One Little Letter_A Bad Boy, Second Chance Romance

by Robin Edwards

  “Nice to meet you again.” Sam smiled again.

  “I guess it’s a small world, huh?”

  “Exactly. I came over to tell you that you guys are terrific. A woman of many talents, I see. Is there anything you can’t do?” Sam teased.

  “Play the violin?” I suggested.

  “Ah, she’s got a weakness after all.”

  “Shh, don’t tell anyone.” I teased.

  Oh God, was I actually flirting with him and was he actually flirting back? He started it.

  “Have you guys been performing a long time?” Sam asked.

  “Most of them have but I joined a couple of years ago.”

  “I would have never guessed,” Sam said as he glanced around the room. “They definitely went all out with this event, it’s great.”

  I looked around the room and smiled to myself. It was exciting and I was having a great time. I wanted more of it. “We are fortunate to be able to keep playing here especially at today’s event. Everything seems so incredible.”

  “Oh, that’s right. You guys are the musicians that the committee keeps referring to. I remember seeing you guys at other events before. I’m sorry I didn’t quite catch on quick enough. I’m not really at these events all too often. Just on a rare occasion and enough to keep my membership. Are you a member here too?”

  “No, I’m not. Don’t you have to be a resident here in order to apply for membership?”

  “Among other things I think. So if not from Sutton Hill, where are you from?”

  “Up in Cottonwood Beach. I’ve lived there for a few years now.”

  “Oh, that’s not too far from here at all. How do you like it there?” Sam asked.

  I love it there, especially because everything I need is within proximity. It’s no Sutton Hill, though.”

  “Sutton Hill definitely has it’s charm. I’ve lived here most of my life. What do you do in Cottonwood, or is it just the band?”

  Boy he was inquisitive, I couldn’t imagine why.

  “No, the band is just for fun. I work for a consulting company. We provide advising and remediation services for non-profits. Can’t deal with the politics, though. How about you?” I inquired.

  I was curious to what he did for a living as it must have been something over the top to be able to reside in Sutton Hill.

  “I know what you mean.” Sam laughed. “I’m the President of Jerry Ellis Enterprises and the Director of the Jerry Ellis Foundation.”

  “Hold it. The Jerry Ellis? As in the legendary Jerry Ellis?”

  “Yes, he’s my father.” Sam laughed.

  Jerry Ellis was a pioneer in the acoustic movement and was someone I grew up to admire. I remembered constantly watching a special documentary that I recorded on a VHS tape when I was younger about Jerry Ellis and his family. It was a documentary showing his old home movies showcasing Jerry, his wife and their five kids.

  There was one piece of the tape that I watched more often that always struck a chord in me. It was a video clip of Jerry signing his classic Marry Me song while his youngest son Samuel played the harmonica alongside him. I used to watch the documentary over and over until I left it behind when I went off to college.

  The documentary aired on television in one of those once-in-a-lifetime showings. If you missed it, you never saw it again. There was no way Sam was the same boy in that documentary. I remembered looking him up one dull night to find out what he grew up to be and could not find any information on him, almost as if he disappeared into thin air. There also wasn’t a way to get the old VHS tape back. I had forgotten all about Jerry Ellis and his son Sam.

  “He’s your father? I can’t believe it, he’s been my idol for as long as I can remember. He’s a legend!”

  “Well thank you.” Sam chuckled. “Yes, he is my father and I’ve been the head of the foundation for the past eight years. I take it you’ve heard of the foundation also.”

  The Jerry Ellis Estate Foundation and corporation were formed thirteen years ago to keep the history of Jerry Ellis and all that he had accomplished in the music industry alive. Jerry Ellis was also a local legend doing a lot of charitable work in the community in his later years.

  The Foundation provided charitable events raising money for youth in the arts, the Jerry Ellis Scholarship Fund and set up several for-profit businesses building brand awareness of the Jerry Ellis name and all that he represented.

  “Wow, would have never guessed. Anyone who’s anyone knows Jerry Ellis.” I gushed.

  “He was just my father.” Sam shrugged.

  “I totally understand that. You probably thought the limelight was a normal way of life and didn’t see it for what everyone else saw it as.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, he’s an amazing man, but to me, he was just family. I was so young when he was in the music industry, I didn’t understand it for what it was. By the time I was old enough to know what he had accomplished, he had already retired. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to go on a rant. It wasn’t my intention.

  “No, it’s okay. I get what you are saying.”

  “So, you said you loved Sutton Hill right?” Sam asked.

  “Yeah, definitely.”

  “I guess it would be to someone on the outside but living in a place like this, it can be exhausting. I love living here by the bay, but the sacrifices you have to make being here doesn’t seem entirely worth it some days. I shouldn’t be telling you all of this, we just met.” Sam remarked.

  “No, it’s okay. I appreciate the openness.”

  Before he could explain himself further, a man I didn’t recognize walked up to Sam. He was wearing an expensive three-piece suit, had white hair with a receding hair line that gave away the fact that he was at least a decade older than Sam. The older gentleman slapped Sam on the back with a devilish grin on his face.

  “Sam, there you are! I have been looking all over for you!”

  “Mark, sorry about that. Coming to these shindigs always keeps me busy. I think I am all talked out.” Sam shook his hand firmly.

  “It is quite the event, indeed and who might you be?” The older gentleman eyed me.

  “Mark, this is Jamie Winters.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.” I said shaking his hand.

  The older gentleman chuckled, “You always are Sam. You are quite in demand by stakeholders and by the ladies.” Mark said suggestively and winked at me. “It’s is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Winters.”

  “Mark Ripley is the foundation’s attorney,” Sam explained.

  “Guilty as charged!” Mark guffawed. “Say, Sam. Jack Holden has interesting ideas that I think could be a potentially great partnership between the estate and his firm. Let me introduce you to him.” Mark said as he turned his attention back to Sam.

  “I’ll be there in a minute,” Sam said.

  “Time’s ticking, Sam. Don’t keep him waiting. Opportunities don’t last forever.” The older gentleman, Mark, walked away into the crowd.

  “Charming guy,” I remarked.

  “Sam looked at me and sighed, “He can be a little abrupt.”

  “It’s okay. It’s not the first time that’s happened and it probably won’t be the last. You should get going, it looks like it was very important that you meet this Jack Holden fellow.”

  “Apparently.” Sam smiled.

  “Plus, I’ve got to get back. Intermission is over anyway. It was nice seeing you again.” I said as I awkwardly held out my hand to shake his. I wasn’t quite sure what the proper protocol was in these types of situations.

  “Likewise.” Sam quietly chuckled as he shook my hand and disappeared into the crowd.

  Chapter Four

  “What was that all about, hmm?” John teased.

  “Yeah, who was he?” their drummer, Aaron chimed in while Lily laughed.

  “What could you ever mean?” Jamie shyly teased back and smiled trying to avoid their interrogation.

  “You know what we mean. Who was that guy that you were talk
ing about?” John asked.

  “What guy?” she feigned innocence again.

  “You know what guy we are talking about. We all saw you two talking. You were practically standing there grinning from ear to ear at the guy. Oh, mystery man, you rock my socks!” John teased.

  “Oh hush!” Jamie playfully shoved him. “Come on guys, the break is nearly over. We’ve got an hour or so to go.”

  “Yeah, a nice change of subject. Continue avoiding the question, we will get an answer one way or another.” Aaron pointing his drumstick in her direction before walking back to his drum set.

  Ninety minutes later, the main festivities of the gala were over, and the city was getting ready to start the fireworks show.

  “Hey Jamie, we are ready to take off. If we leave now, we will still make it to Lily’s cousin’s bbq party.” Aaron urged.

  “You know what? I think I’ll just stay here a bit longer. Maybe watch the fireworks a little.”

  “Are you serious? We always go together. It’s like tradition!” Aaron asked.

  “You’re going to stay here? Are you sure, Jamie?” Lily joined in the questioning. “We always go to my cousin’s house after a gig, especially on the Fourth of July.”

  “Yes, I am sure. I just want to stay and watch the show.” Jamie repeated.

  “You can watch the fireworks at Jose’s house. It’s all the same fireworks anyway.” Aaron urged.

  “Yeah, I know, but I just want to stay here a little bit longer. Go ahead without me, I’ll be there later.”

  “To see mystery man?” John teased.

  “No. Of course not. Besides, I don’t know where Sam is. He might have left by now.” Jamie laughed.

  “Sam is it?” Aaron chuckled.

  “Okay, but how are you going to get there? We will have the van.” Lily asked.

  “I’ll call for a ride and take a taxi. Stop worrying, have a fantastic time. I’ll be by later.” Jamie hugged each of them goodbye.

  “Call us when you are on your way, okay?” John suggested over his shoulder as he picked up the rest of the equipment and put them inside the van while Aaron and Lily got inside.

  “I will,” Jamie said as she waved them off and turned around to see the crowd dispersing out the building and walking towards the beach that was only a few blocks away.

  It was a chilly night, and the breeze blowing had her slightly shivering. The closer she got to the beach, the colder it got. The group congregated on the beach with most prepared to watch the festivities. Some were sitting on lawn chairs, others sat on large beach blankets sprawled across the sand while others like Jamie stood. The one thing they all had in common was that they all looked up towards the sky in awe at the fireworks display that boomed throughout the heavens.

  After several minutes, Jamie felt a light touch on the small of her back that gave her more goosebumps than she already had from the wind. Jamie turned to see Sam standing there, and she shyly smiled back at him.

  “Oh, hi again.”

  “Didn’t think you’d still be here after the event. Where is the rest of your band?” Sam asked.

  “I wanted to stay and see the fireworks, they went to a party. I’m going to rejoin them later. The fireworks are so beautiful; it is my favorite part of the holiday. That is after the bbq hamburgers and hotdogs.” Jamie confessed.

  “You’re shivering. Want my jacket?” Sam asked.

  “No, it’s okay. I’m used to cold weather.”

  After putting his suit jacket around her he continued explaining his family’s holiday traditions, “Growing up, it was a tradition in my family to go out on my dad’s boat and sail out about a mile into the bay and watch the fireworks from the water.”

  “Do you still do it? Keep up the tradition, I mean.” Jamie asked.

  “Sometimes. Most of my older brothers and sisters and their families come on one of my brother’s boats. His boat is big enough to hold all of us.”

  “Your kids must really love it,” I said.

  “Oh, I don’t have any children. I’m not married.”

  “Oh, sorry. I didn’t know.” Jamie apologized profusely despite the useful fact that she now knew.

  “I wasn’t there this year, obviously but I still go sailing on occasion with my dog, Owen, several times a month. It helps me relax.” Sam explained.

  “Oh, you have a dog! Owen’s a great name, what breed is he?”

  “He’s a Golden Retriever. He goes wherever I go except here of course, but he goes everywhere else – the office, boat and basically anywhere. He’s my buddy.”

  “That’s cute. I love Golden Retrievers, I’ve always wanted to have one, but if I ever bought a house with a big backyard, I’d get a dog that I could go running with.”

  “You run? That’s great, I run on occasion, and I surf too whenever I have the time. I always bike to the office since I live relatively close by, I encourage all of my staff to do so if they can. The past several years I’ve been training in martial arts.”

  “That’s very health conscious and very active of you. It’s great!” I said.

  “If you ever want to meet Owen, you can if you want to,” Sam suggested.

  “Really? But you hardly know me.” Jamie asked.

  “Unless there is something you are not telling me, I highly doubt you are an ax murderer.” Sam chuckled.

  “In that case, I would love to meet him.” She said excitedly. “How was your conversation with that Holden guy?”

  “Oh, Jack? It was okay. We are always on the lookout for partnerships to build for the Foundation. We want to leverage products, services and ways that only promote Jerry Ellis and the things that he believed in. He wanted to be a positive influence, so we are always looking to push living and breathing positivity within our brand. It’s how he lived, it’s how we live.”

  “That’s great. I’m glad that the Holden guy could be a potential partnership for you.”

  “It could be. Jack has been in the food and beverage industry for a long time, and since my father was a big fan of pairing fine liquor with let’s say a good steak, Jack thought it would be a good idea to do some bottling with the Ellis name. We’re still working out the kinks, but if done correctly, it could be another demographic for us to push out to.” Sam explained.

  “Wow! Sounds exciting.” Jamie marveled at the thought.

  “Sam, it’s time to go.” Another beautiful woman approached them and wrapped his arm around his.

  “It is, but I’m sorry I have to go,” Sam said glancing at his watch. “I will see you around, okay?”

  “Bye.” Jamie waved as Sam smiled and headed off towards the woman.

  Ugh. Taken. Jamie guessed that is why he’d been so cordial and did not hit on her, but she swore he did flirt a little. God, was he the cheating type? She hoped he wasn’t, not that she was even his type. She hadn’t been anyone’s preference for a long time.

  “Sexy? More like cute or bad ass.” a guy she had told her years ago after saying it wasn’t working out. She told her that she was too into sports like Mixed Martial Arts, loved the outdoors and was in a rock band to be ever seen as sexy and he needed someone like that. The last thing he told her was it felt like he was dating his cousin and it was messing his mind not to mention hers.

  The last thing she wanted to do was be seen as someone’s cousin. She had to find a way to change that.

  “Buzzzzzzzzzz!”

  The alarm clock went off.

  “Buzzzzzzzzzzzz!” the alarm clock went off again as Jamie picked up her spare pillow and tossed it in the clock’s general direction without looking. She hoped it would get knocked off the end table and shut itself off.

  “Buzzzzzzzzzz!”

  She missed, unfortunately.

  “Alright! Alright! I am up!” Jamie said as she shut off the alarm. “Ugh. Is it Monday already?”

  It was Monday morning, the day after the Fourth of July Gala. After the fireworks display, Jamie took a cab to the after hours BBQ par
ty that Lily’s cousin held every year. There were a lot of partygoers, food, drinks and loud music with a lot of bass. It was always a fantastic time letting loose and fortunately, the next day was a day off for most people in the country so they could stay out late as they wanted and not have to get up the next day feeling ill.

  Which is what Jamie did until her alarm went off. She had forgotten to unset it, so it went off at 6:00 am, the usual time she got up to get ready for work during the week. The only problem was that once Jamie woke up, she couldn’t go back to sleep. Jamie had to resign to the fact that she was up early, feeling terrible and there was nothing she could do about it other than to get started with her day. Nothing that aspirin and good strong coffee couldn’t fix.

  Later that morning when Jamie was more awake, she called one of her best friends from the office, Lisa, to get her perspective on the events that happened the night before.

  “He was so amazing, Lisa!” Jamie gushed. “He’s older than the men that I am usually attracted to, but he’s so gorgeous in that All-American sort of way. Not to mention that he is very kind and he owns my favorite breed of dog in the entire world and trains at my dojo. It’s a sign!”

  “Aww, he’s an animal lover, which is a bonus. Men like that are incredibly kind.” Lisa was an animal lover at heart, so any man that loved animals as well earned her respect. The way Sam talked about Owen, definitely pegged him as an animal lover.

  “I know it is so silly, but God I am so smitten. Why shouldn’t I be? He is so amazingly sweet, has the same interests, and he asked if I wanted to meet his dog. I'm silly, aren’t I? Want to see his picture?”

  “Yes!” Lisa insisted.

  Putting Lisa on speaker phone, Jamie opened up her internet browser and used a random search engine to find any image results. She typed Sam Ellis, Sutton Hill and discovered that there were hundreds of pictures. Sam must be more well-known that Jamie initially thought. She couldn’t help but find that slightly disappointing because she wanted to Sam to be her little secret.