I Take This Woman

by Chamein Canton

  “I’m sure he’s got more than ‘something up his sleeve’ for you.” Abby winked.

  Shana giggled like a schoolgirl. “What about you? Maybe you should go up to see Justin on Friday. That way you can spend Valentine’s Day with your favorite guy.”

  “That’s a nice idea, but I don’t think that a fifteen-year-old boy wants his mom hanging around on Valentine’s Day. I’ll head up Saturday morning as planned.”

  “You know I worry about you.”

  “Please don’t worry. I’m fine. Besides, you should be concentrating on what you’re going to wear for your Valentine’s date.”

  ”I really can’t wait.”

  “It’ll be here before you know it.”

  “Your turn is coming.”

  “I’m sure it is but in the meantime I’ve got big plans with a box of chocolates.”

  Chapter 11

  After his talk with Bo, Sam stopped by Bloomingdale’s and picked up a Valentine’s Day gift. With Maria preoccupied with WE TV’s Platinum Weddings marathon, he slipped by her unnoticed. With the bracelet safely hidden, he returned to his office to watch a little sports television. Whenever he came out to get a snack or head for the bathroom, he could hear Maria on the phone with her mother.

  A few hours later, Sam joined Maria in the living room. She was on the phone again.

  “Do you see that, Sissy? They created the event space for the wedding. Isn’t that wild?” She laughed. “Oh, Sam’s here. I’ll call you later. Okay. Bye.”

  “How’s Sissy?”

  Sissy was Maria’s oldest sister. She still lived in Texas with her husband, oncologist Dr. Jackson Dillard, and their three teenage daughters.

  “She’s good,” she said as she turned her attention back to the program. “I just called her to see if she knew about Piazza in the Village in Colleyville since she and Jackson are in Fort Worth. I just saw this beautiful wedding there on Platinum Weddings.”

  “Nice. Did she know about it?”

  “Yes. The debutante ball for the oldest of their daughters was held there. She said the place is gorgeous.”

  “Does that mean you want to get married there now?” Sam asked teasingly.

  “Ha, very funny.” Maria wasn’t amused.

  He asked as he sat down next to her, “Platinum Weddings is still on?”

  “Yes. It’s the marathon before they air two new episodes later on tonight.”

  “Oh.” Sam’s stomach rumbled. “Is there anything to eat around here?”

  “There’s an extra gyro in the fridge.”

  Sam made a face. “No, I don’t want that. How about we go out for a late dinner?”

  “It’s after eight and I don’t feel like getting dressed to go out. Can’t you just order something?”

  “Of course I can order something, but I thought it would be nice to go out for a change.”“We go out.”

  “Yes. We go out for wedding stuff. When’s the last time we got dressed up and went out for a meal?”

  “Last month.”

  “That was my retirement dinner. That doesn’t count.”

  “I’ve been looking forward to the new episodes tonight.” She pointed to her notepad. “I’ve gotten a lot of great ideas I want to run by Jessica. We can go out another night.”

  “When?”

  “Soon,” she insisted. Her eyes were glued to the television.

  His dinner plans thwarted, Sam switched to romance and began kissing Maria’s neck.

  “Now what are you doing?”

  “I’m trying to take my mind off of food.” He continued kissing her neck.

  “Well, cut it out. I’m not in the mood,” she said sternly.

  Sam jumped up. “I give up.”

  “What’s the matter with you?” Maria asked, surprised.

  “When will you be in the mood? I mean really in the mood.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean? When ‘I’m really in the mood’,” she demanded.

  “Nothing,” he said quietly.

  “You’re the one who opened the door so you might as well walk through. Spit it out!”

  “Our sex life is sporadic at best,” he began. “But when we do have sex it feels like you’re phoning it in just to keep me quiet.”

  “I can’t believe you said that.” Maria was stunned.

  “It’s the way I feel.”

  “In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been a little busy planning our wedding, which is a little less than four months away.”

  “How could I forget? Every day is a wedding marathon around here. There are other things in life to do besides look at swatches.” He threw his hands up. “You should have taken that position at the museum.”

  “I didn’t want it, so why would I take it?”

  “Maria, you have a degree in art history that you should put to use. Some people would kill to have an opportunity to work as a docent for MOMA.”

  “Then I’m sure they found someone else to take the position. I’m busy planning our wedding.”

  “What about our life?”

  “What?”

  “You’re entirely focused on the wedding. What about planning for the rest of our lives together? Contrary to popular belief, a wedding is the beginning of a new life. There’s a whole lot of stuff that comes after the dress is stored away. Are we planning for that?”

  “You’re saying all of this just because I wouldn’t have sex with you one time?”

  “You think this is about sex?”

  “That’s what you said.”

  “Sex is only one small part of a larger picture. It’s like we don’t exist anymore. We haven’t been on a date in forever. The only time we eat out is when we’re out running errands for the wedding, and even then we really don’t talk about anything unless it’s about the wedding.”

  “It’s the biggest day of our lives. Can’t you see that?”

  “It’s one of the biggest days of our lives, Maria.”

  “I think you’re being ridiculous,” she scoffed.

  “And I think you’re mostly concerned with making sure you live up to the Carrangelo tradition.”

  “Now what’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Both of your sisters got married straight out of college, which means you’re the last girl standing.”

  “Sam, I think I’ve been more than patient. I stood by you for your entire NFL career, and I am going to have the wedding I’ve dreamed of.”

  Sam shook his head. “You’ve been using the word ‘I’ a whole lot lately, and the word ‘we’ doesn’t seem to figure into your vision. So you know what? I think I need a break.” Sam headed for the bedroom.

  Maria was on his heels. “What do you mean? You need a break?”

  Sam grabbed a duffle bag.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m packing a bag,” Sam said as he threw some things in, including his laptop and flash drive. “I need a break.”

  “You need a break? Are you calling off the wedding?”

  “No, I’m saying that I need some time to breathe.” He picked up the bag and began to walk out of the bedroom.

  Maria plopped onto the bed. “I can’t believe you’re doing this to me just because I didn’t want to go out.”

  “After everything I’ve said, that’s all you got out of it?” He walked out of the bedroom and went to the hall closet for his coat.

  Maria ran out of the bedroom. “So you’re just going to walk away?”

  “At this point I think it’s the best thing I can do for both of us before things are said that can’t be taken back.” He put his coat on and walked out of the apartment.

  As he walked down the hall he heard something slam against the door. When he got to the elevator he called Reggie.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Reggie,” he said in a serious tone.

  “What’s the matter, Sam?”

  “I need a favor right now.”

  “Okay.”

  “I need y
ou to get a room for me at the W hotel tonight.”

  “Right now?” Reggie asked, shocked.

  “Yes. Can you do it?”

  “It’s kind of late, but I might be able to pull some strings.”

  “I can’t hang my hat on might.”

  “I’ll make the arrangements. Is the one at Union Square okay?”

  “Yes. I really don’t need to be in the heart of Times Square at the moment.”

  “Okay. Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Not right now. All I’m going to do is get my car and drive over.”

  “I’ll make sure the manager sees to it that you have a private check-in.”

  “Thanks. I owe you one.”

  “Don’t sweat it.” Reggie hung up.

  The night doorman waved. “Can I get you a cab, Mr. Best?”

  “No, thank you. I’m going to drive myself tonight.”

  “Very good, sir.”

  Sam went to the parking garage and got into his Mercedes.

  When Sam arrived at the W Hotel half an hour later, the manager Walter and one concierge person whisked him up to the Extreme Wow Suite they had waiting for him.

  “Is there’s anything you need, Mr. Best, please let me know.”

  “As a matter of fact, there is one thing I need.” Sam put his duffle bag down on the king size bed and took his flash drive out. “I need this messengered for tomorrow morning.”

  “Certainly, sir,” the manager answered.

  “Do you have stationary in here?”

  “Yes. It’s in the drawer.” He pointed.

  Sam went over to the drawer and took out an envelope and a couple of sheets of paper. He quickly wrote something, folded it and put it in the envelope along with the flash drive. “I need this to go to this address.” He jotted it down on the other piece of paper and handed everything to Walter.

  “We’ll take care of this right away.”

  “Thanks.”

  “It’s my pleasure. Have a good night.” The manager left the room.

  Sam looked around the sumptuous suite, then walked over to the window and looked at the city lights around Union Square. “I’m pretty sure you made a mess of this one, old boy,” Sam sighed. He went over to the bed and fell back onto it like a kid. As the softness of the pillow enveloped him, he exhaled. But at least I can breathe for now.

  ***

  By 8 a.m. Monday morning, Abby had reviewed and corrected Candy’s pitch letters and moved on to other agency business.

  “Good morning, Kelly. You’re in early.”

  “I have a breakfast meeting with the director of soccer for The Field House at Chelsea Piers Youth Soccer League this morning about setting up a few soccer clinics for Bob.”

  “Bob is the go-to guy for youth soccer.” Abby smiled. “What time is your meeting?”

  “Nine-thirty. I came here first so I could pick up a few more books.”

  “Okay. Let me know how it goes when you get back.”

  “I will.” She began to walk out, but stopped short. “Oh, I ran into a messenger downstairs.” Kelly handed Abby an envelope. “This is for you.”

  “Thanks.” Abby glanced at it briefly.

  “So,” Kelly put her hand on her hip, “what’s the scoop?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “What’s the scoop about Sam Best?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “There was a report on the radio this morning that said Sam had suddenly checked into the W Hotel last night.”

  “It’s probably something someone made up.”

  “I thought so, too, but the envelope you received is from the W Hotel.”

  Abby looked at the embossing on the envelope. “So it is.”

  “That’s some coincidence.”

  “That’s all it is, a coincidence. Don’t you need to be somewhere soon?”

  “Yes, I’m going. It’s obvious you don’t want to share,” she said playfully.

  Abby couldn’t help laughing a little. “Go on. I’ll see you later.”

  “Okay.”

  Abby waited a few moments for the coast to be clear. Once she was sure Kelly had left, she opened the envelope, removed the flash drive and unfolded the letter.

  Dear Abby,

  Here’s what I’ve written so far. I can’t wait to hear what you think. Call me. 646-555-1026.

  Sam

  He really is in the hotel, Abby realized. Her mind flashed back to their kiss in the car. That can’t be the reason.

  Chapter 12

  Sam awoke uncharacteristically late. Though he hadn’t been drinking, he felt hung over. He slowly sat up and noticed his cell phone blinking on the night table. He picked it up.

  His voice mail and text message box were filled to capacity. No surprise there. He got up and headed for the bathroom.

  A few minutes later there was a knock on the door.

  “Who is it?” he called.

  “It’s Reggie.”

  “And Bo.”

  “Just a minute.” Sam closed and tied his robe.

  “Good morning to both of you,” he said as he opened the door.

  Bo walked in, followed by Reggie.

  “Needless to say you’ve had better mornings,” Reggie said as he sat down.

  “Humph.” Sam plopped onto the bed.

  “Are you all right?” Bo asked.

  “I’m fine. And by the way, how is it that both of you are here this morning?”

  “I’m here because of all the calls I got this morning about you. At least a dozen radio stations are reporting that you left your love nest suddenly last night and checked into a hotel. I called Reggie to find out if he knew anything.”

  “Since Bo is your best friend, I told him. We figured we’d both come to find out what the hell is going on with you.”

  “It’s nothing. Maria and I had a fight. I just needed to clear my head.”

  Bo and Reggie looked at each other.

  “What?” Sam asked.

  “You expect us to believe that?” Reggie asked.

  “Why wouldn’t you believe it?”

  “For one thing, it’s horseshit,” Bo said plainly. “I’ve had fights with my wife, and when I felt like I needed to clear my head I took a walk or went for a drive. I didn’t pack a bag and check into a hotel.”

  “So what’s going on? Did you have a fight about the wedding?”

  “Did her father add more guests?” Bo asked.

  “No.”

  “Then what set it off?” Reggie asked.

  “I wanted to go out for a late dinner and she wanted to stay home and continue watching a wedding marathon. I got tired of coming in third to the wedding.”

  “I can understand that. Did you try to tell her how you feel?”

  “Of course I did, Reggie.”

  “I’ve known you for a long time, Sam. You don’t nip it in the bud. You let it fester and grow so you wind up exploding,” Bo said.

  “I know. It just seemed easier to keep my mouth shut.”

  “Until it isn’t,” Reggie added.

  Sam got up and walked to the window.

  “What’s your plan now? Are you going to check out and go home today?” Bo asked.

  “I don’t know.” Sam stared out the window.

  “I think you need to think about it sooner rather than later. The press is already buzzing. It’s only a matter of time before they swarm. And I need to call the PR people to get a statement ready just in case.”

  Sam unconsciously smiled as his mind flashed back to the day he’d spent with Abby and the kiss.

  “What are you smiling about? We’re twelve floors up.”

  “Nothing, Bo.” He turned around. “I just thought about something.”

  Before Reggie or Bo could go further, Sam’s cell phone rang. He checked the caller ID. “I have to take this.” He went into the bathroom. “Hello?”

  “Hello, Sam,” Abby said.

  “H
i. How are you?”

  “I’m fine, but I’m a little surprised. I expected to get your voice mail.”

  “I saw it was you and I picked up.”

  “I got the package you sent over earlier this morning.”

  “Good. I’m anxious to hear what you think after you’ve had a chance to review it.”

  “That’s the thing. I thought I would just open it and read a little but I wound up finishing it. I thought it was great. Good job. I think you’re on your way to a really solid story.”

  “Thanks, that means a lot coming from you.”

  “Keep it up.”

  “I will. I was wondering if we could meet today. I could come by your office later.”

  “Are you sure you want to do that?” she said hesitantly.

  “I take it you’ve heard the news reports.”

  “It’s a little hard to avoid them, even for me.”

  “I’d really rather not wait until tomorrow evening. I want to work while I’m feeling enthused.”

  Abby was quiet for a few moments. “Fine,” she said. “We’ll make it the same time.”

  “So six o’clock in the conference room?”

  “Yes. I’ll see you then.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.” He smiled and then hung up.

  When he walked out of the bathroom, he looked like a different man.

  “You look better,” Reggie noted.

  “I feel a little better now.”

  “Does that mean you’re going home?”

  “Not right now, Bo. I think I’m going to stay here. I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

  Bo and Reggie stood up. “We’ll let you get some rest, but we have to talk about what your plans are.” Reggie sounded serious. “We can’t let a story like this swirl around.”

  “I know. We can talk about it later.” He yawned.

  “All right, man,” Bo said as he gave him a pound. “You let me know if you need anything.”

  “I will.”

  “Same here,” Reggie piped in.

  Sam walked over and opened the door for them. After the two men left he leaned against the door. “She thought it was good,” he said aloud and smiled.

  ***

  Much to Abby’s surprise Monday was an unusually quiet day and, by 5 p.m., her staff had cleared out. However, she was comforted to know that Shana would be downstairs.