by Lois Kasznia
“Just for sex, that’s it?” asked Jen bitterly. “Am I your whore, Ian? Is that all I am?”
“Stop it right there. I never promised you anything. We both agreed to have sex as adults. We had fun while it lasted, but, Jen, you’re pushing me and I don’t like it.” Ian felt his frustration growing.
“Well, I don’t like being treated like a whore.”
“I have never treated you unkindly. You have no right to say that.”
“I never want to see you again. I pity the poor woman you start dating. You’re nothing but slime, Ian. Slime.” The phone clicked loudly in Ian’s ear.
“Damn!” Ian went to the wet bar and poured a healthy shot of scotch. He hated fighting but he knew Jen had been hell bent into railroading him into something he didn’t want. Where did she get this idea? Ian then thought of Sam. Would she act like Jen? He mulled it over for quite a while. No, she wouldn’t. First off, she had said no casual sex, and Ian knew she meant it. Second of all, he couldn’t see Sam as clingy. She had an independent streak to her he admired. But they had plenty of differences too, but that’s what made her attractive to Ian. No, he didn’t know Sam well, but from what he did know, he liked her. What would she say if he told her about Jennifer? Would she not trust him then? He needed to talk to someone because Jen had made him feel lousy. Women! Ian glanced at his watch and noted the time. He quickly made a few phone calls, but still couldn’t switch his reservation. Damn! He hopped into the shower, changed clothes and went downstairs to the bar. His eyes lit up with relief when he saw Jordan sitting at the bar.
“Hey, Ian.” Jordan waved him over to the bar. “I’ll let Sam know where we are.”
“Give her some time. I need to talk to someone.” Ian slumped on the stool next to Jordan.
“It’s not Sam? Is she bugging you?” Jordan looked concerned.
“Not at all. I can’t say enough nice things about Sam.” Ian ordered a drink and then turned to Jordan. “Am I a prick? Tell me honestly.”
“Damn, what brought that on?” Jordan looked at his friend, waiting for an explanation.
“Women. I’ve been seeing this chick at home, maybe for about a year. Ran into her at a bar and we started talking. She likes to surf and rock climb like me. We start making arrangements to go places. Next thing is the sex. She says she’s not looking to settle down, and neither am I. She starts to come over every day and hang out. She’s cool, but I don’t love her, you know?”
“Bro, you don’t have to go any further,” laughed Jordan. In his best female voice, Jordan mimicked, “Why don’t we move in together? Don’t we have something special?”
“How did you know?” said Ian astonished. “I mean, that’s happened to you?”
“Way too many times for me to count. It’s why I’m single.” Jordan stretched his long legs out into the aisle and smiled at Ian.
“Man, it’s like where do they come up with these things?” Ian shook his head. “I’ve always been upfront and honest with her, and then she twists everything around.”
“How old is she?” asked Jordan.
“I don’t know.” Ian looked genuinely confused. “I never asked. I guess maybe thirty or something?”
“That’s pretty bad,” said Jordan with a smile. “I bet it’s her biological clock ticking.”
“My luck.” Ian shrugged his shoulders. “She’s just a friend. I think I remember more about meeting you than I did her.”
“Women are sensitive about that,” explained Jordan. “I should know. Between my sister and my mother…”
“Bunny. Sam told me.” Ian couldn’t let that one pass.
“Bunny is quite the character,” said Jordan ruefully. “She’s got my dad wrapped around her fingers so I know all of the little female wiles she uses to get her way. Thank goodness, Sam is nothing like her mother. I mean they look like they could be sisters, but they are poles apart when it comes to their personalities. Sam is a straight shooter. Calls them like she sees them. The guy she ends up with will be lucky.” Jordan smiled while looking into his beer. “I guess that’s my problem. I want my woman to be just like Sam.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean. I’ve only known her for a couple of hours, and she’s a really nice person.”
“She’s my sister.” Jordan smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Anybody who would hurt her, I’d kill them.”
“Even Jett?” Ian had to know.
“Even Jett,” confirmed Jordan. “Speaking of Sam, there she is.” Jordan turned his head to greet her.
“You two started without me?” Sam came up to them from behind and laid her hand on Jordan’s shoulder. “I have been standing in the lobby waiting and waiting, and then I thought maybe they’re in the bar?”
“Sorry, punk,” said Jordan affectionately. He stood up and whistled at Sam. “You get prettier and prettier every day.” He admired her sundress and three inch high heeled sandals. She really had grown up.
“Stop it, and I’m not a punk.” Sam gave Jordan a quick hug and turned to Ian.
“Hey, long time no see. I’ll take a glass of chardonnay.” Ian offered her his seat and Sam comfortably slid in next to Jordan. “So, what urgent business were you talking about?”
“Guy stuff,” said Jordan lightly. “So, where does everyone want to eat?”
“You were talking about women, Jordan. I know you better. Who’d you dump now?”
“You think it’s me?” Jordan pretended to be hurt.
“I don’t.” Sam smiled at both Ian and Jordan. “I’m fishing.” She then focused in on Ian. “It’s the blonde hostess, Nikki, right?” Sam loved flirting with Ian.
“Who?” asked Ian, trying to focus on the conversation. Sam looked downright delectable and he fought really hard not to take her in his arms and kiss her.
“The blonde from last night. Nikki. She had quite the crush on you.”
“Her? She’s not my type at all.” Ian waved his hand dismissively. “I gave her card to Jett.”
“So, I’m going to be seeing her again?” groaned Sam.
“Can someone tell me what’s going on?” demanded Jordan totally confused.
“Nikki is the hostess at the bar,” explained Sam. “She couldn’t wait to get her hands on Ian.”
“After the waiter spilled wine on Sam’s skirt,” began Ian.
“Not again, Sam.” Jordan shook his head. “Sam has a penchant for trouble. Never a dull moment in her life.”
“Stop!” Sam took a drink of her wine. “So, what’s for dinner? Ian and I had Mexican this afternoon, so that’s out. How about Italian?”
“La Dolce Vita,” both Ian and Jordan cried.
“Even I know that’s one of the most popular restaurants. Don’t you need an invitation or reservation to get in?” Sam stared at her brother.
“Hey, give me some credit.” Jordan finished his drink and Ian paid their bill.
“Aren’t you Jordan Stevens?” A young man dressed in a grungy tee shirt walked up to Jordan. “Man, I love your music. You’re the best. Can I have your autograph?”
“Sure,” said Jordan easily and he signed a napkin with his name.
“As your little sister, I’m impressed,” said Sam.
“And this is how we’re going to get into the restaurant.” Both Ian and Sam followed Jordan outside, where they caught a cab. After much negotiating, Jordan landed them a table and Sam tried not to gape at all the celebrities who were eating there.
“Jordan, isn’t’ that John Travolta and Danny DiVito?” whispered Sam excitedly.
“Yup, that’s them,” said Ian laughing at Sam. “You better get used to this working with Jett, in case he ever takes you out.”
“Okay,” said Sam trying to regain her composure. “Are you making fun of me?”
“No, not at all,” laughed Ian. “It’s refreshing to see a real person in the land of plastic.”
“Jordan Stevens, my man. How goes it?” A familiar figure approached them.
“J
eff? Doing good.” Jordan heartily shook hands.
“What brings you here?” asked Jeff.
“Hanging for a couple of days before I tour. Helping out here and there,” explained Jordan.
“Want to jam a little later on? A few of us are getting together,” said Jeff.
“Cool. Same place? I’ll be there,” replied Jordan.
“Yup,” said Jeff as he looked at Sam intently and then at Jordan. “Is that your sister?”
“My baby sister, Samantha.” said Jordan proudly. “You should hear her play.”
“Jordan stop,” hissed Sam and turned to Jeff. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Beckett.”
“Then why don’t you stop by, too?” asked Jeff.
“We’ll see,” said Sam, feeling her face turn beet red.
“Sam’s a little shy, but once she gets going, she’s great.” Jordan gave Sam a brotherly hug.
“Well then I look forward to hearing you. Later.” Jeff turned to Sam. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” said Sam with a fake smile plastered on her face. She watched Jeff retreat before she addressed Jordan. “Jeff Beckett? You just asked me to jam with the Jeff Beckett? Are you nuts?”
“It’ll be a good learning experience,” said Jordan ignoring Sam’s theatrics.
“You didn’t say you played professionally,” said Ian in awe.
“I don’t.” said Sam between clenched teeth. She took quite a large sip of her wine.
Jordan looked up at Ian with an explanation. “Sam is probably just as good as I am, but she freaks out when she has to play in front of anyone. She kind of goes blank.”
“Kind of blank?” retorted Sam. “Try fainting, as well.”
“I used to have that problem, too. But then I thought of them without having any clothes on and that seemed to work.” Ian swirled his drink and smiled at Sam.
“Naked?” Sam looked at Ian suspiciously. “You show someone your house designs and you picture them naked? Is that why you have all those women clients on your phone?”
“What’s this about?” asked Jordan as he watched the expression on Ian’s face.
“Sam and I have the same phone and we exchanged numbers. She peeked at my list even though I didn’t look at hers.” Ian frowned.
“Because I don’t have any.” Sam shook her head. Men.
“She’s right, you know. Sam scares away all men,” Jordan baited Sam.
“You know, Jordan. You can be such a pain in the ass.” Sam glared at her brother.
“Do you two always bicker like this?” Ian couldn’t help but chuckle.
“We haven’t seen each other in a while,” explained Jordan. “We’ve got some catching
up to do.” He turned to Sam. “Did you bring your guitar?”
“No,” said Sam confused. “Why would I bring my guitar?”
“You’re in Los Angeles. You had an interview with Jett. I told him you knew how to play guitar.”
“That’s not what he hired me for.” Sam looked at her menu, not seeing a thing. Thoughts of killing her brother crossed her mind. She could see the headlines now.
“It’s okay,” said Jordan nonchalantly. “I have two with me. You can borrow Kim.”
“I hate Kim,” said Sam crossly. “You know that. She and I don’t get a long at all.”
“Kim?” asked Ian totally lost.
“His guitar. He named it after an old girlfriend whom I hated,” said Sam with disgust. “Besides, I’m not going.”
“Yes you are.” Jordan stood firm.
“No, I’m not!”
“You’d let Jeff Beckett down?” Jordan gave Sam a pained look.
“Yeah, I would.” Sam crossed her arms over her chest and glared at her brother.
“You’re just nervous. Are you afraid because I’m better than you and you can finally admit it?” Jordan had pressed the button he expected.
“Those are fighting words, Jordan Ray Stevens.” Sam started to get up, but Ian forced her to sit back down.
“Would you two stop it?” demanded Ian. “The two of you are acting like children.” He turned to Sam. “You’re playing whether you like it or not. I want to hear you.”
“Fine,” growled Sam. “You better get me drunker than a skunk.” Sam did not want to do this and tried to figure out ways to back out. She glared at Jordan, who only smiled at her.
“Now, let’s get some food,” said Ian as he looked at the menu.
The rest of the evening passed quickly as all three of them had a great time. Ian fell more in love with Sam, something that did not go by unnoticed by Jordan. Especially when Sam excused herself to use the facilities.
“Hey, Ian,” began Jordan slowly. “Do you have a thing for my sister?”
“I hadn’t planned on it, but yeah. I do.” Ian looked at Jordan evenly. “She’s so different than any of the women I’ve met. She’s smart, sassy, and intelligent, not to mention downright gorgeous.”
“Like I said, I want my woman to be just like her. But remember my warning,” said Jordan slowly. “Don’t hurt her.”
“I’d never hurt her,” vowed Ian. “Why would I?”
“Well, in case you forgot, what did we talk about earlier? Remember the girlfriend in Maui?”
“I do, and I’m not attracted to her the way I’m attracted to Sam,” answered Ian honestly.
“Now what are you two talking about?” asked Sam as she returned to her seat. “The two of you look like you’re going to break into a fist fight.”
“Nothing,” said Jordan still keeping his eyes on Ian. “We’re good. Ready to head on out?”
“Not really,” said Sam. “Look, I promised Jett that I would do some work tonight, so I’m going to skip the music thing. Thanks for dinner, guys.”
Sam got her purse and started to get up when Jordan grabbed her elbow. “You’re coming along, and that’s final.”
“I agree with Jordan,” said Ian as he took Sam’s other elbow. She tried to throw both of them off, but it didn’t work. Frustrated and close to tears, Sam got in the taxi with them, along with Jordan’s two guitars and duffle bag. Ian sat close to Sam and took her hand and squeezed it gently. “You’re going to do fine. You got me and Jordan there for support.”
“No, you don’t understand. Jordan wants to humiliate me. He knows I panic when I play in public.”
“I’m not going to humiliate you,” said Jordan. “Where did that come from? Huh? I challenge you is what I do. You have all this talent and you don’t use it.”
“I want to hear this talent,” said Ian.
“I’d rather be surfing,” said Sam sullenly.
“But you don’t surf?” asked Ian, confused.
“I’d be trying now, so I don’t have to play.” Sam squared her shoulders.
“Here we are,” said Jordan excitedly as the cab came to a stop. He grabbed his bags and guitars.
Ian held Sam’s hand leading her into the dark and smoky atmosphere of the club. Sam’s eyes adjusted and she felt acutely aware of Ian’s arm around her waist. They followed Jordan as he waved to people he knew and reached a table. There was a band playing and they didn’t sound half bad and Sam started to relax a little bit. Maybe she wouldn’t have to play. They ordered a round of drinks and were soon joined by some of Jordan’s friends.
“Hey, dawgs, this is my sister, Sam. She’s going to play with us tonight.” Jordan introduced Sam to his friends.
“Hey, Sam.” They shook her hand and looked expectantly at Ian.
“Ian, just a good friend and moral support for Sam.” Ian shook their hands, his arm possessively around Sam’s waist.
“I don’t want Kim,” whispered Sam to Jordan. “Who else do you have?”
“I’ve got a new one and she’s sweet.” Jordan opened up another case and Sam picked up the guitar. She did a silent run through of the frets of her guitar workout with a smile.
“Sweet. I like this one,” commented Sam. “Are we going to do to our usual practice r
outine?” She mentally tried to prepare for the moment.
“Yup, I might throw in a few curves for you. You want another drink?” Jordan tried to help ease her case of nerves. “Listen, Sam. You’re going to be fine.”
“Uh, okay,” said Sam as she still studied the guitar.
“You know something, Sam?” said Ian trying to be heard over the music. “You continue to amaze me. I keep discovering all of these other facets to your persona. Is there anything you can’t do?”
“Surf, remember? I’m just a bumpkin from Illinois.” Sam looked up and smiled at him. “Thanks for helping me with my nervousness.” She took another drink and the deejay made an announcement.
“Hey, quiet! Quiet!” The deejay waited for the crowd to be quiet and the band stood still waiting for the announcement. “Dudes, we have Jordan Stevens and he’s agreed to play with us.” Jordan jumped up on stage and waved to the cheering crowd. He spoke briefly to the lead singer and nodded to their lead guitarist. They broke out into Hard to Handle and Sam anxiously waited for her cue from Jordan.
“It’s show time,” muttered Sam and as she rose out of her chair, Ian whispered good luck into her ear and kissed her.
Ian’s affection thoroughly rattled Sam but it pleased her at the same time. Greek God seemed to like her. Maybe he’s not so bad after all. Sam quietly entered the back of the stage, waiting for Jordan’s bridge to introduce her. Taking a deep breath, determined not to freak out, Sam stepped forward and answered Jordan with a rift of her own.
“My sister, Sam,” said Jordan and he quickly changed to rhythm guitar so Sam could play the lead.
“Hey,” replied Sam. “How are you all doing tonight?” The crowd cheered and Sam and Jordan went back and forth from lead to rhythm. Sam forgot her nervousness and started to have fun. It seemed just like when they were teenagers and would try and outdo each other. Finally, Jordan gave the final rift and they ended the bridge so the lead singer could continue with the chorus. Both Sam and Jordan stepped back into the shadows of the stage and continued to play until the song ended. The lead singer motioned for them to come forward.
“Jordan Stevens!” The crowd clapped enthusiastically.
“Sam,” said Jordan as he pushed her forward. The crowd roared and whistled.