“Just barely.” He laughed. “Momma bought enough outfits for Daisy to change clothes three times a day. I keep telling her that she’s seven years old now and she’s growing like a weed. But you know Momma.”
“She’s going to do what she wants.”
“Exactly,” he agreed.
“Well, I’m nearly home now. Can you tell Dad that I called?”
“Sure.”
“Thanks. Give Tammy my love.”
“I will.”
“I’ll talk to you later, big brother.”
“You take it easy, Sam.”
He hung up. “Bryan?”
“Yes, sir?”
“Do me a favor. Let’s swing over to the florist.”
“Sure.”
Sam pondered what lay ahead. Maria had seemed okay about the linen stuff, but he’d play it safe by bringing her flowers.
Chapter 5
After a brief staff meeting in the conference room, Abby went back to her office. Just as she was about to leave, a caption on the front page of The Post caught her eye. What’s this? She picked the paper up. The Estranged Wife of J.J. Stokes Raises the Stakes in Their Divorce. She sighed heavily. Looks like Beebe is pulling out all the stops to get out of the prenup. Abby shook her head. Guess she didn’t realize that J.J.’s attorneys made sure the prenup was bulletproof. Almost feeling sorry for her, Abby tossed the paper onto her desk and walked out.
“I’m taking lunch downstairs if anyone needs me,” she announced.
“No problem, Abby,” Reed answered.
Abby grabbed a salad from the break room and headed downstairs to Shana’s office.
“Hey, Shana, what’s up?”
“Hi,” Shana answered as she stared at Polaroids on the corkboard.
“Wow, that’s a lot of models.” Abby leaned against Shana’s desk.
Shana shook her head. “I know. I don’t know how we’re going to narrow it down to twelve girls. They’re all so pretty.”
“It’s going to come down to how they walk and if they’re available for the show.”
“You’re right about that. Cedi will be here tomorrow and then we’ll have the final decision.”
“I’m excited that he’s debuting the first plus-size line at Fashion Week. We’ve come a long way, baby.”
“I hear that. Speaking of excitement, why didn’t you tell me that you were meeting Sam Best today?”
“Because I didn’t know I was meeting him until dinner with Reggie.”
“Oh, was he the reason Reggie invited you to Le Bernadin?”
“Yes. He’s one of Reggie’s clients. Reggie asked me to edit his book.”
“I’m sorry. Did you say edit?”
“Yes. And before you say anything, I haven’t decided if I’ll work with him yet.”
“Of course you’re working with him. You could have said no last night. Admit it, you’re intrigued.”
“I guess I am, even though I swore off working with athletes a long time ago.”
“He’s cute.”
“Yes, he is,” she said off-handedly.
“Come on, Abby, don’t pretend you didn’t notice the man was drop-dead gorgeous. I mean, he nearly caused a stampede down here.”
“And here I thought that fashion people didn’t care about sports.”
“They don’t have to care about sports to get excited. They can smell a good-looking man with money a mile away.”
Abby cracked up.
“So when you say edit his book, are you going to write it, too?”
“No. I’m not a ghostwriter. I’m going to help him flesh his story out. He has to deliver two hundred and twenty pages by the end of May and he’s only written forty so far.”
“Woo, that’s a tall order.”
“I know. That’s why we’re meeting tomorrow morning to get started.”
“He doesn’t know what he’s in for.” Shana chuckled. “Football training camp in the dead of summer is going to seem like a walk in the park on a cool autumn day.”
“It can’t be helped. I don’t have a lot of time to play with him. He’s got a deadline and he’s getting married in four months.”
“The red dragon lady rides again.”
***
After making up for the peach linen incident with a dozen roses in the same color, Sam got a reprieve from wedding duty to hang out with his best friend and best man, Bo Clemson.
Sam and Bo had roomed together in college. Sam was the star athlete on campus, and, at five feet, nine inches, with a slight frame, Bo was his studious sidekick. However, what Bo lacked in physical stature he made up for with personality and an impeccable knowledge of sports, which he used to get a job in sports broadcasting at ESPN just before the network exploded into America’s mind and vocabulary. Working as a sports analyst made for a comfortable family life in a 2,700-square-foot luxury home on Long Island’s north shore. He even had a man cave complete with a big screen plasma television, wet bar and two Lazy Boy recliners.
“Thanks for having me over,” Sam said as he got comfortable in a recliner.
“No problem.” Bo poured two cold beers at the wet bar. “Here you go.” He handed Sam a cold, frosty glass.
“That looks good. Thanks.” Sam took big gulps. “Ah, I needed that,”
Bo sat down. “I guess you did. You nearly finished the glass in two gulps.”
The two men laughed.
“I’m solo until tomorrow afternoon when Amy gets back with the kids. You want to order a pizza?”
“No, I’m good. You go ahead if you want.”
Bo looked down at his little beer belly. “I think I’ll pass, too. I can’t metabolize pizza and beer like I used to. I can’t do a lot of things like I used to.” He drank his beer. “Not to mention the fact that the camera adds ten pounds. That’s why this is light beer.”
“It tastes good to me.”
“Good. So how are things? How are the wedding plans coming along?”
“It’s all systems go in that department. Maria is in overdrive these days. She’s already blown through two wedding planners. We’re on our third. I just hope she can go the distance.”
“There’s something that happens to some women the moment the engagement ring is on their finger. It’s like they’re on a mission.”
“I know. Maria wants everything to be perfect, and no detail is too small to overlook. Seriously, I think she’s making Eisenhower’s plans for D-Day look like something he scribbled on a bar napkin.”
Bo laughed. “How’s the guest list?”
“Her father invited fifty more people. Now we’re up to four hundred and fifty guests.”
“I hate to say it, but what did you expect? Her father is a big shot in Dallas and she grew up in Highland Park. They may not be in New York’s social registry, but they’re at the top of the one in Dallas. And Maria’s the baby, to boot. You’ve got your hands full.”
“Don’t I know it?”
“I feel for you, buddy. Have you told your family?”
“No. You know how my family is, strictly low key and down to earth. All of this pomp and circumstance just isn’t their cup of tea.” He shook his head. “They thought the guest list was too much at two hundred people. How am I going to tell them we’re up to four hundred and fifty guests?”
“I know what you’re saying, buddy. Still, you should tell them before the wedding. You don’t want them to be surprised.”
“You’re right. I will.”
“So let’s change the subject. How’s the book coming along?”
“It’s been slow going, but hopefully that will change by tomorrow if Abby takes me on.”
“Who?”
“Abigail Carey. Do you know her?”
“I don’t know her personally, but I know she used to be the senior editor for Stillwater Publishing.”
“I gave her what I’ve written so far to review.”
“You’re feeling nervous about it, huh?”
“
Yes. What if she thinks I’m a total idiot who’s beyond help?”
“She won’t.”
“From your lips to God’s ears.” Sam finished his beer. “I feel like I’m in grade school again waiting for my teacher to hand my paper back to me. Only I never had a hot teacher in elementary school.” The minute the word ‘hot’ escaped his lips, Sam knew he was in trouble.
“Is that right?” Bo grinned.
“Don’t look at me like that. All I said was that she’s attractive.”
“No, you said she was hot.”
“Same difference,” Sam quipped.
“No, it isn’t. Helen Mirren is attractive. Beyoncé is hot. Do you smell what I’m cooking?”
“Yes, but it’s a moot point. I’m engaged, remember?”
“Who can forget with Maria calling and texting you every two minutes when you’re not in her sight?” Bo said jokingly.
“She hasn’t done either this evening.”
“That’s because you’re in the suburbs. She knows I’m married with children. What are you going to get into with me?”
“Not much. No offense.”
“None taken,” Bo answered quickly. “I like being a boring married man.” He grinned. “But what’s going to happen when you start working with this hot, I mean attractive, editor?”
“I have to get this manuscript completed. Maria will have to deal with it. End of story.”
“Famous last words,” Bo said as he raised his glass. “More power to you.”
***
Her day over, Abby kicked back with a glass of Riesling in front of her laptop as she completed her Skype call to her son Justin. Her face lit up when she saw Justin’s curly brown hair, light brown eyes and smile on the screen.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Hey, gorgeous. You are a sight for sore eyes. How are you?”
“Good. How are you, Mom?”
“I’m fine, but you look a little tired. Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Yes. I just got back from lacrosse practice.”
Abby shook her head. “You know, I still don’t understand this winter lacrosse thing. When I was a kid they only played in the spring and early fall. Now it’s practically all year ‘round.”
“Things are different now, Mom. I’m having fun.”
“You say that now, but baseball season will be here before you know it.”
“I’ll have fun with that, too.”
“I’m glad you’re having fun, but—” she began.
“Don’t worry, Mom, I’m making good grades.”
“Good. I know that you’re aware of your dad’s divorce, but there have been things in the news lately that might bother you.”
“Are you talking about NBA Confidential?”
“Yes. How did you know?”
“I read it in one of those magazines in the pharmacy a few days back.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“What was there to say? If Beebe wants to join the cast, I don’t think Dad can stop her. Can he?”
“No.”
“There you have it.” He shrugged.
“That’s a very grown-up answer, but are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine, Mom. It’s not like this is something new with Dad, anyway.”
In the year leading up to the divorce, J.J. had made no secret of his and Beebe’s separation. Even as Beebe held out hope, he was photographed with a plethora of young women at nightclubs, sporting events, boating and out on the town. The last straw came when his latest paramour showed off her ‘friendship’ ring from Jason of Beverly Hills, jeweler to Hollywood stars and athletes alike. Beebe filed for divorce the same day.
“I know, but still,” she started.
“Seriously, Mom, I’m okay.”
“Okay, if you say so.” She nodded.
“I do.” He leaned in closer to the camera. “Mom, are you still in the office?”
“No, I’m in the apartment.” She turned the camera so he could get a full view and then turned it back. “See?”
“Why are you still wearing your hair pulled back at home?”
“Oh, I didn’t even realize I still had it pinned.” She removed the pins and let her hair fall. “Is that better now?”
“Yes. No offense, Mom, but you look like a hard-nosed school teacher when your hair’s pulled back like that.”
“Then maybe I’ll get a pair of glasses and a ruler to complete the look.” She smiled.
Justin laughed. “Seriously, Mom, I’m just glad that you’re not still in the office. That’s progress.”
“Thank you. That’s high praise coming from you. I do have a little work to do here but all I’m doing is reading Sam Best’s work.”
“Did you say Sam Best? As in the one who played for the Giants?” he asked, incredulous.
“Yes. Your Uncle Reggie asked me to help him with the book he’s writing.”
“In that case do you think you can get an autograph for me before you rip his writing to shreds?”
“What makes you think I’m going to do that?”
“Experience, Mom. I’ve seen you correct greeting cards.”
“I’ve done nothing of the sort. Stop exaggerating.”
“Maybe I am a little, but you are tough.”
“He’s a big boy. I’m sure he can take a little constructive criticism.”
“Hey, Mom, they’re getting ready to close the cafeteria and I want to get something to eat before I have to get back to the dorms.”
“Okay, honey. Same time tomorrow?”
“Okay.”
“Love you.”
“Aw, Mom,” he groaned.
“All right, Justin. Peace out.”
“Peace out, Mom.” Just before he ended the call he held up a piece of paper that said Love you too, Mom.
Though some parents would have relished the peace of not having a teenager in residence, Abby missed the sounds of video games, television wrestling and ESPN. A quiet house meant she would have time to listen to her thoughts and wonder whether she was truly happy as a single woman. However, this evening was a little different. She had Sam Best’s words and a glass of wine to help her keep those thoughts at bay, at least for the night.
Abby made herself comfortable in the little reading area she’d set up in her bedroom near the window. As she opened the portfolio, two pieces of paper fell onto the floor.
“What’s this?” she said as she picked the papers up. “Two checks for $40,000 each?” Her eyes popped open wide. She imagined they had something to do with the wedding. Tom Webster and Norman Green sounded a little familiar. She couldn’t remember where she’d heard the names before. No matter, she’d think about it later. She turned to the first page. “I’d better read and find out if this is indeed Mr. Best’s Opus.”
Chapter 6
When Sam got back from Bo’s, Maria was busy looking at table embellishments sent over from the florist. By the time he showered and got ready for bed, she was busily making notes in her wedding planner.
“Did you have a good time at Bo’s?” She looked up.
“Yeah, it was nice. We watched a few games.”
“That’s nice.”
Sam slipped into bed. “Oh, I don’t think I mentioned this before, but I have an early meeting with my editor tomorrow.”
“What do you mean? How early? You know we have appointments, and you promised.”
“Yes, I know, and I’m going to keep my promise. The meeting is at seven-thirty, and I shouldn’t be any more than an hour and a half at the most.”
“What kind of editor sets a meeting for that early in the morning?”
“The kind of editor that knows I have a tight deadline and need all the help I can get to clear the decks before the wedding.”
“Are you sure? This is a female editor. How do I know that she doesn’t have designs on you? She could be an undercover sports groupie who wants to steal you away.”
Sam laughed. “I
doubt it. She was married to J.J. Stokes.”
“Oh, wait a minute. Was she his first wife? What’s her name?”
“Abigail Carey.”
“Yes. I remember now. He cheated on her with his second wife. You know, I think I read somewhere that the second wife is divorcing him for the same reason.” She shook her head. “I’m telling you, karma’s a bitch.”
“True. Now are you a little less worried?”
“Fine. Just be sure you’re back here in time.”
“I will.” He kissed her, then turned off his light and went to sleep.
***
The next morning Abby finished her routine a little earlier than usual so she could bake for the breakfast meeting and take her mind off her edits. Though very few people could tell from Abby’s steely demeanor, editing made her nervous. In truth, she agonized over every red pen mark she made much in the same way the author did over every word he or she wrote. Her slash and bleed approach was really the equivalent of a skilled surgeon’s scalpel, and, like a surgeon, she wanted the best possible outcome. “That should do it,” she said aloud as she finished putting the breakfast treats on a platter.
The phone rang.
She didn’t bother looking at the caller ID, as she was pretty sure she knew who it was. She took off the apron that had protected her black DKNYC fitted sheath dress from flour. “Hello, J.J.”
“Hello. I won’t ask you how you knew it was me. I know you have caller ID.”
“I didn’t have to check the caller ID. You are the only one who would call me at this hour.”
“It’s nice to know I still stand out,” he said smugly.
Abby rolled her eyes. “Get to the point of this call, J.J. I know you have one.”
“I wanted to know if Choate is going to have more than one parents’ weekend this semester.”
J.J. had grown up with a distant father who didn’t know how to express his love for his children. He was there to provide for J.J. and his older brother but he was stingy with his love and praise. The pattern continued with J.J. and Justin. Though there was no doubt that J.J. loved his son, he didn’t really know how to spend time with him. At first Abby blamed it on his NBA schedule, but once his career was over, he still wasn’t there for PTA meetings, band concerts and even school sports events. He would try to make up for it by buying Justin things. It began with the latest toy and progressed to video game systems, video games and high tech televisions. While Abby was bothered by the idea that J.J. seemed comfortable buying his son’s affection, she was really worried about the day when Justin became comfortable with it, too.
I Take This Woman Page 6