Chapter 2

As Jon pulled his car into the visitor’s lot at the hospital, he heard the familiar chords of one of his own songs, followed by the undeniable sound of Richie’s talk box. As he found a spot his own voice, 20 something years younger, rang out over his speakers. “Once upon a time, not so long ago…” He turned the car off and shook his head. No matter how often he told himself that he was “just Jon” there was always a reminder that he was in fact part rock star as well. Those few lines were all that he needed to get him in rock star mode for the kids he was about to meet.

His day was already better than it had looked a few hours ago, even though it didn’t look like it would be. When he had called to talk to the boys he found out they were down the shore for the day with Dot’s sister. When she had told him, his first instinct was to lash out at her for making him feel guilty and then keeping them from him, but who was he to keep his boys from seeing their cousins and spending a day down the shore? Needing some encouragement he called his daughter and they had made plans for dinner tonight. After feeing a sense of victory over his wife he called his mother and assured her that he was ok, or so he managed to convince her. His final call was to his best friend, who promptly invited himself and Ava over for the night to try to cheer him up. All in all it had been a productive morning, and before he knew it he was at the main entrance of the hospital mechanically humming the chorus of “Livin’ on a Prayer”. As he opened the door, his friend’s words echoed in his head “Try not to be too much of an ass”

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“Gina what do you mean he’s not here yet?” a nervous Melissa asked her assistant. It had been nearly 10 minutes since she sent her assistant downstairs to meet the mystery guest. “He’s already canceled twice and now he’s a no show, what am I gonna tell the kids? They look forward to seeing new faces, when they’re stuck inside.”

“Mel, take a breath, he’s barely even late I mean its 2:01. Give it a couple of minutes, before you go into panic mode and start damage control. I mean seriously when was the last time a celebrity was on ti- Holy shit!” As Gina looked up she saw Jon Bon Jovi in all his glory talking with two women. “Ok Mel he’s here, god is he here. I’ll be up in a couple of minute, if I don’t jump him in the elevator,” Gina hung up her mouth still open at the mere sight of him.

Up on the fourth floor Mel wondered who could have her usually professional assistant acting like a giddy schoolgirl. I guess I’ll find out soon enough, she thought as she made her way to the common room where 15 patients and their families waited. She made an announcement that their guest would be arriving in a few minutes and she went to the elevator to meet them.

Gina stared at him as though in a trance. He looks even better in person; I didn’t think that was possible. And oh my god those eyes, and that smile. Gaining her composure she walked over to the rock star and the women he was talking with. She took a deep breath and extended her hand.

“Excuse me Mr. Bon Jovi, my name is Gina, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m here to escort you up to the pediatric floor.” She said much more confidently than she felt. The women he was talking with “awed” when she mentioned pediatrics.

“Nice to meet you Gina, and ladies it was a pleasure meeting you as well.” Jon answered as he turned to follow Gina across the lobby.

Gina, he thought and had to laugh at the irony. Now all I need is the security guard’s name to be Tommy. As they made their way to the elevator and passed security, none of whose names were Tommy, Gina explained to him the procedure.

“Melissa Blake should meet us at the elevator and she can give you any other information. The plan is usually to sit and talk with the kids and their families. Sign some autographs, and take some pictures, if you’d like. And if you need anything at all please don’t hesitate to ask me,” Gina said.

“Thank you Gina, but I’m sure that won’t be necessary. This is about the kids today not me,” Jon answered, trying to convince himself as well.

As the elevator reached the fourth floor Melissa was waiting anxiously for the arrival of her guest. She had already greeted two elevators, with an overzealous handshake, and a smile. As the elevator all the way to the left sounded, she made her way over. As the doors opened she couldn’t believe her eyes. Standing in front of her was Jon Bon Jovi. In jeans and a Giants tee shirt, looking as gorgeous as ever. She was speechless, as she extended her hand. It took every ounce of self-control not to moan or squeal when he shook her hand. She cleared her throat.

“Mr. Bon Jovi it’s nice to finally meet you. My name is Melissa Blake and we have been anxious to work with you. I trust that Gina here has told you the general procedure,” Melissa started.

Jon couldn’t believe the woman that was talking to him. She was shorter than him with long blonde curly hair to her waist. Her blue green eyes stared back at him, reminding him of the ocean. She was absolutely stunning.

‘Please call me Jon,” he said, “You are Ms. Blake then? I have heard very good things about you. And the pleasure is all mine that I could be here today.”

He followed her as they walked to the common room. His day was definitely better than he could’ve imagined it would be when he woke up. And he had made up his mind; he had to find out more about this beautiful woman.