Play for Me (19 page)

“You mean you’re not living with the architect?” asked Bunny
bluntly.

“Of course not, Mother. We just started dating and you’d be
the first to know if it’s progressed past the dating stage.” Sam thought it had,
but she had some bad feelings about this ‘so called date’ of Ian’s. She watched
as Jett approached her, noting the time. “Mom, Jett and I are getting ready to
catch our flight back to Los Angeles. I’ll call you when I know more.”

“You always say that, and you never do.” Bunny fell into her
whiny mode.

“I will, Mom. I promise. Love ya.” Sam disconnected the call
and rolled her eyes.

“Bunny?” asked Jett with a smile. “I just love that name.”

“Cute, real cute,” said Sam and walked next to Jett and got
into the waiting limo.

“I don’t mean to pry,” commented Jett. “Are things okay
between you and Ian?”

“You sound like Jordan,” grumbled Sam. “Nothing is serious,
if that’s what you mean.” Sam looked out the car window. “Where am I going to
be staying when I’m here? My parents want to come out and visit me. First, they
wanted to come to California, but since I’ll be here, they would rather come
here.”

“I want the move-in date here upped about a month. I need
you to put a little pressure on Ian. The house is really for Michelle. She’s
always wanted to spend the winter in Maui since it gets kind of cold in Phoenix. Her birthday is coming up in six months, so I’d like for it to be ready by then.”

“I’ll do what I can. Should I be looking for a house to
rent? Lease a car?” Sam wanted to know, her mind already off of Ian and on to
practical matters.

“Talk to Marvin. He knows people in real estate and he can
set you up with something. I’d like for you to be down there by this weekend. Our
tour starts soon, and maybe I’ll try and come back to Los Angeles now and then.
I’ll be calling you to check up on things.” Jett reached over and patted her
knee. “Thanks.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” warned Sam, but she gave Jett a big
smile.

“Jordan is lucky to have you as a sister.” Jett smiled back
at her.

“Stop! You’re giving me a big head.” Sam nudged Jett in the
shoulder and they settled in comfortably for the trip.

“Where’s my Cracker,” called Sam excitedly as she entered
her apartment.

Cracker howled in delight when he saw Sam. He ran circles
around her and licked her hand.

“Now, I know where I stand,” said Toby dejectedly. “He and I
had a good time. I thought I rated.”

“You do” said Sam. “But I’m his mommy. Thanks so much for
watching him for me, Toby. I really appreciate it.” Sam beamed at Toby.

“You’re stocked up for the week, but let me know if you need
anything.” Toby pointed to the overflowing pantry stuffed with food. “Did you
like Hawaii?” Toby sat down on the couch, and looked expectantly at Sam.

“You are way too good to me, Toby. Thanks! I loved it.” Sam
looked at him pensively, not knowing how much to tell him. “It’s beautiful
there.”

“Did you have time to surf?” asked Toby.

“No. I only splashed in the ocean. I need to get back there
to take full advantage of it,” said Sam.

“Jett told me you were going to watch the progress of his
house. He said you’d be taking Cracker there with you,” said Toby.

“So he did tell you?” Sam breathed a sigh of relief. “He
wants me down there by the weekend so I have to talk to Marvin.” Sam opened up
the kitchen cabinets. “Hey, Toby? How about I make us dinner?”

“Sounds great. What are you going to make?” Toby already had
an apple in his hand.

“Spaghetti and meatballs.” Sam got out the pots and pans
while Toby made himself comfortable on the couch watching the Lakers’ game on
television. The phone rang and Toby lowered the sound as Sam answered the
phone, hoping for Ian.

“Hi there, Sam,” boomed Marvin. “How are you?”

“Just the man I wanted to talk to,” replied Sam.

“Rumor has it, you’re going to be Maui bound for a while. Just
wanted to let you know, I’ve secured a house for you on the beach and the use
of a brand new BMW. Your flight with Cracker is all arranged. Toby will take
you to the airport on Saturday and I’ll have a ride provided for you from the
airport to your rental.”

“Just like that?” laughed Sam, amazed.

“Just like that. You do have Jett’s personal number, don’t
you?”

“Yeah, I have it somewhere. He said he’d call me when he got
a chance.” Sam shook her head as her life become surreal.

“Sounds like you’re all set, kid. Have fun!”

“Thanks, Marvin.” Sam disconnected the call and smiled at
Toby. “So, you and I have a date for Saturday?”

“I reckon we do. Hey, the sauce smells good. When’s dinner?”
Toby sniffed the air appreciatively.

“Right now.” Sam removed the garlic bread from the oven,
sliced it and put it on the table. She poured the gravy into a pitcher, the
meatballs in a bowl and filled two plates full of spaghetti. She then filled
two glasses of wine and invited Toby to sit down.

“To you,” toasted Toby as they clinked glasses.

“Thanks. Enjoy.” They both dug into their plates and Sam
felt a little apprehensive because Ian had not called her.

****

“You know what part of this job sucks?” said Ian miserably to
his partner Rock.

“Is it the part where you’re under surveillance and you’re
bored stiff?” Rock gingerly shifted his weight, his binoculars dangling from
his neck.

“Besides that.” Ian felt frustrated. “It’s about not being
able to tell someone the truth because it could hurt them.”

“I thought you broke up with that lady, Jennifer, right?” Now,
Rock showed interest.

“Yeah, I did break up with her, but I met someone new. This
one is pretty special. I had to tell her this weekend I used to be a Navy Seal,
but I didn’t tell her I'm still on assignment. I think she would freak out if
she knew. Besides, I’m not supposed to say anything.”

“Well, who is this special lady? Where did you meet her?”
pried Rock.

“You know Jordan Stevens, the guitar player?”

“Yeah?”

“It’s his sister. She just started working for Jett Robinson.”
Ian glanced through his binoculars and saw some movement. He put his fingers to
his lips to silence Rock and they both watched as a small helicopter landed on
the deserted beach. Two men got out of the aircraft and were soon joined by
three other men. Ian swiftly took pictures of the men for identification, but
could not hear the conversation. The three men got into the helicopter and the
five of them took off heading west.

“Finally, some action,” breathed Rock excitedly. He watched
as Ian sent the pictures to their contact, Terri at headquarters for
identification.

“Got the photos,” Terri, his contact replied. “Stay put
while I run some identification on them.”

“You know they’re going to come back. Do we have any backup
here?” asked Ian

“No. You’re under observation only. Don’t go in unless
you’re threatened. There hasn’t been any sign of drugs or arms, and no money
has been exchanged. You guys are always in a hurry.”

“Okay,” sighed Ian dejectedly. “Waiting for you.”

“So, this chick is Jordan’s sister?” persisted Rock.

“Yeah. She’s really great. She’s so honest and open. It’s
kind of nice. She’s originally from Chicago, so this was her first time in
California and first time in Hawaii.”

“What’s her name and does she have a sister?” Rock started
to chuckle.

“You’re out of luck. She only has Jordan. Her name is
Samantha. Let me tell you, her legs are a mile long.” said Ian dreamily
thinking about last night.

“Sounds like someone got lucky last night. When am I going
to meet her? You know I’m your best friend.” Rock's smile appeared a bit dopey.

“I don’t know since she’s probably mad at me, thinking I’m
two-timing her.” Ian frowned.

“Call her when you get a chance. Hell, I’ll call her for
you,” offered Rock.

“When hell freezes over, you horny old bastard.” Ian glared
at his friend and Rock burst into laughter and then Ian’s phone buzzed.

“We got the four-one-one on the photos,” commented Terri. “You
and Rock can leave. It’s the Mexican cartel, the Garcias. We’ve got the
copter’s number and the locals have it all under control. Good work, guys.”

“Whew.” Ian shut down his phone and picked up his personal
one to see if he had a message from Samantha. Nothing.

“Dude, do you want to go surfing?” asked Rock. They had
posed as surfers in the first place, so it wouldn’t be too much out of
character.

“Sure, why not? Just let me call Sam, and I’ll be right down
on the beach.” Ian quickly dialed her number. Rock stood there with a stupid
smile, looking at Ian. “I said you can go now,” said Ian irritably. Ian walked
away and Rock started towards the beach.

“Sam? Hey, it’s Ian. Sorry it took so long to call.” Ian
said a prayer under his breath hoping Sam wouldn't be mad.

“No problem. How's the surfing?” Sam felt a tad miffed and
she didn’t understand why. It’s not that she owned him. Maybe it's because she
really couldn’t define their relationship.

“Rock and I are still here,” answered Ian truthfully. “We
got held up for a while, but now we’re good to go. Your flight landed on time?”

“Yes. Jett certainly moves fast. I already have a rented house
and a BMW at my disposal. I’m coming back down on Saturday and staying for a
while.” Sam didn’t know what Ian would think.

“Awesome.” Ian sounded really pleased. “Where’s the house
at?”

“Don’t know. Marvin got it for me and he said it’s on the
beach. There will be a limo to pick me up once I’m there. It’s a little
overwhelming sometimes.”

“Get used to it if you’re working with Jett. Time does not
sit still for that man. Listen, thanks for the good news. Rock is glaring at
me, so I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you soon!” Ian thought better of it. “Hey,”
he added intimately. “I thought last night was fantastic.”

“I did, too,” responded Sam feeling all warm inside. Okay,
maybe she would forgive him.

****

When Toby picked up Sam, Jett tagged along for the ride, as
well. Cracker, seeing his buddies, jumped into the limo as if he belonged
there.

“You know, that dog is getting used to the lifestyles of the
rich and famous,” groused Sam. “Just look at him. You’d think he's the star.”

“You mean he’s not?” Jett looked at Sam, trying hard not to
crack a smile.

“Funny, real funny, Jett.” Sam made a face at him, and Jett
burst into laughter.

“Now, let’s make sure we have all of our ducks in a row.” Jett
handed her a list of tour dates that Marvin had given him. “This is where we
will be staying in case you need to reach me, but you have my private cell
phone.”

“Thanks,” said Sam as she glanced at the information. She
noted gaps in the dates and turned to Jett. “Is this when you think you’ll be
coming home?”

“I hope so. That could always change.” Jett glanced at the
paper before Sam put it in her briefcase.

“I have the laptop, phone, Ian’s schedule, so I’m good to
go.” Sam smiled at Jett. “Do we know how long you want me out there?”

“When it’s done.” Jett tousled Cracker’s ears and the dog
licked him in the face. “I’m going to miss my buddy.”

“I am, too,” said Toby from the front seat.

“Well, you can always come down to see him.” suggested Sam. “Are
you going to miss me?”

“I don’t know, what do you think, Toby? Are we going to miss
Sam?” Jett smiled broadly.

“Gee, I don’t know. Well yeah, maybe,” said Toby, playing
along.

“I am so loved,” commented Sam and rolled her eyes. Jett
squeezed her hand.

“I want you to practice every day, too. You did bring your
guitar, right?”

“Yes, Dad.” Sam pointed to the trunk.

“I think there’s a piano in the house too,” said Jett. “I
did tell Marvin to put one in.”

“That’s cool. Thanks, Jett.” Sam smiled at Jett. The car
came to a stop and all of them got out. Sam checked her bags and waved goodbye
to Jett and Toby. Cracker looked on confused why his buddies weren’t following
him, and gave some resistance to Sam. “It's okay, Cracker, just you and me.” Sam
tugged again at the leash and Cracker followed her out to the plane. She and
Cracker settled in and Sam took out her phone to call Ian.

“I’m so glad you called,” said Ian. “Where are you?”

“I just boarded the plane. I still don’t have the address so
why don’t I call you when I get to the house? I mean, if that’s okay with you.”
Jeesh, she didn’t want to sound too forward.

“No, that’s fine. I’ve got some stuff I have to take care
of. What time does your flight get in?”

“Sometime around three.” Sam looked at the papers. “It says
three-twenty.”

“If I don’t answer, just leave a message. Sam, this is
really great you’re coming.”

“I’m not used to this,” said Sam shaking her head. “Nothing
is ever carved in stone, is it?”

“Live life minute by minute,” urged Ian.

“A gal has to do what a gal can,” said Sam laughing. “Talk
to you later.” Sam sat back and enjoyed the flight.

As Sam and Cracker deplaned, Sam looked around to figure out
how to get to the terminal. She found her way while everyone stopped and stared
at Cracker. Cracker enjoyed the attention and received first class treatment
through the customs line. Waving at the limo displaying her name, Sam got her
bag and Cracker into the back before letting out a sigh of relief.

“I’m Kehli, and you are Sam?” a portly, gray haired man
smiled graciously at Sam His cheeks were so plump, his eyes disappeared when he
smiled.

“Yes. Pleased to meet you Kehli,” said Sam gratefully. “I
hope I can find my way around here.”

“Island is easy. Just follow the signs. Marvin told me you
have your own car, which is good. First time to Maui?” asked Kehli jovially.