Sea Glass Island (Ocean Breeze) - By Sherryl Woods Page 0,96
one of Emily’s Hollywood friends.”
“That must have been the elegant woman wearing a diamond that could have paid off all our med-school loans,” Greg said. “She was working the crowd like a pro, and I say that with awe. It’s no wonder she’s been able to raise all that money out there. I’ve never before met anyone who could look a stranger in the eye and know his life story in less than two minutes. She’s scary charming.”
“You find that admirable?”
“In certain circumstances, absolutely. I like people who know how to get things done. I can see why that would appeal to Sam Castle. I don’t really know him, but I know his reputation, and I’ve followed the research going on at his company. They’ve been ahead of the curve with a lot of things. Just think what they could do with an infusion of cash to add even more top-notch researchers.”
“You think he’s after her money?” Ethan asked, not liking that particular spin, even though it made an awful kind of sense.
“Absolutely not,” Greg said, looking shocked by the suggestion. “I think he’s interested in her powers of persuasion.” He hesitated, his expression thoughtful before he added with a smirk, “Or maybe he’s just after her body. She’s pretty hot for a woman her age.”
“I’m sure she’d be thrilled by the compliment,” Ethan said dryly.
Greg merely shrugged. “Let’s get back to you and Samantha.”
“Let’s not.”
“You know, I suffered through the whole Lisa fiasco with you. I think it’s only fair that I get to share in the good times, too.”
“Stop trying to live vicariously through me,” Ethan chided. “You have a lovely wife at home. It’s slow here. Take an hour and go home to Lindsey.”
“She’s room mother at school this week,” Greg lamented. “She left the house with enough cupcakes to send the entire class on a sugar high for a week. And do you know the worst part of that?”
“She wouldn’t let you have one,” Ethan guessed.
“Exactly. How is that fair?”
Ethan hid a chuckle at his friend’s indignation. “Maybe she was being protective. She probably knows you’re no more in need of all that sugar than the kids.”
“But they’re getting the cupcakes,” he protested. “They looked good, too. Chocolate with swirls of icing on top and sprinkles.”
Ethan laughed aloud now. “How old are you? Shouldn’t you be beyond the pouting stage? If you’re that starved for cupcakes, go to the store and buy a dozen.”
“It’s the principle,” Greg argued. “I paid for these. My wife baked them.”
Apparently the words pouring out of his mouth finally registered with Greg, because his expression turned chagrined. “I’m losing it, aren’t I?”
Ethan nodded. “I’d say so.”
“And that is why you should distract me with tales of your weekend adventures with Samantha,” Greg concluded.
“Nice try,” Ethan commended him, “but no. Go rearrange the supply cabinet. Not only will that distract you, it will be productive.”
Greg was shaking his head before the words were out of Ethan’s mouth. “No way, man. Last time I did that, Pam almost took a strip out of my hide. She has it exactly the way she wants it.”
Just then Pam stuck her head in. “Either of you care to actually do some work this morning? Mitzi Rogers is out here bleeding all over the reception area from a tiny cut on her forehead and her mom is hysterical.”
“All yours,” Ethan told Greg.
“But you usually see Mitzi,” Pam protested.
“And today Greg will.”
“He’s a little worried that Mitzi’s mom has designs on him,” Greg explained. “And his heart belongs to another.”
Pam’s eyes lit up. “Is that so?”
“Would you two care to focus on the patient and leave my love life alone?” Ethan pleaded. “I have things to do.”
“What things?” Pam asked suspiciously.
“I’m coming up with a list,” Ethan told her. “And they will all require me to be far, far away from here.”
* * *
Samantha made good on her promise to show up for rehearsal at the high school on Monday. As soon as Regina Gentry spotted her, she clapped for attention. When she had it, she once again introduced Samantha to the students.
“I’ve asked her to watch rehearsal today and give you all some pointers,” the teacher said. “Before we get started, Samantha, perhaps you could take Sue Ellen aside and give her a few tips on overcoming stage fright.”
Samantha thought it was going to take more than a quick chat to rid Sue Ellen of her fears, but she nodded and took the girl to the back