Chapter 25

Saturday came quickly and before Melissa knew it she was sitting in their front row seats of Jersey Boys. Dinner, like everything else since she met Jon, had gone perfectly. They enjoyed an exquisite meal, and casual conversation. Already, each couldn’t believe how much they really knew about the other.

They were sitting in silence, not necessarily needing words to enjoy each other’s company. Jon looked over at Melissa and saw her deep in thought. He squeezed her hand and finally broke the silence. “Tell me what you’re thinking right now.”

“Hmm,” Melissa asked not hearing a word he said and putting her focus back on him.

“You’re awfully deep in thought over there darlin’. Tell me what you’re thinking,” Jon said again.

“Well, I was thinking about you and me, and us,” she started.

“Oh, yeah? What about us,” he asked.

“I was thinking that were in a really good place, and how after only a few weeks I can’t believe how good we are together. And I was thinking about how Steph knows about us, and you said she’s ok with that.” Though I still have my doubts about that, Melissa thought to herself.

“It’s like you took all those thoughts right outta my head,” Jon said and leaned over to lightly kiss her temple.

“And,” she continued.

“There’s more,” Jon asked.

“Oh yes, I’m a very pensive woman. I was thinking about the first time I heard about Jersey Boys. I heard that it was about a famous Jersey band and the story of the founding member and his band, and whatever. I was so so excited I called Angela freaking out and I was like ‘Ang we have to go.’ And she was like whatever, totally not caring. I told her opening night was a must, because they may even be there. And she must’ve thought I was nuts because she was like ‘Honestly Mel, why do you even care?’ And I was so mad and I started to yell at her, ‘Why wouldn’t I want to see a Bon Jovi musical?’ And then all she could do was laugh,” Melissa said smiling.

Jon couldn’t help but laugh a little. “That is one of the cutest stories I’ve ever heard. But why us and not like Bruce or the Rat Pack or even the actual subjects.”

“Are you seriously asking why I thought of you guys first. Just because you’ve never been the favorite Jersey child of the critics, doesn’t mean that someone couldn’t have had an ingenious idea and put you guys on Broadway,” Melissa said confidently as the house lights lowered.

Jon leaned over and whispered in her ear, “You’re fantastic.” He let go of her hand and gave her a quick kiss. He slipped his arm around her and pulled her close. “Not to mention good for my ego,” he added as the stage lights came up and the cast entered the stage.

***

Over the next two weeks Melissa felt herself letting down her guard and she could feel herself honestly letting Jon into her life and into her heart, both of which she kept protected at all costs. The level of comfort and security that she felt with him was growing everyday, and she never thought she would allow herself to feel this way with a man again.

A lot of the credit she had to give to Jon. As he had promised on their first date, he was taking things slowly at her request. Never once did he force a kiss on her, or overstay his welcome at her apartment by even a second. He quickly learned what made her uncomfortable, and what her boundaries were. Little did Melissa know that Jon was taking things slow for himself as well, the last thing he needed to do was get involved in a relationship out of spite for his ex. He needed to know that this was something special and true, and each day he was being proven right.

In these last two magical weeks, they had developed a comfortable routine. Wednesdays he spent with her at the hospital, followed by dinner at Gracie’s, and Saturday night was date night. They talked to each other almost everyday; Melissa had even spoken to his daughter once, if that’s what you could call it. She had called him one afternoon and Steph answered his phone, and upon introducing herself to the woman’s voice on the other end of the phone she got a quick, “Hold on let me get my dad.” It wasn’t a rude response, just short one. So what if it wasn’t anything special, Melissa had told herself, at least it’s something. It’s her dad that I’m with, whatever’s gonna happen with his daughter and me will come when the time is right.

The week after seeing Jersey Boys, Jon had brought his guitar to the hospital with him again. Before he and Melissa left, he played a few songs for the kids, and at Melissa’s request he sang “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” Just as Melissa had thought the song had a magical effect on the kids. By the middle of the song they were all singing along and raising their arms anxiously awaiting the next “It’s alright”.

That weekend he called Dave and asked for his Toxic Avenger tickets. And just as Dave had warned, Jon was quickly spotted after the show by some fans. Jon graciously took all the pictures and signed all the programs that he was asked though he did catch his gaze did traveling to Melissa more than once. He made no effort to hide her or separate himself from her; she bowed out of the spotlight on her own. She didn’t feel it was her place to hover over him, and this wasn’t the place to become territorial. She knew she wouldn’t like it if she were in their shoes. Besides she loved seeing him in Jon Bon Jovi mode.

The next week at the hospital right before Jon sang for the group that had gathered for her, he slipped her a note.

Melissa,

Just like you said at Jersey Boys, this is a great place we’re in. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. You gotta believe that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be…

Jon

As she read it she heard the opening notes of “Welcome to Wherever You Are,” from his guitar. He didn’t miss a thing, it seemed that for each romantic gesture he had he was already planning his next, and Melissa was in no position to argue. That Saturday, Jon decided it was time to celebrate their one-month anniversary from their first date, even though it was technically Wednesday. He admitted he forgot, but promised to make it up to her, and he certainly did. He arrived at her apartment with a survival bag that Amalia had packed for him. A lasagna, bread, salads, fresh cannolis and of course a bottle of wine. He quickly admitted to not cooking it himself, and she assured him that it was the thought that counted especially since the food was delicious. After dinner he gave in and sat down to watch Titanic. It was one of her favorite movies, how could he not indulge her? It would just have to be their little secret, for now at least.

***

The next Wednesday came and Melissa couldn’t help but look at the time all morning. The minutes ticked away slowly and she was glad to be doing therapy work with the patients today, if she were stuck in her office she would go crazy. At 12:15 she excused herself and happily made her way to the 4^th floor lounge and grabbed her usual two cups of coffee. She eagerly made her way down to the lobby and began talking with the receptionist as she had done the previous three weeks.

At exactly 12:30 the main doors opened and Jon entered holding his guitar case yet again. It was a familiar sight that Melissa had no problem getting accustomed too. She gave him a hug, albeit an awkward one with a cup of coffee and a guitar case, and he returned her gesture with a kiss. It wasn’t until she pulled away from him and looked over her shoulder that she noticed Richie standing behind him guitar in hand. Melissa’s eyes widened at the thought of the two of them playing together and stood staring at him, nearly dropping the coffee she was holding.

“Melissa, you remember Richie, don’t you,” Jon said as his friend took a few steps to stand next to him.

Melissa smiled from ear to ear, “I most certainly do,” she answered.

Richie smiled at her excitement and said, “Come her darlin’. I don’t bite,” and pulled her into a quick hug. “Nice to see you as always,” he said adding a quick kiss to her cheek.

If two months ago you told me this would be happening I would’ve told you, that you were nuts, Melissa thought and at a temporary loss for words nodded at him. Upon gaining some of her composure she asked, “Wait, what are you doing here?”

“Am I not welcome? Johnny’s been talkin’ about this place like it’s friggin’ Disneyland or something so I had to come and check it out for myself. And I just happen to be in town for a week or so,” Richie answered.

“Of course you’re welcome here, Jon just didn’t mention you were in town,” Melissa said leading them towards the elevators.

“Johnny, that hurts man,” Richie said holding his chest.

“Shut up, don’t flatter yourself. You’re not what I’m thinking about when I’m talking to my girlfriend. I wouldn’t think you would be thinking of me if the situations were reversed,” Jon countered.

“I wish! Every girl I’m with can’t help but talk about Jon. It’s Jon this and Jon that. I think I’ve even been called Jon at the most inopportune times, if you know what I mean,” Richie said teasing.

“Rich, watch it,” Jon said protectively.

“Oh no, not on my account. This stuff is priceless,” Melissa said taking Jon’s hand. “Boys will be boys.”

“See Johnny, don’t be such a prude. Us boys are bound to get into trouble,”
Richie said as Jon rolled his eyes. He then turned to Melissa, “I thought my dear Angela was the nurse, not you Mel.”

“Nicknames for my girlfriend,” Jon asked.

“Don’t worry, when we’re together all I do is talk about you,” Melissa teased.

“Damn Johnny she’s a keeper, she can hang with the boys,” Richie said.

Melissa continued unphased by Richie’s comment. “And Ang is the nurse, you don’t want to know what’s all over the shirt that I came in with. Scrubs are the better choice after you’ve had a run in with a five year old, who’s having bad side effects from a new medication. Does Angela know you’re in town?”

“I think I just happened to forget to mention that. We have been talking, we’ve gotta compare notes on you two. I think it just seemed to slip my mind. I think I’ll like the element of surprise anyway,” Richie said smiling.

The elevator doors opened and Richie stepped inside. Jon leaned over and whispered to Melissa, “He’s harmless I swear. Pay no attention to anything offensive he says, he doesn’t mean it.”

“Come on you two love birds I a’int got all day,” Richie said pointing to his bare wrist. Melissa squeezed Jon’s hand to reassure him and entered the elevator. “It’s about damn time,” Richie continued, “I thought I was gonna have to start to sing.”

Melissa pressed the button for her floor. “Oh yeah, what were you gonna sing Mr. Sambora,” she asked.

“I beg you to take that back,” Jon said. He knew the answer; he had heard it for an hour in the car on the ride up.

“I’m so glad you asked,” Richie said smiling he cleared his throat, and sang loudly. “Johnny and Melissa, sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Johnny with a baby carriage.”

As Richie belted out the last words the doors opened, and Jon shook his head. “I warned you,” he teased.

Melissa smiled, This is gonna be one hell of a day.

Chapter 24

Jon had been gone less than five minutes before Melissa’s phone rang. She grabbed the house phone from the cradle and plopped on the couch. She looked at the caller id before answering, though she knew what it would read, Karapolis, Thomas.

“I’m starting to think that you’re actually stalking me. Has he even left the parking lot yet,” Melissa asked.

“Well I should hope so you left dinner almost a half hour ago! Why how long did he stay? I want all the details. Every single one and don’t leave out a single breath he took. And OH MY GOD, Tommy said you’re now referring to each other as boyfriend and girlfriend?! Start talking,” Angela said enthusiastically.

“Oh not much to tell, just dinner, and a kiss. Nothing to write home about,” Melissa taunted.

“Melissa Caroline Blake, don’t make me drive over there and get it out of you. You know I will,” Angela threatened.

“Ok, ok calm down! It was perfect,” Melissa started.

Melissa then spent the next 45 minutes recounting every detail of her evening, not leaving out a single word that was said or bite of food that was taken.

“Oh god, I think he’s better than I ever could have imagined,” Angela said when she had heard the whole story. “The only thing that can even come close to competing with that is those gorgeous flowers he gave you. Are you ready for the hidden meaning in them?”

“I’m still not convinced that there’s any meaning in them, but go ahead if you must,” Melissa answered.

“Ok, be ready for your head to explode! Pink roses mean sweet thoughts and emotions, purple means enchantment, and white means purity and innocence. Now you had 36 pink roses which means-“

Melissa couldn’t take anymore, what if he had picked them because they really did just look pretty. “Angela, come on now. What if there were 37 roses and one broke in the car. Seriously.”

“No, trust me it fits, I promise. Now like I was saying 36 roses means head over heels, so he is head of heels with sweet thoughts for you. Then there were 20 purple roses, which means I am sincere towards you. So he is sincerely enchanted by you. And finally there were seven white roses. Seven means infatuation, so he is infatuated with your purity and innocence. Do I need to mention again the Tiffany’s vase? Tell me that’s not the sweetest thing you’ve ever heard in your life,” Angela said proud of her deduction.

All Melissa could do is smile hoping that he had intended every one of those things. “Well if he did mean that, then it is. You should see me right now I can’t wipe this smile off of my face.”

“Oh Mel, I couldn’t be happier for you, even if I was you. I should let you get some beauty sleep; you’ve had a long day. A nearly private serenade, a boyfriend, a strong declaration in flowers, a kiss goodnight. Sweet dreams, sweetie, even thought I don’t know if dreams could be sweeter than your day. I’ll see you in the morning,” Angela said.

“Thanks, Ang. And thanks for stalking me too, I know its just because you love me,” Melissa said.

“Damn right I do. I’ll let you get lost in your thoughts over there missy. Night,” Angela said before hanging up.

Melissa barely noticed because just as Angela had predicted she was lost in her thoughts of a perfect evening. Little did she know that 35 miles south of her Jon was lost in his own thoughts about her. The only thing that temporarily distracted him was Richie’s text message from across the country. You have a girlfriend and i have to hear about it from someone other than you wtf man?? i want all the dets asap but i have a feeling im gonna have to wait… And Richie was right he would have to wait, tonight was reserved for his thoughts, and his thoughts only. Tomorrow was far, far away.

****

Thursday morning Jon called Melissa as he promised and thanked her again for a wonderful evening. He confirmed their time for Saturday, and assured her that he would talk to Steph that afternoon. Her comfort with the situation eased Jon’s mind for the day, after all he wasn’t doing anything wrong.

That afternoon Jon picked Steph up from school at 3 o’clock as he had done every day that week, but today he was nervous. He had taken her home and she was sitting at the counter next to him eating a snack when she finally mustered enough courage to ask the question she had been dreading.

“Daddy, did I do something wrong are you mad at me,” she asked timidly.

“No, of course not sweetheart. Why would you say that,” Jon asked worried.

“Well you’ve been acting funny today, I’m afraid you’re gonna tell me you want me to move back in with mom,” she answered honestly.

“Oh, Steph,” Jon said giving his daughter a hug. “I don’t want you to move out. Not until it’s time for you to move into the convent that is.”

“Oh, Dad,” she said smiling. “I’ve told you a hundred times I’m not joining a convent.”

“Well I guess that means that I’ll just have to try harder to convince you,” Jon said smiling.

Steph rolled her eyes at her dad, “Ok Dad, you can try. But if it’s not me, what’s wrong? You’ve been acting weird all day.”

Shit, am I that transparent, Jon thought. “Well there is something that I need to talk to you about.”

“What is it Dad? Are you ok?”

“Yeah, Steph I’m fine. I thought I was supposed to be the parent here. You don’t have to worry about me.” Jon looked around the kitchen and saw Amalia working on dinner and Cara was lost in paperwork at the table. This was gonna be awkward enough without an audience, even if they were like family. “Amalia, Cara, could you give us a couple of minutes please?”

Jon was greeted with chorus of “Of course Mr. B,” and “Yes, Mr. Jon,” as the women left the kitchen.

“Now Steph there’s something that I have to talk to you about. And I’m telling you because you know that I’ve always been honest with you, and I don’t see any reason that that should change. I think you’re grown up enough for me to talk to you like an adult, and I want you to ask me anything. Ok honey,” Jon said looking into his daughter’s eyes.

“Sure, Dad,” she answered simply.

“Well a couple of weeks ago I met a woman.” As he said the words his daughter pulled back in a wince as if he, not his words, had hit her like a ton of bricks.

“You do want me to move out don’t you,” she asked tears welling up in her eyes.

“Steph listen to me, I just told you that that’s not what I want didn’t I,” Jon asked and she nodded. “Well then there’s no need for you to worry. But like I said I met this woman and she’s amazing. I really like her; we’ve been spending time together. She works at the hospital that I’ve been volunteering at, and we’ve been on a couple of dates. She knows that you and the boys come first in my life and she understands that. We were talking yesterday, because I wanted to set straight what we were, so I could come talk to you. Boy this is awkward, I well have a girlfriend.” There it was, he said it and the world didn’t come to an end around him. “Stephie you’ll always been my number one girl, and I know the timing is horrible but I really like her. And I think you will too. I want to get this out in the open and I want to hear what you’re thinking because the last thing I want is for you to feel uncomfortable if I can help it, like how things went at your mom’s.”

“Well I think it’s nice that you’re spending time with someone. But I don’t want to lose you to some woman, I still need you,” Steph said with a bit of hesitation and bitterness in her voice.

“Steph, we’re taking this slow. Partly because I don’t want to rush into anything that’s gonna end badly and end up hurting you or the boys,” Jon said. “Do you have any questions?”

“What’s she like? I mean what does she do, what’s her name? She’s not just dating you because of who you are is she,” Steph asked with clear tones of protectiveness in her voice.

“Her name is Melissa, and she works with sick kids at a hospital about an hour and a half from here. I’d love for you to come with me sometime, not just to meet her but working with the kids is an amazing experience. And she is a fan, but she’s in this for more than just that. She’s amazing; I think you’d like her. She’s funny and smart and caring,” Jon stopped himself before he started to ramble.

“She’s not moving in here or anything is she, like is that why you told me,” Steph asked defensively.

Jon laughed, he knew that that was a crazy but given what she had been through with her mother how could she not think that. “Of course that’s not why I’m telling you. Melissa and me are a ways off from living together. And before anyone moved in I would talk to you about it first.”

“Ok Dad. As long as you’re happy. I just don’t want to see you hurt again. Not after what Mom did to you-“

“Stephanie,” Jon warned.

“I’m just saying, I don’t want to see you hurt again. I’ve got some homework I should get a start on,” she said getting up.

“You’re sure you’re ok with this Steph,” Jon asked taking her hand.

“Yup, if she makes you happy, then I’m happy,” she answered.

He pulled her into a quick hug. When did she become the parent here, Jon thought. “I love you Steph,” Jon said giving her a kiss on the forehead.

“I love you to Dad,” Steph said before leaving.

That could’ve gone a lot worse. Actually I think she’s ok with this, Jon thought walking to the cabinet pouring himself a glass of much needed wine. In his pocket his phone started to ring, and he took it out.

He smiled as he read it, “You know you have perfect timing?”

“What can I say? I know my brother and I know when he needs to talk. Now spill,” Richie said on the other end of the phone.

Chapter 23

Melissa and Jon walked a few blocks into the center of town. Along the way Melissa pointed out all the little landmarks, that made her hometown unique and Jon couldn’t help but get caught up in the small town charm. They reached Gracie’s and Jon was pleased to see a cute restaurant on one of the main roads with a small amount of patio seating outside with a casual family-style feel inside. It perfectly fit the vibe of both Tommy and Angela and the town. They made their way over to the hostess stand when Melissa began talking with the hostess, who Jon assumed she had spoken with earlier. They were then led to Melissa’s ‘usual booth’ as Jon was told by the hostess, against a far wall. Once they were seated Jon took in the hodgepodge décor that gave a homey atmosphere. There were pictures of local championship athletic teams, pictures of town wide activities, what looked like family pictures, and a few autographed pictures from local celebrities, each collection of pictures giving off a different theme. The background of the walls were murals of different scenes of the town to match the themed pictures.

“This place is wonderful, I can see why you come here,” Jon said looking around the room.

“I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that my best friends own the place, or anything,” Melissa teased. “But even if they didn’t, I think I’d still be in here all the time.

“I’m glad to hear the you still come for the food,” Tommy said stepping up to their table.

“Nice to see you again Tommy,” Jon said extending his hand. “This is a great place here.”

Tommy shook his hand and said, “Thanks we do the best we can. But I heard you had quite an interesting day with my wife.”

“She definitely made it entertaining, she knows how to keep you on your toes,” Jon said laughing.

“And Mel, I didn’t know you were planning on coming in tonight,” Tommy said leaning down to give her a kiss on the cheek.

When he leaned down Jon couldn’t help but feel a little twinge of jealousy. God am I falling hard for her. He’s her brother, damn it.

“Well I didn’t think I was either, but Jon asked me to dinner and I couldn’t think of anyplace else I’d rather take him,” Melissa said.

“Oh, Mel you spoil me. Any requests for tonight or do you just want the usual,” Tommy asked.

“Usual,” Jon asked before agreeing.

“I usually just have whoever’s in the kitchen pick whatever they recommend for the night. If that’s ok with you, I can’t even remember the last time I saw a menu here,” Melissa answered.

“Whatever the chef says is good for me,” Jon said.

“Perfect, I’ll put that in for you, and I’ll send James over for you drinks. Let me know if there’s anything else I can get you,” Tommy said before leaving.

“Chef recommendations, huh? You get the royal treatment around here don’t you,” Jon teased.

“We take care of family. And this way I never have to pick,” Melissa said smiling.

A young waiter walked over to their table, and smiled at Melissa. “How are you Melissa? I haven’t seen you since vacation, but I heard you had a good time,” the waiter said.

“Yes it was a nice break, I had a truly wonderful time. James this is Jon,” Melissa said gesturing to Jon.

“Nice to meet you Jon, I’m James,” he said shaking his hand. “Me and Melissa go back a couple of years since I’ve been working here. I won’t intrude on your dinner, but can I get you guys something to drink?”

“I’ll have a glass of white wine, what ever you have is fine. A Pinot Bianco maybe,” Jon said.

“I’ll have the same, and an ice water please,” Melissa ordered.

“Two waters please,” Jon said.

“I’ll get that for you. Your salads should be up in a minute,” James said before leaving.

“You really know everyone around here don’t you,” Jon asked. “I feel like I’m out with the most popular girl in town.”

“Don’t be silly, of course I know the people here, but I’m not exactly the town socialite,” Melissa said shaking her head at him.

“I’m sure,” Jon said laughing as an older couple across the room waved at her.

“Well I’m bound to know some people, I’ve lived here almost 30 years,” Melissa said. “And for the record those are my neighbors that lived next to me growing up. Not too exciting.”

James returned with their drinks and their salads. Jon and Melissa thanked him before beginning to eat.

“Now tell me if I’m incredibly out of line here but can I ask you something,” Melissa said.

“Is it a question that’s gonna remind me that you’re a fan? Like ‘When’s the new album coming out’ or ‘What’s it like to tour?’” Jon said laughing.

“No nothing like that, but those questions will come in time don’t worry,” she replied as he laughed.

“Ok then shoot,” he said.

“And you’ll tell me if its none of my business,” She asked and he nodded as he took a sip of wine. “What did you tell Steph you were doing tonight?”

Jon almost choked on his wine, as the words came out of her mouth. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked,” she said apologetically and embarrassed.

“No, absolutely not. I just hadn’t thought of what exactly I was gonna tell her. I don’t know when I was gonna, but now we have a chance to talk about it,” Jon said reassuringly.

Melissa raised a suspicious eyebrow at him. “You didn’t tell her what you were doing? You didn’t leave her home alone to have diner with me did you?”

“No, of course not. I thought I told you, she’s at her mom’s tonight. I’m picking her up later,” Jon said.

“That does sound familiar now that you say that,” Melissa said.

“And it was a last minute thing. Dot called me this morning and said that she’d be taking Steph Wednesdays after school and for dinner so she can spend some time with her brothers. I’ll be picking her up around 9 or so, which is how I’m free for you tonight. I don’t think I even told Steph what I was doing today.”

Melissa looked a little disappointed, “You didn’t?”

“Hey, don’t look at me like that. Things have been crazy with getting back to school this week, and trying to get into a routine, it just slipped my mind to tell her what I was doing because I’ve been so interested in what she was doing,” he said trying to reassure her.

Busy my ass, Melissa thought, Maybe Angela was right and I’ve put way more into this that he’s thinking.

“I see way too many wheels turning in your head, for this to end well for me,” Jon said reaching across the table to take her hand. She looked up at him, “I told her that I went to the hospital two weeks ago, but she didn’t seem interested because she had other stuff going on and what her dad was doing just wasn’t interesting. I didn’t even think about taking you out tonight until I was driving Steph to school. I was gonna tell her about us, but I didn’t exactly know what we were so I kinda put it off. But after today I know that you are a special woman, and I want to see a lot more of you. And I know that I need to tell my daughter, because that’s the one thing in our relationship that’s always been consistent: there’s no secrets. And why on earth would I want to hide you?”

“Really,” Melissa asked not entirely convinced.

“Absolutely. I want you to be a part of my life, and Steph is definitely a part of my life, so it only makes sense that she knows about us. I was gonna talk to her about this tomorrow because I was hoping to take you out this weekend, and she would naturally be curious of where I was going, and like I said no secrets. The boys may be another story for a little while, though. Jesse is still mad at me as it is and I don’t wanna confuse the little ones. But I don’t want you to think that I’m hiding our relationship. Speaking of which I’m not usually one for labels, but how about we try to figure something out so I know what to tell Steph,” Jon said hoping to have convinced Melissa.

Melissa’s head was spinning at all that he said. Another date Saturday? He wants to tell his daughter, for real? And what are we? Before she had to respond James returned to clear their salad plates and deliver their entrees. Thankful for the extra minute to think, she took a deep breath before answering.

“You know, I’m not really one for labels either. I never thought of what we are. I know I love spending time with you, and you make me happy. I love talking to you when I can’t see you, and I feel so comfortable with you. Like I’ve known you longer than I really have,” Melissa said trying not to sound too needy. And I think I’m falling in love with you, she thought to herself.

Jon smiled at her, “I don’t think I could have said it any better. I’m glad we’re on the same page, because that’s exactly how I feel. So what does that make us boyfriend-girlfriend? That sounds so high school, doesn’t it,” Jon asked taking a bite of his dinner.

“That does sound very juvenile, doesn’t it? But yes by traditional standards I guess that make me your girlfriend,” Melissa said smiling.

“I think I like the sound of that, my girlfriend. And this food is absolutely amazing. I think this is better than some five star restaurants I’ve been at over the past 25 years,” Jon said taking another bite.

“I told you it was good here, boyfriend,” Melissa said at an almost giggle.

“You really like how that sounds don’t you,” Jon asked and Melissa nodded with a mouth full of food. “Well then tomorrow I’m gonna tell my daughter that I have a girlfriend, that I love spending time with.”

“That sounds perfect. And I can tell Angela that I have a boyfriend that I love spending time with. She’ll be ecstatic. That is if she’s not hiding here somewhere, or listening in a van outside because she bugged the table,” Melissa laughed at the visual, but not underestimating her friend.

“And within minutes there will be a text sent across the country to make Mr. Sambora happy. I think he was beginning to worry I lost my touch and I was gonna end up alone,” Jon said.

“Alone with a hundred million girls volunteering to keep you company,” Melissa teased.

“You’re bad you know that. You’re starting to sound like Richie now. He would always tell me if I didn’t find the right girl, there would always be some girl out there. But now I can tell him I think I’ve found her.”

Melissa smiled at the possibilities and decided it was best to keep talking rather than let her mind wander to long, as she finished her dinner.

“So you said something about this weekend,” Melissa asked curiously.

Jon nodded as he finished chewing. “If you don’t have plans, Angela said that you’ve never seen Jersey Boys and I just happened to know someone who got me tickets. Maybe dinner and a show, how’s that sound?”

“Umm perfect. I’ve wanted to see if for almost three years since it came out, but I never got around to it. You think of everything don’t you,” Melissa asked excitedly.

“I try babe, what can I say? Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t,” Jon said smiling.

James came back to their table to clear the plates and assured them that dessert would be out in a minute. Melissa and Jon said their thanks but quickly turned their attention back to each other.

“So is there anywhere specific in the city that you want to go for dinner,” Jon asked.

“I don’t think so. When the three of us go in we usually don’t eat anywhere special. Whatever you recommend,” Melissa said, thinking of the last time she was in the city and had a hotdog and pretzel from a cart.

“Well, if you don’t mind French food Richie went to Le Cirque last time he was in town, and said it was great. I haven’t been since they reopened a couple years ago,” Jon said.

“Le Cirque? Are you serious? That’s fantastic with me, you shouldn’t even have to ask,” Melissa said not able to wipe the smile off her face.

“Well then its settled,” Jon said pleased with himself.

Tommy walked up to the table with a tray in hand. “I trust everything was good?”

“It was fantastic. I wouldn’t have changed a thing,” Jon said.

“That’s what I like to hear. And this is a piece of cheesecake with some berry compote and fresh berries, and of course coffee” Tommy said putting the plate in between the two of them, a carafe of coffee next to the plate and two mugs one in front of each. “You looked stuffed with all the food that was sent out. Let me know if there’s something else I can get you,” Tommy said. He winked at Melissa before leaving them to enjoy their dessert.

Jon took good forkful of cake and began to chew. “Mmm, this is delicious. It’s gonna be hard to get me to leave all this good food. So tell me something about yourself that I probably don’t want to know. I wanna know about my girlfriend’s past experiences with the band,” Jon said careful to put extra emphasis on the word girlfriend.

Melissa took a big bite of cake giving her a minute to think. “Hmm,” she started as she finished the cake. “That’s a tough one, and a little embarrassing. On the HAND tour Angela and I paid a security guy to get us back stage and it worked. But he only let us into Bobby’s dressing room and then Bobby only came in for a minute and was like ‘who are those girls in my dressing room’ and then he left. It was quite a disappointment,” Melissa said laughing.

“That’s horrible I’m so sorry,” Jon said with a naively shocked look on his face. “But in all fairness you shouldn’t have been allowed back there at all.”

“I know, I know. I don’t think it was one of your security guys, I think it was one of the Continental security. We couldn’t believe it worked,” Melissa said.

“For just money I can’t either. I’ve heard stories that you wouldn’t believe. Just to get backstage to find out that we already left. What were you planning on doing if you had actually met us,” Jon asked letting the curiosity get the better of him.

“Well, I honestly had no idea. I was just hoping not to throw up or pass out,” Melissa felt stupid as soon as the words came out of her mouth. “And sure enough when I did finally meet you neither of those happened, thank goodness. But I’m sure Angela had a plan for a certain someone, she was technically single. Engaged but not married, that would’ve been good enough for her.”

“I’m sure she had a plan all right,” Jon said.

“But hey that went better than the time before that, that we tried getting back stage,” Melissa said with a smile.

“Oh yeah? What happened, did you get yourself arrested or something,” Jon said jokingly.

“Almost,” Melissa answered as his mouth dropped. “Me and my mom and Angela went up to Boston during the Crush tour. We were really close we were behind the stage; it has the best view you know, and we tried paying this guy to let us backstage for after the show. We were working on him in between the opening act and you guys. Turns out he was a cop and could’ve had us arrested for bribing a cop. Our Jersey accents probably didn’t help our case either. And the funny thing was that we didn’t even mind going to jail we were more concerned about missing the show. It took a lot of begging and pleading not to get arrested that night.”

“That is definitely one of those stories I don’t think can be beat,” Jon said sitting back in his seat.

“I’m glad you get so much enjoyment out of my near criminal record,” Melissa teased taking another bite of their shrinking cake.

“Well that just shows that you’re loyal. I’m hopping if you were that loyal to a stranger, my girlfriend is gonna be as loyal as they come,” Jon said taking a small piece of cake as it dwindled to the middle.

“That’s me, Melissa the loyal. I’ve even been told loyal to a fault,” Melissa closed her eyes at the thought. Not now Melissa keep your cool. “I almost went to jail for you didn’t I? I think I’ve proved myself.”

Jon saw a hint of uneasiness in her eyes, and moved on before he lost her to her thoughts. “I don’t think I could eat another bite. The last bit is yours,” Jon said putting his fork down.

“Mmm, perfect,” Melissa said taking the last piece on her fork and ate it, messily. There was more on the fork than she could tell, and she laughed at her own messiness quickly wiping her mouth with a napkin.

“Well I always said I need a woman that’s not afraid to eat a real meal,” Jon said laughing. He watched her wipe her mouth and saw a bit of filling that she missed. “Missed a spot,” he said with their eyes locked and reached across the table and wiped the stray smudge with his finger.

Melissa loved the feel of his gentle touch against her skin, even if it was only for a second. She tried not to let him see her blush, and was thankful when Tommy came back to the table to take the focus off of her for a minute. Jon looked up breaking the silent connection, when Tommy finally spoke.

“Well I see you enjoyed your dinners. Didn’t even leave anything on the plate,” Tommy said taking it from the table. “Can I get you more coffee or anything else?”

“I think we’re good,” Jon said looking at his watch. “Wow it’s 7:30 already, I guess time flies when your with your girlfriend,” Jon said putting emphasis on the last word. Melissa had to control her giggles as Tommy raised his brow at her, and she just smiled. “I should be hitting the road by 8 or so, so just the check would be great,” Jon said reaching for his wallet.

“Absolutely not,” Tommy said. “You money is no good here. If you’re with my Mel Bell here, I can’t charge you. Family eats free.”

“Now I know the secret to a free meal,” Jon said smiling.

“All I ask is that you tip my staff, as you feel they deserve,” Tommy said before leaving them.

“Who needs family when you have friends like these,” Jon said smiling.

“We take care of our own. Its what we do,” Melissa said gratefully.

“I really do need to get on the road soon so I can pick Steph up at a decent hour. If you’re finished, I’d love to walk you home,” Jon said leaving a generous tip on the table.

“I’m ready,” Melissa said.

Before either of them rose, nearly in unison they finished the contents of their mugs, and couldn’t help but laugh as they saw the other doing the same.

“I guess we agree that coffee is one of the most important food groups,” Jon said rising from the table.

“What do you mean one of? I thought it was the most important,” Melissa said grabbing her purse. Before she could stand up Jon walked over to pull her chair out for her.

She thanked him and they left the restaurant hand in hand. They walked quietly through the streets of town, taking in the cool night. The sky above was crisp and clear and they admired the hints of stars that they could see over the lights in the town, the nearby highway and from the city.

As they approached her building Jon’s mind began to race. Should I kiss her? I want to kiss her; she is my girlfriend after all. God that sounds weird, girlfriend. I haven’t had one of those in a long time, but I’m glad she’s mine. So I’m gonna kiss her. Jon was surprised at his own assertiveness, and he felt a twinge of nervousness as they approached the door of the building.

“Well thanks for a wonderful day,” Melissa said digging out her key.

“You’re welcome, the pleasure was all mine,” Jon said smiling.

“Well have a good night,” Melissa said holding the door open behind her.

“Let me walk you upstairs,” Jon said. He put his hand up when she started to protest. “I just want to make sure you get in ok. I’ll only stay a second I’ve gotta get on the road myself.”

She nodded and held the door open for him, and waked up the stairs to her apartment. She stopped outside of her door, not sure what to expect next.

“So, Saturday, I’ll pick you up around 5 o’clock. Does that work for you,” Jon asked, stalling for time.

“Five sounds great, and thanks again for a great day,” Melissa said holding her key in her hand. “Good night boyfriend.”

She turned to open her door when she felt his hand on her bare elbow. She turned around to meet his gaze, and locked her eyes with his. “Something else,” she asked not know what she wanted her answer to be.

“I’ll call you tomorrow, promise,” he said.

Melissa felt a hint of disappointment creep up in her, why she didn’t know. You told him to take it slow what do you want him to do, she thought.

If you’re gonna do this just kiss her, already, before you make this even more awkward, Jon thought to himself.

He took his own advice and reached over and gently took her face in his hands. Before either of them could think he reached down and kissed her leaving her feeling like putty under the spell of his touch. For a minute the world stood still for them, as he cradled her face in his hands and she moved her hands through his hair. In that moment the world was perfect.

Chapter 22

As the music started, Melissa knew she knew the chords she just couldn’t place them. In about 10 seconds, her brain went through every song that she could dream of him singing to her. Bed of Roses, These Days, Bells of Freedom, Hallelujah, In These Arms. Wait who said it’s a love song? Born to be my Baby, I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead, oh there are so many! This dream sequence quickly turned into trying to place the song, and she quickly ran through every cd in her head trying to place the music. He continued to play in silence, before he finally began to sing.

“This ain't a song for the broken-hearted.” Melissa sat there and took in the beautiful, acoustic rendition of her song. He mouth dropped open as his voice rich and sincere rang out loud.

“A silent prayer for faith departed,
And I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd,
You're gonna hear my voice,
When I shout it out loud”

Melissa took in every word that he was singing to her and as he began the chorus he opened his eyes and locked them with hers. As he sang she could feel the emotion that he was singing with, and hoped that he saw how much she appreciated the sentiment.

“It's my life, it's now or never,
I ain't gonna live forever,
I just want to live while I'm alive,

It's my life, my heart is like an open highway,
Like Frankie said, ‘I did it my way’,
I just wanna live while I'm alive, It's my life”

Slightly regaining her composure, Melissa listened to him in disbelief. This is for me, he remembered. If there was one song that changed my life it was this one. Could this get any better? An overwhelming amount of emotions came over her as she heard this song like she had never heard it before, because this time it was for her. His eyes said it all; this was a tribute to her, to what he knew she had been through. It was the most romantic thing she had ever heard. Before the song was over she had a thin stream of tears flowing down her cheeks, and she felt Angela next to her give her knee a little squeeze.

As Jon played the last few notes, he smiled at Melissa a little surprised by her reaction. He had never seen such an emotional response from one of his songs before, but he saw the joy in her eyes through the tears. For a brief moment it seemed that the whole world around them had stopped as they looked at each other, and Melissa mouthed a simple “Thank you”. Jon nodded his acknowledgement, and turned his attention back to the crowd he had forgotten about.

“I have time for just a few more songs, any requests on the floor?” Jon asked the group of nearly 50 people. It had almost doubled since he began playing.

Melissa quickly wiped the tears from her face and looked around at the kids, who she hadn’t seen this happy in a long time. There was not one child without a smile of their face, so happy for such a change from the monotonous routine. The kids seem a little shy by this seemingly simple request, and most looked like they didn’t know what to do.

“Come on now, I don’t bite. Any song, it doesn’t have to be one of mine. You can ask your mom or dad if you want. If I don’t get any, I’m gonna have to resort to classics like ‘Row, row, row your boat,’ or ‘Twinkle, twinkle little star’.” Jon smiled as the kids laughed. “Come on, don’t be shy. I’m sure nurse Angela up here has some requests of her own that you can steal.”

With that Angela started scribbling on a piece of paper from a nearby chart. She eagerly held up her requests, and Jon laughed as he read them. “Angela this is a children’s floor,” Jon said shaking his head. “Any other takers?”

Melissa looked at the piece of paper curiously and read her inappropriate list. The list read four songs, but Melissa didn’t think there were four worse songs to pick: Let’s make it Baby, Temptation, Living in Sin, Damned. Melissa smiled and shook her head as she wrote ‘You’re incorrigible, but nice try.’

“Finally I think we have a request. I was starting to think I was way too old,” Jon said snapping Melissa’s attention back to him. “Lovely Lindsay in the second row, what can I play for you dear?”

Melissa turned to look at Lindsay who was blushing. “Umm do you think you could maybe play ‘Stick to your guns’? I know you’ve only played it once before,” she asked Jon.

“Absolutely, but I may be a little rusty on the words you think you wanna come up here and join me?” Jon asked, and Lindsay nearly squealed as she was helped up onto the makeshift stage. Once she was settled he turned and said to her, “I see we’ve got a little fan here. Now whatever words you remember you sing.” He turned the microphone towards her a little and started to play.

He played the music flawlessly and muffled over a few words and much to Lindsay’s delight she piped in loudly. Jon took three more requests before most of the kids were removed for one thing or another. Once the room was empty with the exception of Melissa and Jon she gained enough composure from not only the high of seeing him play but the thrill of having her song dedicated to her, did she finally approach him as he was packing up his guitar.

“That was absolutely amazing you know,” Melissa said from behind him.

“Oh yeah? What part?” Jon asked with a silly boyish grin.

“Honestly the whole thing. I haven’t seen most of these kids this happy the whole time they’ve been here. You’re just so genuine, they can tell. And your impromptu duet with Lindsay, I know made her day, hell probably her whole year. I have to admit it’s a favorite of mine. But maybe most of all I have to thank you. The way you sang ‘It’s my Life’ to me, I can’t describe it. I was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. So thank you,” Melissa said stepping closer to give him a hug.

He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. God does this feel right, so safe and secure, Melissa thought. She closed her eyes and just thinking of her performance brought tears back to her eyes. She pulled away and looked at him. “I should really go before I start crying all over again. I promise I’m not usually this blubbery, these are happy tears I promise,” she said feeling one sneak down her cheek.

He reached over and wiped it from her face, and he smiled. “See tears all gone, I’m a magician too.”

Melissa smiled, “While that may be true, I do have some stuff I have to double check before I leave. I’ll be no more than five minutes, promise. When you’re all done you can come and find me. I’ll be in my office,” Melissa said as she turned to leave.

Melissa stopped by Gina’s office before entering her own to check on the status of the reports. They had already been taken care of, as she knew they would. She walked next door to her own office to pack up her stuff for the night. Not to surprisingly she found Angela waiting in one of her chairs, and she leapt up when Melissa entered.

“Oh my God, oh-my-god! Melissa are you kidding me?! First these fantastic flowers, which I’m, still looking into, and then that serenade. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything sweeter in my life,” Angela said hugging her best friend. “Sit and tell me everything before he comes back.”

“Well he should be here any minute, and what do you mean you’re still looking into the flowers? What’s there to look into?” Melissa asked taking a seat.

“Well these are roses, and different colored roses have different meaning, and so do the amount of roses given. And this vase, it’s a Tiffany’s. Tiffany’s Mel!”

“Seriously, I didn’t notice that before. But what makes you think that he put as much thought into the colors and numbers as you’re giving him credit for?” Melissa challenged packing her computer into its case.

“Melissa someone as romantic as he has proven himself in the past 45 minutes is gonna have a hidden meaning in these gorgeous flowers. Don’t worry about it, I’ll look it up and tell you how wonderful he is. So what’s the plan from here? Dinner maybe?” Angela asked curiously.

“Dinner indeed,” Jon said from the doorway, guitar case in hand.

Melissa and Angela looked at each other, before Melissa asked, “Just how long have you been standing there?”

“Just long enough to hear dinner. Don’t worry I didn’t hear any girl talk. Are you ready to go,” Jon asked.

“Yup this is everything. I’m gonna leave these flowers here to brighten up the place a bit. Are you ready too,” Melissa asked.

“I’m ready when you are. Nice seeing you again Angela, it’s always entertaining. You like to keep me on my toes,” Jon said smiling.

“Wait just a second, you two. I don’t get any details of where you’re going, or when you’ll be home? And just how am I supposed to get home,” Angela demanded.

“Nope, I’ll have to keep you guessing all night. Here you can take my truck home. Jon can drop me off after we finish dinner, and no staking out my building waiting for me to get home,” Melissa said handing Angela her car keys.

Angela looked like she might protest, but instead smiled at them and said, “Ok then you two have a good night.”

Melissa and Jon said their goodbyes to Angela and made their way hand in hand to the elevator. Both couldn’t help but smile being in each other’s presence. They made their way up to his car, and were quickly on their way. They made use of their time together, not paying attention to the rush hour traffic. By the time they reached the highway they had already fallen into their usual comfortable conversation. Jon used the time to clear his head about the afternoon, talking about what he had seen and having someone who knew what his emotion were going through made him feel better.

Melissa continued to give Jon directions when they finally got off the highway in Ridgewood, and she did something she didn’t think under other circumstances she would do. “Ok you’re gonna be on this road for a while. Do you mind if we stop at my apartment first, so I can change quick,” she asked a bit surprised at herself.

“Not a problem, you just tell me where to go. But if you’re changing does that make me terribly underdressed,” Jon asked, rethinking wearing jeans to take her out to dinner.

“Not at all, I just wanna put on something nicer than a jersey,” Melissa said. “I’ll be quick I promise, five minutes tops.”

“I’ve got a daughter remember, I’ve heard that before. I know that five minutes, especially in the morning is at least a half hour-“

Jon was cut off mid-sentence by Melissa’s cell phone, Until I'm 6 feet under, Baby I don't need a bed, Gonna live while I'm alive, I'll sleep when I'm dead, Till they roll me over, And lay my bones to rest, Gonna live while I'm alive, I'll sleep when I'm dead…Melissa tried franticly to dig out her phone, but it was one of those moments that the harder you look for the ringing phone the harder it is to find. She finally located her phone as it stopped ringing and opened it before it started again, while turning a deep shade of red.

“I am so embarrassed you have no idea. I am so sorry! I should’ve put it on vibrate, I’m gonna kill Angela. Wait a minute are you laughing,” she asked looking at him.

Sure enough he was trying to hold his laughter in unsuccessfully. “I’m sorry I don’t mean to laugh at you, but your face was priceless. Its no big deal don’t worry about it. It’s nice to know my older music still gets some use.”

“Turn right here, and my buildings on the left,” she told him felling some of the color leave her cheeks.

As he pulled into the parking lot she looked down and read the text. Mel you have noooooo idea how great he is…tell you later…enjoy dinner I expect all the details…

Jon parked the car and turned off the engine, as Melissa grabbed her spare key from her purse and led them to the front door. She walked in the building and up the stairs to her apartment. She let them in and threw her purse, bag and keys on the counter and locked the door he shut behind them, as she did so many times.

“Ok, help yourself to whatever you want in the kitchen, the remote’s on the couch somewhere. I’ll only be a couple of minutes,” Melissa said before turning to go back into her room.

Melissa made her way back to her room and stared at her closet, seeing absolutely nothing to wear. She began grabbing shirts and throwing them on, looking in the mirror and taking them back off. After her third shirt she heard the phone ring in the living room. She walked over to her door and called out for Jon to answer it. He called back to her and the ringing stopped as she continued to try on top after top. After another few minutes Melissa could still hear him talking and grabbed her pink dressing robe and made her way out to the living room. There was only one person that would keep him on the phone that long, Angela.

She stopped at the end of the hallway and saw him sprawled out on her couch laughing into the phone. “Is that Angela,” Melissa asked walking over to him.

“It is indeed, and I knew you would be more than five minutes, unless is that what you’re wearing tonight,” he teased.

“Oh stop it. I’ll take the phone before she drives you absolutely nuts,” Melissa said holding out her hand for the phone. “Just another couple of minutes, honestly and then I’m ready to go. Can you do me a huge favor, it’ll get us outta here quicker.”

“Name it,” he said smiling.

“Can you go in the kitchen and grab a can of cat food outta the cabinet and feed the cats? The bowls are with the food, in the first cabinet on the right. If you pop the can they should come running,” Melissa said.

“Sure thing,” Jon said getting up from the couch.

“Look here comes your almost namesake now,” Melissa said. “This little guy is Frank, and he would be more than willing to help you open the can.”

As Jon walked to the kitchen an orange and white cat ran past him and began meowing for his dinner. “Now why is this one Frank again,” he asking trying to find the right cabinet.

“Look at his eyes, they’re blue. Dean and Sammy will come out once they hear the can open. I’ll be back out in a couple minutes, you’re a lifesaver,” Melissa said before heading back down the hall.

Once she was back in her room she turned her attention back to her closet and to Angela. “Angela, how did you know I was home,” Melissa asked trying on yet another shirt.

“I may have had Tommy drive by and tell me all the cars in the parking lot until I heard his. Besides don’t deflect the real issue here. You have him in your apartment and you have him feeding your cats. Dear Lord, I think I hear wedding bells,” Angela said with a giggle.

“Oh Angela get a grip. I asked him to stop so I could change on my way home, and he was just lounging on my couch and I asked him to open a can of cat food so I don’t have to do it later. I think I’m a little more concerned that I’m being stalked. What do you think of my pink shirt with the short sleeves and fringe?”

“I dunno I still think there’s more to this. And not that shirt, it doesn’t show off your boobs enough. Try the black wrap top and throw on a pair of heels. He likes a nice heel,” Angela said as Melissa dug through her closet.

“God Angela, it’s a little scary that you know that. This is a good one, thanks,” Melissa said pulling on the black shirt Angela described.

“And umm the black sandal heels, and you’re good to go,” Angela said ignoring the stalker reference.

“Ok thanks Ang, but I better go. I promise I’ll call you later,” Melissa said slipping on her shoe and heading for the door.

“Just wait a minute don’t you wanna hear about the flowers. You’re never gonna believe it,” Angela said excitedly.

Melissa made her way down the hall and saw Jon back on her couch surrounded by three very content cats. “No, Angela, tell me later. Let me go before my cats force Jon to stay. They seem to like him.” Jon turned around and looked at Melissa in the hall.

“Now would that be such a bad thing,” Angela teased.

“Goodbye Angela,” Melissa said before hanging up the phone. “I see you made some new friends. And you met Sammy over there and Dean on your lap.” Melissa said turning her attention to Jon.

“Absolutely. They’re like kids they love whoever feeds them,” Jon said getting up.

“Well I’m ready to go if you are,” Melissa said grabbing her bag.

“I’m set, and you look absolutely beautiful,” Jon said smiling at her.

Melissa felt her cheeks blush at the compliment. “Thanks, now lets go before they give away our table. It’s just a few blocks we can walk if you want.”

“Sounds good, it’s such a beautiful night,” Jon said opening the door for her.

“Yes it certainly is,” Melissa said locking the door behind her.

She took his hand and held it tight as they made their way down the stairs. This is it, she thought, this is what I’ve always wanted. And now I’ve got it. She smiled as they made their way to the restaurant where her magical day would continue into a memorable night.

Chapter 21

After nearly four emotionally grueling hours, Jon set out from a patient’s room towards Melissa’s office hoping to clear his head. He walked in a daze stopping a few times to get himself redirected, and finally ended up outside her office. He paused a minute before knocking as he listened to the music from inside the slightly opened door. He was pleasantly surprised to hear not his own music, but a ballad that he had never heard before. Jon knocked on the door, waiting for a response.

“Come on in,” she called from the other side of the door.

Jon pushed the door open, and found Melissa typing on her laptop, and on her phone. She smiled when she looked up and saw him and waved him in gesturing to the empty chairs across from her desk, and Jon gratefully took a seat.

“Yes, Mr. Matthews, I will make sure there are enough copies…Yes, I will pull up the reports from the last meeting…No, I promise you will have them in time…” Melissa said in to her phone. She scribbled onto a nearby scrap of paper and handed it across to Jon.

Hi :-) I have to take this call, but I’ll be off in a minute...

He smiled and watched her in her element. She had cleared almost all of the papers off of her desk, and had neat piles of reports and financial summaries lining the side of her desk. As she continued to type her phone vibrated on the desk and she flawlessly responded to the text without missing a beat of her phone call.

“Ok, Mr. Matthews that is everything that you needed. I’m just about done and I will have my assistant take them to you. I will be leaving the office shortly but feel free to call be back with any questions before then…you too…Bye” Melissa hung up the phone with a sigh.

“Well it looks like you’ve had a productive day,” Jon said trying to muster a smile.

“I did. I’m almost done here. Finally, I thought it would take forever. Thankfully it’s only quarterly, that I have to do this so extensively. And what about you playing hooky? I had a frantic text from Angela thinking she lost you. Are you ok,” Melissa asked just noticing the pained look in his eyes.

“I don’t know how you do this here. I think it was starting to take a toll on me so I set out for some solace. There’s just so much pain here, but I’ve never seen kids in such high spirits, so happy. It’s hard to see room after room of sick kids, some of them are dying and they know it. It makes me wanna run home and hug my kids and never let them go,” Jon said with a distressed look.

“I know exactly what you mean. We get a lot of volunteers, but not many come back for a second visit. Most transfer to another department, and some are scared off all together. The thing that makes my job doable is that I see what kind of difference we make for these kids, and some of them get better, and we get to see them leave, and come back months later to visit. But kids are the hardest to see sick, the really little ones especially,” Melissa said trying to offer an encouraging smile.

“I saw so many kids that were the same age as mine. I think about what they’re doing now, or what they did over the weekend, it’s just so unfair. I guess I was just naive enough to think that this wasn’t really happening. There were so many diseases and disorders that I have never heard of. It makes me so grateful for my kids and their health. One day here puts my entire life in perspective. It’s hard to see all the sickness and pain, but at the same time how could I not come back to do more?”

“Well since you put it that way, are you really interested in doing some work here?” Melissa asked selfishly intrigued at the possibility.

“Absolutely. I almost feel guilty that I came alone. I will most definitely be back,” Jon said smiling and looking much more relaxed.

“In that case, would you mind filling this out? It’s a volunteer application thing. This way I can be legal and hand in all the information I need. You don’t want to get me in trouble now do you?” Melissa said offering him a clipboard.

“Absolutely not, but I cant remember the last time I had to fill out an application,” Jon said smiling as he took the application from Melissa and got to work. “Now are you really almost done here, or is that just what you were telling dear Mr. Matthews?”

“No, I’ve probably got like a half hour or less left to finish. I promised I’d be ready for dinner didn’t I? Oh my gosh, is it really almost four? I just noticed the time. You lasted longer than most. Any thoughts about dinner?” Melissa asked as she continued to input information.

“Well I’m not from around here missy, so it’s up to you. Although I was thinking didn’t you say that Tommy and Angela own a restaurant? Or maybe Richie told me, I don’t remember now.” Jon said putting his completed application back on her desk.

“Yup his parents gave it to them before they retired shortly after Tommy and Angela were married. Its called Gracie’s a couple blocks from where we live. It’s a little drive from here, if you don’t mind, I know you’ve got a drive home.”

“Not at all,” Jon said.

“Well, lemme call Tommy, he’s working tonight. I’ll make sure he saves us a table,” Melissa said dialing her phone.

“You think of everything don’t you?” Jon asked, and she smiled as the phone rang.

“Hi Katherine, it Melissa how are you…I’m good thanks. Is there anyway I can snag a table for tonight, I know it’s last minute…there’s two…I’m not sure what time, I’ll be leaving work within an hour…thanks I appreciate it, if there’s any problems just blame it on Tommy…ok thanks again Katherine I’ll see you later. Bye.” Melissa hung up the phone and turned to Jon. “Ok, were all set. She said there’s not too many reservations for tonight, since it’s Wednesday, so she’ll reserve a table for the night.”

“You really know how to get something done, don’t you? Fascinating. I think I still have a little bit of business to attend to I’ll be back in a little bit,” Jon said standing to leave.

“Sounds good, I shouldn’t be much longer. Gina is right next door, I don’t know if you saw her yet today. She’s the one that was probably following you on her lunch break. She can direct you where you need to go,” Melissa said turning back to her computer.

Jon left her to her work, and Melissa started putting his information into the system before she would turn back to the monotonous reports. She was just finishing up the last bit of work when there was a knock on her door. She double-checked the last bit of information as she called out.

“Come on in,” and she looked up hoping to see Jon. Instead she saw Peter, one of the patients in her doorway with a beaming Angela standing behind him. “Peter what are you doing all the way down here?”

“Jon asked me to ask you to come to the common room. He said it’s important,” the boy said smiling.

Melissa looked at Angela who seemed that she was about to burst out of her skin. “Ok Peter, I was just finished. How’s that for perfect timing?” Melissa said emailing her reports to her assistant. “How are you feeling this week, I don’t think I’ve seen you since I’ve been back from vacation.”

“I’m feeling much better, the doctors say that I can probably go home by the end of the month. Those are pretty flowers Miss Melissa,” he said smiling.

Melissa got up and walked to the door. “Thank you Peter, and that’s great news. I’m very happy for you. I have to make one quick stop next door, and then you can lead the way.”

“Ok Miss Melissa.”

Melissa poked her head in next door, “Gina I just sent you the final copies, did you get them?” Gina nodded from behind her screen. “They need 15 copies, and 15 more copies of the reports from the last meeting too. I’m going to the common room, if you need me. I’ll be back to check everything out before I leave.”

“Gina I’m sure that’s all good and well, and probably very important, but may I suggest that you accompany us,” Angela said from behind Melissa.

Melissa gave her friend a skeptical look, but nodded at Gina. “If Angela says it’s a good idea, a little break can’t hurt. Come on,” Melissa said to her assistant. “Ok Peter, we’re ready, lead the way.”

With that Peter navigated the group of women through the hallways to the common room. Melissa walked in the side door with Angela and Gina and stopped in her tracks. Jon was sitting in front of a group of 10 or so kids and their families with his familiar black acoustic guitar and microphone.

“Well, it’s so nice of you to finally join us, Miss Melissa. We’ve been waiting for you,” Jon said smiling making eye contact from across the room. “We even saved you a seat right here in front.”

Melissa was still frozen in her tracks; this was like a dream come true, her own private concert. She felt a shove from Angela and made her way to her seat in the front.

“Now that we’ve got a full house, I can start. I’m gonna take some requests, but this first one is dedicated to Miss Melissa,” Jon said not yet breaking eye contact with her. And with that he began to strum, before he closed his eyes.