by Lois Kasznia
“This is cute,” commented Deb as she took a seat at the outside table.
“It’s got good food, too. The only thing I do miss about Chicago is the pizza. My body is loving it since I’ve lost weight, but I would kill for some decent pizza.” Sam eyed the menu.
“Have it shipped in,” said Deb. “I don’t think Jett would mind.”
“I could,” said Sam as she peered over the menu unsure what to get.
“Excuse me, ladies. Sam?” Bryce interrupted the two women’s conversation. “You must be one of Sam’s guests.” He looked intently at Deb.
“Bryce,” exclaimed Sam. “Good to see you. Yes, this is my friend, Deb.” Sam made the introductions.
“Hello there,” said Bryce taking Deb’s hand. “Pleased to meet you.” He turned to Sam. “You didn’t tell me how gorgeous your friend is.”
“You didn’t ask,” said Sam as she rolled her eyes. She noticed Deb’s face, frozen in shock Sam leaned forward and took Deb’s hand. “Deb, are you okay?”
“Uh, yes,” stammered Deb. Recovering from just having met Bryce Black, she smiled at him and murmured her thanks.
“Won’t you join us?” asked Sam.
“I’d love to,” said Bryce and pulled out a chair and sat down. He turned his face to Deb. “How long are you going to be here?”
“A week. I just flew in here a couple of hours ago. I didn’t realize you lived here,” said Deb. “I thought you lived in Boston.”
“I have a house in Boston, but my ex is living there, so I am staying here now.” A shadow crossed over Bryce’s face at the mention of his ex.
“Then, it’s a good choice since this is heaven here,” laughed Deb.
“You are absolutely correct,” stated Bryce, pleased at the sound of Deb’s laugh. He sent Sam a silent message asking why Sam hadn’t really told him about her friend.
“You will find out soon enough,” said Sam with a smile.
“What are you talking about?” asked Deb, confused.
“Nothing,” assured Bryce. “Have you met Ian?”
“Not yet.” Deb smiled at Bryce. “Sam said we’re to have dinner there tomorrow night.”
“You’ll absolutely love his house,” said Bryce. “I wish I could stay longer, but I have to run.” Bryce got out of his chair, his eyes on Deb. “Perhaps I’ll see you there?”
“Sure,” said Deb totally blown away and watched in awe as Bryce left.
“Well?” asked Sam coyly.
“I can’t believe this. Sam, this is unreal.”
“This is my life now,” stated Sam. “I’ve come to the point where I realize they put on their clothes the same way I put on mine. They are regular people.” Sam thought a minute. “Well, you do have some eccentric people out there, but for the majority, they are pretty good.”
“Okay,” admitted Deb. “I am so impressed.” Deb couldn’t even read her menu. “Do you think he really liked me?”
“What’s not to like?” Sam covered her friend’s hand. “Now, let’s get some food into you.”
Sam and Deb chatted nonstop for close to three hours at the restaurant. They then drove back to the house. Ian had called Sam to remind her that he planned on picking up Jordan at the airport and to get to his house tomorrow night around six. Sam took the message privately since she didn’t want Deb to hear about Jordan.
****
“Hey, Jordan! Good to see you! Welcome to Maui,” greeted Ian as Jordan deplaned.
“No offense, but why are you here?” Jordan looked around for Sam. “Where is my sister?”
“She had some work to finish up for Jett, so I told her I’d pick you up, and she’ll come to my place later for dinner.” Ian looked around. “Did you check any luggage?”
“Just my guitar and some stuff. Is Jett really working Sam that hard?” Jordan’s voice had a twinge of concern.
“Oh, no. Well, you know how Jett gets. He’s called several times about the house being on schedule which takes away time from Sam working on his personal stuff. Nothing she can’t handle.” Ian started heading toward the baggage claim area.
“I feel somewhat responsible since I got her the job. There’s my guitar.” Jordan reached on the turn style and plucked it off. His backpack was right next to it. “I’m good to go.”
“Great. Have you ever been to Maui?” asked Ian as they walked to his car.
“Only Honolulu. They swept me in and out so fast, I didn’t get a chance to see anything. Wow, this is beautiful. My sister is one lucky lady,” commented Jordan as he took in the scenery.
“Wait to you see the house Jett has her staying in while she’s here. Not too shabby. Of course, my house is awesome, too,” laughed Ian.
“I bet. So, tell me the truth. What is going on with Jett? I know he’s on tour, but how long is Sam going to stay here?” Jordan looked directly at Ian.
“Well, the house is for his daughter and he wants it done by her birthday in a couple of months,” explained Ian.
“That’s a couple of months, but what after that? Does Sam go back to Los Angeles or what?” asked Ian. “Also, what is the deal with you and my sister?”
“We are seeing each other. She’s an amazing lady, Jordan. I really like her,” admitted Ian.
“Remember what I said. Please don’t hurt her.” Jordan glared at Ian.
“I have no intention of hurting her at all. That’s just the thing. I mean this is great for our relationship with her living on the island. What happens when she goes back? I don’t want to live in Los Angeles. Besides, what she does for Jett can be done anywhere.” Ian sounded frustrated since he had been giving this a lot of thought.
“What about your Seal gigs?” asked Jordan. “You know Sam has a black belt in karate.”
“I know, she told me. You see, I don’t know how much Sam has told you, but we are having problems with Drew Stone. He saw you guys in Chicago and now he wants Sam to join his band and be his girlfriend. He’s been hassling her. Jett is totally freaking out about it and asked me to keep an eye out for her. Remember Bryce? He’s living here, too, and he met Sam the other day. Apparently, Drew approached her at the restaurant and they had to call security,” explained Ian.
“Whoa! Hold on a minute,” said Jordan agitated. “Sam never mentioned anything about this to me. I know she can take care of herself, but this is unreal. I’m going to say something to Drew. If he so much lays a hand on my sister, he’s toast!”
“Stand in line, because the rest of us want a piece of him, too,” said Ian.
“Didn’t Jett want Sam to play on some of his stuff?” asked Jordan, changing the subject.
“Yeah, he did,” commented Ian. “You’re going to be surprised at Sam. Your sister not only plays guitar and piano, she can sing and you should hear some of the stuff she has written. I heard her the other day when she didn’t realize it. Then she shows me this collection of songs she has and they are good.”
“I kind of figured she would do something like that,” mused Jordan and slapped his knee with his hand. “Damn, I sure have a lot to talk to my sister about. I know when our parents come here they are going to try and kidnap her back to Chicago. I won’t be here then, so I’m asking for your help.”
“Don’t worry. Sam isn’t going anywhere on my watch,” assured Ian. “Even Bryce will back me up if I’m not here.”
“This is your place?” exclaimed Jordan. “Damn, dude. This is awesome!”
“Come inside for a much needed beer.” Ian opened the garage door and the two of them stepped inside.
“Let me call Sam to let her know I’m here,” said Jordan as he dialed her number. “Yo sis, it’s your bro.”
“Jordan,” squealed Sam. “Did you just land?”
“No, I’m at Ian’s poor house.”
“Isn’t is house beautiful?” asked Sam.
“It is, but it seems you and I have a lot of catching up to do,” said Jordan lightly.
“Yeah, we do. We can do it later. I’
m supposed to be at Ian’s around six,” explained Sam.
“Bring your guitar. I want to run something by you,” suggested Jordan.
“We can do it here,” insisted Sam. “I have a grand piano and everything here.”
“Bring it.” Jordan would not take no for an answer.
“Why do I think I’m in trouble?” asked Sam.
“We will talk later,” said Jordan and he disconnected the call.
“Who was that?” asked Deb.
“My brother,” said Sam, her mind reeling. “He sounded really pissed off at me, and I don’t know why.”
“Oh,” said Deb trying to appear not interested. “What’s he up to?”
“Lord only knows,” said Sam lightly, not wanting to give away the surprise.
“What time is it?” asked Sam. “Three. Just enough time to go to the beach for a bit, shower and get dressed for Ian’s.”
“That sounds great,” said Deb.
****
“Ohmigod,” breathed Deb as they pulled up in front of Ian’s house. “This belongs to your boyfriend?”
“Well, yeah,” said Sam proudly. “Ian is very talented.”
“I think I’m going to quit my job and come live here with you and that’s final.” Deb shook her head in amazement.
“I wish you could, too, Deb but I’m not going to be here forever. Remember, we talked about it when I said this gig is up. I go back to Los Angeles and Ian and I have to work something out. I mean I hope we can. I am just taking one day at a time.” Sam sighed.
“You never know,” said Deb as Ian opened the door. Deb’s face could not hold back her surprise.
“Ian, I’d like for you to meet Deb, Ian.”
“Pleased to meet you,” said Ian shaking Deb’s hand. Ian looked at Sam and winked. “Hey Jordan, your sister is here.”
“Jordan is here, and you didn’t tell me?” whispered Deb as she glared at Sam.
“I wanted it to be a surprise,” said Sam. She turned to Ian and made a face. Maybe this wasn’t going as well as she thought it would.
“Sam,” said Jordan as he reached the door. He glared at her and didn’t even notice Deb.
“Um, Jordan? Remember Deb from Chicago? I know it’s been a long time since you’ve seen her, but she came out yesterday to visit me.”
Jordan finally noticed Deb, and his jaw dropped to the floor. “Deb? Deblet? You’ve grown up!”
“Deblet? asked Ian, confused.
“It was my nickname when we were growing up,” explained Deb. “I always seemed to be at the Stevens’ house and Jordan considered me a pest.”
“Not any longer,” said Jordan, amazed that this beautiful woman was Sam’s best friend.
“Deb?” Bryce came forward for the introductions.
“How do you know Deb?” asked Jordan, once again glaring at Bryce. For some reason, he felt very territorial about his sister’s friend.
“Relax, Jordan. We met Bryce the other day,” explained Sam amused at her brother’s jealousy. Maybe this could be fun after all. Sam and Ian exchanged winks.
“Well, Sam. Aren’t you full of surprises lately,” said Jordan as he reached for Sam.
“Come on in and sit down,” said Ian trying to smooth over Jordan’s temper. He reached for Sam’s hand and held it trying to give her comfort.
“What’s new in Jordan’s world?” asked Sam trying to break the tension.
“Let’s talk about you. I’m on vacation.” Jordan stared at Sam’s chin. “What’s this?”
“I started to surf and I had a little mishap. No big deal, right, Ian?” Sam looked at Ian for support.
“She’s really good. Just a beginner’s lesson,” assured Ian. “Now, Deb? What would you like to drink? I made some rum punch, but I’ve got other drinks if you want.”
“Learned my lesson with punches,” laughed Deb. “Let me stick with a chardonnay.”
“So Deb?” asked Bryce. “What has Sam showed you around the island?”
“I did just get here,” said Deb, trying to catch Sam’s attention.
“Really?” said Jordan who stood protectively next to Deb.
“Come. Sit down,” said Sam as she pulled Deb to a loveseat and sat next to her. Both Bryce and Jordan sat down across from them, nibbling on some appetizers.
“For your information, Deb will be here for a week. We just went swimming and we talked. That’s what girls do. We had a lot to catch up on. Right?”
“Yes,” agreed Deb, gladly accepting the drink Ian had given her.
“How is Chicago?” asked Jordan. “I know it’s cold and snowy, but what else is new?”
“Well,” began Deb. “I see your mom and dad all the time. As you know, they are pretty upset about Sam not being there.”
“Good grief.” Jordan rolled his eyes at her. “I heard they are coming next week. I wish I could be here, but I can’t bail Sam out. She’s going to have go solo.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve done it before, right? Mom is not going to get her way this time.”
“Are you still working for the advertisement agency?” asked Jordan as he turned his attention back to Deb.
“Not the one I used to work for. I switched jobs about a year ago. You know that business. Cut throat.” Deb made a face. “What about you? Who are you touring with these days?”
“Right now, I’m between tours.” Jordan smiled at Deb. Actually, it was a dopey love smile which Deb found endearing.
“He had been touring with me,” offered Bryce. “But we’re on break now, which is why I’m out here.”
“Really?” asked Deb. “I didn’t realize how many celebrities have homes here.”
“It’s really getting crowded with egos,” said Ian with a smile. “Bryce, Jett. Need I say more?”
“Not funny,” said Bryce. “Hopefully, Jett won’t be here that much.” Bryce focused on Deb. “Make sure you come out to see me before you go.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” said Deb. She glanced quickly at Sam who just shrugged her shoulders.
“So, Sam,” asked Jordan. “What are your plans while I’m here? Do you want me to stay here or with you?”
“You can stay with me if you want to. I’ve got plenty of room. I have a piano at my place, too,” said Sam very much aware of Ian’s muscular arm draped over her shoulders. His touch alone drew goose bumps as well as fantasies of what she would like to do with Ian.
“I’d love to hear the two of you play,” said Bryce.
“Me, too,” said Deb. “I meant it’s been years since I’ve heard Sam play.”
“After dinner,” said Ian. “I didn’t cook this delicious dinner for everyone just to listen to some music.” He looked at Sam and felt proud of all of her accomplishments.
“Point taken,” said Jordan laughing.
“Which is why you wanted me to bring my guitar,” said Sam, a little miffed about what Jordan had in mind.
“Come, sit down,” said Ian sweeping his hand to indicate the place settings at the table.
“You did all of this?” asked Deb, astonished at the elegance of the table setting.
“It’s one of my many hobbies,” said Ian a bit shyly.
“He’s a keeper,” whispered Deb to Sam. “What a hunk.”
“I know.” Sam smiled, and she hugged Ian.
“What? What are you two whispering about?” asked Jordan.
“Girl stuff,” responded Sam with a wave of her hand.
“I would like to propose a toast,” said Bryce standing up with his drink.
“Here, here,” they all responded.
“To good friends and good times.” Bryce made a sweeping bow while everyone took a drink.
“Not to mention family,” murmured Jordan as he leaned over squeezed Sam’s hand.
“Family, as well!” Sam smiled and looked at Jordan.
The dinner started with appetizers, and Ian played the most gracious of hosts, catering to everyone’s needs. Both Jordan and Bryce were
competing for Deb’s attention. Now that she had had three glasses of wine, Deb started to enjoy the competition. Ian and Sam just smiled at each other, realizing Sam’s idea of matchmaker had worked.
“I’m going to help Ian with the dishes,” said Sam as she stood up. The other three ignored her, so Sam and Ian retreated to the kitchen.
“You look absolutely gorgeous,” said Ian as he grabbed Sam and kissed her soundly. “How are we going to work out sleeping arrangements? I don’t like the idea of not seeing you for a whole week!”
“You did it before,” Sam reminded Ian of his Seal work.
“I didn’t say I liked it.” Ian kissed Sam deeply and the two of them were lost in the kiss. Until the water over ran from the sink to the floor.
“Shit!” Ian jumped away and turned off the water.
“Where’s a mop?” asked Sam. “Here, let me help.”
“In the pantry,” called Ian from the sink. He looked up to see if the other three had heard them and there was no response. “I guess we really are alone.”
“I bet we could sneak upstairs and no one would notice.” suggested Sam.
“You game?” Ian grinned evilly at Sam. The two of them poked their heads into the other room to look at their company. Ian confirmed they wouldn’t be missed. They both smiled at each other. “Let’s go. We’ll make it fast and fantastic,” said Ian. He couldn’t wait to get Sam naked and in his arms. They sprinted off at a record pace for the upstairs bedroom.
****
“So Bryce,” stated Jordan. “What’s going on with your wife?”
“Ex-wife, so I’m a free man.” Bryce smiled charmingly at Deb.
“Is she taking you to the cleaners? Deb, let me get you another drink?” Jordan deftly took Deb’s glass and poured a refill.
“Oh my,” said Deb a little bit tipsy. “I haven’t had this much to drink in a while, Jordan. This will be my last for a while. Whew! It’s getting a little warm in here.”
“Let’s go out to the patio,” suggested Bryce. “It’s a little cooler there.”
“Where’re Sam and Ian?” asked Deb looking around for her friend. She needed Sam’s help, big time. Jordan had never paid her this much attention and she felt at a loss. Granted, it was a dream come true, but she wasn’t quite sure how to handle it.
“They’re in the kitchen.” Bryce waved his hand towards the kitchen. “They’ll know where we’ve gone. Come on.” The group moved to the patio.