Chapter 21
“Good to see you again.” Ellie beamed at Sam when she entered the small boutique. “What are you looking for today?”
“Summer outfits. I need several for work and something for social occasions.” Sam glanced around the shop. “You know I’m not the greatest shopper. With the weather growing warmer, I can’t continue to wear the lovely clothes I bought here recently. Can you suggest some outfits for me?”
“Of course. Actually, you can still use leggings but in lighter tones and fabrics. Let me see if we can mix and match tops and bottoms to give you more versatility.”
For the next hour, Sam tried on sundresses, several long skirts, tops, and bathing suits. She finally selected two sleeveless dresses, one long and one short skirt, and four tops to go with the skirts.
“You can use these white leggings to go under the dresses or short skirt,” Ellie said holding up a pair. “Now let’s see about bathing suits.”
“No bikinis,” Sam announced. “A one-piece suit would be fine.” She still needed to lose some weight around her middle, no matter what Jordan said.
Ellie gave her an appraising look. “I wouldn’t be afraid of a bikini. It all depends on how it’s made. Let me give you several, plus the one piece, and then you can judge.”
Still skeptical, Sam tried on a black bikini. It wasn’t as low cut as some she’d seen. And it did hug her curves. She walked up and down the small dressing room, trying to decide whether she liked it or not.
Ellie was waiting on another customer, but she came in to take a quick look. “Fantastic!” she exclaimed. “You have to get that one. I can just imagine what a sensation you’ll be on the beach or in the pool.”
So far, Ellie had been right on target. She’d take a chance and buy it. At least Jordan would be pleased. She grinned at this last thought. Then she picked out a dark-brown one-piece suit for serious swimming.
“I’ll take these two,” she told Ellie. “Now I need a cover-up, plus a jacket or shawl for chilly nights.”
By the time she left, Sam had spent a hefty amount of money. But she’d earned it, she assured herself even as her conscience started to act up. She’d never indulged in new clothing this way, choosing to spend any extra cash on painting supplies or tickets to cultural events. It was fun, dressing up and looking good for a change.
~ ~ ~
Sam stopped at the Korean market for groceries. Her pantry was bare. By the time she reached home, it was almost seven. She still had to feed the cats and herself before relaxing. While she was opening a large can of cat food, the phone rang. Tempted to pick it up, she decided to listen to the message first. After several rings, a familiar voice came on. “Samantha, it’s Uncle Jim calling. Faith and I are planning to come into the city a week before Andrea’s wedding, and we want to spend time with you. We’ll be staying at a hotel in mid-Manhattan.”
Sam rushed to pick up the phone. James Milburn was her father’s younger brother. He and his wife, Faith, had always been interested in her welfare. Since they lived in Baltimore and seldom came to Manhattan, she didn’t see them very often, except for large family affairs. “Uncle Jim!” she cried. “So nice to hear from you. Of course I’d like to see you when you’re in town.” Did they know she wasn’t attending Andrea’s wedding?
“Good. Let’s set up some dates. I know how busy you are with the gallery and painting, but maybe you can make time for us. By the way, Andrew and Geoff are flying in from California for the wedding. I know they’ll want to spend time with you, too.”
Andrew and Geoff were first cousins—Jim’s children. This was getting complicated. Taking a deep breath she plunged in. “I’m on the outs with Andrea, so I’m not going to the wedding. I don’t know if you’ve talked to my parents.”
There was a brief pause. “Yes, your father phoned a few days ago and told me. I’m not terribly surprised. Andrea’s always been treated like a princess. She’s self-centered and spoiled, but your parents don’t realize this. Whatever happened, I’m sure it wasn’t your fault. Faith and I have watched the three of you grow up. It’s easy to see how difficult things have been for you. We’ll make time to see you outside of the wedding. How’s that?”
Sam’s eyes grew moist. At least some people in her family understood the situation. “Thanks, Uncle Jim. I’ll look forward to seeing all of you. Let me give you my phone number at the gallery. It’s easier to reach me there than at home.” Thinking of her weekend plans with Jordan, she added, “I’ve been seeing someone on the weekends, but my parents and sisters don’t know anything about it, and I want to keep it that way. I’m letting you know this in case you call on a Sunday or Monday and can’t reach me. We sometimes escape for a few days.”
“That’s good news, and I won’t say a word. Who knows, you might want to ask him to join us one evening for dinner.”
That was a distinct possibility, Sam thought after the conversation ended. She couldn’t help smiling while she went about preparing dinner. Uncle Jim and Aunt Faith were in her corner. Andrea hadn’t been able to dupe them as she’d done with her parents. It would be fun reconnecting with her cousins. Andrew and Geoff were close to her age and also single. Andrew was a computer programmer and Geoff worked for a publishing firm. Uncle Jim taught history at a university while his wife was a kindergarten teacher at a private school. Almost ten years younger than her father, her uncle had always been a fun-loving and adventurous man. With a wistful sigh, Sam couldn’t help comparing her uncle with her father. It would’ve been great growing up in an intelligent, close-knit family like Uncle Jim’s.
Sam prepared a vegetable frittata for dinner with a side salad. Eating out with Jordan was spoiling her. Usually she enjoyed cooking for herself. Now, it seemed a little lonely. But she wasn’t going to give in to that feeling. Instead, she’d do something constructive with her kitchen. After finishing dinner, she surveyed the whole room. If she wanted to buy new appliances and put in different flooring, she needed to straighten out her cabinets and clear the counters.
Easier said than done. After almost two hours of work, she’d hardly made a dent. Why had she let things get this disorganized? She would never allow her studio to look this way. Well, at least she’d made a start–a small one, but it was a beginning. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, Sam made a cup of peppermint tea and carried it into the living room. She hadn’t read the Sunday papers yet . . . Kicking off her shoes, she settled back to enjoy a well-earned rest and catch up on the news. When the phone rang, she groaned. Who could be calling at this hour? It was close to ten. The answering machine could pick up any messages. Still, she was curious, and she rose to find out if this was a call she’d rather answer.
When she heard Jordan’s voice, she picked up the receiver quickly. “Hi, I didn’t think you’d call.” Her heart started thudding, and her pulse quickened. It was great to hear him on the other end. Clasping the phone, she went back to the sofa.
“I told you I’d call,” he reminded her. “I simply wanted to hear your sweet voice after a long day. What have you been up to?”
There was much to report. “Max has another belly dancing project for me. This time I’ll be representing the brewery at a craft beer convention in a few weeks.”
“Really? Where is this happening?”
“At one of the big Manhattan hotels.” It suddenly occurred to her that the brewery convention might be the same weekend as the visit from Uncle Jim and his family. “Omigod!”
“What’s wrong?” Jordan asked.
“I might have a conflict,” she groaned. “My favorite uncle and his family are coming to the city that same weekend and want to spend time with me. If I’m busy at the convention, I won’t be able to see much of them.” Then she added, “Actually, I wanted to introduce them to you. My uncle suggested you join us for dinner one evening. I know you’ll enjoy meeting these relatives. They’re wonderful people.”
“That sounds fine with me. One of these days you’ll have to meet my sisters and their partners. My parents live in Maine, so that trip will be at a future time.”
Sam felt pleased he wanted her to meet his family. “I look forward to getting to know them.”
“By the way, do you know where the convention’s taking place?” he inquired.
“Let me check.” Finding the black leather date book, she leafed through the pages. “It’s the Marriott Marquis Hotel, and the dates are May 16 and 17th. I’m off on Sunday, thank goodness. Maybe that would be a good day for dinner with Uncle Jim and Aunt Faith. I hope you can join us. Their sons, Andrew and Geoff, are flying in from California, too.”
“I’ll put it on my calendar. Are they coming into town for a family reunion or something?”
She should mention Andrea’s wedding, but she didn’t want to bring up that painful subject with all its unhappy twists and turns. “In a way,” she hedged. Then, to change the subject, she said, “That check I sent my friends, Beth and Sean, came back with a very brief note saying they didn’t need my money. I decided fate wanted me to have it, so I went on a shopping spree and bought a new summer wardrobe.”
“Sounds just like a woman. Actually, I’m not surprised they didn’t accept your gift, although I hoped they’d take it and declare a truce. I know how upset you are at losing their friendship.”
“I’m trying to make peace with the whole situation. It’s one of those things I have little control over. Has Sean Fuller tried to reach you at your office?”
“No, I haven’t heard a word. He must know he doesn’t have a case, but if he does call, I’ll be diplomatic. You didn’t answer my question before, as to why your relatives are coming into town. Do you have some kind of family reunion happening?”
“I was hoping you wouldn’t remember the question.”
Jordan started laughing. “You forget I’m a lawyer and know when someone isn’t being up front with me.”
“Would you mind if we didn’t discuss it right now? I’ll fill you in on things eventually.” Sam hoped he wouldn’t pursue the matter.
There was a short silence. “Okay, I’ll go along with your request. I’m sure whatever situation you’re in with your family is understandable. I have my problems with relatives too.”
“I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one!” she exclaimed.
“Hardly. I don’t think I’ve ever met a perfect family.”
Feeling relieved, Sam settled a pillow under her head. “I haven’t asked you about your day.”
“Not as interesting as yours, I’m sure. I had one client today who wants to sue his business partner and another who’s ready to divorce his third wife. By the time I get home at night, I’m eager to erase the day’s events. That’s why I wish you were right here beside me.” His voice turned husky. “I’d know exactly how to forget everything.”
Sam felt warm all over. “Do you now?” she teased. “I’ll bet you’ve made yourself an enormous hot fudge sundae with all the fixings.”
“I can only think of one better way to relax than that. You’ll have to stay at my place one of these evenings. Maybe we’ll try doing that Saturday night, and then spend Sunday on the boat. Although, I’m afraid we’ll never get out of my bed. It’s probably best to head for the boat right away and sleep on it that night. Let’s see how the weather is on Saturday. Can you be flexible?”
“Sure. It’ll be fun, whatever we do.”
“That’s what I love to hear,” he said softly.
After the conversation ended, Sam closed her eyes for a few moments, enjoying the memory of Jordan’s sexy voice saying he missed her. What would it be like, spending every night in his bed? Pretty wonderful, she thought, picturing the two of them curled together under the covers. Waking with him next to her in the mornings would be marvelous, too. A yearning to be with him took hold for several long minutes as she imagined the feel of his strong body, his arms holding her close. Letting out a frustrated sigh, she sat up and threw a pillow across the floor. It hit one of the sleeping cats sprawled there. A startled meow rang out, distracting her, which was just as well.
“It’s okay, Mushi,” she soothed the calico-colored cat. Taking her pet into her arms, she sank back onto the couch. “You and Pepper are all I need. I can always count on your love.” She’d be safer not depending on anyone, especially someone like Jordan, to be there when she needed him. These weeks would all be a pleasant memory to recall in old age.