Frog Prince Page 9

  When Chase moved his chair to return Sam’s scowl, Sam laughed and told Kandi to order the most expensive items on the menu. When the waitress returned to their table he ordered them a bottle of champagne and included full meals for both of them to take home. This would be a night he'd make sure he dined in style.

  When Rebe looked down and didn't look back up Sam swallowed. He owed her an apology. Taking out his phone he texted her. When her gaze went to her small clutch purse that was in front of her on the table he could tell she knew it was him. He gave her a nod and what he hoped was a pleading look. His text simply said, ‘I'm sorry.’ He watched as her hand slipped inside the clutch and she viewed his message. Tears filled Rebe's eyes and she rushed from the table. When he rose to follow her, Kandi put her hand over his.

  “You've done enough, my friend. Let me go after her.”

  Kandi ran into the bathroom two steps behind Rebe. She grabbed her friend before she could disappear into a stall. “Okay, Rebe, spill it. What the heck is going on with you and Sam? For the past two years you've been sniping at each other, ever since Jamie had his accident, and you stayed locked away in Sam's apartment for two weeks, not even allowing me to come over, not talking my calls. What did Sam do to you?”

  With tears in her eyes Rebe came as close to telling her friend the truth as she'd planned. “All of this is my fault. I never thanked him for those two weeks. Sam was a good friend to me, and I shouldn’t have treated him so shabbily. And no, we didn't make love. It was nothing like that. He allowed me to just be, to wallow in misery, to grieve my brother.”

  “And you're angry with him because of that?”

  “I can't be what he wants. I don't want to be. I was totally raw with Sam, completely vulnerable. Losing Jamie was so hard. It still hurts. I…I…I.” but she couldn’t finish.

  “And you never want to go through that again. You don't want to love anyone as much as you loved your brother and then lose them. Rebe, you're in love with Sam, aren't you? I knew it.”

  “Please, Kandi, don't say that to him. I can't be in love with him. I think it works better for us for him to think I'm totally superficial and shallow, to be so disgusted with me that he can barely stand to be in the room with me. It has to be like that. Promise me you won’t say anything.”

  “Rebe, this is crazy. I’m sure Sam is in love with you too.”

  “Please. Let it be. Don’t tell him. You’re my friend, my lifelong, childhood, best friend. You can’t tell him. Promise.”

  “Rebe, I promise but this is a promise I hate giving.” She gazed into Rebe’s tear-filled eyes and when Rebe’s head dropped to her shoulder and she shuddered in agony Kandi knew it was wrong to not tell Sam. Rebe loved him. But she’d promised and Sam would have to break down Rebe’s defense. Only the two of them would be able to work this out no matter what she wished for them.

  Sam tried tapping his fingers on the table to release the pent up anger as he waited for Rebe and Kandi to return. The thing of it was he wasn’t quite sure who he was most angry with. Rebe for being with Chase, himself for not haven’t had the courage to tell her what had been in his heart for almost five years, or Chase for treating her the way he did, cheating on her and now the pandering. Instead of his anger leaving it had increased to a new level. The culprit was Chase. He absolutely refused to allow him to continue to use Rebe in the manner he was. He couldn’t do anything about Rebe’s bad taste, but he sure could make sure Chase learned to respect her. Without taking a moment to think it over Sam headed once again to the other table.

  “Chase, I need to speak to you for a moment. Excuse us,” he said to the clients and waited while Chase decided if he would get up. If he didn't Sam would forcefully help him up.

  “Sure, Sam. I think it’s time the two of us had a little talk,” Chase said and rose from his seat to follow Sam.

  When they'd walked away from the table Sam ignored the fact that Chase was getting ready to make a little speech and spoke instead.

  “You will never ever treat Rebe like she's your dumb ass side kick, or your arm piece. Not ever again. Do you hear me? You will not be pimping her out.”

  For a couple of seconds Chase could only stare at Sam in a dumbfounded manner. What the heck was going on, he wondered. “This is a business meeting. Are you crazy? We both told you before we left Rebe’s apartment that this is how it goes. Get your mind out of the gutter, Sam. The only thing we’ve been discussing is business.”

  “I know what I saw. Your client was salivating, looking Rebe over as though she were on the menu. That is not going to happen, Chase.”

  “I never planned for it to happen. Listen up, will you? Rebe and I have worked this out between us. It's none of your business.”

  “Try it again and you will know first-hand whether or not it is my business.”

  “Are you threatening me?”

  “I'm not exactly sure what you'd call it in legal terms, but I will kick your ass.”

  “I can fire you, you know.”

  “Like I give a shit. I'll tell you what, Chase, why don't you do that first thing in the morning? Go to the senior partners and tell them you want me fired. Let's see if your family's money can buy that for you. But as far as Rebe goes, she's off limits to you and your slimy friends.”

  “She's my girlfriend. What are you talking about off limit?”

  “You've disrespected her for the last time. Now let me know how it goes trying to get me fired.” He glanced behind Chase’s back and saw Rebe and Kandi returning. “Rebe's coming back. I expect you to put your client in his place if he gets fresh with her, understand?” Sam waited a moment, with his jaw clenched for Chase to comply.

  “This isn’t over, Sam. You’ve over played your hand.”

  “Whatever. It’s time for us to return to our respective tables.” And Sam did just that, returning a couple of seconds after Kandi. He didn’t want to look in her eyes and put it off for as long as possible. Lifting his eyes he grinned. “Go ahead.”

  “What in the world were you talking to Chase about? He looks plenty pissed.”

  “Rebe, what else?”

  “And?’

  “And it's between the two of us. Is Rebe okay?”

  “I don't think a kiss is going to make her freak out. But perhaps the two of you need to talk about what's been going on between you for the last couple of years. You're taking casualties because the two of you can't admit what's going on. You're in love with her and have been for a very long time. Deny it. I don’t care, and I didn't say that you like her. Anyone with two eyes can see that most of the time you can’t stand Rebe. But being in love with her, and liking her, are two different things.”

  “But…I’m not.”

  “Save it, Sam. I’m ready to get the hell out of here. I’ve had more than enough drama for tonight. And our being here is making Rebe crazy.”

  “Sorry, Kandi, I can’t leave until Rebe does. She used to be my friend. Jamie was my friend and he’d want me to stay here to make sure his sister is okay.”

  “Exactly what do you think is going to happen?’

  “Haven’t you been watching? That guy wants to sleep with Rebe.”

  “You must have a very poor opinion of Rebe if you think she’d allow that to happen. Seriously, Sam, get a grip. I know you can’t stand Chase. I know he’s a jerk and that Rebe deserves better. But she’s a big girl and she can take care of herself. Besides, I don’t think even Chase is low enough to actually want something like that to go down.”

  “You don’t like him either. Why are you defending him?’

  “I’m not defending him, but I don’t think he’s capable of what you’re accusing him of. And even if he were, Rebe wouldn’t go along with it. She’s not going to like that you think she needs rescuing.

  “I want to make sure she’s safe.”

  “Sam.”

  “What? Jamie would want me to look out for her.”

  “Is that why you’re acting crazy, like a man po
ssessed?”

  Sam refused to answer that. Yes, he was aware he was being irrational. Yes, he knew Kandi was angry with him and wanted to leave. And yes, he knew he’d embarrassed the hell out of Rebe and even Chase. But leave her. No. It wasn’t going to happen. He couldn’t make excuses for why, he just knew he’d leave when they did. Taking his sketch pad he began to furiously sketch the occupants at the other table. When he stopped, he glanced at Kandi’s frowning face and sketched her too.

  An hour later he watched as the clients shook hands with Chase, then Rebe, and left the table. While standing with the clients Chase scowled at Sam. When he and Rebe left Sam sighed and gazed for a moment at Rebe’s retreating back before bringing his gaze to rest on Kandi.

  “I’m aware I’m saying this a lot tonight, but I really am sorry. I had to make sure Rebe didn’t leave the restaurant with the client. Thank you for coming with me.”

  “Did Chase take care of our bill?’

  “Yeah.”

  “In that case I want dessert. And I want you to pay for it, you big jerk.” Kandi reached across the table and gently caressed Sam’s face. Be glad that I love you, Sam. Think about what I said and talk to Rebe.”

  Chapter Seven

  For two days Sam had not talked to Rebe. Every time they’d passed each other at the law firm she glanced away and walked past him. This was getting ridiculous, it was affecting his creativity. He found himself for the first time in his life unable to paint, unable to draw, unable to even sketch. It was time a cease fire was declared. He supposed in a way he’d started it so it would be up to him to wave the white flag.

  Heading toward Rebe’s cubicle, Sam noticed her walking toward him then hurrying to walk away from him once again. He had to sprint to catch up with her. Touching Rebe’s arm he moved in front of her and held her gaze.

  “Can I talk to you, Rebe?”

  “I think I've heard everything you have to say. You're going to criticize me, and then you're going to feel bad about it and apologize.”

  “Please, Rebe. Can I come over to your apartment later? “

  “Does it even occur to you that Chase might be coming over?”

  Rolling his eyes, Sam snorted. “Give me an hour of your time okay. I think the least you can do is listen to me.”

  Groaning loudly, Rebe glanced around the room then back at Sam. She’d known Sam’s working at the firm in any capacity was a bad idea. But she'd thought it was a bad idea because his portrait of Chase would more than likely be awful. She’d never thought it would extend into her private life. Heck she wasn’t a partner, she wasn’t even on the track to make junior partner. Why was it necessary for him to invade her private life in order to paint a mural of the partners of the firm? It wasn’t. But somehow Sam had gone behind her back and talked the bosses’ into issuing an edict demanding everyone cooperate with the artist.

  Who knew that edict would allow Sam to butt into every aspect of her life? And who knew that she'd give him a legal right to do so. Now Chase was ticked with Sam and with her. He'd tried his best to get Sam fired. He'd actually gone overboard and was behaving as a whining child might. The senior partners had told him in no uncertain terms that Sam was doing the mural and Chase was to cooperate, and that was that. To say that was strange was more than curious.

  Who the heck was Sam to the partners? And why would the senior partners take his side over a partner with enough money to buy into the firm? Something was going on. It was time she attempted to find out just what that something was. Besides, it was well past time the two of them cleared the air between them before their little private war took on any more casualties.

  Her gaze fastened on Sam she studied him for a count of five before giving him her answer. “Sure, come on over. I should be home around six.”

  “Would you like me to pick up dinner?”

  Rebe was angry with Sam, and he was not too pleased with her. So it amazed her that in the face of all of that, he was still thoughtful. “That would be great,” she answered at last. “Anything will do.”

  Sam had a look in his eyes like he was going to kiss her again. God help her. She wanted him to kiss her. In spite of the fact that Chase’s kisses made her melt, Sam’s kissed had taken over her world, and something inside of her had screamed out in recognition. She’d heard it loud and clear. “Yes,” the voice said, “He's the one.” Ignoring that she knew the voice was right; Rebe left Sam standing in the hall as she walked toward the conference room

  By the time Sam was ringing her bell, Rebe had showered and changed and had made ice tea for them. She wondered for a moment what he'd bring then knew exactly what it would be, a chicken salad for her and cheese fries. She'd never acknowledged that Sam knew what she liked to eat or drink but he did. Every single day for two weeks he'd made her favorite foods, had found her favorite movies and stayed in his bed with her to watch them. He'd not allowed anyone to bother her. In fact the phone had not rung, the doorbell only a couple of times and only once had he not been there when he'd gone to her apartment to pack a bag for her. He'd treated her like fine crystal or like a woman he loved. She'd known that even back then how he felt about her. And she'd known how she felt about him, just not the depth. It was only when she'd returned home that she realized the depth of their feelings and she'd backed away. Now it was time to talk about it, time for her to finally thank him.

  A second latter she opened the door. “Hey, Sam,” she said and moved away. Stepping back into her apartment Rebe observed Sam, his movement as he made his way to the kitchen. He fit her, and he fit into her life. She just wasn’t ready for what he represented. She continued watching while he placed the bags of food on the table then turned slowly to face her as though he was aware she was watching him. She might as well be the one to start.

  “Sam, you're right that we need to talk. Its way overdue. I'm sorry I never thanked you for taking care of me.” Annoyance spread across Sam’s face and Rebe paused.

  “Do you think the past years have been because I wanted a thank you?”

  There was hurt in his voice. She wanted to look away at anything, the beige walls, the candles on the table and the vase of daises. Her tongue slipped between her lips and she moistened them with the tip of her tongue. “Sam, I don't know what you want from me.”

  “Nothing that you aren't willing to give. We were friends before Jamie died. Later we became enemies without us ever having a fight. I know something about being with me spooked you the two weeks you stayed in my apartment. I've wanted to tell you I was sorry if I'd done something that frightened you. I just wish that you'd told me what it was, or that you'd tell me now. I have no idea.” His lids fluttered and he turned and made a move as if to return to the kitchen.

  Again Rebe had the thought; she'd done Sam a disservice. She'd had no idea he'd thought he'd done something wrong. “Sam, let's leave the food for a little while okay. Let’s sit in the living room and get comfortable.”

  Taking the short walk from the kitchen to the living room, Rebe couldn’t help but notice how different her apartment was from Sam’s. Her apartment was neat and almost sterile. But it was also, pretty, chic and classic while Sam’s was messy with paintings covering every wall and stacked in every corner. His place reeked with life with pictures of his family and hers, pictures of their foursome, pictures of Jamie. His apartment held memories of those she’d loved and lost. It gave her another reason for not wanting to spend time in Sam’s apartment. It was strange that she was thinking about that now, but the fact was that instead of following her Sam was poised in front of her blank beige wall and he was studying it, letting her know he wanted to put a painting on that wall and probably all of them. She’d love maybe something small but perhaps flowers. She no longer wanted to display family portraits. She watched Sam and wondered just how long one could study a blank wall, even an artist. Finally Sam turned toward her and smiled as though embarrassed to have been caught in the act.

  “Rebe, would you like for me to ma
ke your apartment more cheerful? I can give you some paintings. In fact I’ll do something special for you, whatever you’d like. And I’ll give your walls colors that will make you weep with joy.”

  “We’ll see.” Rebe wasn’t sure how much of the kind of joy Sam was referring to that she might want in her home. “Come on, Sam. You asked to talk and you were right. We need to. She held her hand toward the sofa indicating Sam should sit.

  Rebe sat in the huge overstuffed rocker recliner and pulled her legs beneath her. Sam gave her a look then moved to the sofa. She marveled that he was in-tuned to her, had always been, about most things. She was in the chair to create a barrier between them and he was aware of it. It seemed the only thing he'd ever gotten wrong was the reason they'd stopped being friends. He blamed himself and she had to set that straight pronto.

  "Sam, you need to let me get through this okay. I know you’re aware of my relationship with my family. We were always extremely close. Home was a place where I knew I would be safe. I was loved and I loved them in return. As for Jamie, I loved my brother the most. He was my hero, my everything. I went to him for advice about boys, school, life. Jamie was my heart, my safe place.”

  Rebe felt tears coming and didn't want to be stopped by crying. She took in a deep breath, sucking in her lips, biting down softly. “Jamie not being here….his dying devastated my parents, but destroyed me. I hadn't known how important you were to me until that time. We were friends and I valued our friendship.”

  “If you valued our friendship so much, why did you allow it to turn into what it did?”

  “You weren’t supposed to speak, remember? Besides, I was about to get to that.

  “Sorry,

  Rebe frowned at Sam then held up her hand for him to be quiet. “This is what you didn’t know. For me what we had was a bit more than friendship. But I never knew you were also my safe place. I don't think I could have been there for my parents without you. I was so lost. Then the two weeks after the funeral I became aware of the depths of my feelings for you. I knew after maybe the third night that I should leave your home. If I had I think we would have never become enemies.”