Chapter 25
“I’d like to invite Jim and his sons to the club for a round of golf this weekend. Since Faith is not much of a golfer, I thought she could spend time with you,” Warren Milburn said to his wife, Charlotte, Thursday evening after dinner. They were sitting on the sofa in the family room.
Charlotte let out a long sigh. “This is the last weekend before Andrea’s wedding, and I’ve invited all the bridesmaids for lunch on Saturday. I don’t know how much time I’d be able to spend with her.”
He eyed his wife with a mixture of disappointment and resignation. “We don’t see them very often, Lotty. I feel bad they aren’t staying with us at the house. I’d like to have them for dinner one night at least.”
“As long as it isn’t this weekend,” she said firmly. “Hilda will be busy preparing the luncheon, and I can’t ask her to make dinner, too.”
“Why don’t we take them out to a restaurant?” Warren asked. “There’s no need burdening Hilda with more cooking chores.”
“I suppose we could do that,” she replied grudgingly.
“Let’s have them Saturday night and I’ll make reservations tomorrow. We can arrange to play golf on Sunday. Maybe you and Faith can get some shopping done. I know she’d enjoy that.”
“Well, to be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t. I don’t know why she can’t go along with all of you and play golf. I could join you at the club for lunch later in the day.”
He was silent a moment as he mulled over her suggestion. “I suppose we could do that,” he said slowly. “Are you sure you won’t join us for golf? It would be nice for Faith to have another woman to talk to.”
“You know we’ve never gotten along,” she retorted, glaring at him. “Faith and I have absolutely nothing in common. I don’t know how your brother could have chosen someone like her to marry.”
“Now, Lotty, that’s not nice!” Warren exclaimed with a deepening frown. “She’s a very educated and pleasant woman. I don’t know why the two of you never hit it off.”
Charlotte folded her arms over her chest. “All she can talk about are her sons and how well they’re doing, or those children she teaches. I have absolutely no interest in any of that. I can tolerate her for one dinner out and lunch at the club for your sake. If you want to see more of them, that’s your business. This coming week will be very busy getting ready for the wedding. I won’t have a moment to spare.” Her mouth tightened to a hard line while her eyes glittered with barely suppressed anger.
Warren looked at his wife of almost fifty years with a troubled expression. Why were women so difficult to understand? Rather than give the matter more attention, he picked up his newspaper. “Whatever you say, dear.”
~ ~ ~
Shortly before noon on Friday, Sam received a call at the gallery from her uncle.
“Samantha, we’ll be arriving at the hotel late tonight. Can we plan on meeting for dinner Sunday evening? You should choose the place as you know the city better.”
“Uncle Jim, it’s good to hear from you. Sunday evening is fine. Let me check with Jordan, and I’ll call you at the hotel regarding the time and place. Where are you staying? I’ll be at the Marriott Marquis for the craft beer convention.” Had she mentioned she’d be doing a belly dance routine for a brewery? She couldn’t remember.
“Sam, that’s great. We’ve booked a suite at the same hotel. The boys are flying in Saturday afternoon. We’ll all be with your parents Saturday night. Your father asked us out for dinner. On Sunday we’re playing golf at his club and having lunch there. Why don’t I check in with you on Sunday morning? Are you an early riser?”
Sam thought about the leisurely pace of her Sundays with Jordan. “Noon would be better. We’ll probably be having brunch then. Is that okay?”
“I expect to be walking around the golf course, but I’ll make sure to touch base with you around that time. Remember, dinner’s on me.”
“Thank you, Uncle Jim,” she said, touched by his offer. “I’m glad we’re going to spend time together.”
“I wouldn’t miss seeing you for the world.”
When the conversation ended, Sam felt her eyes misting. At least she had some family left.
Knowing her schedule would be tough, Peter suggested she leave early on Friday. “Take off at three so you can eat something before rushing to the hotel.”
“You are one considerate man. Thanks.” Besides attending to the cats and packing a bag for the weekend, she needed to check with her neighbor who was cat-sitting. She didn’t think she could eat a real dinner, but at least she’d grab a sandwich.
“Can Heidi help out most of Saturday? I hate to leave you in the lurch tomorrow.”
Peter waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry. She’ll be here during the lunch hours when we get most of the traffic. Jack’s coming in, too, as that would be a good time to connect with possible buyers. We’ll be fine. I might even come by to see how the convention’s going Saturday evening. I’m not promising, but I am curious. So don’t be surprised if I pop up while you’re doing your belly dancing routine.”
“Really?” Sam’s smile was radiant. “I’d love it if you could. It’s comforting to see a familiar face.”
“I’m sure Jordan will be there. Right?”
“He’s planning on it,” she replied.
The crowds were thick on Friday night as Sam, dressed in her belly dancing outfit, pushed her way through to the East Village Brewery display. Omar and Hassan, plus several other people she didn’t recognize, were busy handing out samples of various craft beers and answering questions. A large blow-up of Sam dancing with Omar stood to one side of a long table. On the other end, a video played as she danced with both brothers.
Catching sight of her, Hassan waved. “Just in time,” he said, smiling. “Now we’ll have the real thing,” he said to the people in front of him.
For the rest of the evening, Sam performed at stated times each hour to an appreciative audience. She’d been nervous at the beginning, but with the familiar music playing in the background, she soon got into her groove. Several men came forward to dance with her, and as at the Blue Monkey, she improvised to accommodate their movements. Omar and Hassam also partnered her, to much applause. By the time the night ended, Sam was exhausted, but happy she’d been able to capture so much attention for the brewery.
Retiring to her hotel room, she stripped off her costume and headed for the spacious bathroom to soak in the whirlpool tub. At least she’d have tonight all to herself. She needed to relax and recharge for the busy day tomorrow. Her last thought before snuggling under the covers in the king-size bed was of a tall, dark-haired man who’d be joining her for the next two days. With a sigh of contentment, she fell fast asleep.
~ ~ ~
“We’re so happy to see you,” Diane said to Jordan as she entered Mario’s restaurant at one o’clock on Saturday. Her two sisters, Lori and Amy, were at her side and added their greetings.
Jordan kissed each of his sisters and led them to a table he’d reserved earlier. “You’re all looking extremely well. Amy, that’s a great hair style. I always liked short hair on you.” He gave Diane an appraising glance. “Looks like you’ve lost some weight. Very becoming.” Turning to Lori he said, “Seems like you get younger every time I see you. Bet it’s that new healthy diet you’re on. Hope everyone doesn’t mind, but I went ahead and ordered a large antipasto to start, plus wine.”
“Good, I’m starving,” Amy declared, seating herself at the round dark-wood table. “And thanks for the compliment. Vance likes my hair this way, too.” She flashed him a big smile. “They make the best clam pizza,” she added to the others.
“I’m sticking to veggie pizza,” Lori declared. “Much healthier.”
“What kind of pizza are you ordering?” Diane asked Jordan as she studied the menu. “They all sound delicious. I just have to watch out for cheese. It really puts the pounds on.” She sighed.
“Probably the eggplant and meatball. It’s a great combination.”
The waitress arrived with glasses of water and a basket of crusty Italian bread. “The antipasto will be out in a moment.”
“Please bring the wine,” Jordan said.
“Of course.”
“You look tanned and relaxed,” Lori commented, scrutinizing her brother. “Must have had a fun time on the boat.” She smiled coyly.
“Yes, it was a pleasant trip,” he replied without giving further details. He knew from experience they’d be fishing for information about Sam. Well, they’d just have to wait until the wedding. Which reminded him to look at his tux before he met Sam later. It might need to be cleaned.
“Jordan, I’m just starting to organize an invitation list for my wedding on the Labor Day weekend. I’ll need your girlfriend’s name and address. Also, I wondered if she’d like to be one of my bridesmaids since you’ll be in the wedding party. What do you think?” Amy tilted her head to one side with an innocent expression.
He tensed a moment as he considered her request. Knowing Sam’s aversion to weddings, he didn’t think she’d go for it. Then again, it made sense since he’d be involved as one of the groomsmen. “Let me think about it and get back to you.”
She pouted and sent him a grieved glance. “You don’t sound very enthusiastic. I’d think you’d be pleased I want to include her, whoever she is.”
Jordan was starting to get that trapped feeling he often experienced when faced with all three of his sisters. “Amy, we have plenty of time to go into details. And yes, I’m very pleased you and Vance have decided to make a commitment. I’m sure Mom and Dad are happy about it.”
“Speaking of our parents,” Diane interjected, “they’re coming into the city over the July Fourth weekend. I hope you’ll be around, so we can have a mini family reunion.”
He took a quick inward breath and let it out slowly. “Diane, I’ll be away for the whole week. I wish I’d known about their visit sooner. I’ll give them a call later and see exactly when they plan to arrive. Perhaps they can come into town a few days earlier.”
The waitress arrived with the wine and antipasto tray, relieving Jordan of more conversation. But he knew they weren’t finished with the inquisition.
By the time lunch ended, he’d fielded several more questions about Sam and their relationship. Knowing beforehand this was bound to happen, he’d prepared for the interrogation as if it were one of his cases and came through without giving more information than he’d intended.
“It was wonderful seeing all of you,” he said, giving each sister a hug before leaving them. Breathing a deep sigh of relief, he headed back to his office. Now he could concentrate on finishing the work on his desk before meeting Sam. He planned to be there close to the time she finished the belly dancing gig. Then he’d have her all to himself for the rest of the weekend.
~ ~ ~
The crowds at the craft beer convention seemed larger on Saturday, Sam thought, when she returned from a much-needed break a little after five o’clock. Everyone was eager to try the many samples of beer available, and the East Village Brewery table was always packed. As she was preparing to start her routine, she caught a glimpse of some familiar faces. A surge of excitement brought her into the throng surrounding the display. “Geoff–Andrew!” she called, waving a hand at her cousins.
Coming closer, she realized they didn’t recognize her. “It’s me, Sam!” she exclaimed.
“Sam?” Geoff looked puzzled. “What are you doing in that outfit?”
“It’s a long story,” she said, smiling at them. “I’ll tell you later. I have to do my routine for the next ten minutes. Can you stick around?”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” Andrew declared. “Let me give Dad a call and tell him to meet us here. We’re headed to see your parents for dinner tonight.”
“Yeah, wait ’til he sees you in costume. Mom will be shocked, too.” Geoff started laughing. “We didn’t know belly dancing was one of your many talents.”
“I’ve been doing this since college, for your information,” Sam declared before making her way back to the area where she performed.
Her cousins pushed to the front of the crowd to get a better view. After several men had joined her in the dance, Geoff decided to do the same. After he finished, Andrew was next. As he was dancing with her, his parents joined the throng. When she finished the routine, her uncle and aunt came to greet her.
“Well, well, this is a surprise,” Uncle Jim said. He gave her an enormous hug. “I didn’t know you were a professional dancer.”
“I can’t believe it’s really you!” Aunt Faith exclaimed, holding on to Sam’s hands. “You look so different.”
“I hope you can keep a secret.” Sam looked at her relatives with a serious air. “My parents don’t know anything about this, and I’d like to keep it that way.”
“Of course,” her uncle replied. “Mum’s the word. Right, boys?” He turned to his sons.
“Absolutely.” Geoff nodded his head. “You have my word.
“Me too,” Andrew chimed in. “I think you look really hot.”
Sam laughed. “Thanks. But I’m sure it would shock my parents if they ever found out. I’m in enough trouble with them as it is.”
“Don’t worry about a thing.” Jim Milburn gave his niece another big hug. Looking at his family, he added, “We have to get going. I asked them to bring the car to the front of the hotel.” Turning to Sam, he said, “I’ll talk to you tomorrow at noon.” And then they were gone.
Sam felt a lump in her throat as she watched them walk away. Their warmth was in sharp contrast to her parents’ and sisters’ cold and critical attitude. She resolved to stay in closer contact with her uncle and his family. Again, the thought struck her as it did so often–why couldn’t she have been born into a close-knit group of loving people? Forcing those useless thoughts away, she headed back to the brewery table. She’d be on call again soon.
Shortly after six, Sam caught sight of Peter at the edge of the throng surrounding the East Village Brewery display. Waving her hand, she managed to catch his attention, and he headed toward her.
“Well, well, this is quite something,” he said, looking pleased. “There’s a good many people here. I’m sure having you as the symbol of the brewery has brought more attention to their craft beer.”
“I hope so,” Sam replied. “How did it go at the gallery today?”
“A piece of cake. Jack sold two of his smaller paintings, and he has a deposit on a larger piece. Heidi was a big help, too.”
“Good. I’m glad everything worked out. I guess you don’t need me after all.”
“Is that so?” Peter retorted. “I expect you bright and early Tuesday morning, young lady.”
Sam laughed at his mock vehemence. “Don’t worry, I’ll be there.”
“Tell me, did anyone try taking your photo or video you? I know we talked about this at our meeting earlier in the week,” Peter said with a serious expression.
“Not really,” Sam replied. “But there was a television crew here earlier filming everything at the convention. It will probably make the evening news.” A frown crossed her face. “I hope my family doesn’t see it, although they know nothing about my belly dancing.”
“I wouldn’t be concerned. With this costume, they’d hardly recognize you.”
Peter stayed for about half an hour, and when he saw Jordan approaching, stopped to shake hands. “Sam’s almost done. I have a feeling she’ll need a long night’s rest after all this excitement.”
“Looks like a great turnout,” Jordan said, gazing around.
“I think she brought in a good crowd,” Peter replied before leaving.
Sam was in the middle of her dance routine when Jordan made his way to the front of the group. She knew he was there by the sudden prickle of awareness that made her skin tingle. When he joined her in the dance, she felt the immediate heat of his body as he bumped hips and circled her with sensuous movements. It was like a repeat of their first time dancing together at the Blue Monkey. But this time, she knew they’d end up together for the night.
At exactly seven, Jordan put a possessive arm around her waist. “Now it’s our time,” he said in a low tone. “I’ve shared you with enough people. How about room service for dinner and then a long leisurely bath?”
Nothing ever sounded so good. “You’re on,” she said. “I am one worn-out belly-dancer.”
He couldn’t help laughing as he led her away.