by Lois Kasznia
“Which is why you need to go,” said Deb adamantly. “Don’t get me wrong, Sam. I just love your mother, but she can be very controlling.”
“I know. You’re not telling me anything I don’t know,” laughed Sam. “Look, I have to run. I’ll call you later?”
“Sam, maybe you should write a book about all of this,” suggested Deb.
“Good idea! We’ll get together soon!” Sam smiled as she hung up and then freaked out. She had way too much to do in such a short time. Checking the time, she grabbed her keys and headed to her parent’s house.
****
“So are you really sure about this, Samantha?” her father, Artie, asked as Sam helped her mother set the table.
“Yes, I am,” said Sam confidently. “I think it will be fun. It beats the nine to five grind I’ve been doing for the last years of my life.
“But what happens when this rock star’s popularity fades away? Then what?” asked Artie.
“I don’t think it’s going to fade any time soon. He’s still pretty popular.”
“Hmmph,” snorted Artie. “Nothing worse than aging rock stars.”
“When did you get to be so old?” asked Bunny with a laugh.
“Yeah, Dad? You still listen to all the seventies and eighties music.” Sam smiled at her father and gave him a kiss on his head.
“Hey, is anybody here?” asked Jordan as he opened the front door.
“Careful,” screamed Sam. “Cracker is loose!”
“Hey, how’s my buddy, Cracker?” asked Jordan as he grabbed the writhing dog’s collar. Sam rushed over to grab the dog from Jordan since Jordan tried to juggle his guitar on his back and a duffel bag. “Hey, I brought someone with me, Mom. I hope you don’t mind.”
“I always have room for one more,” laughed Bunny and she turned to Sam. “Why don’t you get one of the dining room chairs so we can use it at the kitchen table?”
“I will in a minute when Cracker settles down and the door is closed.” Sam rolled her eyes at her mother and that’s when she saw Jett. “Hey, Jett. Welcome to our dysfunctional home.”
“Thanks for having me,” said Jett politely, his intense blue eyes never leaving Sam. He crossed the room and shook Sam’s hand before turning to Bunny who stared at him with her mouth wide open.
“Y-you’re Jett?” sputtered Bunny.
“In the flesh and blood, ma’am.” Jett’s smiled sincerely as he shook her hand. “Now, I know where Sam gets her good looks.”
“And don’t forget me,” piped Jordan with a laugh.
“So, what’s going on?” asked Sam slowly trying to assess the situation. It’s not every day a famous rock star appeared in your parent’s home.
“I ran into Jett at the studio and he told me your travel plans,” began Jordan.
“I told him about you,” interrupted Jett. “So he got a free ride here.”
“Wow,” stuttered Sam taken aback. “I didn’t think you would personally come out. I mean I knew you had a pilot and everything.”
“You didn’t?” Jett’s eyes were twinkling in amusement. “I had to make sure you didn’t change your mind. Besides, it’s been a long time since I’ve been in Chicago.”
“We’re glad you came,” said Bunny, trying to get the upper hand. “Goodness, Jett. Where are my manners? Can I get you something to drink?”
“Iced tea will be fine. Not all of us rock stars drink twenty-four hours a day.” Jett bent down to get a close look at Cracker who wouldn’t stop sniffing him in the crotch. “You’re a good looking dog.” Jett petted the dog fondly.
“Watch this,” said Sam fondly. “He can talk. It’s a trait of huskies.” Sam got down on all fours to become eye level with Cracker. “Cracker? Do you want to go out?”
“Woooo, wooo, wooo,” bellowed Cracker excitedly.
“Now that’s funny,” laughed Jett. “You should get him on Animal Planet or something.”
“Maybe when I’m down on my luck,” laughed Sam. “I have to let him out or else he’ll let me have it.” Jett laughed as Sam went out the back door with Cracker nipping at Sam’s rear end.
“So, Jordan, how long are you going to be in town?” asked Bunny as they were all seated at the kitchen table. “Jett, don’t feed that dog anything from the table. He’ll look at you with those guileless blue eyes, but don’t fall for it.”
“Cracker has a sensitive stomach,” explained Sam. “He’ll look at it like he has been starved, but the minute he eats it, he throws up.”
“Only to Sunday, I think,” Jordan answered his mother. “Sam, Jett, and I are headed up to the club later on because I got a gig.”
“You know you can sleep here, if you want,” offered Bunny.
“Mom, we’ll be really late. He and Jett can stay at my place,” said Sam and then she turned to Jett. “I mean if you want to stay somewhere else, that’s fine, too.”
“No, you’re place is good,” smiled Jett suggestively, and chuckled as Sam shook her head. “Mrs. S., this is some really good chicken. I can’t tell you the last time I had a home cooked meal.”
“Why thank you, Jett. I would think you’d have a personal chef.” Bunny glowed while both Jordan and Sam exchanged small smiles. Bunny just loved getting her ego stroked.
“Excuse me a minute,” said Sam as her phone rang. She looked at the number and smiled. “I have to take this call.” She left the table and went outside with Cracker at her heels. “Ian,” said Sam softly.
“How are you? I’ve been thinking of you. Is Jordan there?” asked Ian
“He and Jett came about an hour ago,” began Sam before Ian interrupted.
“Jett is there, too? What’s he doing there?” fumed Ian.
“Now, Ian. Don’t worry. It’s not what you think. I’m using his plane to fly back to LAX on Sunday. Besides, he brought Jordan with him. I don’t think he’s going to try anything funny.” Then it dawned on her about where Jett might sleep tonight and Sam knew she better not say anything.
“Just be careful, okay?” cautioned Ian.
“Jett’s too busy wooing my mother,” laughed Sam.
“So, what time are you leaving on Sunday? Probably late in the day since you’ll be out late tonight.” Ian tried not to sound jealous.
“I honestly don’t know,” said Sam carefully. “As soon as I find out, I’ll let you know.”
“I’m sorry, Sam. I don’t mean to jump down your throat. I trust you, but not Jett. I know you’ll be careful.”
“Thanks,” said Sam, feeling more comfortable now. “What are you doing? Isn’t it just afternoon there?”
“Yeah, I went surfing this morning with some friends, but the waves weren’t very good. A little later on I’m going cycling.”
“Bicycles?” asked Sam.
“Yup. We like to ride up to Haleakala, the volcano here. Have you heard of it?”
“Back in high school, and I always wanted to go there.”
“It’s quite a challenging ride,” admitted Ian.
“I’m not as athletic as you are because I haven’t had time to work out,” admitted Sam. “But that will be my first priority. Maybe I’ll get a personal trainer.”
“You don’t need one of those when you have me,” said Ian.
“Stop! You’re making me blush.” Sam felt pleased, and her face had flushed as red as a beet. “Listen, I have to run. I’ll call you tomorrow when I know the time.”
“Hey, Sam? Take care, okay?” asked Ian.
“Bye,” said Sam shyly as she hung up the phone, touched by his concern. When she stood up and turned around, she stared at Jett.
“They sent me out to see if you were okay,” said Jett with a grin on his face. “Lover boy?” He gestured to the phone.
“Just a friend at the moment,” said Sam, not wanting to reveal too much.
“Yeah, right. Your mom wanted to know if you wanted dessert because we have to head out. Jordan said it would take us about an hour to get there.”
�
��Sure,” said Sam, trying not to get flustered. “Let me get my guitar and I’ll be ready.”
“You want to change or something?” Jett frowned at what Sam had on.
“Why, what’s wrong with jeans?” Sam looked down at her outfit.
“I want you to stand out tonight. This is big, Sam. We’ll stop on the way to get you something.”
“But what if I don’t want to?” asked Sam, somewhat irritated at Jett
“Because when you play on our album, even if it’s just a little, I want them to remember Sam when she played in Chicago. Just go along with me for this, okay?”
“Okay,” grumbled Sam dejectedly as she followed him into the house.
“Sam’s getting some new threads; we’ve got time to stop at a mall?” asked Jett.
“Better yet, stop at Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue,” suggested Bunny brightly. “I can’t believe Sam is going to play. She hates to play and she’s good.”
“That’s what I think, too, Mrs. S.” Jett smiled at Bunny, yet he glared at Sam.
“I suppose I’m driving, too?” Sam jingled the car keys in her hand.
“We’ll take a cab.” Jett reached for Sam’s guitar case. “It’s on me.” The three of them piled into the waiting cab with Jordan sitting up front and Sam and Jett in the back seat.
“I just love this city, but it’s a little too cold for my taste,” said Jett as the trio made their way downtown.
“Here,” said Sam to the driver as they pulled into a strip mall. “One little black dress coming up.” She scooted out of the car while Jett and Jordan waited patiently
“Do you think I should go in and supervise?” asked Jett to Jordan. “I mean, since Sam’s new at this.”
“Nah, she knows what she’s doing,” responded Jordan. But all eyes were on Sam as she emerged from the store with two packages and got back into the cab.
“Let’s see,” said Jett as he tried to get the packages from Sam, who wouldn’t let go He gave up and watched as she slowly and dramatically opened the packages.
“See? A little slinky black dress and check out these shoes. Four inch heels!!” Sam showed Jett her purchase while Jordan looked on with boredom.
“Does it fit?” asked Jett. “It’s what I had in mind, though.”
“I’ll make it fit. We’re in a hurry!” Sam sat back trying to relax. She had to get in the right frame of mind and to stop feeling nervous. She still couldn’t believe this. She’s back in Chicago with Jett and getting ready to play along with Jordan with the Asylum Monkees.
Jett and Jordan strolled nonchalantly into the club, oblivious of the stares from the patrons who noticed who they were. Sam followed them miserably trying to get a handle on her nerves. She should walk out. She really should. Just turn around, get in the cab and go back home. As if sensing her mood, Jordan grabbed her hand. “Don’t even think about it,” he whispered fiercely. “Go into the bathroom and change clothes. I’ll be waiting right here for you.”
“How did you know what I was thinking?” demanded Sam.
“I’m your twin. I know what goes through your mind. Now hurry up.” Jordan pushed her into the bathroom and waited patiently while Jett stood guard, as well.
“He knows what I’m thinking,” grumbled Sam as she went into the stall and changed into the little black dress. She wobbled on the heels since she hadn’t worn heels like this in years. With her luck she’d trip onstage. “Calm down,” she said out loud while she looked into the mirror. She fluffed up her hair and went heavy on the eye shadow and eyeliner. Pleased with the look, she finally emerged from the bathroom looking for Jordan and Jett.
“Perfect,” said Jett pleased with the transformation.
“I went for the video vamp look,” said Sam sarcastically. They went backstage and Sam tried not to be in awe as Jordan and Jett made the introductions. She wanted to whip out her purse and ask for autographs but one look from Jordan, stopped her cold.
“Be cool,” Jordan whispered into her ear. “Remember, they put on their pants one leg at a time, same as you.” Jordan led Sam to Mitch Allen, lead singer. “Mitch? Like for you to meet my little sister, Samantha.”
“Jordan never told me he had a sister,” said Mitch as he shook Sam’s hand.
“Pleased to meet you,” said Sam, eyeing Mitch’s appearance. He had his black hair spiked, his face painted white and his fingernails painted black. Sam had heard their music, but had never seen them before. Not prepared, she tried not to stare.
“She’s a guitar player, too, and she’s pretty damn good,” said Jett as he teasingly cuffed Sam’s shoulder.
“So, you want to play with us on one of our sets?” asked Mitch as he looked to Jett and Jordan.
“Just a song or two,” replied Jordan. “I’ll bring her in. Where’s the song list?”
“Chad has it over there,” said Mitch, pointing to a large man whose long, frizzy hair kept swirling around his head, like Medusa. “He’s our sound guy.”
“Oh,” said Sam still trying to take in the whole scene. She numbly followed Jordan and Jett over to Chad.
“Hey, I know you guys,” boomed Chad with a smile. “What can I do you for?”
“Jordan and his sister, Sam, are going to jam in a couple of the songs,” said Jett, shaking Chad’s hands. “Which ones would be good?”
“Hmm,” said Chad thoughtfully. “I’ve heard Jordan play, but I haven’t heard you?” He looked pointedly at Sam.
“She can hold her own,” answered Jett. “As a matter of fact, we’re going to use her on some of our tracks.”
“Why don’t we do Love Bites and then Cruel Lovers?” suggested Jordan. “Remember the riff? Bah, boom,” sang Jordan as he played air guitar.
“Yeah,” responded Sam, her brow creased in concentration.
“I can do the vocals on those two,” said Jett.
“You’re going to sing, too?” asked Sam somewhat surprised. As she turned, she stumbled on her heels before Jett caught her.
“Easy there, tiger,” said Jett affectionately. He gave Sam’s arm a gentle squeeze. “Better practice on those spikes.”
“I’ll be fine,” said Sam stiffly. Another thing to worry about. Not only did she have to play, she had to be careful about not tripping on stage. She didn’t want to ask herself if things could get any worse. “I could use a drink,” said Sam.
“Take your pick,” said Mitch as he pointed out a shelf with various wine bottles. “So, where have you been hiding?”
He has a nice smile, thought Sam. “Believe it or not, right here in Chicago. I’m moving to Los Angeles this weekend. Jordan talked me into this. Jett, too.”
“Let’s go,” yelled Chad, and everyone went into action. Sam grabbed a glass of wine and opened up her guitar to tune along with Jordan. Jett sat down and smiled fondly at Sam watching her intently.
“Sam,” said Jordan trying to get her attention. Using his two fingers, he pointed to his eyes and then to hers. “Focus. Breathe deeply. Remember, I’ll be there with you.”
“Okay.” Sam swallowed nervously. She sat back and listened to the band and slowly got into the concert. She listened closely to each musician play, their cadences and how they moved their music. She would have to remember that when she played.
The next thing she knew, they were on. The set went dark and all three of them headed on out, with Jordan first, Sam followed and Jett would walk on later. Both Sam and Jordan miked up and then Mitch introduced them to the crowd.
“Tonight, we have some special guests, Jordan Stevens and sister, Sam, on guitar.”
The spotlight focused on the two of them and the crowd clapped politely. “Also, we have joining us, someone you all know, Jett Robinson!” The crowd clapped enthusiastically. The band struck the first note with Jordan and Sam in the lead. Mitch began the first verse while Jett waited until the chorus to join in. Their voices blended well together and Sam began to enjoy playing. When the instrumental piece of the song came on, the band stood
back and let Jordan and Sam play. Sam matched Jordan note for note, like they always did, competing with each other to do a better job. When the song had ended the crowd was on their feet screaming their appreciation. Jett winked at Sam with an “I told you so” and then turned back to the crowd. On the next song, Sam’s confidence soared at an all time high and it showed in her performance. Taking a final bow, both Jordan and Sam waved to the audience. Smiling broadly as they exited the stage, Sam smiled at Jordan.
“See? I told you, you could do it,” said Jordan fondly. He gave her a big hug and Sam stumbled on her heels.
“Man, my feet are killing me,” moaned Sam as she sat down and rubbed her feet. “Maybe next time, the heels won’t be so high.”
“Hey, look at Lady Gaga and Beyonce,” chided Jordan. “Get with the program.”
“Funny. So, what happens now?” asked Sam.
“We’ll probably party, are you up to it?” Jordan looked at his sister expectantly.
“Nah. I still have to pack. Besides, my car is at Mom and Dad’s.” Sam started to pack up her guitar. “I’ll catch a cab and I’ll expect you guys later. You know the password to get in right?”
“Yeah, Cracker’s birthday.” Jordan spoke to the security guard who hailed a cab for Sam and she gratefully sunk into the backseat and fell asleep.
“Where’s Sam?” asked Jett as he came backstage. “She rocked!”
“Yeah, where did she go?” asked Mitch and Chad at the same time. “You didn’t tell me your sister has that much talent.”
“She left because she has to finish packing,” explained Jordan.
“Remember, she’s moving out to Los Angeles,” offered Jett. “She’s working for me now.”
“Well, next time, she’s invited to the party.” They all left the club and headed down to the south side of Chicago to see Buddy Guy’s club.
Chapter Eight
Bunny and Artie were sound asleep when Sam arrived at their house. She quietly got Cracker and loaded him into the car. She felt revived by her nap and began to pack. Satisfied, she glanced at her watch which read four in the morning and there were no signs of the men. Shrugging her shoulders, Sam padded off to bed and fell into a deep sleep until the front door crashed open at eight in the morning and a drunken Jett and Jordan stumbled into her living room. Cracker started talking. Sam got up, slipped on some athletic shorts and went out to survey the commotion.