Chapter 15...two adds in one week...yay!!!

Hi to everyone still reading...above is a pic of Jon at Bamboozle...it's my favorite that I took that night (maybe-the shot of his butt that I got as he was walking away was good too) :) Here's the new add...enjoy!

The guys settled into the interview. Jon and Richie had gone through the questions with the guy from the television station, and then someone came rushing in around 1215 with a photograph in his hand. The gentleman looked at it. Knowing that it was in his contract to go over the questions with Jon and Richie first, he decided to show the picture to Jon and see if he knew anything about it.

“Jon,” the gentleman cleared his voice. “I do have one last minute piece of information I need to ask you. Did you realize your ex wife was in Italy right now with her new significant other?”

Richie swallowed, and knew that there was no way this guy could know Dot was here to be with him. She hadn’t even arrived at the hotel yet. The guys showed Jon and Richie the picture. Luckily the photographer only captured Dot getting into the car at the airport and not of Steph. Richie breathed a sigh of relief.

“Well, she told me she was taking a vacation with her new friend, and the kids are spending some quality time with my parents. I just didn’t realize he was taking to her Italy. Good for her, because I know that she loves coming here,” Jon said easily. “Maybe I’ll call her and send her and her new friend to tomorrow evening’s show. I do want to meet him before he meets my kids.”

Richie tried to relax, and the guy from the station told them he’d scrap that question, but decided to use the photo for when he was talking to Jon about the divorce.

Steph and Dot arrived at the hotel and Dot quickly went upstairs to her room to stay out of sight from anyone. Steph gave the rental car keys to the concierge to return for her and went upstairs to watch the guy’s interview.

Just then the hotel room phone rang. It was Dot.

“What’s up?” Steph said.

“Thought maybe you might want to stop down here and watch the interview with me. I know that there are most likely going to be questions about the divorce and probably you from what I heard he did at the show the other night.”

“Dot,” she said. “I know you think we should be friends, but honestly, I’d like to wait until this all blows over with Jon to even really try a friendship.”

“I know,” she said honestly, “And I respect that, but sometimes what the press says on live t.v., and how the guys react can be very daunting and I thought you might like moral support to watch it.”

She sighed, “Okay. I’ll be down in a minute.”

Steph grabbed her room key and went downstairs to Richie’s room and knocked. Thankfully, David, Tico and Hugh weren’t coming out of their rooms and didn’t spot her, as this interview was just with Jon and Richie, and not the whole band.

Dot opened the door and Steph heard the opening chords of “Living on a Prayer” coming out of the T.V. And then a camera panned across Jon and Richie.

The interviewer came across the screen and he welcomed Jon and Richie to the show, stating what an honor it was. There were pictures of Jon and Richie posted on a megatron and then one of Dot came up. The two women gasped.

“Is that from today?” Steph asked shakily.

“I think so,” she said. “Do you think that means Jon knows?”

“Well,” Steph replied thoughtfully, “I think that means that Jon knows you’re here in Italy. Thank god you can’t see me in the photo and that I returned the rental car or I’d have some serious explaining to do.”

“What if he calls me?”

“You never told him where you were going on vacation. It’s just a coincidence that you ended up here at the same time as the rest of us.”

“What if he wants to meet Richie?”

“Well, you can be honest, or at least tell a white lie. You can let him know that you’re planning on quality alone time with your man and your vacation and his tour isn’t the best time to meet him.”

“Ok,” Dot said, “I panicked for a moment there.”

The interview came back on after a quick commercial break.

The interviewer started with Jon. “Well, guys I figured before we get to talking about the major record breaking tour you gentlemen are on, I wanted to get these questions out of the way. Jon, it has recently come out that you were just divorced, and I hear there is already a special lady in your life. To clarify things, was this the reason for your split with Dorothea? From what the public knows of you, you’re not the type to cheat.”

Jon flashed his million dollar grin at the audience and then grew serious. “Well Adam, I’m glad you asked this question because I know that the other night I made a beautiful dedication to the new woman in my life, and I had a feeling people would want an answer for that. My marriage to Dorothea was over long before Steph came into my life. In fact Dorothea and I both agreed that we were over a long time ago, and would wait until we found significant others who made us happy before filing for divorce. We still care a great deal about each other, and have both found someone to move on with. It was Dorothea who found a wonderful man that makes her happy first, but adultery was nothing to do with the divorce. We just fell out of love with each other. Which happens. She’s very happy, and I’m very happy. We’re both happy for each other. She and I will always be friends. One more thing, Steph, I love you.”

“So folks,” Adam, the interviewer said. “I think it’s safe to say that Jon is still very much a one woman man. Richie, has the divorce affected you or the rest of the band at all?”

“Not at all,” Richie replied. “We’ve always had a family bond within our group, and we were all quick to include Dot in that part of the group. She’s still very much a member of our family and always will be. And Steph has quickly become a sister to the rest of us. The two women have met before Jon and Steph got together, and from knowing them both so well, I am confident that they will both be friends.”

“Ok,” Adam said, “Now that we’ve established all of this, we can get into the tour and the actual questions about the music. I think your fans want to hear more of that than anything else, but I know that there are some out there that want to hear about the personal stuff, so I apologize to you both for having to ask those questions.

Jon just laughed, “You’re just doing your job.” He grinned. “We all have jobs to do.”

The interview went on and questions were asked about the tour and the great success of it

Steph looked at Dot. “That went well.”

“Yeah,” Dot replied. “The guys have been doing this for years. So they know what they’re doing for the personal questions.”

“Well,” Steph said, “I’ve got to get going. The interview should be over soon and I have some stuff I’m working on for tonight with Jon. Sort of a special surprise for him for after the show.”

Dot smiled. “I know you wanted to wait on being friends, but seriously, if you ever need anything, I’m just a phone call away. This is a tough life to adjust to.”

“Thanks, Dot,” she said. “But I’m feeling pretty adjusted to them already.”

“Ok,” she said. “I’ll see you later.”

Steph left and got back upstairs and ran into David in the hallway.

“Where have you been all day? You missed the interview where Jon announced to the world that he loves you,” David asked. “Tico and I were looking for you and thought that maybe you might want to watch with us.”

“I’m sorry you Lemma,” she said. “I just got back from running errands. I found a cute little restaurant that had the interview on so I watched that part there.” The lie was just too easy for her.

“Oh,” he said. “Did you see the picture of Dot? It looks like she’s at the airport right here in Rome. Do you think she’s here or is that an old photo?”

“I don’t know,” she said. “I know she was going on a vacation, but Jon didn’t think to ask her where she was going.”

“How funny would it be if she were in Italy? Although we only have tonight and tomorrow night and she’s probably only here for a few weeks.”

“Probably,” Steph said, “Listen, David, I’ve got some stuff to do. I’m sort of arranging a special surprise for Jon for after the show tonight. I know they’re not coming back here when they’re done at the television studio, but maybe you can help me with some stuff. I need to leave the show early tonight. After Jon’s break, and before the encore. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can make that happen since he prefers having me around?”

“Well, you can say you don’t feel well,” David said. “That usually worked when the ex wives didn’t were tired of watching our concerts. Of course, usually we’d go out for drinks or something and pass out in someone else’s room after the show so not to disturb our women.”

“I definitely want him to come back tonight,” she said, “How about saying I have a headache?”

“That will work. Let him know you’re going back here to take some Advil and lie down and that it would be great if he could join you when he gets back.”

“Good plan,” she said. “Thanks Lemma!”

“Anytime sunshine!” he said, heading back to his room. “Are you riding with us to the venue?”

“Yeah,” she said, “I’ll be downstairs in about an hour or so.”

“Sweet,” he said.

She got back to her room and her phone beeped. She looked at it and saw a text from Jon.

“I love you,” he wrote.

“I love you too,” she said.

“Can you do me a favor? I know Dot is in Italy. Can you call her for me? I want to send her and her new friend tickets for tomorrow night’s show. I thought it would be a good time to meet him. See what’s she’s up to.”

“Ok,” she said.

“Let me know what she says when you get here,” Jon said. “I’ll see you in an hour. I love you.”

“I love you too,” she wrote back.

She arrived at the venue with the rest of the guys a little while later, and Jon ran up to her and twirled her around, and pulled her in for a kiss.

“I missed you too,” she said laughing when he finally broke the kiss.

“A day apart from you is no fun,” he said.

“Tell me about it,” she said. “Oh I talked with Dot.” They were all sitting down.

“What did she say?” Richie asked.

“Well as much as she would love to see you guys for billionth time, she would appreciate some alone time with her man, and Jon you’re very busy with the rest of the tour and press stuff, and we’re only here for really a day and a half more; she thinks that she’ll wait until we’re all back in the states.”

Richie laughed. “She said the same thing I told you she’d say Kidd.”

“Sometimes I think you know my ex wife better than I do Rich,” Jon said with a grin. Steph nearly choked on her celery stick she was munching on. “You alright baby?”

She swallowed, “Yeah, I’m fine. Just went down the wrong pipe.”

“I guess it makes sense for the tour to end and her vacation to end before I meet this guy. It was just a thought.”

“It was a good thought too honey,” Steph said reassuring him. “It’s just that the timing was bad.”

Sound check went by without a hitch and soon it was time for the show again. She listened from back stage that night instead sitting on the sidelines like she had been doing. When it was time for Jon to break, and Richie to do his solo thing, he came running back to find her laying on the couch in his dressing room. She sat up and handed him bottle of water and a towel.

“You ok baby?” he asked come over to her on the couch.

“I’m fine,” she said, “Just a bit of a headache.”

“Why don’t you go back to the hotel? Take some Advil or Aspirin and lie down. I’ll come back as soon as the show is over,” He bent down and kissed her quickly, before he had to change.

“Are you sure? I’ve already let the driver know where to be right after the show, and gave him a half hour window.”

“Yeah, baby,” he said. “Hopefully you’ll be feeling better when I get back and we can watch a movie or something.”

“That sounds good,” she said, standing up.

“Here, I’ll walk you out,” he said, “Richie is still playing and he’ll do a long solo for an intro while I shower and change quick.”

“No,” she said leaning in for a kiss. “I’ll be fine. You go and get back to work. I’ll see you back at the hotel.”

“Ok,” he said. “If you need anything, text me, I’ll have my cell on vibrate in my pocket.”

“I’ll be fine. You only have about an hour left of concert and then a half hour to shower change and get back to the hotel. It’s just a little headache. I’ll see you when you get back. I love you.”

“I love you too baby,” he said. “Feel better.”

“I’ll be fine once the Advil kicks in,” she smiled, “So plan on coming back for a movie night.”

“I will,” he said, and they heard the opening chords of Always playing, so Jon knew he had to run back out and onto the circle. “I love you!”

“Go!” She said. “Richie can’t stall forever. I love you too.”

“Wait,” he said and pulled her into a lingering kiss, “Now I can go.”

She smiled and watched him run back towards the stage. Then she thought of their romantic evening she was planning and headed towards the door. She ran into Paul.

“Hey Stephanie!” Paul said. “Are you leaving?”

“Yup, planning a romantic surprise for the boss. There should be a car out there for me.”

Paul opened the door and there was a black town car waiting. He walked over to check, and came back.

“You’re clear. You know I have to make sure nothing happens to you. The boss will kill me if that happens.”

She laughed. “See you tomorrow Paul. Thanks!”

She got back to the hotel in about 10 minutes.  She ran upstairs and dialed a number and placed an order and they told her it would be about an hour. She knew that food would be awesome. Her next call was to room service, she ordered a bottle of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and whipped cream. Next, she went and got the rose petals and candles she had picked up. She gently spread the soft petals out on the bed, and then she lit a few candles around the room, and dimmed all of the lights, and turned on some soft music. Room service arrived next and she had them set up the champagne, and strawberries  by the little bar in the room. Next she got a call from other order and she ran downstairs. She saw the delivery driver and took the box and opened it.

“Perfect,” she said, “Louie is the best concierge ever.” She tipped the delivery driver and ran back upstairs. She had asked around where to find a good pizza pie that was similar to those in America and the concierge that morning knew just the place. She was thrilled with the smell of the pizza. She set that up on the table along with two glasses of champagne. Just then her phone rang. She looked at the caller id. It was Jon, and she still had to change.

“Hey baby,” she said turning down the music.

“Hey beautiful,” he said. “Feeling better?”

“Much,” she replied. “Are you on your way back?”

“We’re leaving here in about 5 minutes so we’ll be back in 20 minutes.”

“Ok,” she said airily. “I’ll see you when you get here. Love ya. Bye.” She hung up the phone, and smiled and went to get changed.”

Jon just looked puzzled, and looked at the guys. “She just gave me the brush off. You don’t think she’s tired of me already to you guys?”

Richie laughed. “Trust me Kidd. The girl is not tired of you. She had a headache earlier. She probably just didn’t want to be on the phone.”

“You’re probably right,” he said thoughtfully. “I’ll feel better when we get back to the hotel, and I see her smiling face.”

Jon was feeling anxious and asked the driver to hurry.

Steph hurriedly changed. The set was a pretty pale blue teddy with a matching satin robe, which she put on and tied around her waist. She closed the robe tight so he couldn’t see the teddy, and put on a little bit of lip gloss, and brushed her hair. She quickly grabbed the privacy sign and scribbled,  “Please knock before entering the room. Your surprise awaits.”  She kissed it so her lip gloss left lip prints and hung it outside the door to the suite. He was going to love this, and she couldn’t wait to see the look on his face.

About 5 minutes later the car pulled up in front of the hotel. Jon and Richie both jumped out in a hurry, and quickly said good night to the rest of the guys. The two men practically ran into the hotel. Just before getting on the elevator Jon stopped dead in his tracks at a familiar figure headed to the elevator.

Chapter 14...finally

Hey everyone, thanks for being patient while I was very busy with school this semester. I have started writing again. Below is a photo (not of Jon this time), but still a good one. I went to an after party at the Stone Pony Sunday night after Bamboozle and look who I met! It was awesome...I know the pic is a little grainy, am downloading photoshop and hoping to fix that. Enjoy, and please...I love feedback! :) Anyway, here is the new add. Enjoy!

Steph was the first of the two to pull away. “Actually,” she said, thinking of her romantic plans, “I think we should wait until we have all night ahead of us.”

Jon grinned at her. “All night, huh? You will definitely be wearing me out, my little one.” He pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “But you’ll definitely be worth it.”

Steph pulled back and got out of bed. “Come on,” she said walking over to the dresser and pulling out some clothes. “You promised you’d show me Rome.”

“But I thought we were going spend the afternoon right here,” he said with a pout from the bed.

“Very funny,” she said getting dressed and he pouted some more, and then broke into a grin. “Actually, I did arrange for a tour of the sights today.”

She tossed her hair back and ran a brush through it. He got out of bed and did the same. He put on his baseball hat and sunglasses and they both brushed their teeth and they were out the door.

They walked around Rome and he showed her the sights. He took her on a private tour of the Coliseum, and a private tour of the Vatican, and the Sistine Chapel. They stopped for lunch along the way and she had real Italian pizza and gelato. 

“I’ve got to say,” she said licking her chocolate gelato, “The pizza here is not as good as pizza in America.”

“Definitely not. Here is very hard to find good pizza like what we have. I think pizza is an Americanized Italian dish.”

She laughed. “I miss real pizza.”

“Me too.”

While they were walking she had seen a little square with lots of little quaint shops.

“Can we go here?” she asked.

“You can go wherever you’d like my little one,” he said, putting an arm around her.

“Yay!” she said. They walked in and she looked different shops. Sure enough there was a small lingerie shop. She made a mental note to go there in during her shopping excursion.

He saw a little jewelry shop. “Come in here with me.”

“Okay,” she said, and they walked in the store. Jon was looking at necklaces . “What do you think of this one?”

He pointed at a beautiful necklace on a gold pendant with a beautiful heart shaped charm. Inside the embedded in the heart in a blue stone was the superman symbol.

“Jon, this is beautiful,” she said, “But probably way too much money. You don’t need to buy me a gift.”

“I want to. Is it so wrong to spoil the woman I love?”

“Can’t this wait until we’re celebrating an anniversary or something?”

“It kind of is,” Jon said. “You came into my life 2 months ago, tomorrow. You were feisty and I knew I wanted you from the moment I saw you.”

“Aww,” she said. “You’re sweet, but really it’s too much.”

He looked at the sales person. “We’ll take it.” He took the necklace from the sales person, and opened it and put it around her neck. “That looks perfect there.”

“Thank you,” she said. “It’s still too much, but I do love it. And I love you.”

“I love you too,” he said taking her into a kiss.

They got back to the hotel that evening and went to dinner with the guys. Soon after, Steph was yawning next to Jon. It had been a long day and she was exhausted.

“Guys,” Jon said, “I think it’s time me and this lady hit the hay. What do you say babe?”

“Definitely,” she said “Sleep is good and you have to be up early tomorrow.”

Richie looked at Steph. “Mind if I borrow your girl for five minutes Jon? Just some shop talk.”

Jon smiled, “Go right ahead. I’ll see you upstairs beautiful.” He yawned. “I’ll probably be sleeping when you come up.”

“I won’t wake you,” she said.

“You can if you want to,” he teased with a grin, and leaned over and kissed her.

“Good night baby,” she said smiling at him.

He got on the elevator and went upstairs leaving her and Richie to talk.

“So Dot’s plane gets in at 11:30 tomorrow,”

“That’s fine,” she said. “I have to be at the venue by3 and you guys will be tied up in interviews most of the day.”

“Good. Thank you for picking her up,” Richie said. “Here are her room keys. I checked her in to the adjoining room next to mine under a different name while you guys are out today. The connecting doors will remain open so she can come and go from my room.”

She sighed, “I really wish you would tell Jon. This is just asking for you to get caught.”

“I know it’s risky, but it’s to be with the woman I love. If you and Jon had to keep your relationship quiet, and couldn’t really see each other, wouldn’t you try anything risky to be with him?”

“I suppose,” she said, “But even if we did, what we’re doing doesn’t have potential to destroy a nearly lifelong friendship. What does she think about telling him?”

“She thinks we need to tell him too. You women seriously don’t get it. The blow will come a lot better when we’re not all under the stress of touring.”

“Be careful Rich. Be very careful. He may be happy with me, but that doesn’t mean he won’t feel betrayed when all this comes out. I see a bumpy road for me and him in the very near future, and I really don’t want to lose him.”

“You won’t,” Richie said calmly. “He’s crazy about you. He’s going to pissed at me, but he’s absolutely head over heels for you.”

“I hope you’re right, Rich.”

“So what are your plans for tomorrow night?” he asked changing the subject.

“I’m not staying for the whole show. I plan on leaving after his break. I want to have everything set up perfect when he gets back with candles, rose petals, room service, and any other romantic thing I can think of.”

“Sweet,” he said. “Just remember, he’s getting old, so he can’t go all night. He needs to be able to function properly on Thursday.”

She laughed. “I’m not a crazed sex maniac.”

“You think he isn’t?” Richie teased.

“I think on that note I’m going to bed. Good night Richie,” she said smiling.

“Goodnight Steph. Thanks again.”

She got upstairs and found Jon sound asleep hugging her pillow and she smiled at the sight of him. She changed into pajamas and crawled into the bed with him, careful not to wake him. He only stirred slightly, just enough to remove his arm from her pillow and wrap it around her instead. She was asleep not too long after that.

The next morning, the alarm went off at 8 a.m., and she woke right up. It was going to be a long day. She sat up in bed, and Jon opened his eyes.

“Baby,” he pouted at her. “Don’t we have time for a little more sleep?”

“I thought you don’t sleep much when you travel,” she said.

“I can’t help it. With you, I sleep like a baby. You have a great effect on my sleeping habits.”

“Well,” she said, “We don’t have time for that today. You and Richie need to be out this door by 9:30, and then I have things to do. But first you have to have breakfast, and get showered and all sexy since it is a TV interview today.”

“Fine,” he said. “You win today. At least we don’t have anything other than the show on the schedule for tomorrow night. We can stay in bed until noon tomorrow.”

“That we can,” she said smiling. “Although, I much prefer you like this, but I think you should get in the shower.”

“See,” he said, “I’m sexy without the clothes, and hair being done.”

“Yes you are,” she said as he stood up wearing nothing but the boxers he slept in the night before, “But if you show up for an interview like that, the women in the television studio will definitely rush the stage, and start a riot.”

He grinned, and walked over to her and gave her a long slow kiss that made her insides melt. He always had that effect on her. He broke the kiss and looked at her. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” she said. “Now shower. I’ll order breakfast.”

“I’m going,” he said, walking into the bathroom, and then turning around with a grin at her “Can I get you to join me?”

“Not now, sweety,” she said. “Too much to be done.” She called room service and ordered breakfast, and then called to confirm everything at the television studio.

Just then there was a knock on the door, and she opened it to Richie standing there.

“You’re here wicked early. I thought I told you not until 9 so you and Jon could go over last minute details for today.”

“Sorry, I was up, showered, dressed and had breakfast bright and early, so I thought I’d see if Jon was ready,” Richie said cheerily, “But I can hear the shower running, so I guess he’s not.”

“You’re welcome to hang around and wait for him. Our breakfast should be here any minute,” she said. Just then she heard the water shut off, and she gathered his dark blue jeans and t-shirt and walked into the bathroom. He was drying off with the towel, and nothing was covered up. He grinned when he saw her.

“I knew you would end up in here with me,” he said walking over to her and pressing his lips against hers.

She kissed him back, and then pulled away and handed him his clothes. “I thought you might want these. Richie’s here a little early, and I didn’t think he’d want to see you come strutting out of the bathroom stark naked.”

He laughed and kissed her again. “Definitely not.” She left the room and he got dressed, and came out barefoot with wet hair, and found that breakfast had arrived.

“Perfect,” he said reaching for some coffee, “I’m starved.”

She quickly ate her omelet, and drank her tea, and got up. “Boys, I’ll leave you two to talk shop. I’m going to get in the shower. I have some errands to run this morning.”

“Right,” Jon said. “Do these errands have to do with my surprise?” he was grinning, hoping to get it out of her.

“Maybe,” she said, reaching into the closet and grabbing a pair of jeans and a tank top and sandals to wear for the day.

“I can’t get it out of you?” he stood up and snaked his arms around her.

“Nope,” she replied. “I will not cave.”

“Rich,” he said. “Do you know what my surprise is?”

“No man,” he said trying to keep a straight face, “But surprises women plan are always better than what we do for them. They’re just more detail oriented than us, so enjoy it. Whatever it is.”

She laughed. “Ok, I’m going to shower now.” She spun on her heels and went into the bathroom, leaving the two men to talk about the interview and maybe squeeze in some time to discuss the evening set list.

Jon knew this interview would be kind of tough. He was going to be grilled about the divorce.

“You know man,” Richie said, “I bet you this guy asks if she’s the reason for the divorce.”

“I know,” Jon said. “I did dedicate a whole slew of songs to her during the show the other night. My plan is to tell them the truth: that she and I only met two months ago, and that the marriage was long since over before that, and that Dot and I just didn’t make it official until recently. I’ll also let these guys know that Dot and I both have significant others that we’re happy with.”

“Those are good points to be made,” he said.

“Yeah, I’m not worried. I knew the press would have a field day with this, but I don’t care. Let them. I’m happy. Dot’s happy. That’s all that matters.”

The interview wasn’t until 1230, but they had to be there early for it, so the wardrobe people could go through some stuff. And it was a live interview, so Jon wanted to go over some things with the interviewer so that they weren’t surprised by any of the questions that were asked.

Steph came out of the shower dressed and hair brushed. It was still wet, but that was fine because it was another beautiful day outside. The sun would dry it.

Jon walked up to her. “Hey gorgeous.”

“Hi handsome,” she said reaching her arms up around his neck and pulling him close for a quick kiss.

“You two are so in love,” Richie said. “It’s almost sickening.

Jon laughed. “I don’t want to hear it man. If your mystery woman were here, we’d only see you for gigs and whatever press interviews we have. I’ve seen the look you get when you’re texting your woman. I know she makes you just as happy as Steph makes me. I just wish we could get some details on this girl, like a name, what she does for a living. I’d hate to see you get hurt by her bro.”

“Not gonna happen,” Richie said. “She would never hurt me. I know that.”

“Ok,” Jon said. “You have always had a good judge of these things. I guess that will do until I get to meet her.”

Steph looked at her watch. “Boys, the car should be downstairs any minute.”

“I think that’s the lady’s way of saying, ‘get the hell out of here,’” Richie joked. He gave Steph a quick hug and peck on the cheek. “Thanks for making sure both of us are on time darlin’.” That was his way of thanking her for going to the airport and she knew it.

“You’re welcome Rich,” she said and Jon came over and gave her a big kiss.

“I love you,” he said.

“Mmm,” she said breaking away, “I love you too. I’ll miss you today.”

“I’ll see you this afternoon?” he asked and gently kissed her nose.

“Of course,” she said. “I should be there around 3.”

“Good.” He said giving her another kiss on the lips. “Love you.”

“Love you more!” she said. “Now go.”

The guys left the room and she finished getting ready shortly there after, and grabbed her purse and left. She had enough time to get to the little lingerie shop before picking up Dot at the airport, so she went downstairs to the lobby, and spoke to the concierge for a few minutes. He had her rental car keys waiting, and handed them to her. He told her one thing she had asked him about the day before and she tipped him and headed on her way.

She got to the little shopping plaza and found the shop she was looking for. She found a pretty light blue set that matched her necklace, and tried it on and it fit her perfectly. She paid and wrapped it up and got into the car and headed for the airport.

She arrived there and checked on Dot’s flight. It just switched from on time to landed and she was waiting in the waiting area for her. She saw her come through the gate, and Dot gave her a small wave, and walked over to her.

“Hi,” she said. “Thanks for picking me up.”

“Thank Richie for that,” she said. “He knew I had a car today and would be out running errands and when I found out you were coming here, I confronted him on it. I’ll say the same thing to you that I told him. This is a mistake and just asking for trouble.”

“You think I don’t know that?” Dot said. “But you try saying no to either one of those two men. It’s not easy. I’ve won quite a bit of arguments over the last 20 years, but you really have to stick to your guns. He just wore me down, because I missed him just as much as he was missing me.”

The quickly got to the baggage terminal and collected Dot’s two suitcase, which she carried.

“Do you want some help with those?” Steph offered.

“Not necessary,” she replied. “Look, I know that lying to Jon is hard for you. Richie and I have already discussed this and we will do everything in our power to make sure he doesn’t find out that you knew anything about this. From what I’ve heard, you’re an amazing assistant for him, and you make him so happy. Much happier than he was when he was with me. If he finds out you knew about this, that will mess things up big time, because he will feel betrayed; not only by me and Richie, but by you. And I think that blow will be harder than me and Richie.”

“Agreed,” she said. “I know I’ve only known him a short time, but I can’t lose him Dot.”

“And you won’t. I may not be in love with my ex husband anymore, but there’s too much history for me not to care about him and want what’s best for him. And honey, from what I can see you’re it.”

She blushed a little. “Thanks Dot. That means a lot coming from you.”

“I’d like us to be friends,” she said. “Once all of this blows over, we’ll be spending a lot of time together, because these guys are like two peas in a pod when they get together. Where one goes, the other one goes, and the significant others and kids follow.”

She laughed. “I get that. Except for right now, other than the stuff that they have to do together, and the occasional dinner, we haven’t really done that much as a group.”

“That’s because Jon is in love with you and it’s new. He doesn’t want to miss a moment with you. And Richie is calling me whenever the time is convenient.”

As they got into the car, they didn’t notice a camera flash go off behind them.