A Total Mismatch

by Madelaine Grant

  He didn’t agree with her but decided to stay mum. Sam would have to make up her own mind on that situation.

  ~ ~ ~

  “So, how was the sailing trip?” Peter asked Sam when she came into the gallery on Tuesday.

  “Great,” she replied. But she didn’t go into any details. Her personal life with Jordan would remain just that–personal and private.

  “Well, that was a brief reply,” he remarked. “But you look tanned and relaxed, so it must have been fun.”

  Feeling a bit remorseful about her abruptness, she added, “We found a charming little town on the Connecticut coast and spent most of Sunday there. The weather was beautiful, and sailing was delightful.”

  “I’m glad,” he said, turning to leave for his office.

  “Before you go, I want to ask a favor,” Sam began. “I’d like to take a week off this summer if Heidi can fill in for me. What do you think?”

  Turning back, Peter sent her a sly smile. “I guess Jordan’s behind this request. And, yes, of course it’s okay. You’ve put in long hours these past few years. It’s time you took a real vacation.”

  “Thanks, Peter,” she replied. “You could probably use time off as well.”

  “Not during the summer months,” he answered. “We’re too busy then. But don’t worry about me. I’m content here.” Then he retired to his office.

  That was one hurdle out of the way. Now all she had to do was contact Heidi. Within the next hour, she’d spoken to her friend, and it was settled. The July Fourth week was fine. Breathing a sigh of relief, she phoned Jordan’s office and, since he was busy with a client, left a message with his secretary. Only then could she settle down to the day’s demands.

  Jordan phoned back shortly before noon. “I have a feeling you have good news.”

  “How can you tell?” She couldn’t help smiling at the sound of his voice.

  “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because you called early in the day. So what’s up?”

  “Peter doesn’t mind, and Heidi’s available, so the week of July Fourth is set.”

  “Sam, that’s great–just great. A whole week on the boat . . . I can’t wait. By the way, will you phone me tonight about plans for the weekend? I’m usually home by ten.”

  “Okay. I’m sure my nights will be free except for the dinner with Uncle Jim and his family. I’ll probably hear from him later this week. I hope you’ll be able to join us.”

  “I’m planning on it,” he said firmly. This could be the time he’d get answers to some of his questions about Sam’s background and family. At least he hoped so.

  ~ ~ ~

  When Sam entered the Blue Monkey Tuesday evening, she was thankful Peter was at her side. She’d phoned ahead to let Beth know he’d be coming for dinner. “Hi, Beth. Good to see you,” she said to her friend. She wondered if Beth would notice her new hair color and style. When her friend made no comment, Sam knew Beth had walled herself off. Beth was the one who’d been urging her to change her hair style. Now she acted as if she didn’t even care. That hurt, and for a moment, Sam was tempted to raise the subject. But she didn’t.

  “Nice seeing you, too,” Beth replied, but she didn’t smile or look particularly interested. Instead, she was carefully polite while she escorted them to a reserved table.

  Sam watched her leave and felt an aching sadness deep inside. She was glad to be distracted by Max, who stood as they neared him.

  “Hassan and Omar will be here shortly,” Max said, shaking hands with Peter and giving Sam a kiss on the cheek. “I’ve ordered a bottle of wine and some appetizers.”

  Omar and Hassan joined them a few moments later, and the business part of the meeting began. “This looks like a big weekend for us,” Omar said to Sam and Peter. “There are at least thirty breweries that will be represented at the convention. I want our booth to stand out and, with our lovely belly dancer here”—he paused to send Sam a big smile—“we should be a popular stopping place. We’ll have the video playing of Sam dancing with both of us at the brewery and interchange it with our recent TV ad. Sam can give a demonstration of her belly dance routine at stated times. We’ve been discussing this and feel that before and after the dinner hour would be best.”

  Max nodded thoughtfully. “That sounds like the right strategy.”

  “What hours do you want me there?” Sam asked. The thought of sitting around for endless amounts of time was not particularly appealing.

  “Well, let’s see,” Hassan said, consulting his notes. “The convention begins Friday afternoon and ends late Sunday morning. If you could be there from seven to ten Friday evening, that would work. Saturday is the most important day. We’d like you to be available from eleven in the morning to one in the afternoon. After a lunch break, if you could be there from three to seven, that would be great. It’s not necessary to attend on Sunday. How does that work for you?” He turned to Sam with an expectant look.

  This wasn’t so bad. She could still have Saturday and Sunday nights free to be with Jordan. Dinner with her uncle and his family could be arranged on either night. “That sounds fine. I imagine you’ll have my music and costume available.”

  “Don’t give it a thought,” Max declared. “I’ll have everything you need. Since you’ll be staying at the hotel Friday and Saturday nights, I’ll have your wig and costume delivered to your room. How’s that?”

  Sam looked at Peter. “Sounds good to me. Do you have any questions?”

  Peter looked thoughtful. “What about photos or videos of Sam dancing? Most people with smart phones can easily do this. I don’t think we should allow anyone to photograph or film her dancing.” He turned to Max and the Berdoga brothers.

  “Hmmm, I hadn’t thought of that,” Max said. Turning to the two brothers he said, “Can we stop people from taking photos?”

  “No problem,” Hassan said. “I’ll have a few of my employees in the audience to halt any photo or video taking. They’ll do it diplomatically, of course, but I think we should be able to control that aspect.”

  “Good,” Peter said. He looked at Sam. “Any other questions?”

  She shook her head. “I think we’ve covered all the bases.”

  “Good. Let’s order dinner then,” Omar said.

  ~ ~ ~

  Later that night, Sam phoned Jordan. He answered on the first ring.

  “Well, how did it go?” he asked.

  “Pretty good. Beth wasn’t particularly friendly, and I never saw Sean, but the meeting went well.” She proceeded to give him the pertinent details.

  “That does give us plenty of time. I’m glad we’ll have both nights together. Since you’ll be busy Friday night, I won’t bother you. Instead, I’ll get some work done at the office and plan on being with you Saturday evening. I’m meeting my sisters for lunch that day, and after that, I’m free. Why don’t I check with you Thursday night? I’ll phone when I get home. Besides, I love talking to you before I go to bed.” His voice lowered to a husky tone.

  She didn’t mind talking to him at night. It was a delicious habit–one she could get seriously addicted to.

  Chapter 25

  “I’d like to invite Jim and his sons to the club for a round of golf this weekend. Since Faith is not much of a golfer, I thought she could spend time with you,” Warren Milburn said to his wife, Charlotte, Thursday evening after dinner. They were sitting on the sofa in the family room.

  Charlotte let out a long sigh. “This is the last weekend before Andrea’s wedding, and I’ve invited all the bridesmaids for lunch on Saturday. I don’t know how much time I’d be able to spend with her.”

  He eyed his wife with a mixture of disappointment and resignation. “We don’t see them very often, Lotty. I feel bad they aren’t staying with us at the house. I’d like to have them for dinne
r one night at least.”

  “As long as it isn’t this weekend,” she said firmly. “Hilda will be busy preparing the luncheon, and I can’t ask her to make dinner, too.”

  “Why don’t we take them out to a restaurant?” Warren asked. “There’s no need burdening Hilda with more cooking chores.”

  “I suppose we could do that,” she replied grudgingly.

  “Let’s have them Saturday night and I’ll make reservations tomorrow. We can arrange to play golf on Sunday. Maybe you and Faith can get some shopping done. I know she’d enjoy that.”

  “Well, to be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t. I don’t know why she can’t go along with all of you and play golf. I could join you at the club for lunch later in the day.”

  He was silent a moment as he mulled over her suggestion. “I suppose we could do that,” he said slowly. “Are you sure you won’t join us for golf? It would be nice for Faith to have another woman to talk to.”

  “You know we’ve never gotten along,” she retorted, glaring at him. “Faith and I have absolutely nothing in common. I don’t know how your brother could have chosen someone like her to marry.”

  “Now, Lotty, that’s not nice!” Warren exclaimed with a deepening frown. “She’s a very educated and pleasant woman. I don’t know why the two of you never hit it off.”

  Charlotte folded her arms over her chest. “All she can talk about are her sons and how well they’re doing, or those children she teaches. I have absolutely no interest in any of that. I can tolerate her for one dinner out and lunch at the club for your sake. If you want to see more of them, that’s your business. This coming week will be very busy getting ready for the wedding. I won’t have a moment to spare.” Her mouth tightened to a hard line while her eyes glittered with barely suppressed anger.

  Warren looked at his wife of almost fifty years with a troubled expression. Why were women so difficult to understand? Rather than give the matter more attention, he picked up his newspaper. “Whatever you say, dear.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Shortly before noon on Friday, Sam received a call at the gallery from her uncle.

  “Samantha, we’ll be arriving at the hotel late tonight. Can we plan on meeting for dinner Sunday evening? You should choose the place as you know the city better.”

  “Uncle Jim, it’s good to hear from you. Sunday evening is fine. Let me check with Jordan, and I’ll call you at the hotel regarding the time and place. Where are you staying? I’ll be at the Marriott Marquis for the craft beer convention.” Had she mentioned she’d be doing a belly dance routine for a brewery? She couldn’t remember.

  “Sam, that’s great. We’ve booked a suite at the same hotel. The boys are flying in Saturday afternoon. We’ll all be with your parents Saturday night. Your father asked us out for dinner. On Sunday we’re playing golf at his club and having lunch there. Why don’t I check in with you on Sunday morning? Are you an early riser?”

  Sam thought about the leisurely pace of her Sundays with Jordan. “Noon would be better. We’ll probably be having brunch then. Is that okay?”

  “I expect to be walking around the golf course, but I’ll make sure to touch base with you around that time. Remember, dinner’s on me.”

  “Thank you, Uncle Jim,” she said, touched by his offer. “I’m glad we’re going to spend time together.”

  “I wouldn’t miss seeing you for the world.”

  When the conversation ended, Sam felt her eyes misting. At least she had some family left.

  Knowing her schedule would be tough, Peter suggested she leave early on Friday. “Take off at three so you can eat something before rushing to the hotel.”

  “You are one considerate man. Thanks.” Besides attending to the cats and packing a bag for the weekend, she needed to check with her neighbor who was cat-sitting. She didn’t think she could eat a real dinner, but at least she’d grab a sandwich.

  “Can Heidi help out most of Saturday? I hate to leave you in the lurch tomorrow.”

  Peter waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry. She’ll be here during the lunch hours when we get most of the traffic. Jack’s coming in, too, as that would be a good time to connect with possible buyers. We’ll be fine. I might even come by to see how the convention’s going Saturday evening. I’m not promising, but I am curious. So don’t be surprised if I pop up while you’re doing your belly dancing routine.”

  “Really?” Sam’s smile was radiant. “I’d love it if you could. It’s comforting to see a familiar face.”

  “I’m sure Jordan will be there. Right?”

  “He’s planning on it,” she replied.

  The crowds were thick on Friday night as Sam, dressed in her belly dancing outfit, pushed her way through to the East Village Brewery display. Omar and Hassan, plus several other people she didn’t recognize, were busy handing out samples of various craft beers and answering questions. A large blow-up of Sam dancing with Omar stood to one side of a long table. On the other end, a video played as she danced with both brothers.

  Catching sight of her, Hassan waved. “Just in time,” he said, smiling. “Now we’ll have the real thing,” he said to the people in front of him.

  For the rest of the evening, Sam performed at stated times each hour to an appreciative audience. She’d been nervous at the beginning, but with the familiar music playing in the background, she soon got into her groove. Several men came forward to dance with her, and as at the Blue Monkey, she improvised to accommodate their movements. Omar and Hassam also partnered her, to much applause. By the time the night ended, Sam was exhausted, but happy she’d been able to capture so much attention for the brewery.

  Retiring to her hotel room, she stripped off her costume and headed for the spacious bathroom to soak in the whirlpool tub. At least she’d have tonight all to herself. She needed to relax and recharge for the busy day tomorrow. Her last thought before snuggling under the covers in the king-size bed was of a tall, dark-haired man who’d be joining her for the next two days. With a sigh of contentment, she fell fast asleep.

  ~ ~ ~

  “We’re so happy to see you,” Diane said to Jordan as she entered Mario’s restaurant at one o’clock on Saturday. Her two sisters, Lori and Amy, were at her side and added their greetings.

  Jordan kissed each of his sisters and led them to a table he’d reserved earlier. “You’re all looking extremely well. Amy, that’s a great hair style. I always liked short hair on you.” He gave Diane an appraising glance. “Looks like you’ve lost some weight. Very becoming.” Turning to Lori he said, “Seems like you get younger every time I see you. Bet it’s that new healthy diet you’re on. Hope everyone doesn’t mind, but I went ahead and ordered a large antipasto to start, plus wine.”

  “Good, I’m starving,” Amy declared, seating herself at the round dark-wood table. “And thanks for the compliment. Vance likes my hair this way, too.” She flashed him a big smile. “They make the best clam pizza,” she added to the others.

  “I’m sticking to veggie pizza,” Lori declared. “Much healthier.”

  “What kind of pizza are you ordering?” Diane asked Jordan as she studied the menu. “They all sound delicious. I just have to watch out for cheese. It really puts the pounds on.” She sighed.

  “Probably the eggplant and meatball. It’s a great combination.”

  The waitress arrived with glasses of water and a basket of crusty Italian bread. “The antipasto will be out in a moment.”

  “Please bring the wine,” Jordan said.

  “Of course.”

  “You look tanned and relaxed,” Lori commented, scrutinizing her brother. “Must have had a fun time on the boat.” She smiled coyly.

  “Yes, it was a pleasant trip,” he replied without giving further details. He knew from experience they’d be fishing for information a
bout Sam. Well, they’d just have to wait until the wedding. Which reminded him to look at his tux before he met Sam later. It might need to be cleaned.

  “Jordan, I’m just starting to organize an invitation list for my wedding on the Labor Day weekend. I’ll need your girlfriend’s name and address. Also, I wondered if she’d like to be one of my bridesmaids since you’ll be in the wedding party. What do you think?” Amy tilted her head to one side with an innocent expression.

  He tensed a moment as he considered her request. Knowing Sam’s aversion to weddings, he didn’t think she’d go for it. Then again, it made sense since he’d be involved as one of the groomsmen. “Let me think about it and get back to you.”

  She pouted and sent him a grieved glance. “You don’t sound very enthusiastic. I’d think you’d be pleased I want to include her, whoever she is.”

  Jordan was starting to get that trapped feeling he often experienced when faced with all three of his sisters. “Amy, we have plenty of time to go into details. And yes, I’m very pleased you and Vance have decided to make a commitment. I’m sure Mom and Dad are happy about it.”

  “Speaking of our parents,” Diane interjected, “they’re coming into the city over the July Fourth weekend. I hope you’ll be around, so we can have a mini family reunion.”

  He took a quick inward breath and let it out slowly. “Diane, I’ll be away for the whole week. I wish I’d known about their visit sooner. I’ll give them a call later and see exactly when they plan to arrive. Perhaps they can come into town a few days earlier.”

  The waitress arrived with the wine and antipasto tray, relieving Jordan of more conversation. But he knew they weren’t finished with the inquisition.

  By the time lunch ended, he’d fielded several more questions about Sam and their relationship. Knowing beforehand this was bound to happen, he’d prepared for the interrogation as if it were one of his cases and came through without giving more information than he’d intended.