Chapter 36

A few hours later Richie was woken by a vibrating cell phone that his legs were resting on. Taking a minute to look around he saw Melissa was curled up next to him, his shirt showed evidence of the tears she had shed and his efforts to comfort her. Answering the phone in a daze he grumbled a low “yeah” not wanting to wake Melissa.

“What do you mean ‘yeah’? Who is this? Where is Melissa,” a voice said on the other end of the phone.

“Angela,” Richie asked.

“Of course its Angela! Who were you expecting? Now who is this and where is Melissa,” she answered in a near panic.

“Calm down, Ang, its Richie. Melissa’s here with me but she’s asleep. I guess we fell asleep, what time is it,” Richie answered careful to keep his voice down.

“It’s after nine! Do you know how worried I was when she wasn’t in her bed? She left like eight hours ago and I haven’t heard from her, I of course thought the worse. She’s ok though,” Angela asked.

“Yeah she’s fine. We did a lot of talking last night. She’s asleep do you want me to wake her and walk her back to her room or let her sleep,” Richie asked.

“It doesn’t matter to me, at least I know she’s safe,” Angela said. “And Richie thanks for taking care of her last night. I know she was upset.”

“It was my pleasure, whatever I can do to help a friend,” Richie said as Melissa began to stretch in her sleep. “I think she’s waking up, I’ll see you in a little while.”

“Thanks Richie,” Angela said and hung up.

“Melissa,” Richie whispered in her ear. “Mel are you awake?”

“Richie,” Melissa asked in a grumble.

“Yeah darlin’ it’s me. We fell asleep and a very worried Angela just called to check on you. Sounds like you missed curfew,” Richie teased.

Melissa smiled, “Yup that sounds like Angela. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you,” Melissa said sitting up and leaving the warmth of his chest.

“Not problem at all. Can I get you something before you leave,” Richie offered standing from the couch.

“Absolutely not. You gave me everything I needed last night,” Melissa said smiling brightly.

“That’s what I like to hear, another satisfied customer,” Richie said offering her his hand as she stood. “Let me get you back to your room before we get grounded or something.”

Melissa grabbed her key from the table and Richie handed her, her phone and she headed for the door with Richie right behind her. She stopped out side her door to thank him again. “You have no idea how much I appreciate you listening.”

“I’d say it was my pleasure, but that would sound kinda weird you know? But I’d do it again in a heartbeat if you needed me to listen. That’s what friends do silly,” Richie said giving her a hug.

The door opened in dramatic fashion and a frazzled Angela was standing there watching the two hug. “Oh sure hug it out. You gave me a friggin’ heart attack you know that! Do you know how quick worst case scenarios can run through a person’s mind? I woke up and I was mad because I didn’t mean to fall asleep, but then I saw your empty room. I don’t think I should have kids if they do this to you.”

“I think that’s my cue to leave,” Richie said. “I’ll see you two later,” he said giving Melissa a kiss on the forehead before leaving them.

“Sorry mom I didn’t mean to worry you,” Melissa said stepping into their room.

“Don’t give me that! You would’ve worried too, and you know it. What happened,” Angela asked.

“Nothing we were just talking for a long while and then we must’ve fallen asleep,” Melissa said. “I have to go talk to Jon, I’m just gonna change quick. Is that coffee I smell?”

“Yes its coffee, do you think I could properly worry about you without a little caffeine in me? Am I getting any details,” Angela asked.

“Nope, not now at least. But you can pour me a cup of coffee, if you don’t mind,” Melissa said walking to her room.

Angela entered her room a few minutes later, coffee mugs in hand and sat on the edge of Melissa’s bed. Melissa was already changed into jeans and a tee shirt and was working on her hair. “Can you at least tell me if we’re still mad at Jon,” Angela asked offering her one of the mugs.

“No, we’re not. I understand why he did it, thank god for Richie. I just need to talk it over with him,” Melissa said taking a long drink from her mug. “Ok I’m gonna go see if Jon’s around. I’ll see you later at lunch.”

“You know, I should lock you in this room and make you tell me everything. But I’ll take your word for now,” Angela said giving her a hug before making her way to the living room.

Melissa took one more look in the mirror before grabbing her purse and headed for the door. She walked down the hall and knocked on his door, and Steph quickly answered the door.

“Morning Melissa,” she said smiling.

“Morning,” Melissa answered brightly. “Is your dad around, I was hoping to catch him.”

“He’s in the shower, he should be out soon,” Steph said.

“Oh, ok, can you just tell him I stopped by,” Melissa asked.

“You can come in and wait for him, if you want,” Steph offered.

“If you don’t mind that would be great,” Melissa said.

“Not at all, I’m just catching up on some TV,” Steph said holding the door open for Melissa as she entered. “There’s some coffee on the table over there if you want some,” she said pointing.

“Perfect, I only had half a cup before I left,” Melissa said fixing herself a second cup. “Is there anything good on?”

“Not really. I’m flipping between The Nanny and old reruns of ER,” she called from the living room area.

“Sounds like an exciting morning,” Melissa said. “Not in the mood to check the news?”

“Dad had it on a little bit before, but there was a bunch of coverage from the show last night so I changed it when he left,” Steph said.

“Why don’t you check VH1, I think I heard Tommy talking about some marathon of I Love the New Millennium. That’s entertaining, if you haven’t seen it yet. It makes me feel old that the stuff I had in college has made it on one of those shows,” Melissa offered.

“Sure,” Steph said finding the right channel.

Melissa was explaining the ins and outs of “Napster” to a very confused Steph making Melissa feel way too old. “I don’t get it, why didn’t they just use itunes,” Steph asked.

“This was before itunes and ipods ever existed,” Melissa tried to explain.

“But then how did you listen to music,” Steph asked.

Melissa shook her head, “CD players, or if you wanna go way way back walkmans. There were no play lists, no touch screens. You put in a CD or tape and it just played the 10 or so tracks in order for you.”

“Weird,” Steph said listening to the end of the segment.

“Since we’re talking about music, why don’t we delve into what made 2000 its own. We had more than a variety of artists for the year,” the announcer began as artists flashed across the screen as they were mentioned in high speed. “In the top 20 alone we had two feuding boy bands, Britney and Christina before they were mothers also known as ‘pop princesses,’ Beyonce and her group-also known as Destiny’s Child, the Dixie Chicks and Faith Hill, before country was cool, the Beatles thirty years after their last CD, Eminem offending every people group on the planet, Limp Bizkit before front man Fred Durst went to jail, the Thong Song was released and Sisqó was worshipped by men around the world. Who else made the top 20? Stick around to find out, but first what band has stood the test of time and ended the year with a number one single nearly 20 years after their first?”

The voiceover ended and the chorus of It’s My Life poured out of the TV. Melissa instinctively hummed along, as Steph huffed and changed the channel before the voiceover could continue. She flipped back to The Nanny, and rolled her eyes.

“I bet that gets pretty weird, huh,” Melissa offered.

“Yeah, sometimes it’s like nothing’s safe. I was just watching Gilmore Girls the other day and they start singing Livin’ on a Prayer in the background. I mean really, Gilmore Girls? It’s just like sometimes I want him to just be dad that nobody knows, so I can turn on the TV and not see him anywhere or go to the store and not find him on any magazines. But it’s not like there aren’t perks to being Jon Bon Jovi’s daughter. Reservations and concert tickets are much easier to come by and its not like I know any different. The weirdest thing may be that people think that he’s perfect,” Steph said.

“I couldn’t even imagine seeing my dad on the TV all the time. It would be a little unnerving to see women throwing themselves at him too I guess,” Melissa said thinking.

“Well we were never anywhere where we could see the full extent of it, even when we were at shows. But I mean we do have computers. It’s amazing the stuff you can find on youtube. I mean I don’t sit on the computer and just look stuff up, but sometimes I get a little curious as to what the fuss is about and the stuff you can find is crazy,” Steph said. “It must be weird to see other women going gaga for your boyfriend too.”

“You know I thought it may be weird, but its not. I love seeing him in rock star mode, so it’s kinda like he’s a different person. Its kinda different when it’s your dad though I guess,” Melissa answered.

“Steph, I can be ready to go in like 10 minutes,” Jon said from behind them but he stopped when Melissa and Steph turned to look at him.

Fresh from a shower, Jon had only a towel around his waist and another in his hand as he tried to dry his hair. Melissa’s heart almost stopped as she examined the nearly naked Jon Bon Jovi in front of her. His abs and arms nearly glistened from the water, and his highly coveted chest hair was darker than usual with the water. Melissa sat nearly gawking at him, her mouth hanging open slightly, until Steph whispered in her ear. “He’s not perfect I promise. You probably think he’s looking pretty good now, but you should see him when he’s sick and coughing and sneezing up a storm, ick!”

Melissa couldn’t help but laugh, “I can’t believe you just said that.”

“Said what? I don’t think I like you two having secrets,” Jon said finishing his hair.

“My lips are sealed,” Melissa said standing and walking over towards him as Steph rolled her eyes.

“I’d give you a hug, but I don’t want to get you all wet,” Jon said giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“You guys have plans? I was hoping to talk to you this morning,” Melissa said.

“Steph asked me if we could go look at some exhibit at the museum next door,” Jon said.

“Oh no, you two go ahead. I’ll ask Cara if she’ll go with me. I know you would’ve walked around moaning and groaning like you did when we went to the Met. I was just looking for something to do so we weren’t stuck in the room until lunch,” Steph said.

“I wasn’t that bad,” Jon said defending himself.

“Are you kidding? I think Romeo would’ve been a better partner,” Steph said smiling.

Jon grabbed his chest as though he had been shot. “That hurts, Steph, Ro’s four.”

“Sorry dad, the truth hurts,” Steph said. “Perfect Cara said she’ll be over in a couple of minutes. And besides The Chronicles of Narnia sounds like something she may enjoy more than you.”

“Ok then, it sounds like much to Steph’s relief I’m all yours. Just let me get dressed quick,” Jon said and turned towards his room.

Melissa and Steph talked a little more about Jon, and more specifically all the “annoying dad stuff” he did. Melissa enjoyed getting to know his daughter and was disappointed when there was a knock at the door a few minutes later and Cara was waiting with one of the security guards from last night.

“Dad, Cara’s here. I’m leaving,” Steph called.

“One sec, Steph,” Jon called and appeared in the entryway seconds later. “Perfect timing. Now do you have your cell phone? That was a stupid question of course you have your cell, who am I talking to? Now be careful and stay with Michael and Cara, no wondering off.”

“I know, dad,” Steph said giving him a hug.

“I love you sweetie, have fun,” Jon said giving her an extra squeeze.

“I love you too, dad,” she answered.

“Thanks for taking her Cara, evidentially I’m not the museum type,” Jon said.

“Not a problem, Mr. B. We’ll see you in a few hours for lunch,” Cara said with her ever-present smile.

“Bye Melissa, I’ll see you later,” Steph said as she left with her mini entourage in tow.

“She’s a wonderful kid you know,” Melissa said. “I really like spending time with her, she lets me in on all your imperfections.”

“Don’t listen to a word of it,” Jon said teasing. “Now you said you wanted to talk?”

“Yeah, do you mind if we go for a walk? I think there’s a park a block or so from here, we passed it yesterday,” Melissa suggested.

“Sure, I think I know which one your talking about,” Jon said. “Just let me grab a hat and glasses.” On the table by the door was a small assortment of baseball caps and two pairs of sunglasses, there to aid him in his strive for anonymity.

“If it’s a big deal we can just stay in, I just thought some fresh air would be nice,” Melissa said not wanting to make him uncomfortable.

“Don’t be silly, fresh air sounds nice. People are usually pretty good here, but it’s not Jersey so I take this stuff just in case,” Jon said fully incognito, with an Adidas hat and a pair of sunglasses.

“No Soul hat,” Melissa asked.

“Are you kidding, if I did I should just wear a hat that says ‘Jon Bon Jovi,’” he said laughing. “If you saw a guy in a Soul hat, blond hair and sunglasses what would your first thought be?”

“You’ve got me there,” Melissa said knowing he was right.

“You got everything you need,” Jon asked grabbing the door.

“Yup, I’m ready,” Melissa said throwing her purse over her shoulder.

They walked hand in hand to the elevator, and made their way through the lobby and out the front doors. They walked in silence enjoying the cool fall day as Jon led them to a park down the road. They sat on a bench under a tree to keep themselves out of the flow of people traffic.

Jon turned to look at her before he spoke, “Now am I just such fantastic company or is there something in particular that you wanted to talk about?”

“I think we need to talk about us, especially after last night,” Melissa said remembering the pep talk that Richie had given her.