around here and try to assess what I need?”
“Could you, Sam? That would be wonderful. Lunch is on me, but you’re on your own for dinner. When can you start full time?”
“I guess I could start now if I can take the laptop home with me. Will I have to find an apartment here, though?”
“No, I have a furnished one in Santa Monica for you to stay. Toby can take you back and forth, but if you need a car, let me know.”
“I have to put my condo on the market and have my belongings put in storage,” said Sam matter-of-factly. “But the most important thing is my dog.”
“Not a problem. I am a big animal lover. I have a personal plane for you at your disposal. When you’re ready, you can bring your dog with you. You can even bring him here, too. So, is it a yes?” Jett looked at her anxiously and Sam didn’t blame him one bit.