by Lois Kasznia
“After my parents leave.” Sam stared at the message before hitting send. “I don’t know what to say to you, Ian,” she said out loud. “The way I’m feeling, I’ll end up sounding like either my mother or Jennifer.”
“Sam, you still up?” asked her father as he came downstairs.
“Looks like it, doesn’t it?” Sam turned to her father, feeling sad. “You know, Dad. I hate to fight with Bunny, but she brings out the worst in me.”
“Come here, Sam.” Artie gave Sam a big bear hug. “I don’t blame you for being upset. I would love for you to come back to Chicago, but I don’t want to lose you, either.”
“I appreciate that, Dad. I know this job might be temporary, but I’ve never had so much fun in my life. I feel alive, happy and proud I can do something like this. I have so many good memories to take along with me.”
“I know, Sam. We just don’t want to see you get hurt,” said Artie as he stared into Sam’s eyes. “You’re not going to tell your father what really happened, are you?”
“Nothing I couldn’t handle,” whispered Sam as she gave her dad a hug. “You and Jordan taught me to be tough, and I am.”
“That’s my girl,” sighed Artie. “What time should we be down to breakfast?”
“Your flight is at noon, so sleep in. I’ll serve a brunch and we can leave for the airport around ten thirty. Speaking of which, I better get some sleep. Goodnight, Dad. I love you.” Sam gave her father another hug.
Sam went to her bedroom and pulled out her suitcase and started to pack. The way she figured it, she would drop off her parents at the airport and make sure they were settled in. Then she would come home, pack up Cracker and go back to the airport for her plane. She couldn’t wait to get off the island. Between Jennifer and Drew she had had enough drama in her life.
Bunny remained unusually quiet in the morning and hardly said two words to Sam. Sam pretended it didn’t bother her because she knew Bunny wanted her to break down, but she wouldn’t. Sam dropped them off at the airport and Bunny barely glanced at her. Artie rolled his eyes and hugged Sam. “We will see you soon.”
“Have a safe flight.” Sam watched as her parents went through security. Rushing back to her car, she checked her phone when it beeped with another message from Ian.
“Have your parents left yet?”
Sam hedged about returning the text. She didn’t have time. She had a ton of things to do to catch the plane on time.
****
“Bryce? Ian again. Are you sure you know where Sam is? She’s not answering her phone.”
“I know she had to take her parents to the airport, dude. She could be anywhere. Don’t worry about Drew if that’s where you’re headed.”
“No, I heard from Rock and they sent Drew back to the mainland. It’s not like her to not answer her phone.”
“Maybe she’s really mad at you.” Bryce could just see Ian’s face.
“Yeah, I think I blew it this time. But her parents, I mean Bunny, totally tripped me out.” Ian put his head in his hands.
“I know where you’re coming from,” laughed Bryce. “She had Sam seeing red after she made a comment about how you left her alone on the island. Bunny’s got quite the mouth on her. One thing to remember, it’s Bunny, not Sam doing the talking.”
“Yeah, I know. That’s all I need is for Bunny to rub it in. I’ll try Sam again.” Ian hung up the phone and dialed Sam again only to get her voicemail. Ian made flight arrangements to get back to Maui as soon as he could.
****
“Whew, we made it, Cracker.” Sam and Cracker settled in on the airplane as it taxied to the gate. Sam felt a little guilty about not calling Ian promising she would text him when she arrived at LAX.
As they exited the plane, Toby waited for them at the gate which surprised Sam. “Toby, what are you doing here?” asked Sam. Cracker had already jumped on Toby in his excitement to see his buddy.
“I got bored on the tour and I switched places with my double when I found out you were coming,” exclaimed Toby with a smile. “I don’t know if Jordan, told you but it’s pretty hard work. I needed a break. Marvin said you were going to be here a week or so?”
“Yeah, I’m working on some stuff and I want to use Jett’s studio,” explained Sam.
“I think Jett might be taking a break to come see you.” Toby glanced at Sam’s eye. “You see, he’s not real happy about what happened to you with Drew.”
“I wasn’t crazy about it, either,” said Sam. “This last week has been a real trip. First Ian’s ex-girlfriend goes crazy on me and then Drew.”
“Where was Ian?” asked Toby as he blatantly stared at Sam in the rearview mirror.
“When Jennifer pulled what she did, Ian bailed me out. Right now he’s in Seattle so he couldn’t help me with Drew. Fortunately, Ian’s friend had been keeping an eye on me so he helped out.”
“Do you think Drew knew Ian was out of town?” asked Toby.
“Yes, he knew Ian wasn’t home. I mean they think Drew did the damage to Jett’s house, but they can’t prove it. He knows where we all live, which is kind of scary.”
“You’re safe here with me. I’m not going to let anything happen to you,” swore Toby.
“Thanks, Toby. After the week I had, it’s good to know.” Sam sat back and felt almost normal. She pushed the last couple of days from her mind.
Toby had her all set for the week and told her to call him for anything. He had, once again, done the shopping for her and agreed to meet tomorrow morning. Settling down on the couch, Sam picked up her phone and called Jordan.
“Where are you?” asked Jordan. “Heard from Ian, he doesn’t know where you are.”
“Hello to you, too,” said Sam crossly. “I’ve just had the week from hell and decided to take a break from Maui.”
“Ian told me you were attacked by Drew,” began Jordan.
“I figured you would find out eventually,” said Sam as she put her head in hand.
“He has friends who are watching out for you, you know.” Jordan sounded angry. “What happened?”
“It’s kind of a long story. Mom said something to Ian, and, of course, he balked. She is bound and determined to get me back to Chicago. To make a long story short, Ian freaked out and went out of town. Drew attacked me while Mom and Dad were here and I had to lie, telling them I had a surfboard accident. Then Bryce came along with us for dinner and Bunny starts on the Chicago theme again.”
“Sam, I’m going to say something to Mom. This is totally out of line.”
“When I dropped her off at the airport, she barely spoke to me,” said Sam as she played with her wine glass.
“Why aren’t you calling Ian?” asked Jordan.
“I don’t know what to say to him,” said Sam truthfully. “I don’t blame him for not wanting a relationship with me after Bunny acted the way she did. I’m afraid to talk to him.”
“Sam, what did I always tell you? You two need to work things out,” said Jordan gently.
“I know, but I think it’s good to spend a little time apart.” Sam hoped she sounded convincing.
“To be honest with you, he’s pretty upset. I mean for him to call me, it’s not like him.” Jordan waited for this to sink in.
“I’ll text him,” said Sam haltingly.
“No, you’re going to call him,” said Jordan firmly. “Now, where are you?”
“I’m at Jett’s. I’m recording my songs in his studio,” explained Sam. “I’m in the blues mood.”
“Cool, I’m in Los Angeles, too. Hold on, and I’ll help you out with the recordings. But there’s one piece of news I have to tell you.” Jordan sounded excited.
“What?”
“I asked Deb to marry me,” shouted Jordan.
“You what?” shrieked Sam. “You and Deb are getting married? Where? Las Vegas? Isn’t this too soon?”
“Not really. She quit her job and has been with me ever since. I’ve known her my whole life. Now that she i
s back in my life, I know it’s the right thing to do. We decided on Chicago,” explained Jordan. “You know how Deb’s family is and they want a big wedding for her.”
“I can’t believe this? Why didn’t she tell me?”
“She wanted me to tell you first, Now, call Ian and then call Deb,” demanded Jordan.
“Have you told Mom and Dad?” asked Sam. “When’s the date? Am I in the wedding?”
“Slow down,” laughed Jordan. “No, I haven’t told the parents yet, but I think they’re going to be pretty happy. They always liked Deb. I’ll let Deb tell you all about it. I might leave out some important details.”
“Just wait to you tell them you’re not going to be living in Chicago,” warned Sam.
“They won’t be upset about that. They want you living in Chicago and you’re not going to, right?” Jordan waited for Sam’s answer.
“I do miss the food,” said Sam. “But I’m proud of myself and will continue with this until it ends.”
“That’s my girl,” said Jordan proudly. “Now, call Ian.”
Sam stared at the phone for the longest time. She just couldn’t do it. She had no idea what to say to Ian. God, she missed him so much. Not to mention, she did feel a smidgeon of jealousy about Deb and Jordan. She stared at the phone a little longer and took a deep breath.
“Doing okay. Talk soon,” texted Sam and she sighed with resignation. She then called Deb.
“Okay, Deb. Fess up.” Sam settled comfortably while she listened to Deb’s fantasy dream come true.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“Sam?” Ian rang the doorbell and looked around the house in Maui. It appeared empty and when he put his ear to the door, he didn’t hear Cracker inside at all. He checked his phone and found Sam’s text. He called only to be forwarded to her voice mail. Frustrated, he left her another text. “Sam, please. Where are u?”
Thinking maybe she could be at his house, he jumped into the car and drove like a maniac to his house only to find it deserted. Thoroughly dejected, he sat at his bar and poured a hefty tumbler of whiskey. His phone went off and he eagerly grabbed it.
“Jordan, what gives?” asked Ian.
“Sam didn’t call you?”
“Nope, but I did get a text. She said she’s okay, but she’s not answering.” Ian nursed his drink. “I really blew it with her, Jordan. Here I promised you I wouldn’t hurt, her but I did.”
“Personally, I think it’s all a misunderstanding, Ian. Bunny is Bunny. You have to let what she says go in one ear and out the other. Sam, on the other hand, is pure gold. After the week she’s had with Jennifer and Drew, she left for a bit. She’s here in Los Angeles hanging out at Jett’s,” explained Jordan. “I just got off the phone with her.”
“I feel terrible that I couldn’t protect her. Who knew that Drew would pull something like that?” Ian shook his head.
“Can you make it to Los Angeles? She’s going to be here for about a week.”
“Of course I can, but the question is, will she even talk to me?” asked Ian feeling miserable.
“Yeah, I think she will.” Jordan smiled. “Catch you later.”
****
Sam sat at the keyboard in Jett’s studio waiting for Jordan. She looked up as she heard an unexpected noise.
Cracker started to howl and pawed at the door.
“What, boy? Do you have to go out?” asked Sam as she got up from the piano.
“No, he knows I’m here,” said Ian as he stepped into the room. He took one look at Sam’s astonished expression, her black eye and bruised face. “Honey, look at your face. I’m going to kill that son of a bitch.”
“Wait, wait, WAIT!” screamed Sam, not believing her eyes. Ian had come home to her. He left his job because he had been worried about her.
“Sam,” began Ian. “I’m sorry about the way I’ve been acting.” Ian didn’t realize this would be so hard. He felt afraid to touch her, sensing her reluctance. He had broken his trust with her and had to make it up.
“Go on.” Sam waited for Ian to finish.
“Here it goes.” Ian sighed heavily. “I felt really comfortable with our relationship.”
“Until you met my parents,” finished Sam.
“It seemed like they were pushing me to ask you to marry me,” said Ian frustrated, running his hands through his hair. “I don’t know if I’m ready for that. I know I’ve never felt this way about someone before, but I got scared.”
“I know how you felt, Ian. I still do. I would never ask you to do something you didn’t want to do. Hell, I don’t know what I want to do when this gig is over,” explained Sam. “Do I go back to Los Angeles? Do I stay here? How can I ask you to do something, when I don’t know what I want?”
“Oh, honey.” Ian put his hands on Sam’s shoulders. “When I heard you were hurt and I hadn’t been there to protect you. It made me realize how much you mean to me, how much I love you. I don’t need time away from you. I know I want you and only you. I don’t care where is it as long as it’s with you.”
“Really? You love me?” asked Sam, shaking her head to clear out the fog.
“Yes, I do. Sam, come here.” Ian opened his arms and Sam rushed in. How she had missed the perfect fit of their bodies, his scent. She breathed deeply not wanting this moment to end.
“Hey,” said Jordan as he stepped into the room and stopped short when he saw Sam and Ian in a tight embrace. “Sorry,” he mumbled and closed the door.
“No,” said Sam through her tears. “It’s fine. Ian and I were just making up.”
“Whew. Don’t like it when you two fight. I can’t handle it.” Jordan shook his head. “We ready to play some music?”
“Is that okay with you, Ian?” Sam looked at him longingly.
“Yeah, it’s okay with me. You don’t mind if I stay?” asked Ian as Cracker sat down beside him.
“No, not at all,” said both Jordan and Sam at the same time. Jordan went to the bar and poured a beer for both Ian and himself, while Sam ran through some scales to loosen up. Ian settled down comfortably to listen to the music.
Sam and Jordan worked nonstop, and Ian found himself mesmerized about the process of making a recording. Some of the songs, he knew Sam had written about him, which made him wince. He hadn’t realized how badly he had hurt her. By God, he would make it up to her. After about three hours, Ian’s cell phone went off and when he looked at the number he knew he had to answer it. Neither Sam or Jordan were aware of his leaving.
“Rock, what’s up?” asked Ian sensing bad news.
“Garcia’s again. We’re wanted back on Honolulu el pronto.” Rock’s voice sounded hard.
“Now what?” Ian looked over at the Stevens and groaned. “Man, I just made up with Sam about Drew. I can’t leave her now.”
“Yes, you can. Remember, you’re under oath,” reminded Rock. “Where are you?”
“I’m in Los Angeles. I’ll see you in a few.” Ian ended the call and shook his head in frustration. He walked back into the studio and got Sam’s attention.
“What’s up, Ian?” asked Sam and saw the look on his face. “Business?”
“Yup. I have to go.” Ian walked up to Sam and gave her a big hug and lingering kiss. “I’ll let you know what’s up.” He kissed her again. “Remember, I love you, Sam.”
“Oh, Ian. I love you, too,” said Sam softly with tears in her eyes as she watched him walk off.
“I think I’m going to be sick,” said Jordan disdainfully. “Too much lovey-dovey stuff.”
“Like you should talk when you’re with Deb?” retorted Sam and then she looked at Ian sadly. “He’s got to go out of town protecting our country.”
“Sorry,” said Jordan and he shook Ian’s hand. Both he and Sam watched him walk away. Jordan turned to Sam. “Why don’t we catch a break? This is good stuff here. I think Jett will really like it.”
“You think so? I know the songs are mostly ballads, but I can just hear Jett singing them,” said Sam.<
br />
“He’ll be impressed,” promised Jordan. “Let’s go grab some food.”
Jordan slid into the seat behind the wheel of his car and Sam started to enter the passenger side when someone knocked her down by brute force. Sam felt herself being dragged away and screamed for Jordan. The attackers pushed Sam into the trunk of their car and sped off the property.
Thinking quickly, Jordan dialed nine-one-one and sped off after the car. He quickly read the license number to the dispatcher, including the make and model of the vehicle. Jordan felt sick to his stomach. They were messing with his sister and who were they and what did they want with Sam? It better not be Drew again.
Frightened beyond her wits, Sam explored the trunk with her untied fingers. She started to breathe normally, avoiding a panic attack. Obviously, these guys were not professionals. According to the movies she had seen, weren’t they supposed to drug her with chloroform or inject her with a something? Weren’t they supposed to tie her limbs and gag her? Besides, what did they want with her? She paled after a second thought. What if Drew had ordered this? Now that she had been on the mainland did the restraining order still apply? She listened closely to the conversation in the car realizing they were speaking in Spanish. Sam only knew a smattering of Spanish and couldn’t figure out what they were saying. Going back to her exploring, she located the release button in the trunk. At least now she could get out if the situation warranted it. They were speeding and she’d have to wait until a complete stop to get out.
“Que pasa!” screamed one of Sam’s abductors and the car skidded precariously to a stop. Sirens sounded loudly in the distance.
“Damn!” Sam tried to brace herself, but she hit her head. She heard the doors open and footsteps sounded as the abductors tried to run away. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the release button and the trunk door swung open. She looked around, not knowing her where they had left her, but she saw Jordan and Toby running towards the car.
“Sam!” cried Jordan, and he quickly snatched her in his arms. “Oh, Sam,” he breathed softly. “Are you okay?”
“I think so,” said Sam, still feeling shaken. “What happened? Why did they try to take me?”