Help from Friends

As they entered Wrighterby’s office, Brenda stood next to her desk with her arms crossed accompanied by a concerned look. “Are you ok?”

“I’m fine.” She tossed the empty can in the basket by Brenda’s desk. “I just had a little blood sugar issue.”

Brenda’s eyes shifted from Sam to Samantha. “And how long ago did this little problem start up?”

Samantha examined the new art on the wall. ”Not too long…we,” S**t, “it just started in recently.” That wasn’t exactly what she meant to say and she knew Brenda had her pinned. Oh hell, I have to be more careful. She glanced back and saw the damage.

Brenda had her arm down the side so Sam couldn’t see the gestures. The pointy finger went to Samantha then to her and changed to a talking hand motion. “Jack’s on the phone with Stevens. Give him a minute. He should be thoroughly confused and off the phone.”

She made a quick nod at Brenda for the silent conversation. “Well I see some things never change.”

Sam was being to quiet. He needed to be distracted because he was distraction her. “Would you do me a favor Brenda? Take Sam on a quick tour of the place. I would like him to see this amazing place.”

Hurrying over to Sam, she latched on hooking her arm in his. “Sure thing. It will be a pleasure. We could swap stories about you too.”

Well hell why not the damage is done. “Brenda behave yourself.”

A surprised Sam glanced back before disappearing in the hall with Brenda’s. “Always,” drifted in the office.

Jack opened the door. “Stevens drives me crazy.” Realizing it was Samantha he was complaining to and not Brenda, “Oh sorry Samantha, I didn’t mean to take it out on you.”

She flashed a killer grin at him. “That’s ok it feels like déjà vu… I keep telling you most Brits don’t like doing business without knowing the person. You should hop on the plane and meet Stevens in person.” She picked up the black case off Brenda’s desk. “One firm handshake will do wonders.”

“How I’ve missed your voice of reasoning and smiling face. Now bring that in here and show me the real reason you’re here. The suspense is killing me.”

* * * * *

“Ok, let me see if I got this right.” Jack reclined back in his plush office chair and kicked his feet up by the open case holding Johnny and BC on his big oak desk. “You are flying to Dublin tomorrow. You would like me to ship these,” doing a little wave to the case, “unique designs here through the museum to their national museum.”

She slid back in her chair and crossed her legs. “That’s the just of the story. Of course I will pay for everything. I just didn’t have the time for the red tape issues if I’m going to make the showing.”

Jack took sometime studying her. He knew there was more to the story but he wasn’t going to get it. “Samantha, as long there is nothing illegal, I am more than happy to help out.”

“Thank you Jack, I really appreciate it.”

The door cracked open and Brenda popped her head in. “Just want to let you know that we are back.”

Samantha moved quickly to close the case. “Good, get in here. I’m not going to hog up all the professor’s valuable time.”

Brenda pushed through the door with Sam trailing behind. He noted the who, what and where everything was in the room.

“Oh my time isn’t that valuable.” With a chuckle, “You make me sound like I’m such a VIP.”

“You have to quit that Samantha. I just recently brought his ego back down to earth. By the way you have an appointment within the hour.”

“That’s my queue. Macy will be at our spot tonight and I also have someone new I want you to meet.”

Jack rounded the desk. “Please take them with you and I’ll have our shipping company pick them up in the morning at your hotel. By the way, I have something else for you to take.” Jack removed a long slender brown case from the corner of the office and handed it over to Samantha with a shy smile. “You left before I could give it to you for your birthday…Well look at that Brenda…She’s speechless.”

Samantha was more worried about Sam. He was quiet again but smiling at her. He urged her on. “Open it. No since waiting until your next birthday.”

“Ok,” carefully she opened the case to reveal a fencing sword. Removing it, fingers skim over every detail of the intricate carving on the pommel and guard. “Jack…it’s beautiful.” The wind whistled with a few whips of the sword. “Thank you. You shouldn’t have.”

It didn’t miss Sam’s attention of the true admiration in Jack’s eyes for Samantha. Plus he would have sworn Jack was blushing.

Jack quickly cleared his throat. “I miss the sparing. Brenda refuses to learn…Maybe you could teach Sam and continue your training.” Shifting his attention to Sam, “She learns quickly. The last time we spared she almost won and I’ve been doing it for fifteen years.”

Sam was determined to be nice even if he didn’t like it. He slapped on a smile. “She’s a quick study. The bad thing about it is sometimes it can create a big ego.”

“Boy you know it and they think I have an ego problem.”

What just happen? I think they just turned on me somewhere in that complement. “Hey, hey I’m right here. Brenda and I can leave if you two would like to do some male bonding.”

Brenda was the one laughing. “Well you two better hurry up with the grunting and chest beating because your appointment will be here in fifteen minutes.”

“Good God Brenda, don’t encourage them.” She laid the sword in the case and latch it shut.

Sam picked up the black case off the desk and stuck his hand out to Jack. “It was good to meet you. I’m sure we’ll have a chance to talk another time.”

Jack traded Sam another firm hand shake. “You let us know if you two need any help over there. Be careful, it can get dicey traveling over seas.”

“Thanks, we will.” Sam replied.

Samantha snagged Brenda’s arm while going out the door for a one on one. “I will see you tonight, right?”

Brenda lowered her voice. “You bet you will. You have some serious explaining to do.” Brenda spoke up, “See you later Sam.”

Sam waved, “That’s what I keep hearing. I can’t wait.”

The girls did their little good-bye kisses and they headed back to the hotel.

Reviews

[Just Me]

Another great chapter! Sam needs to grow up! I like Bremda but I still love Macy! Can't wait to read about the whole discussion between Bremda and Samantha.

[.quan.011.]

Sam and Samantha needs to have a major. I just hope it doesn't lead to a breakup. another wonderful chapter. I found nothing wrong that hasn't already be spotted. However I do wish Sam matured a little more. He should be able to stand up for himself.

[Shep]

House Keeping:
(”) wrong way))) Not (to) change to (too))) long…we”, S**t, “it just started in recently.”

“You are flying to Dublin tomorrow. You would like me to ship these”(,) coma inside)))

“That’s (the) delete))) just (of) delete))) the story. Of course I will pay for everything. I just didn’t have the time for the red tape issues if I’m going to make the showing.”

It would have been nice to see Sam beat his chest. I could see happening. very good chapter and also very glad to see you have posted some more. Moving on to the next one.