I Take This Woman

by Chamein Canton

  “You can’t be sure of that.”

  “Shana, if anyone finds out about Sam and me, I might as well paint myself green, get a black witch’s hat and audition for Wicked. There is no way to spin this.”

  Shana couldn’t help chuckling. “Okay. At least give the guy a chance to sort it out before you head for the hills.”

  “I’m not heading for the hills,” Abby replied. “Listen, Shana, I didn’t ask you to come up here so we could debate this into oblivion. I need you to do something for me.”

  “Okay. Go ahead.”

  “There are three folders on the coffee table. I need you to give them to Kelly. She’ll know what to do.”

  “Okay. I still can’t believe you’re going to leave your staff unattended for two whole days.”

  “I trust that they’ll do their jobs. Besides, I won’t be hovering over them next week, either.”

  “That’s right you’re our enforcer for Fashion Week. I’m telling you Abby, you really could have had a career as a Secret Service agent with the way you can spot a poser a mile away.”

  Abby chuckled, and then grunted as she lifted the suitcase off the bed.

  “That looks heavy. Can you even carry that downstairs?”

  “Don’t worry. It has wheels.” Abby pulled the handle and rolled it out of her bedroom. Shana followed.

  “Do you have everything?”

  “Yes. I think so.” Abby stopped to put her coat and hat on. “I think I’m good.” The doors opened the moment she pressed the elevator call button. “Okay, dear I’m off.” She hugged Shana.

  “Call me when you get there and give Justin a hug for me.”

  “I will.” Abby stepped in. “I’ll see you Sunday evening.” She waved as the doors closed.

  ***

  Sam awoke to the sound of knocking.

  “I’m coming.” He called out as he slowly slid out of bed. “Hold your horses!” He slipped his robe on and headed for the door. “What time is it?” He mumbled. “Who is it?”

  “It’s Bo.”

  He opened the door. Bo was carrying a handful of papers and magazines. “Good morning, sunshine.” He said as he walked in.

  “Good morning.” Sam hadn’t quite cleared the frog in his throat.

  “You look like hell.”

  “Thanks.” Sam said sarcastically as he sat down on the bed. “I know you didn’t come here to give me grooming advice. What’s going on?”

  “You are the lead story today.” He said as he dropped all but one of the papers on the floor. “They’ve got you pegged as everything from a sex addict to a plain old everyday heel.”

  “I thought Reggie said we would have a statement by today.”

  “Oh, you do have a statement.” Bo opened the paper. “ ‘Representatives for former New York Giants quarterback, Sam Best have confirmed the split with real estate heiress, Maria Carrangelo, a rep for Best said in a statement on Wednesday.’ ” Bo paused. “It reads, and I quote, ‘We ask for your respect and consideration of their privacy during this difficult time. No further comments will be made.’ ”

  Sam grabbed the paper from him. “That’s all it says?”

  “Yes.”

  Sam went through the rest of the paper. “I guess Big Bill and Kitty are here.” He held up the page with the photo of them entering Trump Tower.

  “The reinforcements have arrived.”

  “I have a headache.” He rubbed his forehead.

  “In more ways than one,” Bo added. “There are a swarm of photographers outside waiting for the first shot of you with your kept women.”

  “Oh this is ridiculous. There are no women.” He shook his head. “It never ceases to amaze me the conclusions people will jump to when you spend a little money.”

  “Are you talking about Maria?”

  “Yes. She found some old statements and wanted me to account for the large withdrawals. I don’t know what she was so interested in. It wasn’t her money.”

  “Okay so she found your donations. Why didn’t you just tell her that?”

  “I didn’t see why she needed to know.”

  “I’ve got two words for you. Dennis Shanahan.”

  Dennis Shanahan, a former Patriots player and color commentator for the NFL got caught up in a paid escort scandal in the early nineties. A married man and father of four, Dennis reportedly spent nearly one hundred thousand dollars for the girl’s company. Once the truth came out he lost his family, his television gig, lucrative sponsorships and his good name. Though the scandal was more than a decade in the past, Dennis had sunk to doing payday loan commercials on late night basic cable.

  “I’m not Dennis. He was named in that little black book.”

  “That might be true, but unless you come out and let people know about your donations, they will jump to that conclusion. It’s not that big of a leap.”

  “Forget it.”

  “I understand why you wanted to remain anonymous. But this thing is spinning out of control. All you have to do is tell people and the whole thing will go away.”

  “No.” Sam was firm.

  “Why?”

  “When I look at guys like Norm Green and I see what he’s and others like him are going through. I see my dad. My father would have played in the NFL if the accident hadn’t happened. I think in a lot of ways that accident saved my father’s life in the long run. He was able to teach and earn a good pension for his retirement. Now he and my mother are enjoying their golden years. Did you know that Norm Green and my father are the same age?”

  “No.” Bo looked surprised.

  “I didn’t, either. The years of hard playing have taken their toll on Norm and when I think about it that could have just as easily been my dad. That’s why I give.”

  “This is what the public needs to hear. Why don’t you let me call someone at the network?”

  “No. I don’t do it so I can be a feature on ESPN. That might be okay for some guys, but not me. I don’t need the accolades or the fanfare.”

  “I admire your conviction.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Although you don’t have any kept women, you are interested in one woman in particular. How’s that going? Have you spoken to Abby since the story broke?”

  “I did see her yesterday, but that was before all hell broke loose. I was going to go over to her office today.”

  “How are you going to do that? I told you the barbarians are poised at the gate.”

  “I know.” He picked up the card on the night stand. “I have a plan and you are going to help me.”

  “How am I going to help you?”

  “You’ll see.” Sam smiled.

  An hour later, Sam’s decoy, Bernard, was in his room dressed just like him.

  Bernard Sykes was a thirty-seven-year-old actor and model. He was a dead ringer for Sam down to the color of his eyes.

  “How do I look?” Bernard asked.

  “If I didn’t know better I would say you were me.” Sam laughed.

  “That’s the idea.” Bo laughed, too.

  “So we’re clear on the plan, right?” Sam asked.

  “I’ve got it.” Bernard said as he put the baseball cap and sunglasses on.

  “What about you, 007?”

  “I’m ready.”

  Sam put on his cap and sunglasses. “Let’s go.”

  The three men left Sam’s room. A few moments later they were in the lobby of the W Hotel. Sam waited while Bo and Bernard left through the front door. Almost immediately the photographers swarmed around them as they walked away from the hotel towards Bo’s car, which was parked three blocks away.

  Sam waited a few minutes for the coast to be clear and then walked out to an empty sidewalk. Good, he sighed with relief. I have someplace I have to be.

  ***

  Shana and Kelly were in Abby’s apartment.

  “I can’t believe I left one of the folders up here.” Shana said as she grabbed it from the coffee table.

  “Tha
t’s not a problem.”

  “Here you go.” Shana handed it to her.

  Kelly glanced at it. “Thanks.” She paused. “Abby will be back in time for next week, right?”

  “She’ll be home by Sunday evening.”

  “Okay. Great.”

  Just as Kelly and Shana walked to the elevator the intercom buzzed.

  “I wonder who that could be.” Shana said aloud.

  The elevator doors were open.

  “Do you want me to wait for you?”

  “No. You go ahead. I can take the stairs.”

  “Okay.”

  The doors closed. Shana went over to the intercom. “Yes?”

  “Hi, it’s Sam. Can I come up, Abby?”

  “Sure.” Shana pressed the buzzer. “Isn’t this an interesting development?” She said aloud.

  A few moments later the elevator doors opened.

  Sam looked surprised to see Shana. “Hi, Shana,” he looked around. “Did I press the button for the wrong floor?”

  “No. You’re in the right place. I just happened to be here.”

  “Oh, is Abby here?”

  “No.”

  “Is she in her office?”

  “No.”

  “Well, um, you know we’re working on my book together and I needed to talk to her about something. It’s book-related,” he quickly added.

  Shana stared at him with a blank look.

  “You don’t believe me for a minute, do you?”

  “Not even for a second.” She smirked.

  “I suppose you know about the kissing.”

  “Yes. I also know about the break-up.”

  “You and millions of other people. Do you mind if I sit down?”

  “Go right ahead.”

  Sam looked like there was a million pounds on his feet when he sat down. “Is Abby at a meeting? I can wait.”

  “No. She went away for a few days.”

  “She didn’t say anything about leaving at lunch yesterday.”

  “Oh you saw each other yesterday?”

  “Yes.” He paused. “All right, I know I’ve got a lot happening around me at the moment, but it won’t always be like this.”

  “I should hope not.”

  “I know. The timing is bad.”

  “Bad isn’t the word I’d use.”

  “The timing is horrible. But since when does love follow a schedule?”

  “Love,” Shana repeated.

  “Yes. This isn’t a fling for me. I’m not a fling kind of guy. I want to pursue a relationship with her. Can you help me out? Where is she?”

  Shana was touched by his sincerity and thought for a moment. “What the heck? It is Valentine’s Day tomorrow.” She took a breath. “Abby is visiting her son at Choate. She usually stays at the High Meadow Inn in Wallingford, Connecticut. You know she’s probably going to kill me for this.”

  Sam leaped to his feet. “Thanks, Shana.” He kissed her on the cheek and rushed towards the staircase.

  “The elevator is over there.”

  “The elevator would take too long. I’ve got some ground to cover,” Sam said as he disappeared down the staircase.

  “Good thing he’s a quarterback. We’re both going to need a few Hail Mary passes once Abby finds out.”

  Chapter 17

  When Abby pulled up to the inn, she felt a sense of calm come over her. Though she loved the beat of the city, Abby relished the idea of a little peace and quiet away from the all the white noise in her life. As she got out of her Land Rover, she was approached by Brad and Nanette Charles.

  “Hello, Abby.” Brad called out.

  A retired engineer, Brad Charles was a tall, blond with ice-blue eyes. His wife, Nanette, was a petite, plump brunette with green eyes.

  “Hi, Brad. Hi, Nanette.” Abby smiled as she got her bag from the backseat.

  “Let me take that.” Brad said.

  Nanette hugged her. “It’s good to see you, Abby. You look good.”

  “Thanks. So do you.” Abby pulled her coat closer to her body. “I forgot how cold it gets up here.”

  “Then let’s get you over to the cottage. Brad has the fireplace going for you.”

  “Oh, that sounds nice and warm.”

  The three of them walked the property until they came to Brae House. It looked like it belonged on a winter postcard. The pond was frozen over and there was smoke coming from the chimney.

  “Here we go.” Brad unlocked the door.

  The feeling of heat immediately surrounded Abby as she stepped in. “It feels nice in here.”

  “Would you like me to put your bag in the bedroom?”

  “Yes. Thank you.”

  “Okay.” He rolled the suitcase towards the master bedroom.

  “The fridge is fully stocked with everything you asked for.”

  “Good. Thank you.”

  “You can join us at the main house for breakfast tomorrow if you like. There’s no need to make your own eggs if we can do it for you.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind, Nanette.” Abby smiled.

  “Okay. I think you’re all set.” Brad said when he returned. “Let’s leave her alone to unpack, Nanette. Abby knows how to reach us if she needs anything.”

  “We’re only a phone call away.”

  “I know.” Abby hugged Nanette.

  Brad put his arm around Nanette. “Enjoy.” He waved as they walked out of the cottage.

  Abby looked around for a moment before she headed back to the bedroom. “Do I feel like unpacking right this minute?” She eyed her bag. “It can wait.” She kicked her boots off and lay on the queen-size bed.

  “Maybe I’ll watch a little television.” She said as she flipped the television on and turned to Headline News.

  “In entertainment news, famed attorney Toni Redstone, who is currently representing New York Giant Sam Best’s former fiancée, Maria Carrangelo, announced today that they are pondering a breach of contract case against the famed former quarterback.

  There is precedent for this case as Ms. Redstone represented, Delia Duncan a woman who took a $40,000-a-year pay cut to move from Atlanta to Kentucky to be with her fiancé, Lance Banfield. Redstone argued that her client’s fiancé’s promise of marital bliss amounted to a binding contract and Ms. Duncan suffered financial losses as a result of their breakup. A jury in Clark County, KY, agreed and handed down a verdict that gave Ms. Duncan an award of $300,000.

  “We have our own legal expert, Alan Weinstein, here to weigh in. Thanks for joining us, Alan.”

  “Thanks for having me, Georgiana.”

  “In 2008, there were 2.1 million plus weddings in the United States. So I imagine that for every couple that gets married there are more than a few that didn’t make it down the aisle. What does this case mean for the injured party?”

  “Well it depends on the circumstances. In the case of Toni Redstone’s client in Kentucky, she uprooted her life in good faith and took a significant pay cut. Her financial damages were easily proven.”

  “What about Maria Carrangelo?”

  “It’s my understanding that Ms. Carrangelo comes from a wealthy family and she didn’t work during her relationship with Sam Best. I’m sure there is some emotional damage as a result of the broken engagement, but it doesn’t look like she’s sustained any financial damage.”

  “Some attorneys have argued that Redstone’s case opened the door for frivolous lawsuits. What do you think?”

  “I think that every case is different. I’m sure some cases are legitimate. However it might have set a precedent that every time a couple has a dispute and one party believes the other to be a cheat or miscreant, all you have to do is hire a lawyer and hope to hear sounds of a cash register emanating from the jury room.”

  “She’s filing a breach of contract case? He broke off an engagement. He didn’t climb into a bell tower with an AK-47,” Abby said as she turned the television off. She could see that the matter was getting messier by the minute and was
glad not to be involved.

  ***

  With the coast still clear at the hotel, Sam went to his room, packed a small bag and managed to get downstairs to his Mercedes unnoticed.

  As he pulled into traffic, he dialed Bo on his Bluetooth.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey. How is everything going? Are they still following you?”

  “Yes. They’re all perched outside of the building. We even fooled a few people here at ESPN. They thought I brought you in for an exclusive.”

  Sam laughed. “Good. I’ll need you to bring Bernard back to the hotel tonight. He has to stay hunkered down there until I get back.”

  “Until you get back,” he asked. “Where are you going?”

  “It’s better that you don’t know. Trust me. I’ll be fine.”

  “Does Reggie know about this yet?”

  “I’ll let him know once I get to my destination. If I call him before that, he’ll try to talk me out of it.”

  “He’d be right.”

  “Well right now I have to do what feels right. I’ll call you once I arrive. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “Thanks, buddy. I owe you one.”

  “You owe me more than one.” Bo laughed and then hung up.

  Sam programmed the name of the inn into his GPS. “Ready or not, Abby here I come.”

  ***

  Abby was awakened by the sound of someone at the door. “Just a minute,” she called as she made her way from the bedroom to the front door.

  “Yes?” She opened the door.

  “You’re a hard woman to find, Abigail Carey.”

  “Sam?” She was wide awake now. “What are you doing here? How did you know I was here?”

  “I know you have a lot of questions, but I’d rather answer them later than sooner.” He closed the door and kissed Abby passionately. Soon they were pressed up against the wall. Sam overtook Abby’s senses as she melted with each kiss. Urgently his hands lifted her sweater and he began kissing and caressing her breasts.

  “Sam,” she whispered struggling to find her voice.

  “No more talking,” Sam said, pulling her sweater over her head. He swiftly unhooked her bra and continued kissing and gently sucking all around them.