“Then Jordan it is. Use Bryce to make Jordan jealous or to make him at least make a move. Look, he's taking you to dinner.”
“I know, but I'm kind of apprehensive about being with Bryce
on a yacht.” Deb made a face.
“That's why we have cell phones,” said Sam. “He gets out of
line, call Jordan or better yet me. I'll sic Ian on him.”
“I never thought about that,” laughed Deb.
“As a matter of fact, I'll have Ian talk to him tonight.”
Sam smiled at her friend. “Really, it will be fine.”
They walked out of the bathroom and back into the family
room. Jordan had his guitar out and Bryce was warming up his vocals.
“This reminds me of old times,” said Deb to Ian. “Jordan and
Sam would be practicing and I'd just be hanging around listening to them.”
“But you got my voice now,” said Bryce with a charming
smile.
After a brief discussion, Jordan led the trio into one of
Bryce's songs and Sam followed suit. They played for a good two hours amidst
laughter and goofing off. Ian and Deb were in stitches and had a great talk
about Sam growing up. Finally at two in the morning, the group broke up.
“Maybe we should form our own band,” suggested Bryce. “We
were pretty good together.”
“I've got too many commitments,” said Jordan with a shake of his head.
“I don't think I'm ready yet, either,” commented Sam as she
walked up to Ian and he put his arm around her shoulder. “We better get going. Ian,
thanks for a wonderful meal.” Sam kissed him on the lips lightly.
“I've got to see where you live, Sam. I have to know where
I'm picking up Deb tomorrow,” said Bryce.
“Sure, just follow me.” Sam pulled Ian aside while the
others walked out the door to her car. “Say something to Bryce. Deb is kind of
scared of him about the yacht ride. You know, behave?”
“I'll talk to him. Don't worry. I'm going to miss you,”
sighed Ian, running his hands through her hair. He held her face and kissed her
passionately.
“That is so sweet, Ian.” Sam kissed him again. “Even though
we rocked each other's world hours ago, I'll still miss you.” Eventually, Sam
left to join the others.
Bryce came for Deb around noon while Jordan slept. The three
of them had talked long into the night about everything. Sam felt really
pleased how Jordan had warmed up to Deb. They couldn't stop talking with each
other and the stars in their eyes were unmistakable. It seemed to be a good
sign and she prayed Ian had had a talk with Bryce.
“Did Deb leave?” asked Jordan as he entered the kitchen.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” laughed Sam. “Yup. They left
about an hour ago.”
“If he so much as touches her, I'll kill him. You know,
she's at his mercy on the yacht. She should never have accepted his offer.” Jordan
opened the fridge and poured a glass of orange juice.
“Jealous, are we?” asked Sam knowing better.
“Smart ass,” sneered Jordan and sat down at the table. “What
are you making me for breakfast?”
“Nothing, after that remark.” Sam peered back down at her
laptop.
“Sorry. Just a little cranky. What are you working on?” Jordan
moved his chair to get a better look.
“Jett's email. Some pretty hot stuff. I don't think he'd
like it if I showed you, though.” Sam minimized the screen.
“Nothing I haven't heard before. Really, I'm starving, Sam. What
are your plans? I'll buy lunch for you.” As on cue, Jordan's stomach rumbled.
“It's okay. I'll make some eggs, hash browns, bacon and
toast for you. Just the way you like it.” Sam got up from the table to prepare
breakfast for Jordan.
“You and I need to talk,” said Jordan seriously. “What's
going on with you and Ian? All this kissing and hugging is making me sick. Do
you really like him?”
“Of course I like him,” said Sam strongly. “Look, I've been
around enough jerks to know when a guy is a really nice guy and Ian has passed
all of my tests.” Sam put down the spatula and peered over the table at Jordan. “Don't you want me to be happy?”
“No, it's not that.” Jordan sat forward peering intently at
Sam. “I just don't want you to get hurt. Look, I know this is old news, but
what happens when you go back to California? I know Ian hates living there. What's
going on with his Navy Seal business? Is he still active or what?”
“I don't know,” cried Sam as she stood up and started pacing
around the kitchen, fiddling with the eggs and bacon. “Don't you think I've
thought this through? I'm just taking it one day at a time, Jordan. I mean, look at me. My whole life has been turned upside down with this job. Jett's
house gets done and I go back to California. Maybe I want more than that. There're
all sorts of doors opening and I'm confused which one to enter.” Sam placed the
food in front of Jordan and sat down with her chin in her hands.
“Ian said you've been writing music. How come I have to hear
this from a stranger rather than my little sister telling me? What's this about
Drew?” Jordan fired questions at Sam.
“Believe it or not, I had planned to tell you, big brother. When
have we spent quality time with each other? This is the first time in a while. Normally,
you call me between flights or when you come home to Chicago, I watch you play.”
Sam started pacing again.
“Well, can I at least hear some of your music?” asked Jordan.
“Sure.” Sam stopped pacing long enough to put her hand on Jordan's shoulder. “See? That's the other thing I was toying with, my work. Maybe I could
become a known songwriter.”
“What kind of stuff are you writing?” asked Jordan between mouthfuls.
“Romantic ballads. Could be rock or country,” answered Sam.
“As soon as I'm done eating, I want to hear them.”
“On CD or do you want me to perform them?” asked Sam.
“I'll let you know,” answered Jordan. “Play one first and
then I'll see about listening to the CD.”
“CDs” corrected Sam.
“Now onto to Drew. Why didn't you tell me about him?”
demanded Jordan.
“Jordan, it just happened a week ago. You know I can handle
guys like him. I'm your sister, remember? You taught me to be tough.” Sam
glared at her brother, her arms crossed.
“I'm still going to say something to that creep.” Jordan pushed
the empty plate away.
“Fine by me.” Sam walked over to the piano and played a few
notes and turned to Jordan. “You ready?”
“Yes.” Jordan reached for his cup of coffee and settled on
the couch.
Sam mentally prepared for the song and in her contralto voice
began.
I don't know where I'm going, but I know where I've been.
I always say to hear God laugh, tell him your plans.
I just need to follow, follow my heart.
I never thought I'd find love, but then came you. You're
everything I've ever dreamed of, ever so true.
The intensity of my feelings has my heart reeling.
I just need to follow, follow my heart.
I'm afraid to tell you I love you, afraid you you'll run
away.
It's a risk one must take in love, a risk that I must
play.
I just need to follow, follow my heart.
So, my darling love, this is what I must say.
I love you now and forever, this will never change.
No matter what happens to us, no matter how strange.
I'm here for you love.
I just need to follow, follow my heart
Sam ended the song, lifted her head and smiled at Jordan. “Well?”
“A little sappy, but it's good,” commented Jordan. “You know, with a guitar, drums and maybe some more vocals, I think it's a winner. And
I'm not just saying that because you're my little sister.”
“Really?” Sam couldn't contain her enthusiasm and started to
jump up and down. “You think it would sell?”
“I know just the person who wants to hear it,” said Jordan with a smile. “Bring it on, baby. Let's hear some more.”
“It's going to be a long concert,” warned Sam and she settled
in and started to play.
“Before you start, do you have Deb's cell so you can call to
check up on her?” asked Jordan.
“Jordan, she left over two hours ago.” Sam glared at her
brother. “Your mind is in the gutter, bro.”
“I know what's on Bryce's mind and if he lays a hand on her…”
“Relax. I think Deb can take care of herself. Besides, I
told her to call me if there were any problems.”
“Can we rent a boat to follow them?” asked Jordan seriously.
“What? You want to follow her?” asked Sam, totally blown
away. “I'd be pretty pissed off if a guy followed me while on a date. Jordan,
you are being ridiculous.”
“Yeah, I guess I am.” Jordan shook his head. “Go on. Play
for me.” He nestled back into the couch.
“Thank you very much,” said Sam sarcastically. She turned
back to the piano and played another song.
“Do that one again.” Jordan reached for his guitar, warmed
up and played along with Sam. “See how much better it sounds with a guitar. Sam,
this is some pretty damn good stuff. I'm impressed.”
“Thanks!” Sam blushed at the compliment from her brother. Compliments
from him were few and far between.
“Let's keep going. You play, I'll listen and we can work it
out.” Jordan strummed the guitar. “Oh by the way, can I borrow your car to take
Deb out to dinner? Also, where should I take her?”
“You have a one track mind,” said Sam, shaking her head. Jordan
just shrugged.
****
“Ian? It's Sam. How are you?” After three hours of playing,
Jordan had jumped in the shower, preparing for his date with Deb.
“Hey, Sam. I wondered when you were going to call. I didn't
know how late you guys would stay up and didn't want to disturb you. What's
going on?”
“Couple of things,” said Sam. “First off, did you have the
talk with Bryce?”
“Yeah, I did. I think he's kind of insulted that I thought
he'd do something like that. I told him Deb is your friend and how would it
look if he tried something foolish.”
“I appreciate it. Like me, this is a whole new ball game for
Deb,” explained Sam. “She's known Jordan her whole life and he'll always be Jordan. Bryce, well, he's a rock star.”
“Hey, I understand, too. What else?” Ian knew something else
had been on Sam's mind that's why they got along so well.
“Jordan is really jealous. He didn't get up when Bryce
picked her up, which is a good thing.”
“I think so, too. Some men need to be bonked on the head and
even though he is your brother, this will do him some good.” Ian chuckled. “Look
at all the tests you put me through.”
“I know and you passed with flying colors. But get this, he
wants me to call her to see how she is. He also wanted to rent a boat and
follow them around,” laughed Sam.
“He is jealous,” snickered Ian.
“Yeah, I know. This is getting interesting. Where should he
take her for dinner?”
“I'll call him and let him know,” said Ian. “Anything else?”
“Jordan really liked my music,” said Sam enthusiastically. “He
played along with my songs and thinks he can get them sold.”
“I told you, you were good!” exclaimed Ian proudly, and then
he had a thought. “Should you run this by Jett?”
“Jett!” Sam came back down to earth quickly. “That's right. He
might get upset about it. Ian, I never thought about it.”
“Yeah, he might want to hear some of your stuff first.” Ian
thought of other legal implications. “Tell you what? With Deb and Jordan going
out to dinner, what do you want to do this evening?”
“Anything which involves you,” said Sam.
“Since I made dinner last night, how about we take advantage
of your house while the kids are gone?”
“What if things get romantic for them?” asked Sam. “Suppose
I let them have the house alone tonight?”
“I can live with that,” said Ian with a smile. “I'll pick
you and Cracker up around six since you won't have a car.”
“It's a date,” agreed Sam.
“I can't wait,” said Ian huskily.
Sam booted up her laptop and got to work on Jett's emails.
She had been so engrossed with work, she hardly heard the phone ring.
“Sam?” Deb sounded relieved to hear Sam's voice.
“Deb, are you okay?” asked Sam worriedly.
“I'm fine. Bryce had to take a call from his agent so I
thought I'd give you a call. He has been the total gentleman. Sam? I can't
believe I'm on a yacht with a rock star. I keep on pinching myself to make sure
I'm not dreaming!” said Deb awestruck
“Calm down. Remember. They are regular people,” warned Sam.
“I know, I know. So, how is Jordan?” asked Deb.
“He's pretty jealous,” laughed Sam. “I haven't seen my
brother like this in a long time. But then I haven't lived with him for the
last couple of years, either. It's pretty funny.”
“How do you mean jealous?” asked Deb, pleased.
“He thinks you should have said no. Then he wanted to rent a
boat to follow you around,” admitted Sam.
“Now, that is awesome,” said Deb dreamily. “Bryce is serving
champagne and appetizers, nothing heavy. This is a beautiful island. I can't
wait to see it up close and personal. All the mountains are so pretty.”
“Well, that's what you have Jordan for, Deb. Have him drive
you around and the two of you can discover it. You'll have my car and the house
is all yours tonight.”
“Really?” squealed Deb.
“Yes,” laughed Sam. “Ian and I have plans of our own.”
“He is so right for you, Sam. I couldn't be happier that you
found someone like him,” said Deb honestly.
“I hope so because I'm hopelessly in love with him,”
admitted Sam. “I've got to go. Jordan just got done taking a shower and is on
his way down. I'll talk to you later.”
“Who was that?” asked Jordan as he entered the room.
“Deb. She's doing just fine. Said Bryce has been the total
gentleman,” said Sam sweetly.