Play for Me (25 page)

“Oh, Ian,” said Sam trembling. “I'm just trying to be like
the women you like. You know, athletic. I know I can't be a doctor, but I don't
want you not to like me.”

“Sam, I like you the way you are,” reassured Ian. “Any
suggestions made were to make sure you take care of yourself. That's all. Hell,
I can't even carry a tune and look at you. You play guitar and piano. And your
singing is really good.”

“When did you hear me sing?” asked Sam somewhat surprised.

“Yesterday. I almost knocked on the door and I heard you singing
while you were playing the piano.”

“Well,” began Sam as she twirled her wine glass. “I have a
secret ambition. I want to be known as a songwriter.” She looked up at Ian
expecting disbelief and found none.

“I think that's great,” said Ian, having utmost pride in her.
“That song yesterday, is that one of them?”

“Yes,” said Sam smiling. “I have over one hundred of them.” She
got up from the couch and pulled out a CD case. “I've recorded these.”

“I'm very impressed, Sam.” Ian meant it. “Can I listen to
these?”

“Sure, or I could play them for you,” said Sam as her phone
interrupted them. “Hello? Deb! How are you?” Sam covered the mouth piece and
mouthed Deb to Ian. But Ian didn't pay any attention; lost in looking at Sam's
collection.

“Sam! I am so jazzed. I am coming out, and my flight arrives
Sunday afternoon around three. It's United. Is that okay?”

“This Sunday, like as in tomorrow?” Sam couldn't believe it.

“Is that too soon? I'm staying a week since that's all the
vacation my work will let me take.”

“No, no that's fine,” said Sam doing some quick thinking. “I'll
be at the airport to pick you up. That way we can decide what we want to do. I
can't wait to see you!”

“Same here!” Deb ended the call.

“She's coming in tomorrow, Ian. Is that okay with you?” Sam
looked at Ian, trying to see any annoyance about their plans being interrupted.

“Sure,” agreed Ian, still not really paying attention,
absorbed in Sam's collection of music. “Sam, have you tried to sell any of
these?”

“No, not yet,” said Sam unsure how much to tell him. “I
guess I could, but I don't think I'm ready to.” She looked at Ian, puzzled. “Did
you hear what I said about Deb? She's coming to tomorrow.”

“Really?” Now, Sam had Ian's full attention. “That's kind of
soon. What have you got planned?”

“Nothing.” Sam started to think she should get organized. “I
mean Jordan is coming in, too.” Matchmaking thoughts made Sam's head spin.

“What does Deb like to do?” asked Ian. “I think that's most
important.”

“We would go out to dinner; check out a movie or go
shopping,” said Sam thoughtfully. “I mean we could go to a club and I bet there
is plenty of shopping.”

“There you go.” Ian felt the problem had been solved until
he remembered Jordan being here, too. “What's this about Jordan?”

“He's got a few days off from his tour,” answered Sam. “I
think he said sometime around Monday. I've got to get organized, Ian. Help!” Sam
stood up and headed for the kitchen for a notepad and a pen. “First off, food,”
began Sam and Ian groaned.

“While you get organized, I think I'm going to run to the
gym for a work out. If you want me to stay and help I will, but, honestly, I think
I'll be in the way.” Ian's lips gently brushed Sam's cheek.

“You're right,” said Sam with a smile. “Once I get on a
roll, there's no stopping me.”

“How is your chin feeling?” asked Ian as he gently grazed it
with his fingers.

“It feels fine when you do that.” Sam put her arms around
Ian. “Otherwise, the numbness is wearing off.”

“I could hold you all day,” whispered Ian.

“Come back and hold me tonight,” suggested Sam seductively.

“Will do.” Ian started a long kiss which Sam gladly
accepted.

With Ian gone, Sam ran around the house making sure all bed
rooms had sheets and their adjoining bathrooms had towels. Whew! She should
have known that Marvin would take care of things like that. Sam began to make a
grocery list of the things she would need for both Deb and Jordan.

Running to the store, Sam picked up plenty of wine, beer and
vodka along with other groceries. She finally felt ready to take on her guests.

“Deb! Over here,” shouted Sam as she met her friend at the
airport. “Look at you! You look wonderful,” exclaimed Sam amazed at the
transformation of her best friend. Deb's parents were from Italy and she always
had a beautiful face with big brown eyes and sensuous full lips. She had had a
weight problem while living with her parents who thought the world's problems
would be solved by eating. But she had dropped at least fifty pounds and her
long sleek black hair had been cut in a flattering style, framing her face.

“Look at you, too” said Deb. “You've lost weight, too, and
look at that tan! Your hair has blond streaks. The look of a woman in love.”

“This job appeals to me,” laughed Sam. “I have so much to
tell you. Wait until you meet Ian. He didn't come today because he knew you and
I would talk our ears off. We are having dinner at his house tomorrow night.” They
had walked to the baggage claim area to retrieve Deb's many bags.

“Don't laugh! I wasn't sure what to bring,” explained Deb
sheepishly.

“No problem! I was the same way when I first came here,”
admitted Sam. “Hope you like the beach.”

“I
love
the beaches,” gushed Deb. “This is all so
exciting.” They stopped at Sam's car as she popped open the trunk. “Nice
wheels! Yours?”

“No, everything belongs to Jett,” explained Sam. “You see,
he rented the house and the car for me while I supervise the remodeling of his
mansion. Deb, you are going to be blown away. I know because I still am.”

“I think you made the correct career choice,” laughed Deb.

“I think I did, too,” agreed Sam. “I mean, if someone
would've told me ten years ago, I'd be doing a gig like this, I'd laugh in
their face. Of course, my mother is not pleased at all.”

“I know. She called me,” said Deb, shaking her head. “I heard
she's coming out here to bring you home.”

“She can try, but I don't think so. Look at it here, Deb. Is
this almost heaven? The weather, the ocean, the scenery; why would I want to
leave this?”

“Your mother is going to be a tough sell,” agreed Deb, duly impressed.
As they pulled into the driveway of the house, Deb was even more astonished. “This
is it? This is your house?”

“No, it's Jett's,” corrected Sam with a laugh as she opened
the door to the house. “Here, your bedroom is upstairs. I'll help you with your
bags.”

“And Cracker is here, too?” Deb petted the friendly dog, glad
to see someone he knew.

“He loves the ocean. Only problem is the wet dog smell.” They
had reached Deb's room. “I don't know what you want to do right now. Are you
hungry? Do you want to change clothes and head to the beach? Name your poison,”
said Sam, anxious to please.

“I'm starving! Are you kidding? I'm on vacation!” exclaimed
Deb. “Let me change clothes and grab something to eat!”

Sam busied herself by checking Jett's emails while Deb
changed clothes. It looked like she had to work a little on them today. There
were once again over one thousand. Didn't people have anything better to do
than email Jett?

“I'm ready! Where are we going?” asked Deb.

“I know of a great place,” said Sam and she headed to the
café where she had met Bryce. Maybe he would be there.

“This is cute,” commented Deb as she took a seat at the
outside table.

“It's got good food, too. The only thing I do miss about Chicago is the pizza. My body is loving it since I've lost weight, but I would kill for
some decent pizza.” Sam eyed the menu.

“Have it shipped in,” said Deb. “I don't think Jett would
mind.”

“I could,” said Sam as she peered over the menu unsure what
to get.

“Excuse me, ladies. Sam?” Bryce interrupted the two women's
conversation. “You must be one of Sam's guests.” He looked intently at Deb.

“Bryce,” exclaimed Sam. “Good to see you. Yes, this is my
friend, Deb.” Sam made the introductions.

“Hello there,” said Bryce taking Deb's hand. “Pleased to
meet you.” He turned to Sam. “You didn't tell me how gorgeous your friend is.”

“You didn't ask,” said Sam as she rolled her eyes. She
noticed Deb's face, frozen in shock Sam leaned forward and took Deb's hand. “Deb,
are you okay?”

“Uh, yes,” stammered Deb. Recovering from just having met
Bryce Black, she smiled at him and murmured her thanks.

“Won't you join us?” asked Sam.

“I'd love to,” said Bryce and pulled out a chair and sat
down. He turned his face to Deb. “How long are you going to be here?”

“A week. I just flew in here a couple of hours ago. I didn't
realize you lived here,” said Deb. “I thought you lived in Boston.”

“I have a house in Boston, but my ex is living there, so I
am staying here now.” A shadow crossed over Bryce's face at the mention of his
ex.

“Then, it's a good choice since this is heaven here,”
laughed Deb.

“You are absolutely correct,” stated Bryce, pleased at the
sound of Deb's laugh. He sent Sam a silent message asking why Sam hadn't really
told him about her friend.

“You will find out soon enough,” said Sam with a smile.

“What are you talking about?” asked Deb, confused.

“Nothing,” assured Bryce. “Have you met Ian?”

“Not yet.” Deb smiled at Bryce. “Sam said we're to have
dinner there tomorrow night.”

“You'll absolutely love his house,” said Bryce. “I wish I
could stay longer, but I have to run.” Bryce got out of his chair, his eyes on
Deb. “Perhaps I'll see you there?”

“Sure,” said Deb totally blown away and watched in awe as
Bryce left.

“Well?” asked Sam coyly.

“I can't believe this. Sam, this is unreal.”

“This is my life now,” stated Sam. “I've come to the point
where I realize they put on their clothes the same way I put on mine. They are
regular people.” Sam thought a minute. “Well, you do have some eccentric people
out there, but for the majority, they are pretty good.”

“Okay,” admitted Deb. “I am so impressed.” Deb couldn't even
read her menu. “Do you think he really liked me?”

“What's not to like?” Sam covered her friend's hand. “Now,
let's get some food into you.”

Sam and Deb chatted nonstop for close to three hours at the
restaurant. They then drove back to the house. Ian had called Sam to remind her
that he planned on picking up Jordan at the airport and to get to his house tomorrow
night around six. Sam took the message privately since she didn't want Deb to
hear about Jordan.

****

“Hey, Jordan! Good to see you! Welcome to Maui,” greeted Ian
as Jordan deplaned.

“No offense, but why are you here?” Jordan looked around for Sam. “Where is my sister?”

“She had some work to finish up for Jett, so I told her I'd
pick you up, and she'll come to my place later for dinner.” Ian looked around. “Did
you check any luggage?”

“Just my guitar and some stuff. Is Jett really working Sam
that hard?” Jordan's voice had a twinge of concern.

“Oh, no. Well, you know how Jett gets. He's called several
times about the house being on schedule which takes away time from Sam working
on his personal stuff. Nothing she can't handle.” Ian started heading toward
the baggage claim area.

“I feel somewhat responsible since I got her the job. There's
my guitar.” Jordan reached on the turn style and plucked it off. His backpack
was right next to it. “I'm good to go.”

“Great. Have you ever been to Maui?” asked Ian as they
walked to his car.

“Only Honolulu. They swept me in and out so fast, I didn't
get a chance to see anything. Wow, this is beautiful. My sister is one lucky
lady,” commented Jordan as he took in the scenery.

“Wait to you see the house Jett has her staying in while
she's here. Not too shabby. Of course, my house is awesome, too,” laughed Ian.

“I bet. So, tell me the truth. What is going on with Jett? I
know he's on tour, but how long is Sam going to stay here?” Jordan looked
directly at Ian.

“Well, the house is for his daughter and he wants it done by
her birthday in a couple of months,” explained Ian.

“That's a couple of months, but what after that? Does Sam go
back to Los Angeles or what?” asked Ian. “Also, what is the deal with you and
my sister?”

“We are seeing each other. She's an amazing lady, Jordan. I
really like her,” admitted Ian.

“Remember what I said. Please don't hurt her.” Jordan glared
at Ian.

“I have no intention of hurting her at all. That's just the
thing. I mean this is great for our relationship with her living on the island.
What happens when she goes back? I don't want to live in Los Angeles. Besides,
what she does for Jett can be done anywhere.” Ian sounded frustrated since he
had been giving this a lot of thought.

“What about your Seal gigs?” asked Jordan. “You know Sam has
a black belt in karate.”

“I know, she told me. You see, I don't know how much Sam has
told you, but we are having problems with Drew Stone. He saw you guys in Chicago and now he wants Sam to join his band and be his girlfriend. He's been hassling
her. Jett is totally freaking out about it and asked me to keep an eye out for
her. Remember Bryce? He's living here, too, and he met Sam the other day. Apparently,
Drew approached her at the restaurant and they had to call security,” explained
Ian.

“Whoa! Hold on a minute,” said Jordan agitated. “Sam never
mentioned anything about this to me. I know she can take care of herself, but
this is unreal. I'm going to say something to Drew. If he so much lays a hand
on my sister, he's toast!”

“Stand in line, because the rest of us want a piece of him,
too,” said Ian.