Play for Me (5 page)

“Well then, I’m the right person for you,” said Sam
emphatically. “I don’t have lofty ambitions, but I can whip anything into
shape.”

“That’s what Jordan said,” said Jett with a smile. “And I do
appreciate the way you’re dressed professionally and your good manners.”

“You’re welcome,” said Sam somewhat flattered. “Let’s get
down to business.” Sam took a seat and pulled an iPad out of her briefcase. “Now,
how do you have things organized?”

“I don’t,” said Jett with a helpless shrug. “I feel like I’m
throwing you into the lion’s den. All of this has to be filed and recorded.
It’s all of my fan mail. We told Gina to log down everyone who has contacted
me, like a base or something. I don’t think she did.” Jett pointed to the
laptop. “Who knows what’s on that.”

“You know what, Jett?” asked Sam as she surveyed the damage.
“I don’t have anything planned for today, so why don’t I poke around here and
try to assess what I need?”

“Could you, Sam? That would be wonderful. Lunch is on me,
but you’re on your own for dinner. When can you start full time?”

“I guess I could start now if I can take the laptop home
with me. Will I have to find an apartment here, though?”

“No, I have a furnished one in Santa Monica for you to stay.
Toby can take you back and forth, but if you need a car, let me know.”

“I have to put my condo on the market and have my belongings
put in storage,” said Sam matter-of-factly. “But the most important thing is my
dog.”

“Not a problem. I am a big animal lover. I have a personal
plane for you at your disposal. When you’re ready, you can bring your dog with
you. You can even bring him here, too. So, is it a yes?” Jett looked at her
anxiously and Sam didn’t blame him one bit.

“You can count on me,” said Sam as she extended her hand.

“You don’t know how relieved I am,” said Jett as he let out
a whoosh of air. “Gotta run because I have another meeting. Here is Toby’s
card; here is a phone to reach me for anything. No question is too small, and
here is Marvin, my business manager’s, card for filling out the necessary paper
work. Welcome aboard, Sam.” He shook her hand and Sam could feel the roughness
from playing guitar. “Oh, by the way? Dress is casual unless you have to make a
TV appearance.”

“I don’t think so,” said Sam. “I don’t like the way I look
on television. I’ll save that pleasure for you.” Sam sat down at the desk to
start work.

“Hey, did I tell you how much I like you?” asked Jett with a
smile. “Catch ya later.” He closed the door and had a big smile on his face as
he went to greet Ian.

****

Jett walked into the parlor and sat down with Ian. “What do
you have for me? What’s going on?”

“Did you hire her?”

“Hire who?” asked Jett thoroughly confused as he reached for
the canister of diagrams.

“Jordan’s sister, Sam. Come on, Jett. She’s a nice kid. Don’t
try to convert her into one of your little playthings. Think about what Jordan
would say if that happened.”

Jett sat back and looked at Ian thoughtfully. “You really
think I’m like that? This terrible person who goes around and corrupts innocent
women? Get out of here. You’ve seen the way women throw themselves at me. I
don’t have to do anything. Sam isn’t anything like that, which is why I hired
her. I have plenty of little kittens to take care of all of my needs.” Jett
smiled at Ian with a sloppy grin. “You’re not jealous, are you?”

“Of course not,” said Ian, pretending to be indifferent. “It’s
like you, Jordan and I have a good friendship, and I hate to see her get hurt.
I had a talk with her on the ride over her. She’s totally naive.”

“I’m not so sure about that,” laughed Jett. “Look who she
grew up with? Listen, she knows how to run a business; she knows how musicians
are, and she’s a hard worker. As a matter of fact, she’s already started. I bet
your ass when we’re done here, I’ll go back to my office, and she’ll have it
running in top form. She’s coming in tomorrow, too.”

“Yeah, right,” mumbled Ian, still fuming. For some unknown
reason, he felt very protective about Sam and didn’t like this idea one bit. “Here
are the blueprints and here’s what I think would look good.”

“Remember, I want tasteful. I don’t want it to look anything
like this place,” said Jett firmly.

“Maui has a thing about that. It doesn’t do gaudy,” said Ian
with a laugh. “We'll keep the exterior more or less the same. I think we should
add another wing over here. That could be a bigger recording studio, because
the rooms over here are too small. The staircase needs to be renovated, and I
think we should make it wind around the upstairs.”

“Yeah, I like that,” said Jett thoughtfully. “The kitchen
needs to be totally redone. I mean look at the color of the appliances? Purple?
I want stainless steel and the walls tiled to match the floor. I want it to
flow into the family room so it can be one to enjoy the view of the ocean.
Don’t take that away. Zebra walls are not my thing, man. That’s got to go. And
what’s this shit in the master bathroom? I want all imported tile and a sunken
Jacuzzi.”

“Not a problem,” assured Ian as he jotted the notes down. “The
other is the landscaping. I think we can do a better job. I assume you want your
privacy in a tasteful way. Right now it’s too gangster looking.”

“When can you get this done? I’m on tour for eleven months
in Europe. Can it be done by then?”

“Yeah, I think so. How do I get in touch with you in case something
comes up?” asked Ian. “I mean I know what you want, but in case I run into a
snag, or something I thought would look like, doesn’t gel.”

“You can still call me” said Jett. He glanced down at his
watch. “Shit! I have to meet with my producer. Listen, come with me while I
check up on Sam and then Toby can take the two of you back to the hotel.”

“Oh, I completely forgot,” said Ian as he reached into his
pants pocket. “Got a girl for your show. She’s the hostess at the Beverly Hills.”

Jett took the card, read it and chuckled. “Yeah, she’s my
type. I’ll have my producer give her a call.” Jett looked up at Ian and
laughed. “You really think you know me, don’t you?”

“Hey, I see what I see,” said Ian nonchalantly. “What did
you do with Sam?”

“Follow me.” Jett led Ian past the studio and into the
office where Sam sat behind a desk. She was knee deep in papers sorting them
into piles labeling them as to what to do with them. Jett felt pleased because
she had made herself right at home. “Hey.”

“Ohmigod,” said Sam as she jumped, startled by the
intrusion. “I wasn’t expecting you.” She grinned at Jett and Ian.

“Just wanted to make sure the paper monster didn’t swallow
you,” joked Jett. “Is it a disaster?”

“Pretty much,” conceded Sam. “I think my predecessor just
opened letters and threw them into a pile. I haven’t even turned on the laptop.
But I did talk to Marvin, and got things straightened out. We’re going to lunch
tomorrow.”

“That sums it up, pretty much.” Jett sighed before
continuing on, “We’re on our way out, so why don’t you pack it up for today? I
don’t care what time you start tomorrow, but I won’t get in until late. I’ll
introduce you to the staff so they know who you are.”

Sam glanced from Jett to Ian who studied her carefully. “What?”
she asked.

“Nothing.” Ian smiled at her, wishing he didn’t find her so
damn attractive. Her face flushed with excitement and her eyes sparkled.

“Is it okay if I take the laptop home with me, so I can
study what’s on it?” asked Sam still all business.

“All work, no play makes a dull evening,” commented Jett
wryly.

“Really, I don’t mind. I need to get organized, then I’ll
play.” Sam grabbed the laptop and cables and put them in her briefcase. “I‘m
ready.” Both Sam and Ian followed Jett around where he led them into the
kitchen.

 “This is my favorite person in the whole world,” commented
Jett as he hugged a large older woman who swatted him away. “Mattie here is the
best damn cook I've ever had Mattie? This is Sam, my new assistant. And that’s
Ian.”

“You look like you’ve got more sense than the last one he
had,” commented Mattie as she shook Sam’s hand. “Just holler if you need
anything.” Mattie turned to Ian and looked at him closely. “You’re more
handsome than Jett. No wonder why he doesn’t like you.”

“Mattie, that’s not true,” said Jett. “Ian and I are good
friends.” Jett put his arm around Ian’s shoulder. “He’s just worried about Sam.”

“Why are you worried about me?” asked Sam.

“He’s afraid I’m going to
corrupt
you,” said Jett
with a laugh as he emphasized the word corrupt with his fingers making
imaginary quote marks.

“I’ve got Jordan as a brother, do I need to remind you? If
anyone would’ve corrupted me, Jordan has already done so. Seen it all, read the
book, and even wore the tee shirt,” said Sam with a smile.

“I like her,” said Mattie with a smile as she poked Jett in
the stomach. “She’s not going to take any of your bullshit.”

“See what I mean, guys? I just love my Mattie.” Mattie hit
Jett on the rear with her wooden spoon and went back to whatever she had
cooking on the stove.

“Next is my handyman, Davis,” said Jett as he ushered Sam
and Ian outside. An older gentleman busied himself on the lock of the back door
and smiled a toothless grin at the trio. “Davis, this is Sam my new assistant,
and this is Ian.”

“Pleased to meet y’all,” he drawled. “Y’all just holler if
you need anything.” Davis went back to the lock, not waiting for a reply.

“Ah, here’s Toby,” said Jett thankfully. “Really guys, I
gotta run.” Jett took off leaving Sam and Ian to fend for themselves.

“Hey, Toby,” said Ian. “We need a ride back to the hotel. Is
Jett driving his own car?”

“Yeah. You know Jett. Back to the hotel?”

“I think so.” Ian turned to Sam. “Is that okay with you?”

“Like I have big plans,” laughed Sam, and she followed Ian
into the limo.

“What are you going to do about lunch?” asked Ian.

“Not much, maybe order some room service and get to work for
Jett.” Sam looked out the window. “But it sure is a pretty day, out there.” She
sighed wistfully.

“I’ve got an idea. Have you ever been to Santa Monica Pier?”

“No, I’ve always wanted to go. I’ve only have been to Navy
Pier.” Sam sighed, realizing that she had so much living to do.

“Navy Pier? Where’s that?” asked Ian.

“Chicago.” Sam studied Ian carefully. “You don’t know much
about Chicago, do you?”

“I know about Frank Lloyd Wright. And the Sears Tower.”

“It’s not called the Sears Tower anymore. But never mind.”
Sam let it go.

“Anything past Las Vegas is all a blur,” said Ian with a
smile.

“You’re a terrible snob,” admonished Sam with a wave of her
hand.

“How about we do lunch at Santa Monica? My treat.” Ian
smiled graciously.

“No, it’s Jett’s treat,” laughed Sam. “He said he'd pay for
lunch.”

“Even better,” smiled Ian, and then his expression grew
serious. “You do have extra clothes if you want to walk on the beach?”

“I brought some shorts and flip flops, if that’s what you
mean. I hoped maybe I could get a chance to sightsee. I have no desire to go to
Rodeo Drive, though.” Sam lifted her head and touched the tip of her nose
with her finger. “Too snooty.”

“You’re something else, you know? Every woman alive can’t
wait to see Rodeo Drive,” laughed Ian.

“Well, Ian? I’m Sam. I’m not your everyday woman.” Sam’s
eyes were mischievous.

“I can see that,” laughed Ian. “Meet me in the lobby in ten
minutes.” They both went their separate directions.

Ian couldn’t wait to get back down to the lobby. He
thoroughly enjoyed Sam's company. Maybe she won’t have any trouble working with
Jett. She definitely showed some spunk. He saw that she had been waiting for him
and greeted him with a smile. Sam looked very chic in her pair of white Capri’s
and an emerald green tee shirt which matched the color of her eyes. She had
pulled back her hair into a low ponytail and her sunglasses were perched on her
head.

“You are fast,” said Ian as he checked his watch. “This is
the first time I had a woman waiting for me.”

“Ha! You probably have broken hearts all over the place. Remember
what Mattie said? You’re better looking than Jett,” laughed Sam as they walked
to the door.

“Do you think so?” asked Ian curious to see what Sam would
say.

“You’re not fishing for a compliment, are you?” Sam looked
at him and felt sorry she had said anything because he looked genuinely hurt. “I
mean, yeah. I can see where women would fall in love with you.”

“What about you?” Ian had stopped walking and looked
directly at Sam.

“I’m not looking for a man,” said Sam as she continued to
walk. As if she would really say what she felt, and get hurt. She remembered
all too well having a crush on some of her brother’s friends. Let’s not forget
the girls pretending to be her friend so they could date her brother. Sam had
been down that road before. “So, where are going for lunch?” She smiled up at
Ian who still stared at her.

“Do you like Mexican? There’s this cheeky little restaurant
along the pier, food is so-so but the Margaritas are really good!”

“I’m not used to drinking at lunch time,” said Sam
skeptically. “I hear it can be a bad habit.”

“Look, you’re on vacation,” replied Ian as he held the
restaurant door open for her. Sam couldn't help but notice some very strange
characters meandering outside.

“Ian?” she asked tugging on his sleeve. “Are those hippies?”
Sam pointed to a group of long haired, people dressed shabbily

“Ah, yes. This is where it gets interesting. They are from
the sixties, and never left the area. Most of them are off their rockers with
all of the drugs they took. Just wait. After lunch, I’ll take you up to Venice
Beach. It’s a trip.” Ian signaled the hostess and he and Sam were seated right
away.