Chapter 10

“Jon, I don’t have time for this right now, I told the boys you would take them to dinner tomorrow night. I’ll see you then.” Dot said standing her ground.

“No Dot we need to talk now. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Fine, come in.” Dot said moving aside and letting him into the foyer, where he spent so much time.

“Can we go somewhere where we can talk? Maybe somewhere where we won’t be overheard?”

“You’re brothers are upstairs with Gabriella, why don’t you go join them,” Dot said to Steph not breaking her eye contact with Jon. When Steph didn’t move Dot continued with a simple, “Stephanie please, go upstairs.”

Jon walked over to his daughter. “Go ahead upstairs. I’m gonna need some space.” She nodded and gave him a kiss on the cheek as she left.

“Come on we can talk in the kitchen,” Dot said leaving the foyer, before her daughter was up the stairs.

After Jon watched his daughter go all the way up the stairs he followed, even though he knew the way to the kitchen. That was one of the few rooms he had been in. She made sure to keep her space her own. Other than the kid’s rooms and the kitchen he couldn’t remember being in another room. Dot was already sitting at the table calmly waiting for him to sit, and gestured to one of the empty chairs when he entered.

“What do you want Jon?”

“Look Dot, I’m here giving you the benefit of the doubt, so a little less attitude would be nice. I’m here to talk to you about Steph.”

“What about her?”

“You know I’m trying to talk to you about something serious, and you really don’t seem to care. And I think you know where this is going.”

“Jon you don’t understand, she’s a teenage girl, and every little thing is a crisis. And I have no idea what you’re insinuating.”

“She came to me really upset and she talked to me about a couple of things, that had me really angry. But then I thought to myself, ‘No Dot wouldn’t do that. Not the Dot I’ve known since high school.’ So here I am talking to you, but you’ve got to give me something that shows that you care a little bit.”

“Jon, you have my attention, but if your just gonna play some game, I’ve got other things I could be doing.”

Jon took a deep breath trying to control his temper. “I’m here to get your side of the story since I’ve heard her’s. She told me that she feels uncomfortable living here. Not just because its not her home, but because she doesn’t like living with you. She thinks you hate her.”

“How could you think that Jon?” Dot said getting defensive.

“I don’t think that, and that’s exactly what I told her. But what I think doesn’t matter; it’s my daughter who thinks that her mother hates her. And Dot given what she said, I can see how she would think so. Dot I’m not questioning your love for her, I just want to hear your side so I can see my little girl happy again.”

“It sounds like you already have your mind made up.”

“Dorothea, just listen to me. I’m not here so I don’t know what’s going on. All I’m asking for is your version of what she’s telling me, because I pray to God that it’s not all true. Please just talk to me.” She sighed and nodded. “She said that you treat her different than the boys, and more that just how someone treats boys and girls different. She thinks that she reminds you of me and you’re taking it out on her. She said sometimes when you talk to her you won’t even look at her eyes. She told me you won’t even let her play music in the house. Dot just tell me that she’s exaggerating and I want to believe you. I know the two of you were never close, like we are or like you are with the boys. But this isn’t right Dot and I think you know it.” Jon looked at his ex-wife who was seething, tears forming in her eyes.

“How dare you imply that I would neglect one of my children! I love her just as much as I love those boys, but our relationship is different and it has been strained a little more since we left. She was mad that we left and of course it’s hard for me. I know I should be the adult, but do you know how hard it is to look at her and see your eyes looking back at me? The man that I loved for more than half of my life. How every time she talks to me I see the man that tore my family apart. That her mannerisms are identical to yours, how I’m essentially living with my ex-husband all over again. How I see that she looks at me with resentment for breaking the family up. Me, Jon she thinks this divorce was on me! And how could I let music into the house, when my ex-husband is a rock star known around the world? You don’t think it hurts when I hear your music come on the TV or the radio. How much it hurts to hear a love some you wrote for me 20 years ago?” She said through silent tears, her voice rising to a yell with every word.

“So you’re not even going to deny it?” Jon yelled. “You are her mother, she is your flesh and blood and all you can do is hold a grudge at her because we fell apart. I think if you were to ask our four-year-old he would even tell you that that’s crazy.”

“You think I don’t know that? That I don’t know how petty it sounds? But Jon she hates me, for taking you from her what am I supposed to do. It’s like fighting with you all over again!”

“She’s a 15 year-old girl, not a 45 year-old man. I can’t believe the words coming out of your mouth. When you decided the kids would be better off with you, I didn’t question it because I never for a second questioned your abilities as a mother. But god Dot how could you do this? You made her live with this for over a year, before she broke down and came to me. Do you know how hard that must’ve been for her? You didn’t see how upset she was even thinking the things she told me. You made her do the one thing that I don’t think either of us ever wanted, making our kids choose between us and feel a divided front from us. I don’t know when we stopped being honest with each other Dot.”

“You’re one to talk about honesty!”

“Don’t even go there Dorothea, I know all about Connor and how you’ve been forcing him on my kids without even telling me. I understand that your personal life is none of my business, but when he’s in their lives it is. And when he stays the night. God Dot I couldn’t believe it. Do you know how that’s been eating at Steph? She thinks you’re trying to force a new father on her, and your mad that she doesn’t like him. Is that what this mood with you has been about? Troubles with your new man? That’s not fair to me or the kids.”

“I never meant to replace you, not that I could. You don’t think this has been hard on me? I’ve been with him over a year and I love him I really do. But do you think it isn’t hard for me to get him acquainted to the kids, to ease him into my life and my routines with the kids? Do you think its easy for me to be with someone who isn’t you. Jon you were the only person in 30 years that I’ve been with. Do you think that when he kisses me its easy for me to see your eyes and not his? Do you think it’s easy for him to hold me, or touch my face, and it feels incomplete without the calluses on your fingers? Or how he holds me different that you have all these years? You Jon, you’re the one who I see when were together, and I can’t stop it.”

“Stop it! I don’t need to hear this. We were together a long time, and it’s hard I’m sure, but that doesn’t excuse your behavior. And I don’t know what you think I can do to change that.” She just looked at him. “Steph wants to come live with me and I think, given what you’ve said, it’s a good idea.”

“What she wants to leave? Why?” Dot looked stunned.

“Why? You can’t seriously be asking why. I think you know damn well why! And I don’t think that you can argue with it.” Jon felt his phone in his pocket vibrate. He looked down and saw a new text message from Richie, Haven’t heard from you yet…its been over an hour…should I send in a search party to look for the remains?

“How could you want to take my daughter from me?” Tears continued to run down his ex-wife’s face. His ex-wife who usually showed little emotion.

”Are you kidding this is not a pissing match between the two of us! This isn’t even about us. This is about our daughter, and how she’s miserable and wants to be happy. I don’t think that’s too much to ask for, do you?”

“No, but she cant just live with you.” Dot said a shocked look still on her face.

“Why not? Are you questioning my parenting abilities now?”

“Not your abilities, your availability. That’s why the kids came to live with me in the first place, among other things. And what are gonna tell the boys? Did you think of that?”

“Well I’m home now, and I want to give it a try, if that’s what will make her happy. And we can tell the boys the truth. That Steph presented a good argument, and that she’s 15 and old enough to have some say in this.”

“Well you certainly thought of everything didn’t you? When is she moving out?” Dot asked rising to her feet, pacing about the kitchen.

Jon stood and followed her, “Dot this is not about you and me. She came to me for help and I’m talking to you on her behalf. This seems like it would work out for all involved, based on what you said. Why can’t you see that? You can even get a jump-start on creating a new family.”

She reached over and smacked him harder than she ever had before. “How could you think that I could ever replace what we had? That’s the problem Jon, no one else will ever know me or love me the way you did. But I am trying to move on and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

“I never said there was anything wrong with moving on. I just want to see my daughter happy.”

“Fine, I guess it’s decided then, you can take your daughter. When is she leaving?”

“Dot please don’t be like this. You can’t blame her can you?” Jon said trying to reason with her, but careful in choosing his words as he still felt the sting in his cheek.

“When is she leaving, Jon?”

“We didn’t talk about when, it was just an idea that we were talking about.” She kept her icy stare on him. “Before school starts in two weeks, I would assume she would want.”

“Fine, how about next week, Wednesday?” Dot said.

Shit, Jon thought, of all the weeks he would try to have a social life. “Next week I made plans to go down the shore for a couple days with Richie, but-“

“No. She is not going to spend a week with him.”

“In all fairness Dot you are not in a place to dictate who the kids are to spend time with after the crap you’ve been pulling with Connor.” He saw his ex-wife wince slightly when he said his name. “Especially not someone who the kids have known all their life and someone who has been a brother to me. But if you would have let me finish I was going to say I’ll ask Steph what she wants to do. She can come with me, don’t give me that look, or she can move in later in the week, or I can cancel on Richie. And I’ll talk to the boys tomorrow about everything. ”

“Fine you can let her decide. Just see if you can remember to let me know. And I will talk to the boys. Now I want you out of my house,” Dot said moving towards the hall.

“Look I know you don’t owe me anything but I would hope that you’re not petty enough to make her last week here hell,” Jon pleaded as he followed. He decided to pick his battles carefully, and let go the opportunity to tell the boys himself.

“I want you out.” Dot said wiping her face before she reached the foyer.

“Can I just say goodbye to the kids, before I leave?” Jon asked making his way back to the all too familiar foyer.

“You’ll see the boys for dinner tomorrow. I think 5 o’clock should work,” she said with a hand on the door.

“I’ll just say goodbye to Steph then.” He walked over to the staircase and called for his daughter. Within seconds she appeared and came down the stairs. He watched his ex’s icy stare follow her down each step and into her father’s arms.

“Dot can I have a minute?” His ex-wife didn’t move. “Fine. Ok Steph I’m leaving now, but I’ll be back tomorrow to take the boys to dinner.” His daughter pulled away from him a little to look him in the eye and she looked livid. “Stephie, what’s the matter?”

His daughter leaned over and touched his cheek where he had been slapped, which he assumed was still red. “Are you ok? Is this because of me? Why did you hit him!” She turned to yell at her mother.

“Do not talk to your mother like that! And look I’m ok, I promise. This was my own fault, I said something I shouldn’t have.”

“Are you sure you’re ok, Dad?” He nodded. “Then does that mean that you, ya know?”

“Yes, I did and you can move back home sometime next week if that’s ok with you. I’m going away with Richie Wednesday and Thursday, but if you wanted to move in before then I can cancel on him, no biggie. Or you can come with us, its up to you.”

“Really I can move home? Oh thank you Daddy!” She gave Jon a big hug. “And you can go away I can move back Thursday night or Friday, whichever is easier.”

“Ok Steph, I’ll see you tomorrow when I get the boys. And you can call me anytime. I’ll talk to you later in the week, about all the details.” He gave his daughter a kiss on the forehead. “I love you Stephie.”

“I love you too Dad!” She said and ran up the stairs before he left.

“Bye, Dot.” Jon said trying to be polite, even after all they had said.

“Get out,” Dot said with a scowl, and slammed the door as he was barely out of the house.

Well that could’ve gone a hell of a lot worse, Jon thought walking to his car while rubbing his cheek. As he opened the door and sat down he saw the bright red handprint, she had gotten him good. He shook his head and dialed Richie to tell him the news, as he backed out of the driveway.

Chapter 9

Jon couldn’t believe what he was hearing. At the same time those simple words, were everything he wanted to hear, and the worst thing he could hear.

“Steph, what do you mean you want to live with me? Where is this coming from?” Jon asked, trying to read his daughter. The one thing that he couldn’t stand was seeing one of his children unhappy, especially to this extent.

She looked at him tears still streaming down her face. “I hate it at mom’s and I don’t want to live there anymore, and I miss you. Can’t I stay here? Please?”

Jon looked into his daughter’s crystal blue eyes that looked so much like his. “Stephie, I’m gonna need a little more than that. Talk to me, and I’ll see what I can do to fix whatever’s going on at mom’s”

“Dad you don’t understand you’re not there. You know how everyone always tells me how much I’m like you? I think mom sees that and she hates me for that.”

“Stephanie, that’s not fair. Your mom doesn’t hate you. We may not get along but she loves you. What would make you think that she doesn’t?”

”When Mom first left she would tell me all the time about how I look so much like you, and how looking at me is like looking into your eyes. And now sometimes when she talks to me she wont look me in the eye. And we fight all the time about stupid things, but everyday its something new. I can’t seem to ever get ahead of the curve. And the boys seem like they’re invincible. I mean they do stuff that I could never get away with, even little things. Like the other day I left a book in the car, and she yelled at me for not being responsible for my things, when Jesse had spilled a bunch of food in the back seat. Did you know that there’s not a piano in the house because she doesn’t want me playing. When I asked her if we could get one she said no.” She could barely get out any more words through her sobs.

Jon reached over and wiped some tears from her face. “Steph look at me. There are those beautiful eyes. I think there’s something else going on at Mom’s, tell me. I can’t help you if I don’t know what I’m dealing with.”

“Dad, promise you won’t get mad? I mean I don’t think you will, but just in case?” She said with a tentative look in her eye.

“Steph, you can tell me anything, please.” Jon could feel his temper rising at his ex-wife’s selfish behavior.

“It’s Connor, that guy Mom’s been seeing. You did know about him right.” Jon nodded unable to speak in fear of yelling. “Well they’ve been seeing each other about a year, but Mom thinks that I think they’ve only been dating a couple months. He comes around the house all the time, and the boys like him. They do boy stuff together, and he takes them places. But I don’t think he likes me much, because I don’t do stuff with them. I mean he’s nice enough, but I don’t like him. And Mom’s mad that I don’t like him. And I hate when he’s there in the morning when I wake up. And he’s not my dad and he never will be, because you are more than all I need. I just want to get out of the house and stay here with you.” She stopped crying as she looked up at her father.

Jon looked at his daughter shocked and livid at what his daughter just told him. How could Dot do this to her? And how could she push another man on his children and expect them to accept it, without even telling me? “Steph I understand why you’re angry, but I don’t know if it’s a great idea to live here. I know this whole situation makes you uncomfortable, and I don’t blame you, I will be talking to your mother about that this afternoon. But if you come here you won’t be living with your brothers. And sweetie I’m not home all the time. Even when I’m not on tour I go away on business for one thing or another, and I just can’t take you with me especially during the school year. ”

“Dad when Mom left last year and took us with her, I didn’t want to go then. And I certainly don’t want to stay now. And when you’re not here we can figure something out. I can go with you on the weekends, or I can stay by myself. I’m old enough and Amelia and Cara can keep an eye on me. Amelia’s been watching me since I was born.” Steph said looking a little less stressed.

“Steph I still don’t know. I would love for you to come back here, but you’re mom’s gonna have a field day. I know she doesn’t want you to leave.” Jon said trying to figure out what to do on the fly, she seemed to have thought of everything.

“I thought it out, and I really want to live here. To live with you, like it used to be. Please will you at least think about it before you say no?”

“Steph, if it was up to me you could move in tomorrow. But your mom is gonna have something to say about this I’m sure.” Jon looked into his daughter’s crushed face. “But I can talk to her this afternoon if that’s what you really want.”

Steph threw herself into her dad’s arms and gave him a hug. “Really you will? You can get me out of there?”

“Steph I said I would talk to your mom, but I can’t promise anything. But if you do come, its not gonna be easy. What you see is what you ge-”

There was a knock at the door, and Richie entered. His hair was a mess, sticking up every which way; it looked like there wasn’t a single hair in place. His eyes were half closed and he looked like he may fall asleep if he stood still too long, not to mention that grumpy look that he had until he had his first cup of coffee. He mumbled some words, that Jon assumed were along the lines of “morning,” but couldn’t be sure.

“Can you give us a minute? There’s some coffee in the kitchen.” Jon said, and Richie stumbled back out of the door. Jon turned back to his daughter. “Steph I can’t promise anything, but I will talk to your mom. Why don’t you go pack up your stuff, and let me go talk to Richie for a couple of minutes. Then I’ll take you home.”

Steph leaned over to give her dad another hug, “Thanks dad I love you!” She got up and walked out of the room looking happier that she had in weeks.

Jon shook his head and headed for the kitchen. He found Richie looking much more alive pouring himself a second cup of coffee. “Hey man you look like hell.” Jon said pouring himself another much needed cup of coffee.

“Thanks man, were not as young as we used to be ya know. Anyway do you know what its like having your daughter wake you up by pouncing on the bed just to shove the phone in your face so your ex-wife can yell at you?”

“Hey man I got no sympathy for you this morning. You’re never gonna believe what Steph was asking me when you came in before.”

“What? It can’t be so bad that you wouldn’t have sympathy for your matchmaker, would it?”

“She wants to live with me.” Jon said, still shocked at the words coming out of his mouth.

“The girl from last night? Way to go man.”

“No you dumbass, Steph wants to move back here.”

“What? Why? What did you say?” Richie asked choking on his coffee.

“She said Dot’s been, god I don’t even know what the right word is, neglecting or snubbing her. And she doesn’t like this new guy, that Dot’s been seeing. And she’s forcing him on the kids. I don’t think I can blame Steph, but I kinda wonder how much of this might be exaggerated.” Jon said taking a sip of coffee.

“Well what are you gonna do?”

“Well, I’m taking this seriously I have no choice. She’s my baby girl and she’s miserable. And no way in hell I’m gonna let anyone get away with that.”

“So that’s it, your gonna let her move in?”

“If that’s what she wants, and Dot doesn’t kill me first.”

“You’re a brave soul man, trying to take something from Dot. She’s gonna totally flip. I wouldn’t want to be in the county when this goes down.”

“Tell me about it, but I’ve got no choice. I’m gonna go take a shower, so I can go negotiate with the devil. Think you can entertain the kids for a little while?”

“Absolutely, I can turn on a pretty mean TV.” Richie said following him out of the kitchen.

“Oh and Ava says that you still look worse than I do in the morning, but nice try.”

“She wasn’t supposed to tell you that,” Richie said laughing.

Jon walked up the stairs back to his room for a much needed shower. Twenty minutes later he was showered, dressed and ready for the difficult confrontation that awaited with his ex wife. After Jon and Steph said their goodbyes to Richie and Ava, they set off towards Dot’s house across town.

As Jon parked his green BMW in her driveway he turned to look at his daughter. “Are you sure you still want me to do this? Because no matter what happens this is gonna get pretty ugly. You say the word and I can forget what we talked about this morning ever happened.”

“No Daddy, I’m sure.”

“Ok then, lets go. It’s now or never,” Jon said trying to get his daughter to smile, and he got one better as she laughed and rolled her eyes.

“Oh Dad. Come on lets go.” Steph said opening her car door and reaching into the back for her overnight bag.

The pair walked up to the door in silence, and waited as they rang the doorbell. After a few seconds Dorothea came and opened the door. “Thanks for bringing her home Jon.” Steph stepped into the house and Dorothea promptly started to close it on her ex.

Not even a word to Steph, maybe she wasn’t exaggerating, Jon thought. “Not so fast Dot, we need to talk,” Jon said holding the door open.

Chapter 8

Jon woke the following morning a little groggy. He looked at the clock, which read 9:25. He lay in bed a minute to think before dragging himself out of bed. Was yesterday just a dream or was it really a wonderful evening? He sat up and found the note his daughter had left him on his side table from the night before. He smiled thankful he had something to confirm his reality. He got up slowly feeling the familiar creaks and cracks of his body. He stopped by the bathroom, and looked at himself in the mirror. He looked like been run over by a truck. His hair was a mess, even worse than usual, his eyes were red with circles under them, and even after a decent night’s sleep, he looked tired. “God you’re getting too old for this shit,” he said to his reflection. He splashed some water on his face trying to make him look more presentable. After not much improvement he made his way through his bedroom in search of coffee. As he passed his daughter’s door he noticed her empty bed and assumed she had gone in search of breakfast, and he wondered if there was anything to eat.

As he made his way down the stairs he heard someone at the piano in the living room. As his bare feet hit the cool floor at the bottom of the stairs the smell of coffee overtook his curiosity and he headed for the kitchen. Pleased to see that there was a fresh pot waiting for him, he grabbed a mug and poured himself a cup. He added the necessary cream and sugar and took a sip. “Perfect.” He made his way out of the kitchen and towards the living room. As he passed the family room he heard the TV on. He poked his head inside and saw Ava sitting on the couch watching the latest Disney Channel sensation. Kids that age were amazing. Not only was she up, but she was dressed and ready for the day.

“Morning Ava.” Jon said from the doorway.

“Morning Uncle Jon. Do you mind I have this in here?” She asked showing him a bowl of dry cereal.

“Not at all, but is that all you could find?” Jon asked, and when she nodded he shook his head at the thought of his sparse kitchen. “Is your dad up yet?”

“Not yet and I didn’t want to wake him so I came dawn by myself. Is that ok?”

“Of course that’s ok, you know you can always treat this like your house. How about I go find Steph and I’ll see if I can try to make you guys a real breakfast?”

“Ok. I think she said she went to play the piano.”

“Thanks sweetie I’ll go check it out.” Jon said turning for the door.

“Oh and Uncle Jon my daddy was right.” Ava said smiling.

“Right about what Av?”

“Well I told Daddy that he’s a mess in the morning, because his hair’s all messy and he looks grouchy. And he said that you look worse. But you don’t look grouchy.”

“Gee thanks Ava.” Jon said to a smiling Ava.

He turned down the hall and followed the music. He couldn’t quite make out what song was playing but it sounded familiar. He knocked on the door as he opened it, and the music stopped immediately.

“Morning Dad. I didn’t expect to see you up this early.” His daughter said as she rose from the bench to give him a hug.

Jon welcomed the hug and gave her a kiss on her temple. “I was surprised I was up too. What were you playing?”

“Oh you know, a little bit of this, a little of that.” Steph said and sat back down at the bench, and started to play some light music.

Steph was the only one of his four children that showed any interest in music, which they bonded over. From the time she was three or four Jon had her with him at the piano. He had given her informal lessons and Dave, the official piano guru, had helped her when she was old enough. But with no formal training or wanting to perform in her dad’s shadow she always kept her musical passion quiet.

“Steph you know you sound really good. Is that something I know?” Jon asked curious of his daughter’s musical interest.

She stopped for a minute and thought. “Let’s see do you know this one?” She looked at her dad with a smile. He nodded accepting the challenge. Her fingers found the keys and the all to familiar intro to “Runaway” filled the room. He laughed and let her continue to play on. After a few bars, she began to sing along. “On the street where you live, girls talk about their social lives, they're made of lipstick, plastic and paint, a touch of sable in their eyes. All your life all you’ve asked when’s your daddy gonna talk to you, you were living in another world tryin to get your message through.”

“No way, not my little girl.” Jon said as he moved to the piano and the music stopped. “You sound beautiful, but my little girl’s not gonna be the girl from that song. I wrote you tour own song, and you still come back to this one?”

“Oh dad its just a song. Anyway now that you’re up can I talk to you about something?” Steph asked with a little bit of fear and worry on her eyes.

“Stephie what’s wrong are you ok?” Jon asked worried about his daughter. “Something’s not right.”

“No, Dad, I’m ok I just wanted to talk to you about something.” She said trying to smile.

“You sure everything’s ok?” She nodded. “Well as long as you’re sure I told Ava I would make the two of you breakfast. But if you want to talk now, I’m sure she won’t notice if I don’t come back right away.”

“Nope breakfast sounds great!” Steph said, and headed towards the door.

“Why don’t you pick something out, and I’ll be in, in a minute.” Jon said as he grabbed his mug. And with a simple “K, Dad” she was out the door. Jon let out a deep breath. Something about the look in his daughter’s eyes had him concerned. He headed down the hall, worried about what was on his daughter’s mind.

“Ready kido? I think Steph’s picking something out for us.” Jon asked Ava who hadn’t moved since he left.

“Cool. I’m ready Uncle Jon.” Ava said turning off the TV and giving him a quick hug as she passed him.

He found the girls in the kitchen already making breakfast. Steph had a frying pan out over the stove, and Ava was mixing what looked like pancake batter. “Hey girls, I thought I was making you breakfast.”

“I thought I’d give you a hand.” Steph said as she took the bowl from Ava. “Are pancakes ok with you?”

”Whatever you girls want sounds good.” Jon said as he set down his coffee and moved over to the stove. “Why don’t you girls get out some juice and some plates and I’ll make these.” Jon offered.

The girls set right off to work, as he focused on the pancakes. Cooking was never a skill he managed to accomplish. A cooking success usually involved a microwave; even then there were often many casualties. After a few successful pancakes he turned back to the counter to get his coffee mug. He was surprised to find it refilled and turned to look at his daughter. She was sitting at the island in the middle of the kitchen with Ava deep in conversation. There were three places set, with silverware, plates and a glass of juice. He was also surprised to see a mug in his daughter’s hand. He looked down at the pan, and noticed the neglected pancake starting to burn. He quickly flipped it and looked back at his daughter.

“Hey, Steph, when did you start drinking coffee?” Jon asked.

“Oh I dunno a while ago, maybe like a year and a half ago. Why, do you not want me drinking it?” She asked uncertainly.

“Not at all. Who am I to deprive you of a good kick of caffeine in the morning? It would be a little hypocritical of me wouldn’t it? I can’t live without this stuff.” Jon said and was happy to see his daughter looked a little less tense. “Thanks for the refill.” She smiled, as he took another sip and put his attention back to his pancakes that were slowly dying. He put the best looking ones on a plate and went over to join the girls. “I think this is as good as they’re gonna get,” he said putting them down.

They ate, and enjoyed small talk about school starting in a few weeks and what they did on the summer breaks. He and Richie had only finished their latest tour a month or so ago, so the girls had spent most of their summer with their mothers. As he tried to wash down a pancake of unique consistency, the house phone rang. His daughter immediately rose to answer.

“Sit and eat, I’ll get it,” he told his daughter and kissed the top of her head as he passed. He walked to the far end of the kitchen and looked at the caller id before answering. The number came up blocked, and he could only imagine who was calling.

“Hello,” Jon answered.

“Jon?” the woman’s voice on the other end asked.

”Yes, who is this?” Jon asked unable to place the voice.

“Oh, sorry Jon its Heather. I was trying to get in touch with Ava, but they’re not answering the house phone and Richie’s phone is going straight to voicemail. I was hoping they were with you. I didn’t wake you up did I?”

It was Richie’s ex. Having kids solidified the fact that you would always have contact with your ex. After the six divorces they had been through as a band, it never seemed to get easier.

“No I was up, and they are here. What can I do for you?” Jon asked.

“Is Ava around so I can talk to her?” Heather asked.

“Sure hold on a second let me get her.” Jon said. He walked back to where the girls were sitting. “Ava sweetie it’s your mom, she wants to talk to you. Are you all finished?” he asked looking at her empty plate.

“Yeah thanks Uncle Jon, they were better than when Dad tries to make them,” she said reaching for the phone.

“You know what why don’t you go outside and talk to your mom, it looks like a beautiful day. And when you’re done why don’t you wake up your dad, it think it’s about time he woke up, what do you think?”

“Ok, I’ll do that. Hi, mom.” Ava said as she walked across the kitchen and out the slider.

“What do you say Steph are you about done with these pancakes?” Jon asked.

“Yeah, but they weren’t that bad.”

“Nice try, ok what do you say, I’ll pour us another couple cups of coffee, and you can tell your old man here what’s on your mind?” Jon offered, and grabbed the mugs.

“Ok dad I’ll get the dishes.” Steph said getting to her feet.

“Nah, we’ll leave them for Richie to deal with if he ever gets up. Now what kind of talk are we having here? Are we gonna need comfy chairs or will the barstools do?” Jon asked adding sugar to their mugs.

“I dunno Dad, maybe the living room?” Steph asked getting to her feet to grab her mug.

“Lead the way darling,” Jon said following his daughter down the hall.

They settled into the oversized couch next to each other. Jon turned to face his daughter. “Ok Steph, what’s up? Something’s been a little off since I picked you up yesterday.” His daughter had that fearful look in her eye again, that Jon had never seen. “Stephie what’s the matter?” Jon said putting grabbing her hand and giving it a squeeze.

He looked at his daughter and saw tears forming. Jon took his daughter and gave her a hug, rubbing her back. He could feel her tears soaking through his shirt onto his shoulder. “Shh, tell me what’s wrong and I can fix it. It’s gonna be ok.”

Steph pulled back and looked at her dad through her tears. “I don’t know how to say this,” tears still falling down her cheeks.

“Steph, you can tell me anything, that’s what I’m here for.”

She took a deep breath. “Daddy can I come live with you?”

Jon looked at her in shock. He had no idea how easily 7 words could affect him so severely.

Chapter 7

Jon grabbed the ringing phone off of the coffee table, expecting it to be nagging questions from his ex. Instead he was please to see that it was Melissa, and smiled nervously.

“Who is it? Is it Tico? I know you’ve been thinking about him so fondly.” Richie said with a smirk, and looked when Jon showed him the phone. “Well answer it you dumbass.”

“What do I say?” Jon asked nervously. He couldn’t believe he was acting like a 15 year old.

“Well you start with hello, god how long has it been for you man?” Richie said with a little too much excitement in his voice.

“Seriously? Probably close to 30 years if not more. High school man.”

“Well you gotta do something or its gonna go to voicemail, and you’ll end up playing phone tag. God do you want me to do this for you?”

Jon thought for a second, and realizing there was no way he was going to compose himself in the next 15 seconds handed the phone over. “Just don’t make me sound, I dunno like you.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence man. What would you do without me?” Richie said and took a breath before answering.

Melissa watched each agonizing second that Angela held the phone in her hand without saying anything. Suddenly her eyes lit up and Melissa held her breath.

In both living rooms the scene was pretty identical. Two people having a phone call as someone else while the suddenly silent friend looked on anxiously. Both Jon and Melissa could hardly contain themselves, as they hoped their friends would play it cool and not embarrass them.

“Hey Melissa, how are you? You got my message I see?” Richie said, as Jon.

“Yes I did, and I was flattered that you called.” Angela answered, looking as though she would scream at any second. Please god don’t let her scream in his ear, Melissa thought.

“How is it that she can flirt with someone so easily? Is this someone that I should be concerned about?” Tommy whispered. His seemingly innocent question was answered with an angry punch and “Shhh!” from Melissa and an angry hand wave from Angela.

“Well its good to know that I haven’t lost my charm.”

“That is definitely something that I don’t think you’ll ever have to worry about.” Angela said and giggled. Oh great, I’m gonna lose her, Melissa thought.

“Good to know that someone out there has that sort of confidence in me. Anyway I just wanted to thank you again for this afternoon. I had a wonderful time.” Richie said as Jon watched him closely.

“Wait a second, buddy.” Angela said with a certain hint of skepticism in her voice.

“What was it something I said?” Richie said, and Jon shot him daggers.

“No its not what you said, its how you said it. Well kinda. I know my Jon’s voice and that’s not it!” Angela said, Melissa put her head in her hands, she couldn’t watch. And did she call him my Jon? Melissa felt Tommy’s hand on her back, as she shook her head.

“Um, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Richie racked his brain for an excuse. This wasn’t a problem he could remember ever facing before, how was he supposed to know she was a fan? Jon looked on in disbelief he’s barely been on the phone 45 seconds and he’s blowing it.

“Ok, I’m sorry it must have been a weird connection. Anyway you enjoyed your time in the Cardiac Wing today then?” Angela said determined to blow his cover, whoever he was. She knew the voice, just not sure from where.

“Yes I didn’t know how rewarding working with cardiac patients could be.” Richie said thinking he had dug himself out.

“Shit man, you’re done” Jon said, unable to believe what was unfolding in front of him.

“Ha, I knew it! And now I know that voice! Richie Sambora, right? And I think I hear Jon in the background, yes?” Angela said, and Melissa picked her head back up.

“Ok, you caught me. The truth is Jon was a little nervous about taking the call himself so he pawned it off to his trusty friend, to set him up.”

“Seriously?” Angela said laughing.

“Yeah what’s so funny? Evidentially this dating thing has him acting like a fish out of water.” Richie said as he took a punch in the arm.

“You’re never gonna believe this but I’m not Melissa. She did the same thing to me over here. I’m Angela, nice to meet you.”

Richie laughed aloud, and took another hit to his arm. “Ow man stop hitting me! This is gonna be a good story just let me take care of this for you. Now Miss Angela I think we have some business to attend to. It seems that my friend here would like to take your friend out on a date, what does your side say to that?”

“First, tell him not to hit you, you’re far to pretty to risk hurting. And it better not be your arms, god forbid anything happens to them!”

“Well thank you darling! I appreciate the sentiment, but he’s not too happy since his or well my cover’s blown so I may be a casualty.” Angela let out a little whimper when he said “darling”, and Richie laughed at the response.

“Angela! Control yourself. Please.” Melissa said as she threw a pillow at her.

“Looks like we both may be casualties tonight. But that’s what I call loyalty. Anyway my side accepts your side’s offer. Any ideas?”

“Not a clue. We could do something mean and send them to McDonalds or something like that for the abuse were taking here.” Richie said.

“Damn it Rich that’s not funny. Give me the phone.” Jon said afraid that his chance was lost. His half of the conversation wasn’t exactly sounding promising.

“No man, you wanted me to do this, trust me.” Richie said with a grin.

“Ooh I think I’ve got it.” Angela said as an idea came to mind. “Is Jon around next week? And is usually the romantic type, because I can totally set him up.”

“I think he’s around, if not I can make him available. I’m not too sure how romantic he is, he could probably use some help. What were you thinking?” Richie said, intrigued as to what she came up with.

“Well I just happened to know, by chance of course, that you have a house down the shore. Right?” Angela asked.

“Angela don’t sound like a stalker!” Melissa shrieked. That was it. Now I’m done. Melissa got waved at and her best friend mouthed a simple ‘Trust me.’

“I’m gonna pretend that you know that from a story that I told at a concert. But yes continue.”

“We’ll next week we’re going down the shore, and we always stay in Point Pleasant. So how about one night they go out to dinner and then a nice walk on the beach?”

“Ok I’m going to pretend that my last response was ‘Yeah I’ve got a place in Point Pleasant’. But other than that it sounds great. What days are you gonna be down there?”

“We’re gonna get down there Tuesday after work, and come home Saturday, hopefully against the shore traffic. Does that work?”

“Yup how about we make it Wednesday, so if they hit it off they have time to see where things go?” Jon rolled his eyes at his friend and hit him again. “Watch it man you’re not supposed to hit my arms. That’s what the beautiful woman told me at least.”

Angela let out another moan at the last sentence floated through her ear. “Sound perfect! Should we let them pick the time and place? Or should we just totally do everything?”

“Nah we’ll make them work for it, but if he doesn’t tell you by Sunday any other information give me a call. You got a pen I’ll give you my number just in case.”

“Oh my god, Tommy I need a friggin’ pen.” Tommy grabbed a pen off the table and held it up. “Give it to me now or I swear to god, you don’t want to know.” Tommy got up and handed it to her.

“It’s ok me and my number aren’t going anywhere. Let me know when she hands over the hostage”

“Ok I’m ready,” Angela said as she grabbed a piece of paper.

“Ok its 732-403-0385.” Richie said slowly so she could write it down, and she repeated it back to him. “Perfect, what would they do without us?”

“You know, I really don’t know. I should run away sometime and see what happens.” Angela said smiling as she saw that she had written his number on a list on Bon Jovi related movies they were taking down the shore with them.

“It was a pleasure Angela working with you.”

“Same here, Richie. You have no idea.”

Richie smiled at the compliment. “You know we worked hard for our friends tonight, how about Johnny treats us to dinner Wednesday?”

“God man you’re incorrigible. You’re getting me a date, not the other way around. Say goodnight Richie” Jon said as he reached for the phone.

“No tell Jon that’s ok.” Angela said as she collapsed into the nearest piece of furniture, at the thought.

“Dude back up, she said yes.” Richie said pleased with himself.

“Actually, I hate to burst you’re bubble, but I didn’t say yes. I’m flattered really, but my husband may have something to say about that.” Angela said.

“Finally you remembered me,” Tommy said as Melissa hit him with another, “shh”.

“Oh Tommy shut up, or I may just run away with him.” Angela said jokingly.

“So I ask you out to dinner, and you decide we’re running away together? Hey there was no harm in asking.” Richie said nonchalantly.

“I’m flattered beyond belief, but I am a taken woman. And as much as I hate to say this, I should probably go, before Melissa’s head explodes.” Angela said and Melissa let out a sigh of relief.

“I should probably do the same, before Jon rips my arm off and he has to find a new guitarist. Once again it was a delight doing business with you. Have a wonderful night darling.” Richie said as he heard her groan again.

“Night!” Angela said as she hung up the phone. She got up off of the chair she had landed in and dove on her best friend on the couch. “You so owe me!”

“Oh my god, so you really did it? I’m going out with Jon Bon Jovi?” Melissa asked, hardly able to believe the words that were coming out of her mouth.

“Absolutely! And you’re never gonna believe why I was talking to Richie Sambora.” Angela said, and she began to recount the conversation she had. Tommy had left after five minutes, not needing to hear every detail. When she had finished Melissa gave her a huge hug.

“I can’t believe I’m actually going to do this!” Melissa exclaimed with a smile that could rival the size of Jon’s on a concert night. “There’s so much we have to do!”

“We’ll start with shopping of course!” Angela said almost as excited as Melissa.

“Melissa what are you still doing here?” Tommy said as he came out from the bedroom, changed for bed.

“What are you kicking me out?” Melissa teased.

“You can stay as long as you want, as long as you stop screaming. But it’s after midnight.” Tommy said with a yawn.

The girls looked over at the clock, 12:18. “Wow, I can’t believe its that late already! Time flies when there are rock stars involved. I better go.” Melissa said standing and getting her purse. “We’ll finish our plans on our way to work tomorrow.”

“Mel you know you don’t have to go, why don’t you stay the night it’s late. And you don’t have a car remember?” Angela said.

“Nah I’m fine, I’m two blocks away. And I should go home I haven’t been home since this morning and Frank, Dean, and Sammy haven’t been fed yet.” Melissa said feeling guilty about not feeding her cats before she came over. “I’ll be fine really. I’ll text you when I get home, promise. Don’t I always?”

“No, I’ll drive you. I don’t want you walking this late. Come on get your stuff, I’ll get the keys.” Tommy said and he went in the kitchen to find his wife’s purse.

“You’ve got a keeper you know that right?” Melissa said to Angela as she gathered her stuff. There was no sense in arguing with Tommy, she would give in eventually.

Tommy reappeared with the keys and her purse. “Got everything?” he asked.

“Looks like it. Thanks again for everything Angela. I mean it. I’ll see you in the morning.” Melissa said giving her friend a hug.

She followed Tommy out the door and to the car. They drove the two quick blocks in near silence, because they were both tired, and Melissa was lost in her thoughts. As he pulled in front of her apartment building and parked, Melissa leaned over to give him a hug. “Thanks Tommy you’re the best.” He nodded and mumbled goodnight through a yawn and he watched her get safely into her building. When she reached her apartment, she sent out her customary text to Angela that she had arrived safely. She wasn’t home more than five minutes before she fell asleep on her bed, still in her clothes with her cats scattered around her.

In Red Bank, Richie handed Jon his phone and declared, “You’ve got a date, pour me another glass of wine.” Richie sat down and took the glass and recounted his story. When all was said the two men had finished their third bottle of wine and decided to call it a night. And a successful one at that. At the top of the stairs Richie turned to the left to head to his room.

Before Jon made his way to the right, he turned to his friend. “Hey Rich thanks for everything tonight.”

“No problem man, that’s what I’m here for. You took care of me for the last 5 years or so, and now I’m paying you back.” Richie said with a smile. Jon gave him a hug before turning to go to bed.

On his way down the hall he stopped as he passed his daughter’s room to look inside. She had kicked off her blanket and Jon went over to cover her back up. He smiled at his daughter and whispered, “I love you Stephie.” He stood and watched her sleep in peace for a minute before turning to go to his own room. He picked up the note from his daughter from his bed and placed it on his night table, before he changed and got into bed. Within minutes he was asleep, feeling not as alone as he had the past few weeks with his daughter and brother here with him.