“Look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t feel anything and I’ll leave you alone.”
“Please let go,” she said, avoiding his eyes.
“See, you can’t do it.”
“Let go, Sam.” She insisted.
When he released her hand, Abby placed a twenty-dollar bill on the table. “That should cover my beverage and tip. Email me, Sam.” She grabbed her coat and walked away as quickly as she could.
I need some air fast. She thought as she put her coat on. As soon as she stepped outside, the cold air rushed around her. I should have had a hot chocolate. She thought as she bundled up and flagged a cab.
“Thanks.” She said shivering.
“Where to, ma’am?”
Just as Abby was about the close the door, Sam rushed in next to her.
Sam closed the door and leaned forward. “Here’s one hundred dollars. Drive.” He told the cabbie.
“Yes, sir,” he responded enthusiastically.
He started driving.
“What are you doing?” Abby asked. “Stop this,” she began.
Before she could utter another syllable, Sam pulled her into a long, deep kiss. Abby resisted initially but the soft, gentle way his lips caressed hers wore her down and she slowly relented until she was enveloped in his arms.
Though he wanted more, Sam pulled away. “I thought so.” He turned to the cabbie. “Stop the car.”
“Yes, sir,” he pulled over to the side of the road.
“I’m not giving up on you, Abby.” He said as he opened the car door and stepped out. “Carry on,” he smiled as he tapped the cab and walked away.
“Where to, miss?”
Abby was dazed.
“Are you all right, ma’am?”
Abby snapped out of it. “Oh, I’m sorry. 2145 Thompson Street between Broome and Prince.”
Abby sat back in the seat. Why did I let him kiss me like that? My intention was to be firm and keep things on a business level. Now it’s all screwed up.
***
Feeling smug and satisfied, Sam strutted into his room. Reggie was already there.
“Hey, Reggie. I was going to call you.”
“I thought I’d save you the quarter.” Though it was an amusing answer, Reggie didn’t look amused.
“You’re awfully stone faced. What’s up?”
“I don’t know. You tell me.” He handed Sam a newspaper. “This is the late afternoon edition of the paper.”
“What’s this?” Sam looked perplexed.
“Read it.”
The headline read Sam Best dumps longtime fiancée.
“What?” Sam was astonished.
“Keep reading.” Reggie said.
Maria Carrangelo, Sam Best’s longtime girlfriend and fiancée, says she was blindsided by the former quarterback when she was unceremoniously dumped just four months before their June nuptials. “Going through that traumatic time of being heartbroken and then realizing there are other parties involved has turned my whole world inside out,” Carrangelo tells columnist Cindy Harper.
“I thought Sam and I had the perfect relationship. I was ready to walk down the aisle and start a family with this man,’” the 36-year-old said. “I’m a traditional girl, and I believe in marriage, fidelity and commitment. I thought Sam shared those beliefs. I was wrong.”
Carrangelo’s family has hired famed attorney Antonia Redstone to represent their daughter’s interests. Redstone, an attorney noted for taking on celebrity and high-profile cases, most recently represented Amber Henderson, a former cocktail waitress who was named a party in the divorce of NASCAR star Franco Cavaleri from his wife of eleven years, Elena.
“What the hell is this?” Sam threw the paper on the floor.
“A PR nightmare,” Reggie answered bluntly. “I’m not going to ask how they got this in the paper so quickly. I know we have Toni Redstone to thank for that. I just want to know how they managed to get her. I know Big Bill has money, but I wouldn’t have imagined even he’d be able to hire her.”
“Toni and Maria’s mom were sorority sisters.”
“Now you tell me.” He shook his head. “I knew I should have just gone ahead and released a statement the minute you told me.”
Sam sat on the bed. “I’m sorry, man. I know this is my fault. I was the one who told you that I wanted to have another talk with Maria first.”
“What happened with that?”
“I don’t really have to tell you, do I? You read the paper.”
“Saying it didn’t go well is an understatement.”
“Yes.”
“But what the hell is this stuff about other parties involved in the break up?”
“She went through my papers and found some old bank statements.”
“So?”
“When Maria saw the large check withdrawals, she assumed that I was keeping a mistress or two and the money proved it.”
“Why didn’t you just tell her they were charitable donations for retired NFL players?”
“Because I want to keep it anonymous,” Sam said insistently.
“Well your little anonymous donations are about to cost you big time.”
“I know I could have told her. I was so angry at the time. You should have seen what she did to the stuff in my office.”
“I can imagine but you could have avoided this.” He said pointing to the paper.
“I know you’re right. I should have handled it better.”
Reggie patted him on the back. “Don’t beat yourself up about it now. We have to look ahead.”
“In other words, damage control.”
“That’s precisely what we need.”
“What’s my next step? Do I have a press conference?”
“I’m not sure. I have to check with our PR crisis management team to see what your options are. They’re working on that now. They’ll be in touch soon. I should have something within the next couple of hours.”
“What do I do in the meantime?”
“You need to lay low for the time being.”
“So you want me to stay in my hotel room.”
“You don’t have to stay in here. However you can’t bring too much attention to yourself. I already have a decoy here in the hotel for you.” He took out a card and handed it to Sam. “When you want to go out, call him and he’ll lure the paparazzi to follow him while you leave unnoticed.”
Sam looked at the card. “Thanks. Who knew my life would become a B-list spy movie?”
Reggie laughed. “Remember to keep your clothes basic. Wear jeans, sunglasses, boots and a baseball cap to cover your eyes.”
“So my decoy has an identical wardrobe?”
“It’s one of the perks of being a decoy. When you call let him know what you’re wearing and he’ll do the rest. He’s a professional.” Reggie looked at his watch. “I’ve got to get to the office to meet with the team.” He picked up his coat. “I’ll be in touch soon.”
“Okay.” Sam stood up and walked him to the door. “Thanks for everything.” He opened the door.
“Not a problem. Talk to you soon.”
Reggie walked out.
Sam picked up the newspaper from the floor. “How’s this for timing? Just when I made a little headway with Abby, this happens.”
***
Back from lunch and still thinking about the cab ride Abby walked past a plethora of publicists and account executives as they worked the phones for Fashion Week.
She met Lauren as she walked out of Shana’s office.
“Hi, Abby,” she smiled warmly.
“Hi, Lauren. Is she busy?”
“No. Go right in.”
“Thanks.” Abby poked her head in. “I’m back.”
“Oh, thank God! Come in.” She motioned.
“What’s the matter? Do you need me to strong arm another client?”
“No. Close the door.”
Abby stepped in and closed the door. “Now you’re worrying me. Has something ha
ppened?”
“Yes. It’s not business-related, though.”
“Whew!” Abby quickly swiped her forehead. “That’s a relief. So what are you all worked up about?”
“You haven’t seen the late edition of The Post, have you?”
“No. I was at lunch.”
Shana tossed the paper on her desk.
Abby’s eyes nearly bugged out when she picked it up. “What in the world?” She paused to read the article. “I don’t believe this.”
“Does she know?”
“Does who know?”
“Sam’s fiancée. Did she find out about you?”
“There’s nothing to find out.”
“You and Sam have kissed a few times.”
A picture of her and Sam kissing in the car flashed in Abby’s mind before she caught herself. “Yes. We’ve kissed but that’s all. She’s saying there are other parties, plural, involved. Frankly it sounds like she’s taking a stab in the dark.”
“A stab in the dark or not, it’s in Cindy Harper’s column.”
“Who calls the press for suspicions?”
“Toni Redstone.”
“True.” Abby tapped her fingers on the desk. “Well there is only one way to find out what’s going on for sure.”
“You’re going to call Sam?”
“No. I’m calling Reggie.”
“He’s going to ask why you want to know.”
“I have a legitimate reason. I am working with Sam. These kinds of things will affect his work.” Abby said as she opened the door.
“That makes sense. Don’t forget to give me the 411 once you know.”
“I won’t. I’ll see you later.” Abby waved.
Abby dialed Reggie on her way to the staircase.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Reggie.”
“Thank goodness. Finally a friendly voice.”
“It’s nice to be appreciated.” She paused. “You sound frazzled.”
“I’m in the middle of spin central right now. I’m sure you heard about the breakup.”
“Yes. I read Cindy’s column.”
Reggie groaned. “Remember when breakups were private?”
“Breakups have never been private for celebrities. It’s us plain folks that get to lick our wounds without cameras. Remember how I found out about J.J.’s cheating?”
“Yes, but it seems like celebrity gossip is on steroids now.”
“It is on steroids. We have the internet, tabloid magazines, Page Six, entertainment news channels and celebrity bloggers. Shall I go on?”
“Don’t forget Toni Redstone.”
“Who could forget her? I’m telling you if a D.A. indicted a ham sandwich at 10 a.m. you can be sure Toni would be representing the ham by lunch time.”
Reggie laughed. “Thanks. I needed that.”
“Anytime,” she replied. “So what’s really happening?”
“Maria’s upset and angry about the breakup. She thinks Sam has other women.”
“Why would she think that?”
“Don’t repeat this, but she found out about some unaccounted for expenses.”
“And she thinks it means he has a mistress?”
“Yes.”
“Why doesn’t Sam just tell her the expenses are anonymous donations for disabled and retired NFL players? That would solve everything.”
“How did you know about that? Did Sam tell you?”
“No.” She paused. “A couple of checks fell out of his portfolio. I just put two and two together. I’m not even sure he realizes that I know. He never said anything when I returned the checks.”
“That sounds like Sam.”
“So why doesn’t he just save himself and you some grief and come clean?”
“He won’t do it. He wants to remain anonymous.”
“But that’s crazy. It’s not like he was spending money on hookers. It would clear everything right up.”
“I know, but he’s the client. I have to do what he wants.”
“I guess you do.” Abby said as she reached the top of the staircase.
“Listen, Abby, I’ve got to run. It looks like we have a press release.”
“Okay. Good luck.”
“Thanks.” He hung up.
Abby felt a twinge of guilt for fishing for information from Reggie. She knew with this latest development that the press was tracking Sam’s every move and she couldn’t afford for them to be seen together. Whether Sam liked it or not, they were going to have to work via email.
***
Sam lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling. His cell phone rang.
“Hello?”
“It seems all hell is breaking loose, son,” his father said, half laughing.
“Hi, Dad,” he sat up. “I guess you read the papers. I’m a lousy cheater with a harem of women.”
“I didn’t have to read the paper. I got an earful from Big Bill.”
“I can only imagine how that conversation went.”
“Oh yes. He wanted your mother and me to work with him and Kitty to help get you kids back on track. I told him I didn’t interfere in my adult children’s lives.”
“I bet he didn’t like that.”
“That was his tough luck. How are you holding up?”
“I’m none the worse for wear, but it’s still early. I’m sure there is more to come.”
“The Carrangelo family is on the warpath. You can bet on it.”
“I am the one who set this whole thing in motion.”
“Well, son, it’s better that you ended it now than after the wedding.”
“I know.”
“How about we change the subject? What’s happening with Abby?”
Sam smiled. “I managed to make a little headway with her. Although I am sure it’s shot to hell now.”
“Remember when I used to take you and your brothers fishing for Largemouth Bass at Lake Houston?”
“Sure.”
“We had to be real quiet to coax them to our spot, but every now and then some boat would go by and scare the fish away.”
“God, I hated that.”
“I did, too. But do you remember what I used to do to get the fish to come back?”
“We’d row out to another spot and change bait.”
“Then we’d come home with more fish than we could carry, didn’t we?”
“Yes. Momma hated that.” Sam laughed.
“Don’t remind me.” His dad chuckled. “The point is, son, if you want Abby you’re going to have to row a little further out and coax her to the surface. If you get what I mean.”
“I get it. Thanks, Dad.”
“You’re welcome. Well I will let your momma know that you’re okay. I have to help her gather some things for the church rummage sale.”
“Oh that’s nice of you, Dad.”
“You’re not the only one trying to avoid waves.” He laughed.
“You do what you have to, right, Dad?”
“Right. I’ll talk to you later, Sam.”
“Okay, Dad, and thanks again.”
Sam lay back down on the bed. “Row a little further out? I wonder how I can do that. I have to give it some thought.” He closed his eyes.
Chapter 16
Dressed in a pair of black slacks and a sweater, Abby sat on the bed and made a phone call. Her suitcase was packed and ready to go.
“Good morning, High Meadow Inn.” The voice answered.
“Good morning, Nanette. It’s Abby Carey. How are you?”
Innkeepers, Brad and Nanette Charles, had run the High Meadow Inn for more than thirteen years. A lovely middle aged couple with grown children, they enjoyed interacting with the parents who came to visit Choate. They became fast friends with Abby when Justin began Choate in ninth grade.
“I’m fine, Abby. How are you?”
“I’m good. I apologize for calling so early, but I need to ask you for a favor.”
“Sure.”
“I wondered if it
would be okay if I came up a day early. I’ll pay extra for any inconvenience.”
“Don’t be silly.” She said. “I don’t see why not. It’s no trouble at all.”
“Thanks.” Abby breathed a sigh of relief.
“If you don’t mind me asking, is everything all right?”
“Yes. Everything is fine. I just want to get away from the city a little early. You know, give myself a chance to relax before another busy parent’s weekend.”
“I understand. What time do you think you’ll be here?”
“I should get there around noon or maybe a little earlier. I have to wrap a few things up here first and then I’ll be on my way.”
“We’re looking forward to seeing you.”
“I’m looking forward to it too. I’ll see you later.”
“Okay, dear. Bye-bye.” Nanette almost sounded like she was singing.
“Okay, bye.” Abby got up and zipped her suitcase.
“All right, you asked me to come up here this morning,” Shana said as she looked over at Abby’s suitcase. “Why are you packed? It’s not Friday.”
“I decided to leave a day early.”
“Did something happen to Justin?”
“No. Justin’s fine. I’m just getting away early that’s all.”
Shana sat down on the bed. “You’re fleeing.”
“I’m not fleeing. What do I have to flee from?”
“It’s not what you’re fleeing from, it’s who. Sam.”
“Don’t start, Shana.”
“It’s true and you know it.”
“The man’s life is complicated, and with this press thing it’s only going to get more complicated. I don’t need that in my life. I can’t do that to Justin.”
“You can’t do what to Justin? Have a life of your own?”
“I know I can have a life of my own, but I don’t want to do it at the expense of my son. I can’t cause any more upheaval in his life. It’s bad enough his father’s love life is splashed across the tabloids.”
“Who says you’ll wind up in the papers?”
“Did you not see yesterday’s paper, Pollyanna? I can promise you that’s only the beginning.” Abby said as she went over to check her hair in the mirror.
I Take This Woman Page 16
