Happy Holidays Everyone !!!

Hi everyone,

I wanted to take the time out in between chapters to wish all of you the happiest of holidays.

Your support of this story this past year has meant so much to me and I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of you for reading.

Been through a lot this past year with my father getting sick while the whole time just getting used to the fact that I even had a dad.

Writing this has been my escape and I appreciate you helping me along the journey with your humor, questions and comments.

More to come with Stay, more to come!!!

Keep the comments and questions coming.

But most all Happy Holidays Peeps!

Ch. 33

Trina, now fully dressed in a very casual t-shirt and shorts, paced her bedroom in hopes of hearing how things were going between Jon and Kendall.

‘Dear God, she’s going to let have him have it.’ She thought.

She continued to race through the bedroom feverishly.
‘I don’t want her too. He and I are fine now. More than fine…Geez, what the hell is taking them so long?…One of you? …Both of you?… Hello?'

Trina’s concerns about Kendall combined with happened between she and Jon earlier this morning made her a nervous wreck.

So preoccupied that she didn’t even hear Richie knock or open the door.

“Hey darlin‘, what’s up?” Richie said.

Trina ran over squealing as she leapt into his arms.

“Oh my God Richie!”

He let out a huge belly laugh.

“Hey, guess you heard about Miss Kendall?”

Trina was beaming. She let him go and began to pace the floors once again.

“How’s it going downstairs?”

Richie beamed. “I’m sure it’s fine. Kendall can hold her own. Not like I have to tell you that.”

Trina laughed. “True.”

“She’s a great lady.” Richie said.

Trina eyes widened. “That she is. She’s always been there for me. Ever since we were little, whenever we needed one another. When it mattered, the two of us would stop whatever we were doing to help out the other. That's just how we are.”

Richie nodded his head in agreement.
“Like Jon and I.”

Trina shook her head.
“Very much so. By the way, he and I are fine. We talked last night.”

“Good. I’m glad. Maybe now he can concentrate on healing up that voice so that we get can back on the road.”

Trina nodded. “I hope so. I guess he’s got a few more days of this and then he gets another check-up, followed by voice therapy if all goes well at the doctor’s.”

“He looks so much better. Rested.” Richie chimed.

“He’s getting plenty of that. Juanita’s made sure of it.” Trina said.

“Poor thing. He must be driving her nuts.” Richie said.

Trina snickered. “I could have sworn I caught her drinking the other day.”

Richie laughed. “She’s been known to take a swig or two when things get crazy.”

“She’s a sweetheart. I think she needs me here more than he does.”

“I don’t know…He cares about you darlin'. Very much. The things he does for people he loves are immeasurable. It’s when things are over that he’s done with you.”

Trina looked concerned at him. Richie continued.

“I don’t mean to scare you Trina because I think there’s something real going on between the two of you. I’ve seen it. Especially with what he did to get Kendall here. I’m just saying to take things one day at a time. The two of you are both intense people. Don’t push or pressure him. Do exactly what you’re doing now for him.”

“I’d say the same to you with Kendall, but would also add, listen to her because she’s wise beyond her years. Have fun, but above all, treat her well. She didn’t have it easy growing up. My family back home is like her adoptive family. I think of her more like a sister than my best friend.” Trina said.

Richie gave Trina a serious look. Trina replied.
“I would tell you, but I’d prefer to let her tell you. It‘s her story to tell.”

Richie nodded.“Okay.”

The two didn’t hear Kendall and Jon walk in the room.

“What’s all this heavy talk?” Kendall said.

Trina went over and hugged her. Jon and Richie chuckled.

“Nothing. Richie and I were just-” Trina said. Richie interrupted.

“Talking. About absolutely nothing.” He told Kendall warmly.

“Good because I want to change and go out.” said Kendall.

Trina looked at her watch. “It’s late morning.”

“So? I’m sure these guys know of some places to go. I want to celebrate my new job.” Kendall whined.

“Dear God. Let’s go. She’s sounds like a freakin' puppy.” Trina joked.

Richie snickered.
“Nice day out. Up to going to the beach?

Trina looked at Jon. Suddenly the color from his face was gone. She walked over to him.

“What’s wrong?”

He held her hand. He mouthed the words. “Voice… People.”

Trina dismissed the thought. “Oh that? No worries. I think Richie, Kendall and I can cover for you.”

Jon shrugged “Huh?” he said.
Trina and Kendall looked at one another and smiled. Both ladies replied together.
“Sure.”
Anticipating the worst, Jon rolled his eyes. He couldn't help but to wonder how this day would wind up.

Ch. 32

Excited about seeing her best friend, Trina sprung out of bed.

As she lay in her bed, the clock's red numbers flashed 9 a.m Before she went into the shower, she went over the day's schedule.

‘Pay some bills… Call editors for some last minute edits on Skid Row story…Lunch with Kendall…’ She thought as she got up and went into the bathroom.

‘Wait a minute…Why didn’t Jon tell me that he was hiring Kendall? Who else knew? How long did they know? ’

As Trina showered, her natural curiosity couldn’t help but overwhelm her with different thoughts and feelings she was having for Jon.
‘How did people manage to keep that secret from me? I‘m the one who usually does stuff like this. Didn‘t they know I‘d be over the moon for Kendall. God, I missed her. I can‘t believe he did this for me. What do say? What do I do? Man, I have so much to tell her.’

As the last of the soap suds went down the drain, Trina quickly grabbed a towel from the shelf and wrapped it around herself.

Scanning the bathroom for her lotion, she realized she had left it on her nightstand, as she walked into the bedroom there stood Jon holding the lotion in his hand.

Seeing him there at first startled Trina half way back into the bathroom. Jon snickered.
“Oh my God!” She told him as she walked by him grabbing the lotion.

“Geez Jon every hear of knocking?" She asked him sarcastically.

He shook his head “No.” Trina rolled her eyes. She smiled as she walked over to the foot of the bed and sat down.

“So what brings you up here this morning?”

He passed her a piece of paper. It read, 'I have a surprise for you.’

Trina smiled at him as she began to put the lotion on her legs.
“If it’s about Kendall, I already know. Thank you.”

Jon watched her continued to put the lotion on her legs.

‘She’s got great legs.’ he thought. ‘Wait a minute. Why isn’t she flipping out about me seeing her in wrapped in only a towel?’

Trina looked at him and continued to smile.

‘How did she know about Kendall? Did Richie tell her? Paul? Kendall? It was going to be a surprise…’

Confused, he looked at her with a blank stare.

Trina laughed. “I supposed you’re wondering how I found out? Kendall told me yesterday to cheer me up. I was feeling little homesick combined with a touch a writer’s block.”

“And me.” He mouthed.

Trina signed. “No. Not upset at you. I was feeling frustrated and helpless because none of us could help take your condition away. I needed a perk and she delivered like she can only do.”

Jon leaned against the bathroom door and grinned. He mouthed word “Happy?”

Trina leapt off the bed and into his arms.
“Happy? Very! Thank you Jon. Kendall’s so talented. You won’t regret it. She’s a CPA you know. She really smart. I did say she was talented right?”

Jon began to laugh.
He nodded his head ’Yes.’

Trina hugged him. Her blue eyes danced with joy as she looked him. It then hit him…

‘She was it. No fling. No fuzz. The real deal. That's all it took. Not a ring, not clothes or money, just being around her friend. Her excitement is so electric that I can feel it. Dear God there is no turning back.’

Without thought, his lips gently brushed hers. The last time she hesitated and pulled away from him. This time, she wrapped her arms around his waist.

His hands instinctively went around her waist, secretly taunting the towel to come off.

Their lips continued to welcome each other for several minutes. Each one enjoying the long awaited taste of the other. They became unaware of everything around him. So much so that the two of them never even heard Juanita yelling down the hall telling them that Kendall was here.

Wondering where Jon was, Juanita decided to knock on Trina’s door and let her know that her best friend was here.

“Trina darlin? Trina?” Juanita yelled opening the door.
Her eyes widened as she saw Trina wrapped in a towel with her arms wrapped around Jon.

Jolting the two of them out of their unison, both turned towards Juanita looking surprised.

Juanita gave the two of them a devilish grin.
“Ahem, sorry to interrupt, but Jon your 9 a.m. appointment is here.”

Jon turned to Trina wiping a strand of her damp hair away from her face. Trina smiled.

“Better not leave Kendall waiting. She hates when people are late." She told him softly.

He nodded. Even though he was happy Kendall was joining his staff, he didn’t want to leave Trina. Not now. Not ever. His fingers ached as he gradually pulled himself away from her.
Jon mouthed the word. “Okay.” Slowly, he walked towards the door. Juanita followed.

‘I don’t want to leave. All I want to do is Stay. Stay with you.’ he thought.

He glanced at her once more as she sat on the side of the bed and waved to him.

The minute he and Juanita left, Trina fell backwards on the bed. She was stunned as went over the last several minutes in her mind.

‘What the hell just happened? I’m supposed to be focusing… What am I doing?’


Jon walked quickly down the hall. Juanita followed behind him, all the while attempting to grab his attention to what she just saw.

“Jonny.” She said.

Jon let Trina’s words infuse his system. He would not let her down, he couldn’t hear anything else. He’d do whatever she wanted. She was all he cared about right now.

“Jonny!” Juanita stopping dead in the hallway.

Startled back into reality, Jon turned towards her. He shrugged his shoulders. He mouthed the words. “What?”

“Mind telling me what was going in there?” Juanita asked.
A devilish grin peered at Juanita. He mouthed the word. "No."

Jon winked at her as the two of them waltzed into his office. Waiting nervously for them was Kendall, who looked quite professional wearing a pink skirt with matching jacket. Her blonde hair swept in a ponytail framed her face perfectly.

On her other side was Richie who seemed just as nervous as Kendall.

Jon smiled warmly at Kendall as he down at his desk across from her.

“Hi Jon.” Kendall smiled. Jon wrote in his notebook for a minute and passed it to her

He wrote, ‘Don’t be nervous. I just want to talk you before you start.’

Kendall passed the book back to him.
“Okay.” she said.
Jon looked at Richie and Juanita oddly. Curious as to what his glance was about the two of them couldn’t help but to ask “What? “ at the same time.

Jon wrote one word in large letters in the notebook. He smiled as he popped it up so that the two of them could see it plainly.

He wrote, 'Scram!'

Richie’s smile turned grim. Juanita rolled her eyes.
“What?” Richie asked. Jon simply pointed at the sign and grinned even longer.

“Why are you surprised? At least we don’t have to see him write another novel about the inner workings of Bon Jovi and how we’re a family and don’t talk to anyone that is not a part of the family.” Juanita quipped.

Jon rolled his eyes and wrote in his notebook for a minute. He passed it to Juanita. His note read,
‘Don’t you have something to do?’ he quipped.
Juanita propped down the notebook.
“Well, obviously you were a little too preoccupied with your houseguest for me to do my job which is following you everywhere.” She teased.

Kendall and Richie’s eyes widened.
“What is she talking about?” asked Kendall

Jon shot a sheepish look at Juanita. He could feel his heart nearly beating out of his chest and his face feeling flushed. Juanita laughed.

“I have done my job. Now I’ll go.” She said walking out.
Richie brows lifted. He was now curious as to what Juanita was talking about.
“What is she talking about?”
Jon waved goodbye to his friend. Richie rolled his eyes.
“Guess that’s an I’ll know later?” Richie asked

Jon nodded yes.

Meanwhile Kendall couldn’t help like Richie to be curious over Juanita’s words.

Before Richie left, he turned to Kendall.
“You’re in good hands. This will all be fine.” he reassured his softly.

“Thanks Rich.” She told him as Richie exited the room.

For several minutes Kendall watched as Jon wrote into the spiral notebook. He passed it to her and smiled.
She picked it up and began to read it. He wrote,
‘So glad that you’re coming to work here. Trina thinks the world of you. I understand that you’re a very talented person. I can’t wait to see what you can do for us.’

Kendall smiled slyly as she gave him back the notebook. “Thanks Jon. I appreciate this opportunity.”

Jon quickly wrote in the notebook and passed it back to her.
It read, ‘She’s happy you’re here. She knows.’

“I told her because she was upset over how she was being treated by you and also because she was missing home.” Kendall told him.

Jon looked at her blankly.
Kendall smiled warmly at him.
“Jon, I’m not going to try to think that I understand one ounce of what you’re going through. But regardless of this, Trina’s my friend, my very best friend. I think that’s its evident that she, Richie and everyone here cares about you.”

Jon nodded. He mouthed. “I know.”

“I decided to take to job also to make sure that she’s no longer hurting because of you.”

Jon looked strangely at her, scribbled quickly in the notebook and passed it to her. He wrote,
'That's the only reason?'
She looked at him. He looked at her with a uncomfortable grin on his face.

“Ha! Ha!” she joked
Jon laughed. He wrote for a second passed it to her.
He wrote, ‘I wouldn’t do anything to hurt her Kendall. I care about her very much. I wouldn’t have fired my accountant after finding out you were a CPA if I didn’t care about her.’

Kendall eyes widened as she passed the notebook back to him.

“You did what?” she asked.

Jon shook his head. He began to write in the notebook again. He passed it back to her.
He wrote, ‘He was bitching about life on the road. He was never the touring type anyways. To boot, it looks like he made some big mistakes. I did him a favor.'

“Oh.” Kendall said.
He winked at her.

He wrote for another minute and gave it back to her. The note read; “She and I are fine. We talked. Everything is okay between us.”

“Good.” she said as she passed the notebook to him.

He wrote quickly and passed it back to her. Jon wrote, 'Now you can go after Sambora and get the bitch Ally out his life.'
Kendall laughed as she passed it back.
“I’m here to work, but you’re all right Bongiovi. Just promise me you won’t hurt Trina.”
Jon nodded as he wrote, ‘I promise. Now you promise not to hurt Richie and we’re even.’

“Even!” she said getting up shaking his hand.
Jon wrote in the notebook ‘Welcome to the family.’

Ch 31

Richie was at his home in Point Pleasant, New Jersey when the phone rang.
Since his relationship with Ally was over, he had some time to relax and recharge a bit.
He didn’t realize just how tired he has been from the constant schedule.
Mentally, all he knew how to do was play, rehearse, travel, sleep. Over and over again. Day after day, venue after venue.
As much as he loved performing, he realized that he was losing a part of himself in this process.
He missed his old friends and family. He decided that during this break besides gearing up for his own solo tryout with Mercury Records, he was going to entertain his friends.A lot.
Half in slumber and half buzzed from an afternoon filled with drinking margaritas to eventually plain tequila, he continued to let the phone ring as he lay in bed.
‘Who the hell is that?’ He thought as he tried to ignore the phone.
The young blonde laying next to him was becoming irritated at the phone’s consistent ringing.
Annoyed, she sat up and tugged at Richie.

“Baby, aren’t you going to get that?” She asked.

Groggily, he glanced at the phone and shook his head. ‘No.”

The blonde continued to look at the phone.

“Rich, c’mon now. You don’t want me to get it do you?” she teased.

Knowing how this person was. Richie jumped up, he slowly began to look at the phone and gather his thoughts. Several seconds went by when he decided to pick up the phone receiver.

“Hello?” He asked.

“Richie? Hey it’s Kendall.”

Richie suddenly jumped out of the bed and walked towards the window.

“Hey Ken. How are you.”
He now was wide awake.

“Good. Just wanted to let you know that Trin knows.”

Richie was trying to gain his thoughts together. He didn’t remember what Kendall was talking about.

“Knows what?”

Kendall began to laugh.
“She knows about the job silly.”

Richie now sat on the side of the bed wiping his eyes. He loved her voice, her laughter. The more she laughed, the more it soothed him, as he relaxed, his mind went back to the surprise Jon, Richie and Kendall had in store for Trina. He began to laugh.

‘I can’t believe I forgot that so fast.’ he thought.

“I take it she’s happy?” Richie teased.

Kendall giggled. “To say the least.”

Richie snickered. “I’m happy for both of you. You’re a talented lady. I can’t wait to see you.” Richie said to her softly.

“Aww. Me too. By the way, thank you for telling me she was in Jersey. Was wondering why she hadn’t come home after hearing the news reports.”

Richie looked at the receiver. He couldn’t help but smile. He was oblivious to the person next to him. All he could think of was Kendall. He couldn’t wait to see her, talk to her, be with her.
The two had become very close since Trina took the reporting job.
Both loved their friends very much, but also found that they had a mutual love of music, family, movies.
Kendall coming to join the three of them would only make things better for Trina, but also make things better for Jon and better for him.

“No problem.” Richie said softly.

“I’ll be in Jersey around 8:30. I have to meet him around 9.”

“I told him I’d be there. You know as the ‘official notebook passer.’ ” Richie joked.

Kendall let out a huge belly laugh.
“Dear God, he’s driving Trina insane Rich.”

“Think about what he’s doing to himself. I don’t know if I could handle it.” Richie said.

“He’s a strong guy. He’ll get through this.” she told him.

“Sure he will and we’re all helping him even though he’s probably driving Trina and Juanita to drink every night.” Richie said.

“Yeah. You’re right. Better get going. Talk to you tomorrow.” Kendall said.

“See ya darlin.” Richie said hanging up the phone.

Angered that she had been ignored, the blonde walked over and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Who was that?” She asked.

“Not you.” he told her.

She looked at him strangely.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Like I said. Not you. None of your business.” he said.

Sadly, she looked at him as she tried to touch his shoulders, he brushed it away in guilt.

Knowing that her dreams of a future of him were disappearing as quickly as she met him, the girl got up, picked up her things and began to walk out of the room.

“She must mean something to you for you to turn on me as fast as you did.”
“She is.” Richie mumbled. “She is.”