A Total Mismatch

by Madelaine Grant

  Jordan put his hand over Sam’s, and leaning close, gave her a long, passionate kiss. The ballroom erupted with whistles and cheers as well as laughter. It was a fitting close to an evening that Sam, in her wildest dreams, could have never visualized.

  Epilogue

  Ten months later

  A month after Jordan and Sam moved into their side-by-side brownstone homes in the East Village, they hosted a housewarming for family and close friends.

  “Do you realize it was exactly one year ago this weekend when we first danced together at the Blue Monkey?” Sam mentioned to Jordan. They strolled through his open-concept living area and into her matching space in the other building, checking to see if everything was in order for the festivities. A sliding door separated the two homes on this first level.

  “Really?” He paused a moment in their walk. “Well, that anniversary calls for a celebration.”

  “We are celebrating by having a party,” she declared.

  “A housewarming is not exactly a first anniversary shindig. I’ll have to take you somewhere special tomorrow. Meanwhile, to commemorate the occasion, I just happen to have a little something for you.” He shoved his hand into his pants pocket and pulled out a wrapped box tied with a silver ribbon. “Happy Anniversary.”

  “Jordan, you remembered!” she exclaimed. Her eyes sparkled with pleasure.

  “How could I forget? It’s been the best year of my life.”

  “Mine, too,” she confided, taking the box from him. Sliding the ribbon and paper off, she opened it. Nestled inside was a gold charm bracelet with one small charm depicting a sail boat. A diamond sparkled from the top of the mast. She took it out to examine it more carefully. “Oh, Jordan, how beautiful,” she cried, touched by his thoughtfulness.

  “Now it will be easy buying you gifts,” he explained. “I can always add to the bracelet.” He wanted to tell her he’d almost bought a ring, but decided at the last moment a bracelet was less threatening. She’d made it clear many times that engagement and marriage were not in her lifestyle.

  “I love it. Would you mind if I wear it now?”

  “Of course not. That’s why I’m giving it to you before everyone arrives.”

  She put it on her wrist and fingered the tiny gold sail boat. “It looks very much like the Sea Witch. How did you find something like this?”

  “I have my sources. Let’s check your place to make sure everything’s okay.”

  “I know it is,” she affirmed, not eager for Jordan’s sharp eyes to notice anything amiss. So far he hadn’t commented on her housekeeping skills. Maybe the weekly cleaning service he’d insisted they employ had something to do with that.

  “Humor me,” he replied as he drew her close. “We have a beautiful place, and I want to show it off.”

  “If you insist.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. Jordan made few demands and gave her the time and space needed for art-making. She wanted this relationship to flourish and was also proud of her new home.

  “We’ve managed to compromise on many issues,” Jordan reminded her as they continued their stroll. “It hasn’t been that difficult.” When she remained silent, he halted. “Has it?”

  She thought back to those first few months of planning. In some ways, it was a real challenge to trust that everything would work out. “I have to admit, there were times I couldn’t visualize the things you and Mike were so sure about. I mean, there were these two huge structures completely gutted. It seemed almost surreal to imagine they could become what they are now. Especially our beautiful back yard. I could never visualize a deck overlooking a garden with a small goldfish pond. The waterfall makes the whole thing delightful. I also love having a balcony outside our bedrooms with the same view.”

  “The only thing we’ve still got to do is search for a weekend retreat. With all the details of designing and furnishing this place and moving, we haven’t had any free time,” Jordan said ruefully.

  “Who wants to spend weekends away when we have this wonderful space? I don’t think I’ll ever want to leave, except to visit Uncle Jim and Aunt Faith in Baltimore, or your parents in Maine, or spend a weekend on the boat.”

  He couldn’t help laughing at her vehemence. “Okay, if you feel that way, we’ll postpone our country house hunting. I don’t mind relaxing in front of one of our fireplaces. We have an assortment of wonderful restaurants within walking distance, and there are always those museums to visit, which we haven’t had a chance to do.”

  “That’s on my bucket list,” she promised him. Then, gazing around at her living room, she was struck anew at how simple and inviting it looked. There was a minimal amount of furniture, all cat-friendly, and lots of storage areas. With Jordan’s help, she’d organized all the things she loved to have around. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases held books, magazines, and an area for recent newspapers. Another series of storage shelves contained baskets, serving pieces, candleholders, cat toys, and other miscellaneous items. It was easy to clean as well. The leather sofa and matching loveseat were in an elegant shade of taupe. Cream-painted walls set off the earth-toned area rug. The large geometric painting she’d finally completed hung above the sofa. She decided not to sell it in the gallery and kept it for her own pleasure.

  “I love the hand-carved coffee table Peter gave us,” Jordan commented. “It’s a real work of art.”

  “The whole house, your side as well as mine, is a work of art,” she declared.

  He stood for a few moments, gazing at her painting. “I never thought I’d enjoy abstract art, but your piece is stunning. It gives the whole room a focal point and an ambience it wouldn’t have otherwise. Reminds me of Mondrian’s style, too.”

  Surprised at his reference but delighted by his comment, she said, “I’m not Mondrian’s equal by any means, but I appreciate the compliment. That painting took more time than any other I’ve ever created. Then again, I’ve been occupied with other things besides painting.”

  “Like belly dancing and lots of great sex.” He sent her a sly grin.

  She blushed and nodded. “You’re right. By the way, Melina should be here soon with the food. I’m so glad we chose her to cater our housewarming.” At least Andrea wouldn’t be around to make snide comments about Greek cuisine. She and Ben were in California visiting Ben’s parents. Sam’s parents, Karen and Jack, and Uncle Jim and Aunt Faith would be arriving shortly. Without Andrea around, Karen was usually much friendlier. Jordan’s sisters and their partners would also join them.

  After surveying the kitchen and dining room areas, Jordan turned to Sam. “Tell me, what’s surprised you the most during this past year? I mean, you were pretty skeptical at one point that this actually could work.”

  Caught off guard by his question, Sam took a few moments to think. “Well, one thing that’s been really positive is the fact that Diane and Amy have become good friends. I never thought I’d be able to say that, but it’s true. I feel especially close to Diane, and we’ve met often for lunch. I also like the fact that when I need painting time, you don’t mind. You have enough other interests to keep busy without me.”

  “The one thing that’s amazing is the way your relationship with your father has changed,” Jordan commented. “The two of you have become pretty close.”

  “I think you had something to do with that,” she affirmed, coming to stand closer to him. “He really enjoys your company, and since we’re together, he seems to enjoy mine, too.”

  “He’s a good guy at heart, and he’s not paying as much attention to your mother’s pronouncements. That’s a big plus.”

  She nodded thoughtfully. “Something happened when my mother and Karen were hospitalized with food poisoning last spring. For the first time, my father was on his own without my mother telling him what to do and how to do it. I think he liked it, and when she came home, t
here was a definite change in their relationship. For the better, I might add.”

  “Better for your father and for you,” Jordan said.

  “My mother’s gotten away with bossing my father around for years. It’s about time he stood up for what he wants. The same thing goes for Andrea. Without my mother’s support, she’d have given up being a spoiled princess. The problem with Ben is that he gives her anything she wants, so why should she change?” She shook her head in annoyance. “At least we don’t interact very much, which is for the best.”

  “Ben’s a sweet guy, but he lacks backbone. Maybe one of these days he’ll wake up and surprise us.”

  “I won’t hold my breath.”

  “Talking about people changing, what are the chances of Beth and Sean Fuller finally admitting they treated you shabbily?” He gave her a sidewise glance and wondered if she was still upset over that estrangement.

  Shrugging she pressed her lips together. “I’ve given up having any kind of relationship with them. Heidi and Jack Norris have taken their place. I’m happy you and Jack are good friends. They’re a great couple and fun to go out with.” It was true. The four of them often met for impromptu dinners. If Sam needed time off from the gallery, Heidi was usually available to help out. “I’m glad they’re coming today.”

  “So am I. And I’m pleased you’ve let the Fullers fade into the background. Although if they hadn’t pressured you to belly dance, I’d never have met you. I don’t think you planned to return to my tai chi class.” He laughed at the memory of her displeasure at his arrogant attitude. “I guess I have to give them credit where it’s due.”

  Remembering their meeting at the Blue Monkey with all the trauma of the nasty fight between Jordan and Brice, Sam was struck with how different things had turned out. Who could have imagined the amazing events of the past year? “I feel truly blessed,” she said, coming to stand in front of him. Leaning close, she kissed him tenderly.

  “We’re both lucky,” he said in a husky tone as he pulled her into his arms.