Play for Me (15 page)

“Move aside,” cried Katy. “We’re doctors.” Sam stepped aside
and let Katy and Olivia do their work. Ian had both the man and woman calmed
down.

“I’m okay,” said the gentleman as he sat up and looked into
the anxious face of his wife. “My legs just gave out.”

“Stay still.” Katy’s voice rang with authority. “You need to
have this checked out.”

“He’s on a new high blood pressure medication,” explained
his wife as she knelt beside him. “I bet that's what's making him dizzy.”

“I’m calling for an ambulance,” said Olivia.

“Our medical insurance doesn’t cover an ambulance and we
don’t have the money to pay for one,” said the woman nervously.

“It’s on me,” said Katy. “Here’s my card and when you get
the bill, send it to me.”

“Our car is over there, and I don’t drive. I’m sorry to be
such a bother.” The woman appeared bewildered by the situation.

“It’s no bother,” interrupted Sam. “I can follow the
ambulance, and Ian can follow me.”

“What a great idea,” said Katy with a smile. “I really like
you, Sam.”

“Thanks,” grinned Sam. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

“Well, that’s an interesting first date, don’t you think?”
asked Ian as he sat on Sam’s couch.

“It is memorable,” laughed Sam as she sat next to him. “I’m
glad everything worked out. They’re going to be okay, which is a good thing. You
really moved fast.”

“I saw him out of the corner of my eye,” explained Ian as he
put his arm around Sam’s shoulder.

“You passed my test,” whispered Sam as she stared into Ian’s
eyes.

“I still have the children test to complete,” he whispered
softly.

“That can wait until next time.” Sam whispered back and
gently kissed Ian’s lips. The kiss started slowly and then Ian parted her lips
and his tongue eagerly met Sam’s tongue.

“Why do you taste so damn good?” asked Ian hoarsely.

“Our minds think alike.” Sam gave into Ian’s kisses which
were increasing in intensity.

“What time do you have to leave?” asked Sam in a whisper. “I
mean the latest possible minute?”

“Damn,” said Ian as he looked at his watch. “I’m already
late, as it is.” He pulled out of Sam’s embrace reluctantly. He gently grasped
Sam’s face between his hands and tenderly stroked her cheek. “I’ll be back as
soon as I can.”

“Promise?” Sam didn’t want to see him leave.

“Promise.” Ian unfolded his legs and walked to the door. “Bye
Sam.”

“Bye,” whispered Sam. “Call me?”

“You bet.” Ian smiled and left.

Sam watched as Ian got onto his bike and took off. She
slipped on some tennis shoes and clipped Cracker’s leash on. She needed a walk
to clear her head, and it probably wouldn’t hurt Cracker, either.

****

“What are you doing this weekend?” asked Jett as he plopped
on Sam’s desk scaring the living daylights out of her.

“Uh, like working?” responded Sam.

“How would you like to go to Maui?”

“What?” shrieked Sam. “Are you serious?”

“Yup.” Jett found himself amused by her reaction. Sam's
enthusiasm made him smile and Jett realized how jaded his life had become, and
he didn’t like it. “I want to check up on Ian’s work. My buddy, Drew, is
staying there this weekend, and I haven’t seen him in ages.”

“Oh.” Sam looked puzzled, “Drew?”

“Yeah, Drew. Drew Stone.” Jett smiled as the surprise showed
on Sam’s face.

“The lead singer of
Ambush?
” asked Sam breathlessly.

“The one and only.”

“You're kidding, right?” breathed Sam. “He’s like one of my
favorites!” She looked at the disappointment on Jett’s face. “I mean no offense,
Jett.”

“None taken.” Jett smiled. “It’s why I hired you, right?”

“Right,” agreed Sam, but somehow she felt disloyal. She
could see some disappointment in Jett’s eyes. “But, sometimes, you’re not so
bad.” She bumped his arm in a sisterly fashion.

“Only sometimes?” teased Jett. “When haven’t I been nice to
you?”

“When you’re nagging me to play in public,” retorted Sam.

“That’s only for your own good. You’ve got talent, flaunt
it.” He glared at Sam in a fatherly manner.

“Now what?” inquired Sam.”Is there supposed to be something
else?”

“That’s it?” asked Jett, stumped. “What about my lifestyle
with the women, and the way I have my house decorated?”

“That doesn’t concern me as my employer. As your girlfriend
or significant other, then, yes. I’d have a huge problem with you.”

Jett sat back in his seat, appearing shell shocked. “So, you
actually like me?”

“Yeah, I do.” Sam crossed her arms and stared at Jett. “But
just don’t let it go to your head, got it?”

“Cool.” Jett smiled widely. “You’ve made my day. But back to
business. You are not to go anywhere near Drew.”

“Why?” asked Sam. “You’re asking me to go with you to Maui,
and I don’t get to meet Drew?”

“That’s right. If you thought my lifestyle is bad, you
should see his. You don’t want to know or experience the way he treats women.
Every one is a piece of meat according to him. As my employee, I refuse to
subject you to him.”

“He’s really that bad?” Sam couldn't believe it.

“Yeah, baby.” Jett reached out and tucked an unruly lock of
Sam’s hair back into place.

“So, then on Saturday night, I’m on my own?” asked Sam.

“Yup. We’re staying at some nice digs, and maybe you can run
into Ian on Sunday. That’s the plan.” Jett got up and walked to the door. “Toby
will pick you up Saturday morning around ten. I’ve got a meeting with another
friend. See ya.” Jett flashed a smile and left.

Sam sat back, slightly shell-shocked about Drew. She hadn’t
heard anything like that about him, but since when did she have time to read
the gossip magazines? Her cell phone rang, and was pleased to see Ian's name
flash on the screen.

“Rumor has it you’re going to be in Maui this weekend,” said
Ian.

“It’s true.” Sam smiled. “I just found out about it right
now. Did Jett call you?”

“No, he texted me.”

.”You know, between all of his texts and tweets, I’m
surprised he doesn’t read his emails,” retorted Sam.

“Then you would be out of a job,” Ian reminded her.

“True,” sighed Sam. “Then, I’d have no excuse to see you.”

“I’d make one up.” Ian knew he would make up any excuse to
see Sam. “So, Jett wants to see the progress of the house. I don’t know what he
expects to see. I mean we just started on the construction. Is there another
reason he’s coming here?”

“Yeah, something to do with Drew Stone.” Sam became quiet. Should
she tell Ian what Jett had said about Drew?

“Drew is a slime ball. I hope Jett doesn’t expect you to
meet him, does he?” asked Ian angrily.

“No, as a matter of fact, Jett doesn’t want me anywhere
around him. Is it true, then? I mean Jett told me he has no respect for women
at all. But he’s so good looking.”

“He should be arrested for some of the stunts he’s pulled. Don’t
let appearances fool you. He’s the devil. I’m glad Jett is putting his foot
down.” Ian smiled. “So are you free then for Saturday night?”

“Free as a bird,” said Sam as she smiled. “What do you have
in mind?”

“Dinner at my place, maybe catch a live band somewhere?”

“Sounds good. I think I like that idea of yours.” Sam’s
thoughts were running rampant in anticipation.

“Do you know where you’re staying?” Ian tried to think of
places where Jett would be staying.

“All I know is Jett called it ‘nice digs’, whatever that
means.” Sam shrugged.

“Tell you what, Sam. Call me when you get there, and I’ll
pick you up. I do coach softball for the Big Brothers and Sisters every
Saturday afternoon,” explained Ian. “So, if I don’t hear my phone, just text me,
and I’ll be looking.”

“You do what?” Sam closed her eyes, thinking that Ian
appeared too good to be true. Her Greek God

“I’m really into volunteering, especially on the island. You
wouldn’t believe the poverty level and these kids have nothing. It’s the least
I can do.”

“Ian?” asked Sam as she spoke slowly. “I think you’ve passed
all of my tests.”

“I have?” asked Ian. “You trust me?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“So, that means you like me?” asked Ian.

“Yeah, I do,” confirmed Sam.

“Well, you know I really like you a lot, too, Sam. I’m glad
you’re coming this weekend. I get to show you my Hawaiian paradise.”

“I can’t wait, either, Ian. It’ll be hell just waiting for
the weekend to come.”

“Don’t get any ideas from Jett’s emails. You’ll have to tell
me all about them when I see you.”

“Now I won’t be embarrassed to tell you,” offered Sam.

“Good.” Ian grinned ear to ear, smiling at his good fortune.

“I better get back to work,” said Sam, not wanting to hang
up.

“I’ll call you later, Sam.” Ian’s velvety voice cast a spell
over Sam.

“Okay.” Sam smiled dreamily before she went back to work.

****

The life of a superstar never stood still. Totally exhausted
when Friday rolled around, Sam tried to get her bearings. Because Marvin had
been out of town on some personal business, Sam had to accompany Jett on
several projects he had been involved with. Jett had taken her under his wing
and wanted Sam to know how his days and nights were planned in addition to the
emails and fan club. After much cajoling by Jett, Sam would arrive early with
Cracker in tow and they did an hour’s worth of Pilates and cardio. Sam had put
her foot down on the Boot Camp claiming she had other work to do. Then, there
had been the special breakfast made by Mattie even though it had been made
thoroughly nutritional consisting of fruit smoothies, bran, soy and white tea. Ugh.
Sam couldn’t wait to sneak at least one Pop Tart. Next she would retire to her
office while Jett twittered and updated his Facebook account.

Lunch turned out to be another one of Mattie's treats,
consisting of chicken sandwiches on whole wheat bread with pita chips and
flavored water. The afternoon consisted of going to the show’s rehearsals,
which Sam did not care for, and found every excuse to do anything but watch. There
would be an occasional interview or practice session in which Jett would insist
of Sam's participation. Sam got off the hook around four, and Jett would do his
own thing. By the end of the week, Sam had lost five pounds and no doubt about
it, probably in the best shape she had ever been in her whole life. But she
would kill for a pizza and a whole gallon of ice cream

Ian had called her every night, and they were learning more
and more about each other, which made Sam happy. The only thing wrong happened
when sometimes Sam would get homesick. She actually missed her parents and her
condo. She even called her mother, but regretted it instantly because Bunny
threatened to come out immediately. Sam quickly put a kibosh on that idea. Thank
goodness she had Cracker, but she had to leave him with Toby for the weekend
and Sam felt guilty about that. When Friday rolled around Sam realized that she
hadn’t even started to pack, and reached for the phone to call Ian.

“Hey, it’s me,” said Sam.

“Hey, me, what’s up?” Ian answered.

“I just brought out my suitcase and I have no idea what to
put in it. So, tell me, Ian, what should I bring?”

“Just you would be good.”

“Ian, you know what I mean,” admonished Sam. “Jeans? Shorts?
Something fancy? Swimsuit?”

“Bikini, bikini, bikini,” said Ian as he laughed, knowing he
would bring out Sam's ire.

“Very funny, and you know I don’t do bikinis. So, I get
there Saturday evening while you’re cooking dinner, but then what?”

“Whatever you want. Sunday, will be a casual day to walk
around the house and then you leave Sunday night. Sounds pretty simple to me.”

“Okay. I’ll think of something. You weren’t much help, you
know. What’s the temperature?”

“Eighty-eight during the day and seventies at night. Sorry,
I couldn’t be more help. Your birthday suit would be fine, you know.”

“You’re terrible,” admonished Sam. “Don’t go putting the
cart before the horse.”

“What? I don’t get it,” said Ian perplexed.

“It’s a Midwest thing, don’t worry about it,” explained Sam.
“I’ve got to pack. See you tomorrow.”

“Can’t wait, Sam.” Ian hung up the phone with a smile.

Sam looked at her wardrobe and then at her watch. Darn! There
wasn’t enough time left to go shopping if she needed to call Toby. Sighing, she
picked out a jean skirt for the plane ride, the dress she wore for her stint
with
Asylum Monkees
along with the heels for the club, and a summer type
dress for Sunday’s outing for the house. Sam packed lacey underwear and bras, but
she felt a little on the nervous side about this. How do you pack for sex? She
had never done this before. Closing the suitcase quickly, Sam took a shot of
courage and got ready for bed where she didn’t sleep a wink.

****

“Hey Sam!” Toby bounded up the steps of Sam’s apartment with
enthusiasm. “Ready to go? How’s Cracker?” The dog danced around Toby, excited
to see his friend. “I’ll take real good care of him, so don’t you worry.”

“I hope he isn’t a problem,” said Sam, a little worried.

“Sam, it’s only for a night. I think I can handle it.”

“Is Jett in the car or did he take his own ride?” Sam
reached for her suitcase but Toby already had it.

“Yeah, he’s in the car. Can’t deal with the parking at the
airport.” Sam followed Toby into the limo and nodded towards Jett who was
sitting in the back seat playing on his iPhone.

“Mornin’, boss,” greeted Sam cheerfully.

“Yo,” said Jett without looking up. Sam rolled her eyes, and
paid attention to Cracker.

“I can’t believe how cool Twitter is,” said Jett. “I mean, I
love it.”