A Total Mismatch

by Madelaine Grant

  “Thanks, Nick. I’m happy to be here.” What a lovely man. He not only remembered her but seemed glad to see her.

  “I promise we’ll be there one weekend in June,” Jordan affirmed.

  The waitress brought a huge salad for everyone to start while they waited for their entrees. Faith elected to serve everyone while several conversations were in process. Sam wanted to know how Geoff’s work at a book publishing house was going. Jim asked Jordan about his background.

  “Are you involved in the art world? Is that how you met my niece?” Jim inquired.

  “No way.” Jordan added dressing to his salad. “I can’t draw a straight line. I’m a lawyer, and I met Sam when she was performing at the Blue Monkey restaurant. I was there with a group of friends.”

  Jim nodded thoughtfully. “I see. Well, her belly dancing is quite a surprise to us. We never knew she had that talent.”

  “She’s one of the best I’ve seen. In fact, she’s been hired to do television ads for a local craft beer company.”

  “Is that so? That’s very interesting.” Jim cast a quick glance at his niece. “I always knew she was a wonderful artist, but belly dancing–that’s another dimension. We did get to see her briefly at the beer convention. It was quite a shock when Sam appeared in that costume and wig. I hardly recognized her.”

  Their entrees came, and everyone’s attention turned toward the food. Looking around at the convivial group, Sam couldn’t help comparing it to the lunch at Melina’s with her two aunts, mother, and sisters. Here were people who enjoyed talking to each other and exchanging ideas. It was the kind of environment conducive to building rapport. She was definitely going to spend more time visiting her aunt and uncle in the future. Her parents and sisters were a lost cause. It was best to be realistic where they were concerned.

  At the end of the meal, Nick came to their table. “I hope you’ve left room for dessert.”

  Jim almost groaned. “I don’t think I can eat another thing. Everything was wonderful. My compliments to the chef.”

  “Yes, we all enjoyed your great Italian food,” Faith said. “I think a cup of espresso is all I can handle.”

  “Why don’t I bring out some spumoni and biscotti?” Nick suggested. “I know my good friend Jordan wouldn’t be happy without dessert.”

  “Absolutely. I always leave room for dessert,” Jordan agreed. He glanced at Geoff and Andrew. “I’ll bet you guys can handle dessert.”

  “Yeah, that sounds good to me,” Andrew concurred.

  Geoff nodded his approval. “Espresso would be fine, too.”

  While waiting for dessert, Jordan remembered the question he’d wanted to ask Sam’s uncle. “Your last name is Milburn. Are you by any chance related to Warren Milburn?”

  Sam’s head swiveled in Jordan’s direction. How did Jordan know her father? For some strange reason, her heart started to pound. A prickle of apprehension raced up her spine, and her hands grew clammy.

  Jim looked in Sam’s direction with a puzzled expression. “Hasn’t Jordan met your family?”

  She shook her head. “Not yet. We’ve only known each other a short time.” Her voice sounded strained even to her own ears.

  “I’m Warren’s younger brother,” Jim said to Jordan. “We’re not here that often. We came for my niece’s wedding next weekend.”

  “Your niece’s wedding?” Jordan’s expression was incredulous. His mind whirled in all directions at the implication of Jim’s words. He turned to Sam. “Don’t tell me your sister’s name is Andrea? That’s whose wedding I’m taking you to.”

  “Omigod! You know my sister Andrea? And you’re going to her wedding? I don’t believe this!” The pit of Sam’s stomach coiled into a tight knot. This couldn’t be happening. It just couldn’t. “I was supposed to be one of the bridesmaids. We argued and I refused to go to that damn wedding.”

  Sam’s adamant tone left no doubt about her feelings. Jordan saw the anguish in her eyes and an entirely new emotion surged inside him. He couldn’t quite identify it. Her vulnerability caught him by surprise, and he knew he had to protect her. At the same time, the absurdity of the situation made his mouth quirk at the corners. He didn’t want to laugh, but he suddenly couldn’t help himself. The laugh started as a low rumble and quickly escalated to a loud roar. He tried to choke it down, but he could hardly contain his mirth. Gasping for breath, he finally said, “I’m s-sorry b-but this is so b-bizarre.” He tenderly touched her cheek, oblivious to everyone.

  Astounded by his reaction, Sam simply stared at him. How could he be laughing at a time like this? She’d been ready to cover her face and cry with despair a moment before. Obviously, he saw things in a different way. And his laughter was contagious. In spite of her best efforts, her mouth started to quiver. And then a giggle made its way out, and she was lost. It truly was a comedy of errors.

  The others around the table watched in fascinated silence as the dramatic scene played out. Now they chuckled along with her.

  Jordan cradled her face between his large hands and leaned over to give her an impetuous kiss. In a husky tone he whispered, “Now we have a free weekend. I’m so glad we don’t have to go to that damn wedding.”

  Chapter 27

  Jordan reflected on the evening’s unexpected happenings while he drove back to Sam’s home. Reconciling the fact that Sam’s older sister was Andrea Milburn with how he’d known her family for years was mind blowing. “Sam, you know we must’ve met lots of times at various weddings and other occasions. Why don’t I remember you? Weren’t you at Andrea’s wedding when she married some guy named Travis? I think that was his name.” He glanced in her direction.

  She let out a long sigh. This was the time for truth telling. She couldn’t lie to him. “My hair was a different color, more of a carrot shade. That’s probably the reason. And the very first time I saw you recently, before I danced at the Blue Monkey, you did look familiar, but I couldn’t place you.” She tensed, waiting for his next question. No way could she evade what was coming. Heart pounding with dread, she tried to calm her racing thoughts. Whatever happened between them, she’d have the memory of almost six very special weeks.

  Frowning, he tried to recollect where they’d first met. A vague memory floated around in his mind but he couldn’t capture it. “I can’t for the life of me remember,” he muttered. Pulling to a stop in front of her brownstone, he turned to face her. “If it wasn’t at the Blue Monkey, where did I first see you?”

  She took another deep, inward breath and plunged in. “I was the awkward student who came late to your tai chi class at the Y. I wasn’t dressed appropriately and brought a yoga mat. Beth urged me to take the class. After that one session I knew it wouldn’t work. Besides, your scornful expression let me know that I didn’t belong there.” Staring straight ahead, arms crossed over her middle, she dug her nails into the palms of her hands, waiting for his response.

  It was eerily quiet for several long moments. Bits of memory returned to Jordan. He shook his head, trying to clear it. No, that couldn’t be Sam. She looked so different. Yet she’d perfectly described that encounter. “Well, I was an idiot for chasing you away. I should’ve given you a private lesson.” He turned her face toward him. “That offer still stands. I’ll teach you the basics of tai chi if you show me more of those belly dance moves. How about it?” He leaned over to give her a tender kiss.

  When he lifted his head, he noticed her eyes were suspiciously bright. “Hey, you’re not crying, are you? I’m sorry I don’t have a very distinct picture of that momentous event. But we were destined to meet. I’d bet on it.” He smiled and brushed his hand down the side of her face.

  It didn’t bother him. He hadn’t pulled away in revulsion. Sam’s mind tried to process this astounding information. A huge wave of relief washed over her. “I wanted to mention it before,”
she murmured. “But I couldn’t find the right time. I was embarrassed at my lack of coordination. I don’t think I’d ever be good at tai chi, no matter how many private lessons you give me. I’ve always had a difficult time with directions. You know, left and right and all that.”

  He found that puzzling. “Then how can you belly dance the way you do? I mean, it’s not obvious that you have any problem.”

  “That’s easy. There are no directions in belly dancing, only rhythm and movement. Once the music starts, I feel it in every part of my body and begin moving. It’s effortless for me.”

  “Well, I’d agree with you there. You’re a pro when it comes to those seductive moves. Even if I can’t give you private tai chi classes, I’m going to insist on learning more of your belly dance routine.” Jordan gave her thigh a quick squeeze before exiting the car and opening her door. “Let’s talk inside. I have more questions for you, especially regarding Andrea and your difficulties with her.”

  Sam wasn’t eager to explore that relationship but knew Jordan wouldn’t let the matter rest. “If you insist,” she muttered.

  “I do,” he replied in an implacable tone.

  ~ ~ ~

  Jordan waited until they were seated on the sofa in Sam’s living room before starting the conversation. “Andrea’s much older than you. As I figure it, she must be close to my sister Lori’s age. They’ve been good friends for years.”

  “Andrea’s forty-eight, twelve years older than I am. We’ve never been close.” She sat on one end of the sofa, legs tucked under her, with a serious expression.

  “Guess the age difference has something to do with that,” he commented. “My three sisters are pretty close in age and have usually gotten along. Of course, there’ve been times when one sister was mad at another for some reason. Come to think of it, I have a strong hunch they’re all pissed at me for not introducing you to them sooner. We’ll have to rectify that situation.”

  Sam wasn’t sure that was such a good idea. If Andrea was best friends with his sister Lori, then Andrea had probably told Lori about the argument at the restaurant. Still, she didn’t want to sound negative. “Whatever you think is best.”

  He slid over to her side of the sofa. “That’s my girl.” He smiled and put an arm around her shoulders. “I’d like to include your uncle and his family. Since they’ll be here all week, maybe one evening would work. I was thinking of Friday night. As I recall, your aunt and uncle had plans for the early part of the week. If Friday works for them, I’ll contact my sisters and make all the arrangements. This dinner’s on me.”

  She brightened immediately. “I’d love including them.” Knowing her uncle and aunt would be supportive, she could relax and enjoy the encounter.

  Jordan wasn’t finished with the discussion. “I never knew why Andrea divorced Ben in the first place. Do you know the real reason? Ben’s a peach of a guy and easy to get along with. I’ll phone him tomorrow and let him know I won’t be at the wedding. He’ll understand and won’t make a fuss. Your sister’s different. As I recall, she can be pretty demanding. Now I get a better picture of your difficulties with her.”

  Sam sighed with relief. “Andrea’s always been my mother’s favorite. She’s spoiled and can get anything she wants from my parents. My other sister, Karen, goes along with everything Andrea says. They never paid any attention to me. Maybe if I’d been a boy, it would’ve worked.” She leaned her head on Jordan’s shoulder with a pensive expression. “As far as Andrea divorcing Ben, I never understood that situation. He’s always taken care of her, even after they divorced. Why she’s remarrying him is another story. After the miserable time she had with Travis Thompson, she couldn’t wait to hook up with Ben again.”

  “Poor Ben.” Jordan shook his head. “He must be a glutton for punishment. Your sister’s a good-looking woman, I’ll grant her that, but she’s much too bossy for my taste.”

  “I’m glad you understand why I have such a hard time with her. She’s always right, no matter what happens. That scene in the Greek restaurant was the last straw. I told her I wouldn’t attend her damn wedding, and I’m not sorry about it,” she said in a vehement tone.

  “Believe me, I’m more than happy to miss that wedding. My sisters will probably think it’s rude to give such short notice, but I don’t care. I never wanted to be a part of that circus from the beginning. Now I have the perfect excuse.” He kissed the top of her head and then pulled her onto his lap for a long embrace. “Why don’t we move into the bedroom? I’ve got other ideas in mind besides talking.”

  Which was fine with her.

  ~ ~ ~

  Monday morning was supposed to be leisurely, and it was, until ten o’clock. “I’d better phone Ben and settle things,” Jordan announced. Sam’s head was on his shoulder, and her body rested comfortably against his. “Then I’ll get in touch with your uncle and my sisters before everyone’s made other plans.”

  Not wanting to move, she attempted to distract him. Her fingers lightly stroked the dark hairs on his chest and then reached lower. “Isn’t it a bit too early?” she whispered in a seductive tone, sliding her leg over his.

  Laughing, he caught her hand and drew it up to his lips. “Don’t tempt me. I’m trying to get everything set. Then we can relax.”

  “Promise?”

  He pulled her on top with a sigh of contentment. “Mmmm. Maybe we’ll wait another half hour.”

  “Good.” She smiled and buried her face against his neck. She enjoyed the musky scent of his skin and the warmth of his body. After the trauma of last night’s frank conversation, she wanted the comfort of his physical presence. It always calmed her. It wasn’t only sexual pleasure, although that was a huge plus. There was something about the way he caressed her and his tender words of praise that bound her to him. She’d never had a relationship at such a deep level.

  It was almost eleven when they finally left her bed to shower together. Then Sam prepared a large breakfast while Jordan made some calls. They were about to sit down to eat when the doorbell rang.

  “Are you expecting anyone?” he asked.

  “No. Maybe they’ll go away if we don’t come to the door.”

  “Let me see who it is.” In another moment, he was back with an enormous vase of brightly colored flowers. “You have an admirer.”

  “Omigod. That’s some floral arrangement. Are you sure it’s for me?” She rose to retrieve the note tucked into a plastic holder. Opening it, she began to smile. “It’s from the Berdoga brothers. How sweet. They loved my performances at the craft beer convention.” She took the vase from him and set it on a nearby counter. “I still like your roses better.”

  He drew her into his arms for a long kiss. “Thanks. That was thoughtful of the guys.”

  After a leisurely breakfast of fresh orange juice, a potato and onion frittata, toast, and peppermint tea, Jordan took a few moments to check in with his office. Meanwhile, Sam cleared the table and washed the dishes. She was just finishing when he returned to the kitchen.

  “We have at least another hour before I have to leave,” he told her. “There’s something I’ve been thinking about for the past two weeks that I want to discuss.” Glancing around, he added, “I’ll need a sheet of white paper and a ruler.”

  “Are you going to draw me something?” she inquired.

  He noted the glint of amusement in her eyes. “I can’t draw a straight line. That’s why I need a ruler, and don’t look so smug. I used to draw cartoons as a kid.”

  Laughing, she went in search of a pad and ruler. She wondered why he was being mysterious. What was he proposing?

  She handed him the items he needed. “What’s this all about?”

  “You’ll see. All in good time. Let’s talk in the living room. It’s more comfortable.”

  Once seated, he turned to her
with a serious look. “I’d like for us to spend more time together. I know how independent you are and how much you prize your own space. What I’m suggesting is something that will protect your freedom and still give us what I’d like.” He sent her a searching glance as if to gauge her reaction.

  “Go on. That sounds interesting.”

  “Okay, here’s some background material. I never mentioned my interest in real estate before. Shortly after finishing law school, a close friend from my college days asked if I’d like to invest in property that needed renovation. Mike Garrison is an architect and a good businessman. After looking at the building involved, I decided to take a chance. Mike and I did much of the work on weekends and evenings. Of course, some of it had to be contracted out. The end result was that after it sold, we made a very good profit. This encouraged me to continue investing with him over the years.” He paused to let her digest this information.

  She nodded thoughtfully. “Sounds like I should consult you before renovating my kitchen. I didn’t know you had that kind of expertise.”

  “Your place will need work, but that’s another story. Here’s what I think about our living situation. You need studio space, I need an office. We both need places to relax and be ourselves. My personal habits are too demanding for your lifestyle. I know that by now. Your more casual way of life wouldn’t work for me.”

  Sam nodded. “You’re right about that.” But how was he going to solve this?

  “Two brownstones, side by side, have come on the market. Mike says they’ll need to be completely gutted. They’re in a desirable neighborhood not too far from your gallery. Here’s what I’m envisioning.” He stopped speaking and began drawing with ruler and pen on the white paper she’d provided.