by Lois Kasznia
“Enough you two.” Marvin came between them and faced Sam. “Here’s the deal, Sam. You answer Jett’s fan mail and email. Keep both of us posted since we’ve had some incidents of stalkers and people trying to weasel money out of us. You’ll probably be seeing me more than Jett.”
“Perfect, and as a matter of fact, I can do more than that. I’ve studied the way everything is set up on the system and I’m going to overhaul it. I’ll redo all the information into Access and build tables. That way, I can run queries of the fan’s demographics and start there. I can’t believe there’s so much to do!” Sam started jotting ideas down while Jett and Marvin looked at her in amazement.
Jett did not want to let the subject drop. “I always heard that music and computer programming go hand in hand,” stated Jett as he stared at Sam.
“What do we need to do to get you out here?” asked Marvin trying to steer the conversation elsewhere while Jett crossed his arms and continued his frosty look at Sam.
“Well, Jett said there’s an apartment,” begin Sam, trying to ignore Jett’s angry gaze.
“Yeah, there is,” answered Jett.
“Is it furnished? I mean I have my things back in Chicago. What about transportation? Should I have my car driven out here?
“The apartment is furnished, so don’t worry about that. Jett has plenty of cars at his disposal you can use, but please use Toby as much as you can. As far as your dog is concerned, what do you want to do?”
“Of course I want him with me. He’s my best friend.”
“He’s a Siberian Husky,” commented Jett. Jett finally stopped looking at Sam and turned to Marvin. “I told her to use our plane to fly the both of them back here. Monday, no later.”
“Okay. I’ll make the arrangements,” said Marvin as he jotted down some notes to himself. “You leave tomorrow and Toby has your schedule. I’ll have the plane ready to fly you out on Sunday. Oh, we have to get you a new phone and business cards.”
“Business cards? Why do I need a business card?” asked Sam confused.
“Just in case,” said Marvin as he finished up his notes. “Anything else?”
“What about insurance and time off?” Sam had to be practical because she could just see something happening to her as luck would have it.
“No problem with that,” said Marvin. “Vacation? Depending on how you work out, take what time you need when you want. There will be times where you might be putting in some overtime.”
“And traveling,” commented Jett his eyes still on Sam.
“Traveling?” echoed Sam still trying to read Jett’s expression.
“The house in Maui,” answered Marvin. “I don’t have time to check the progress, and neither does Jett. If you could spend a week out there to see how things are going. Would you have a problem with that?”
“Are you crazy?” Sam almost fell out of her chair. “I’d love to go to Hawaii. I’ve never been there before.” She couldn’t believe her good luck.
“I didn’t think you’d have a problem with that.” Marvin smiled. “Look, guys, I have to run. Sam, call me if you have any further questions.” He packed up his briefcase and left. Jett still stared at Sam not even bothering to address Marvin.
“What?” said Sam somewhat unnerved by Jett’s intense gaze.
“Let’s get back to the music thing. I don’t like surprises,” announced Jett.
“What about it? Jett, really, it’s not an issue with me.” Sam would not back down.
“I’ve got Matt in the studio now. He wants to hear you.” Jett didn’t leave Sam any choice but to follow him.
“Suppose I don’t want to play? I don’t have my guitar, come on, Jett, please?” Sam begged to no avail as they reached the studio.
“Matt? This is Sam. Sam? Pick a guitar.”
“Pleased to meet you,” said Sam politely as she turned to Jett. “Please, Jett. I really don’t want to do this.”
“Don’t worry,” assured Matt who looked on kindly. “Jett, leave us alone, okay?”
“But I want to hear,” protested Jett, his blue eyes intently focused on Sam.
“Then don’t just stand there,” said Matt with a flip of his hand. “Go sit on the piano bench or something.” Matt dismissed Jett and turned his full attention on Sam. “Here, this guitar is one of my favorites.” He handed Sam an acoustic guitar and Sam reluctantly took it. She sat down on a stool facing Matt and the two of them tuned their guitars. Matt started in on one of their hits, and Sam easily led into the song, trying to get acquainted with the instrument.
“Now, I’m going to lead into the next chorus and see if you can follow,” said Matt as his hands flew over the frets. Sam kept pace with him, throwing in variations and melodies. She forgot all of her fears, tuning into the music. Relaxed, she smiled at Matt, and the two of them played perfectly together. Matt finally ended the song and stood up. “Good job,” he commented. “I’m pretty impressed. Have you ever thought about going professional?”
“See, I told you,” shouted Jett, unable to keep quiet any longer. “She should be doing studio work, am I right?”
“Yeah, she should,” said Matt thoughtfully as he stroked his beard. “She could even be on one of our tracks.”
“Hello?” Sam waved her hands to get their attention. “I’m here. What about me? Do I get any say into this matter?” How could she get these people to listen to her?
“Nope,” said Jett, his mind made up. “Not only are you going to be doing my fan stuff, you’re going to play on our recordings.”
“I agree.” Matt smiled at Sam. “What’s your schedule?”
“She flies back to Chicago tomorrow, but she’ll be here first thing on Monday, right?” confirmed Jett.
“Yeah,” grumbled Sam. These two had really railroaded her for now, but that had to change once she got here for good. It would be her mission in life. “If you two would excuse me, I’ve got work to do.” Sam gently put the guitar on its stand and walked out of the room. Jett’s eyes followed her out the door.
“She is really good,” said Matt as he looked at Jett. “You’ve got the hots for her? She’s not your type, man.”
“No, I don’t,” said Jett adamantly. “It’s just she’s got talent, and I hate to see her waste it. Besides, she doesn’t really like my image which is one of the reasons I hired her.” Jett had had enough. “Okay, Matt, down to business. What’s going on with the tour?”
Chapter Seven
Sam slunk back to her office, muttering the whole way. “It’s like I don’t exist.” She started on answering Jett’s emails and jumped in surprise when her phone rang.
“Hey there,” said Ian as Sam answered the phone. “Where are you?”
“I’m at Jett’s place,” said Sam, pleasantly surprised to hear from him so soon. “Are you back home in Maui?”
“Yeah,” said Ian with a sigh. “But more important, how are you? Did you get everything squared away? What’s your schedule like? In other words, when can I see you again?”
“I’ll be back here on Monday,” said Sam carefully. She tried to slow her heart down. Greek God wanted her. Unbelievable! A relationship? “There’s a furnished apartment I’ll be staying there, along with my dog. Jett is actually letting me use his private plane so my dog can come, too!”
“I love dogs,” said Ian, settling comfortably in his chair. He wanted to talk to Sam for hours on end.
“He’s not too happy at the kennels, that’s for sure. I don’t know how he’s going to take to the heat around here.”
“As long as there’s air conditioning, he’ll be fine,” laughed Ian. “Are you going to have transportation?”
“Not right away,” explained Sam. “I’ll be using Toby, and if I want a car, I can borrow one of Jett’s, but I don’t feel comfortable doing that.”
“Good, because I’m going to be in Los Angeles on Thursday next week. My buddies and I are renting some Harley’s to ride along the coast. Want to come along?”
<
br /> “That would be awesome,” breathed Sam excitedly. “I’ve never seen the California coast and I just love Harleys. But I have to check with Jett first.”
“Let me know if he gives you a hard time and I’ll talk to him.” Ian smiled at Sam’s enthusiasm. He hadn’t been real thrilled about going in the first place, but now that Sam would be in the picture, things were different. He closed his eyes and remembered those last minute kisses and how sweet they were. But he never would forget the moment of Sam in the bathroom with just her panties and top on. The scene would be etched in his mind forever.
“I don’t think he’ll give me a hard time. You’re his friend, right?” asked Sam, perplexed.
“He’s a guy, Sam,” said Ian smiling. “I know what goes through a guy’s mind. Don’t let him fool you into thinking you’re not his type. You may not be, but I know Jett and he’s going to try, anyway.”
“I’ll be on my guard,” said Sam, laughing. “Besides, he’s too angry with me for not telling him I play guitar. He happened to be there last night at the club and today, I played with Matt and he wants to use me on some of their work. You know I’ll avoid it like the plague.” Sam switched subjects. “So tell me, Ian, what’s on your mind?”
“Getting to know you better,” said Ian sensually. “Maybe then you can see what a nice guy I am so you can trust me.”
“Well, those are honorable intentions,” admitted Sam. Oh, did she like Ian but then it dawned on her that she had to make a living. “Hey, I have to get back to work.”
“I work, too,” protested Ian good-naturedly. “Remember, I design homes like the one your boss owns?”
“Oh, that’s right.” Sam had totally forgotten what Marvin had discussed with her. “Jett and Marvin said something about me following up with the house on Maui. You might be seeing me more than you wanted.”
“I could definitely live with that,” said Ian.
“I don’t know, Ian,” teased Sam. “I’m a pretty tough customer. Ask Jordan. He says I push customer service to their limit.”
“Don’t worry, because I won’t disappoint.” Ian smiled waiting for Sam’s response.
“Oh pull-ease,” laughed Sam. “Now you’re getting sappy on me.”
“Got ya,” laughed Ian. “Okay, I’ll let you go but keep in touch this weekend, okay? Call me when you get to Chicago,”
“I’ll try,” promised Sam. “But I’ll have a lot on my plate; the biggest will be my mother.”
“Bunny.” Ian rolled his eyes. “If you need someone to talk to, I’ll be here,”
“Thanks,” said Sam somewhat touched. “I appreciate it.”
“Take care, Sam.” Ian’s soft low voice touched her with tenderness and Sam almost melted. Sighing, she went back to work and tried to stay focused on her task, but the thought of Ian kissing her kept running through her mind.
****
As the plane made its descent into O’Hare, Sam had a sad moment. She had lived in Chicago her entire life and the realization set in she would be leaving, hit hard. She mentally shrugged off this feeling by telling herself it would be for the better. However, she did not look forward to listening to Bunny. As she made her way to the baggage claim area, her cell phone rang and Sam looked at the display and cringed. She knew she better take it.
“Hey, Mom. Just on my way to get my luggage,” said Sam hoping to keep this short.
“Well? You didn’t even call me,” said Bunny, making Sam flashback to being a teenager again.
“I’ve been really busy. I worked and there is a two hour time difference. While you’re wide awake and working, I’m still in bed. Don’t try to make me feel guilty. It’s not that I fell off the face of the earth, you know.” Sam watched as the luggage belt began to roll. “I have to go. I’ll call you when I get home.”
“I’m at your apartment so you don’t have to call. I’ll be waiting.”
“But I have to stop first and get Cracker from the kennel.”
“Too late. I got him out myself,” replied Bunny tersely. “That poor dog. How dare you put him in the kennel like he’s nothing?”
“Fine,” said Sam resolutely. You just couldn’t reason with Bunny. She disconnected the call and waited for the limo to take her home.
The ride to her condo took about an hour while Sam tried to figure out the best way to approach her mother. She knew what she should do, but Bunny would fight her all the way. Once she got home, Sam squared her shoulders and prepared for the onslaught.
“How’s my baby,” crooned Sam as Cracker greeted her enthusiastically. “I missed you so much.”
“He’s happy to be out of that kennel, he is,” said Bunny. “Well?” Bunny stared at Sam with her arms crossed, her foot tapping at high speed.
“Like I told you, everything is going to be fine.” Sam wearily set her purse on the dining room table and sat down. “I leave here on Sunday night, on Jett’s private jet so I can take Cracker with me.”
“You’re taking my grand dog?” asked Bunny. “Not only are you deserting your parents, you’re taking my Cracker?”
“Uh, yeah.” Sam looked at her mother as if Bunny had lost her head. “Cracker is my dog. I want him with me.”
“But it’s too hot in California. He’ll never survive. Sam, the dog lives for snow. You’re going to take that away from him?”
“There’s air conditioning and lots of people in California have huskies. I’ve seen pictures of them swimming in the ocean.” Sam stopped and attempted to redirect her approach. “Mom, why are you making this so hard for me? I could be going off to Africa to join the Peace Corps, but I’m not.”
“Honey, it’s just that your father and I think you’re making a terrible mistake. Besides, Samantha, you’re our baby. I’ve already had one child leave the nest, and I don’t want to lose you, too.” Bunny sat next to Sam and took her hand. “Please? I know you can find a job here.”
“I know I’m the baby, but I have to grow up. This is a perfect opportunity for me. I know I can show both you and dad what a good job you’ve done raising me. If this doesn’t work out, then fine, I made a mistake. But at least let me try.”
“What are you going to do about your car? What about your place here? Where are you going to live in California? Have you asked yourself these questions?”
“You didn’t raise an idiot and yes, I’ve thought about all of this. It’s all covered.
“What about your plants?” Bunny grasped at straws.
“I can give them to Deb or you can have them. Either way.”
“What about your mail?”
“I can take care of all of that while I’m in California.” Sam squeezed Bunny’s hands. “Please? Trust me.”
“I know, I know,” said Bunny, now in tears.
“Also, there more good news,” said Sam remembering Ian. “I met someone. He’s a friend of Jordan’s.”
“Oh no!” Bunny eyes widened in horror. “A musician?”
“No, not at all,” laughed Sam. “Better than that. He’s an architect.”
“An architect?” Bunny’s demeanor changed quickly. “In California?”
“No, in Maui. He lives in Maui. His name is Ian Andrews. He’s redoing Jett’s mansion that he just bought in Maui. According to Jett and his agent, Marvin, I might be assigned to oversee some of the construction. Isn’t that exciting?”
“Oh, Sam.” Bunny shook her head. “This is way too much for me. I think I might faint.”
“I’ve never known you to faint. You’ll be okay.” Sam smiled at her mother’s theatrics. “Now, let me finish up here and pack. I’ve got a zillion and one things to do before I leave on Sunday. And don’t forget that Jordan is coming to town this weekend.”
“Y-you don’t need my help at all?” Bunny sounded wounded.
“Of course you can help. Why don’t we start taking some of these plants out to your car? Then don’t you have to start cooking Jordan’s favorite meal?”
“I almost forgot abo
ut that. You’ll be over for dinner, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” promised Sam as she held Cracker’s collar so he wouldn’t escape out the door. Sam waited for her mother to leave and then picked up her phone.
“Deb, its Sam.” Sam watched her mother’s car pull away from the curb.
“Girl, I’ve been dying to hear from you. What’s going on?”
“I’m taking the job. Oh, it is so awesome. I even met Jeff Beckett. He knows Jordan!”
“I am so jealous,” sighed Deb. “Where are you?”
“Chicago, but not for long. I’m flying out Sunday on Jett’s private jet. Can you believe it? Me and Cracker.”
“Cracker and I,” corrected Deb. “I am so envious of you! Who would’ve thought my friend, Sam, would be among the rich and famous? How are you staying grounded?”
“I think it’s because of Jordan. He had never let it get to him, and having him with me is like a rock of strength.”
“Speaking of the hunk you have as a brother, how is he?” asked Deb cautiously.
“He’s doing great and I’ll tell him you asked,” said Sam. “As a matter of fact, he’s in town tonight playing at the House of Blues. One night only.”
“Darn, I have a date tonight.” Deb sounded disappointed. “Remember all the times I’d stay over at your house mooning over Jordan? He always treated me nicely. All the other boys would make fun of me, but not Jordan.”
“I remember,” laughed Sam reliving the memories. “Are you still seeing Paul?” Sam knew things were kind of rocky with Deb’s current love interest Paul but just thought she’d ask.
“Yeah, I guess so. I mean he’s a lot of fun and we do great things, but something’s not right,” admitted Deb. “But enough about me. What are you going to do about your condo?”
“I’m hanging on to it for now. It’s good for tax purposes. After I see Jordan tonight, I’ll run home and pack the stuff I need. Mom’s taking all my plants.”
“Speaking of Bunny, how’s she taking this?” asked Deb.
“Not very well,” admitted Sam sheepishly. “She doesn’t want her baby to leave town.”