Chapter 18

Sarah tried to talk to her but she just wasn’t in the mood to talk so Sarah let her be for a while. Meanwhile she had gotten a phone call from her mother asking when she was coming home because her father was having a fit when he saw the news and wanted to know what was going on with them and wanted them home as soon as possible and to stop acting like children. Sarah wanted to tell her that she wasn’t coming home but all her things were there and she needed to take care of a few things before she decided to hit the road with Richie. This was so not the conversation she wanted to have over the phone with them. She told her mother that she would be coming home soon and would explain everything to them then. When she hung up the phone she took a deep breath as she sat silently by herself as she thought about what she was about to do and how she was going to change her life. She just hoped that her best friend would make the same decision that would make her happy.

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 Richie and David were trying to get Jon to stop drinking as he hadn’t stopped since he last talked to Karen. He was trying to understand why she didn’t want to be with him when Sarah wanted to be with Richie. His insecurities were coming out left and right and the guys had only seen this a few times before.  

“Jon you have to snap out of this. We go on tomorrow and you know how you are with a hangover when you sing. Plus you’re a little bitch when you’re like this.” David said to him not trying to be a jerk.

Jon just looked up at him and gave him the stink eye before he opened his mouth but nothing came out at first which was good. “Look Jon David is right the more you drink the more you’re going to be a little pisser and you know it. Plus Tico won’t take much more of your little pity party and you know that. And Alex? He’s going to say the wrong thing to you and you’re going to go ballistic on him and then we won’t see him for days you know that. So get your shit together and man up will you? You want her go get her and stop wallowing in here. Just tell her how you feel and if she wants to come with us fine if she doesn’t then fine with that. You’re Jon fucking Bon Jovi you can get anyone you want.” Richie told him anything to get him to stop drinking because they had a show to do tomorrow night and they needed him sober.

Jon looked at both of them and said, “But I love her guys, I love her. I get what you’re doing I really do and for you guys I’ll sober up ok? And I am going to talk to her just give me some time. Can you guys just leave me alone for a while, Please?” he asked them as he just needed some time alone.

“Jon I don’t know we really don’t need you drinking anymore than you have.” Richie told him concern and looking at Dave.

“I won’t ok I just want to see if I can try and get some sleep and see if I can sleep some of this off.” He told them.

“Fine if you promise.” David said.

Jon just got up and went into his bedroom and flopped on his bed. He was tired and he just went out he was that tired. Meanwhile Rich and Dave stayed in the living room just in case he had an urge to either raid the bar or call room service for more booze.

As the guys were watching t.v. the phone rang and Richie picked it up quickly because he didn’t want it to wake up Jon and he also was hoping it was Karen. “Hello?”

“Richard? Where is Jon I need to speak to him now.” Mrs. B. told him.

“Oh Mama B. Hi.” He said as David nearly choked on his beer. “Well Jon is sleeping right now and told us he didn’t want to be disturbed.” He told her and knew she didn’t buy it one bit.

“Oh what’s he doing sleeping with some bimbo? Tell him I’m on the damn phone Richard and I want to talk to him right NOW!” she demanded.

“Mama B. I swear to you he is sound asleep. That’s why David and I are here in his room watching over him and I’ll have him call you the minute he wakes up.” He told her now getting annoyed himself while throwing one arm in the air and showing Dave as he is shooting himself in the head.

“Richard is he with that girl that he saved because if he is…” she started to say.

“Mama B. there is someone at the door and we have to get that I swear I’ll have him call you bye.” And he hung up. “Oh my God that woman is…” Richie tried to finish as David did.

“Nuts? Yeah I’ve known her longer than you have Rich and she hasn’t changed one bit. He’s her golden child and that will never change. I just feel sorry for Tony and Matt they just never had the chance to match up to Jon. Or given the chance I don’t know how Jon deals with it.” David told Richie.

“Yeah I know.” Rich said feeling a little bit guilty.

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Karen had packed her bags and asked Sarah if she had hers packed.

“Yeah I’m all set. You know you still need to talk to Jon and tell him you’re not coming back with me.” Sarah told her sadly.

“Yeah I will. Is Richie coming to the airport with us to see you off?” she asked her.

“Yeah he’ll be coming why? Is that ok with you?” she asked her concerned.

“Yeah that’s not a problem as long as he doesn’t dig into me about Jon sure.” She told her.

“I don’t think he’ll do that plus I’ll talk to him about it if you want.” She said to her hoping she’ll change her mind. “You know they had a show last night and well he wasn’t up to par. I mean he did great on stage as always but off he was a real jerk to everyone. Richie said that he even told his Mom off over the phone.” Sarah explained to her as Karen turned to her as she just looked like she was going to blow.

“So? Are you blaming me for that? Oh my God Sar he has fucked girls left and right and have dumped them right after and he’s mad at me for not wanting to commit right away to him? After what happened to us? His nut case of an ex? Of your ex? Yes I know what I would be getting myself into and so do you? But I’ve never told him yet what jackasses I’ve been linked with. Or that jackass in college who date raped me and called it what? Oh I was asking for it. Then the second one who thought beating me up was a sport. You know if Jon cheats on me I’ll just lose it Sar you know that’s why I hate Kyle and what he did to you. Look I’m sorry but our plane doesn’t leave for another eight hours and I need to get out of here. I’ll be back in a little while.” She told her as she headed to the door.

“Wait Karen where are you going?” Sarah asked her worried.

“Look I’ll be ok. I just need to be alone? Love you bye.” And she stormed out.

Sarah was besides herself that she let Karen leave and knew the guys would be pissed. She picked up the phone and dialed Richie’s room but there was no answer so she then tried Jon’s room.

“Hello?” Richie said.

“Richie? Oh thank God you answered I really didn’t want Jon.” She told him upset.

“Darling what’s the matter you sound upset why?” he asked her.

“It’s Karen we were talking then we had an argument and she stormed out and now I don’t know where she is.” She told him tearfully.

Richie just stood there thinking that this was all he needed. “Ok Sarah just stay calm we’ll figure out something I promise. Right now I have Jon sleeping again and I would like to keep it that way. I’ll have David stay here while I come to you. I’ll be right there Babe.” He told her and hung up. Richie explained to David what happened and to call him if he needed him and he left.

When Richie got there Sarah was a mess and Richie tried to calm her down. He told her that Karen was a big girl and that she probably did need some time to think this out. “But Richie she’s not thinking straight. What if something happens to her Again!” she said excitedly.

“OK do you want me to send out a couple of guys to look for her? I could also call Mitch to see what he says?” he asked her.

“Oh I don’t know because if they do find her and confront her she might get really pissed that we didn’t trust her enough. Right? Oh God I don’t know what to do. Richie what should I do?” she asked him confused.

He looked at her lovingly and said, “It’s ok Darling she’ll be back. She just needs some time to work things out. Why don’t you come back with me to Jon’s room? We can relieve David some as we wait til Jon wakes up sound good?” he asked her.

“Oh I don’t know Rich I should really be here when she comes back shouldn’t I?” she asked him.

“Darling you have to let the apron strings go. All she wants is some time to herself. Your flight leaves in eight hours and if she isn’t back in five I’ll have the posse out for her before she knows what hits her alright?” he told her as he kissed.

 She looked at him a little hurt by that remark. “Apron strings Rich? Really? The way you guys hover over Jon don’t you think you should cut the apron strings?” she said to him a bit strongly.

“Ok I get it I’m sorry. We do hover around him like little old ladies at times but he has been thru a lot lately and his drinking when he’s down has picked up some so yeah we have been checking up on him more. I mean he’s been drinking for the last few days so we can’t leave him alone so this is what we do for each other. Darling what’s the real reason Karen took off because I feel there is some more to this than your telling me.” He asked her trying to stay calm.

Sarah sat him down and told him what Karen said to her before she left. Richie sat there and listened intently and was a little shocked at why Karen was all of a sudden gun shy when she knew what she was getting into with him. She knew what rockstars did behind the scenes but more he also knew that one: the girls talked about this as Sarah had told him and two: Sarah also told him that she and Jon had somewhat talked about this and Jon’s past because of Dorothea and how she was a little gun shy especially on how they all met. Richie didn’t begin to know what went thru a woman’s mind.

“Well we could go to Jon and tell him that Karen needed a little space and took off for a while but he’s not going to like it. He doesn’t like anyone going off on their own but the fans really don’t know what she looks like and they also don’t know that she and Jon have a thing for each other so she should be good. Why don’t you come down with me because Karen will know if you’re not here then she’ll know where to contact you plus Jon hopefully won’t kill me in front of you.” He told her smiling.

“Why would he kill you? She was with me when she stormed out believe me no one could have stopped her not even him.” Sarah told him strongly.

“You know that and I know that but when he gets angry you really can’t talk to him right at that moment Darling. Alright let’s head off into the firing squad.” He said as he opened the door as they headed to Jon’s room.

Luckily he was still asleep so they filled in David on what was going on and he was more than happy to be relieved. He had to call April anyway to see how she was doing as she had the flu and couldn’t come this time so he was keeping her up to date on what was happening.

“Alright good luck and call me if you need me. Oh and I’ll let Teek know what’s happening too. He had to let off some steam last night after everything. Don't really blame him I heard him mumble something about children. See ya later.” He said and took off.

Richie ordered some food and they got comfortable waiting for Jon to get up. It really did take that long when he smelled food coming from the next room. Richie had ordered enough really for the whole band just in case but half an hour had only had gone by when Jon stepped out of his room.

“What the Hell are you guys still doing here?” he asked them annoyed.

“Thought you might be a little hungry? Coffee’s still hot if you want some.” Richie told him as he was eating his burger and Sarah hers.

Jon walked over to the table and poured himself a cup and sat down but he did notice that Karen wasn’t with them. “If I ask where Karen is will I get my chop my head off?” he asked them both.

“No we won’t. As a matter of fact we didn’t know how to bring it up.” Richie told him as Sarah just looked at him then her watch.

“Really why? Does she hate me that much? And aren’t you two supposed be leaving for Boston soon?” he asked Sarah.

Sarah just looked at Richie hoping that he would answer his question. “Actually Jon yeah they are leaving in about less than four hours. I have a car that is going to bring them to the airport but there’s one little hitch.” Richie told him.

“Why what’s that?” he asked curious.

“We don’t know where she is.” He told him calmly.

Jon just looked at the two of them but knew Richie wasn’t kidding by the look on Sarah’s face.
“Are you fucking me! Why the hell did you guys let her go in the first place? You know she shouldn’t be out alone!” Jon said angrily.

While Sarah had tears in her eyes Richie looked him dead in his and said, “You know her you try stopping her when she gets something stuck in her head! What the Hell was Sarah supposed to do? Jump her! That’s like you trying to stop me from doing something Jackass!” Richie shot back at him.

“Will both of you stop. She just needed some time to herself ok? And in her mood God help anyone who tries to mug her that’s all I can say.” Sarah said as she took a sip of her soda.

Well the boys looked at her and started to chuckle. The Richie held her hand and said, “Well I’m glad you’re finally coming around that it wasn’t your fault that she took off.”

“Well your right I couldn’t have stopped her she was hell bent on leaving. But she better get her ass back here before we have to get on the plane.” Sarah told the boys.

“Yeah well that was my fault and I’m sorry.” Jon said as he finished his coffee. “I’m going to take a shower.”

“Oh Kidd by the way your mother called again and she didn’t sound happy and she wants you to call her ASAP.” Richie said with a smirk.

Jon just made a face as he entered his bedroom grumbling.

“Richie that wasn’t nice.” Sarah told him.

“No it actually was.” He told her back now smiling.

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 Karen had gotten back just in time four hours before she and Sarah had to get to the airport. But she found the room empty so she put their bags by the door. She had a sneaking suspicious where she was and she really didn’t want to go there before she left but now it looks like she was going to have too. She just hoped he would be civil. Walking up to his door and taking a deep breath she knocked and after a few seconds the door opened and there standing before her was this gorgeous man whose hair was in a ponytail and he was wearing a AC/DC t-shirt and the tightest pair of blue jeans that she believed he owned and was in bare feet.

“Hey Karen how are you?” he asked her smiling.

“I’m ok is Sarah here Jon?”

“Yeah come on in she’s here with Richie.” He told her as he held the door open for her.

Smiling back she walked in as those two were on the couch wrapped in each other’s arms.

Sarah jumped up and walked over to her not to happy. “Where the Hell have you’ve been? I’ve been out of my mind.” She chewed her out.

“Oh God really Sar? I told you that I needed some time alone and that I would be back before we had to leave right? Well I’m back and I’m fine so lay off will you. You don’t see the guys laying into me do you? I’m a big girl. So can we go now?” she asked her really annoyed.

“So you’re just going to ignore the fact that we are all upset with you?” she asked her.

“Great so your all upset with me huh?” she asked them as all of them shooked their heads. “Fine then I’m out of here I knew I should have called instead of coming here.” She told them as she turned and started for the door but Jon stopped her.

“Wait Karen can we talk for just a second please?” he asked her.

 Looking at him she really knew better, “Jon I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

“Please I swear I’ll be good I just need to talk to you for a second. Can you just step into my bedroom please?” he asked her again.

She knew better especially to go in there with him but there wasn’t anywhere else for privacy. She finally agreed and gave Sarah the eye if they weren’t out soon.

Sitting down in one of the chairs and staying away from the bed altogether she sat down as Jon shut the door. He walked over and sat on the end of the bed.

“So you wanted to talk so talk.” she told him unemotionally. As she huffed, “Look Jon I’m not going to fight you I’m sorry I didn’t want it to go down this way really.” She said to him.

“What to go down this way Karen?” Jon asked sharply.

“Look I know you’re mad at me but I’m not sure that I can come back with Sarah. With everything that has happened I just don’t think that I can handle your life style and that well that you’re over Dorothea.” She told him as he looked surprised that she said that to him.

Jon just looked at her not knowing what to say at first. Then he got up and knelt in front of her and took her hand. “Baby how can you think that. The whole time she had you I was scared to death that she was going to hurt you. And that it was going to be my fault. All I could do was pray that I could get you home to me. I could have cared less what happened to her you know that. How could you think that I want her?” he asked confused as hell.

Leaning over so he could really hear her as she was having a hard time talking now, “I get that you think that you don’t have feelings for her but I saw you looking at her when they were taking her out and you looked at her with what Jon sympathy, concern, or love? You need to figure that out first before we can figure out where we stand do you understand?” she asked him.

Looking into her green eyes he told her, “But I do understand Baby and right now you’re just a little gun shy and I get that but once Dot is taken care of everything will be alright I promise. Just take care of things at home and then come back to me ok?” he told her hoping.

Taking a deep breath she knew she couldn’t make any promises. “Jon I don’t know if I can do that I’m sorry.” She told him with tears in her eyes.

They talked for what seemed like hours as Richie and Sarah sat outside the room cuddled on the couch but not talking. They really didn’t know what to say since they were best friends with each of the people in the other room who they cared about more than anything else in the world. Richie had already given Sarah their schedule for the next two months so she could come to them any time when she was ready. Sarah finally had to check her watch and she realized it was time they had to get going.

“Richie we need to get going or we’re going to miss our plane.” She told him.

“Yeah ok let me go knock on the door and see what happens.” He told her as he got up and went to Jon’s bedroom door. He stood there and took a breath and then knocked. He could hear voices before he heard ‘We’ll be right with you’ so he turned around and went to sit back with her. “Well that went good.” He smiled at her.

“Yeah we’ll see.” She told him. “Look I’m going to call down to reception and tell them to come up to get our bags at least.” So she went to the phone and dial downstairs. Hanging up the phone, “They said they’ll be up in a few I really should get to the room and wait for them.” She told Richie as he got up again.

Walking back over to the door, “Guys I’m walking Sarah down to the room so one of the bellmen coming up can take down the bags to the lobby ok?” he said through the door.

Just then the door open and Jon and Karen walked out. “Ok I’ll walk down with you guys.” She told them and turned to Jon and gave him a kiss on his cheek. Jon just stood there and just gave a slight smile but there really wasn’t anything to go behind it. Richie and Sarah just looked at each other and knew things didn’t go well.

“Um Jon are you coming or are you going to stay here?” Richie asked.

“I’m staying here. Sarah I guess we’ll be seeing you soon you take care of yourself ok?” he told her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Yeah ok I’ll see you in a little while Jon you take care of yourself.” she told him and gave him a huge hug.

Then the two of them just looked at each other and Jon turned and went back into his bedroom and shut the door. Karen looked down for a second then back up and said, “Ok guys we better get going or we’ll miss our plane.” And they headed out

Chapter 17

The girls had settled in to their room and had gotten room service since they both were hungry and since they didn’t really eat much earlier. Sarah could tell Karen was tense about something so she knew that she better had get things out into the open now than later.

“Ok girl I know you’re probably tired but we need to clear the air before we get some sleep.” She told her best friend.

Karen rolled her eyes because she knew where this was going. “Ok I knew you were going to get around to this sooner or later I was just hoping it was going to be later.” She huffed.

“Ha ha look I saw Jon’s face before we left and he wasn’t too happy so I take it he wasn’t happy when you didn’t stay with him tonight?” she asked her concerned.

“No I don’t think he was but he was putting on a happy face for me. I just need sometime alone you know?” she told Sarah a bit sadly.

Looking at her friend, “I get that you have been thru a lot and I’m sorry I know I was the one that was supposed to be kidnapped not you and…” as she rambled and Karen just cut her off.

“Sarah this has nothing to do with that believe me. I’m so glad Kyle grabbed me instead of you because as far as Dorothea was concerned you and Jon were together and that saved me from getting the crap beaten out of me. If that was you Honey she probably would have killed you so if it saved your life I would always change places with you in a heartbeat.” She told her as she teared up.

“But you could have died and it would have been my fault.” Sarah said thru her tears.

“No because she didn’t know.” Karen said now crying. Now wiping her face, “Look we have to stop this. I know we both would do anything for each other because we love each other but it worked out for the best. Ok? Now look I know Jon cares for me I really do but I think he has some unresolved issues with her and he needs to take care of them before he and I get together that’s all. When they were taking her away I saw a look on his face and well he needs to address it.” Karen explained to her and a little hurt as she relived it.

“But Honey you were going to come home with me anyway weren’t you before you got grabbed?” she asked her confused.

“Yeah I was because remember when we were at the concert well you saw how he was right? He was eating up being that rock star persona. And plus those girls were throwing themselves all over him and he was loving it. All of them were. They are right in the middle of their Slippery When Wet Tour Sar and they should be loving every minute of it and that includes the benefits of what comes with it. Not being tied down with commitments like girlfriends or wives. And besides I see how Richie looks at you why are you dragging your feet?” she wanted to know.

“Um hey we’re not talking about me here we’re talking about you.” She told her talking a sip of her tea.

“Yeah that’s what I thought. You’re just as scared as I am. Look we’ll just tell them that it was nice to meet them and sorry for what happened and sorry things didn’t work out.” Karen told her as she kept her eyes on her tea.

“Yeah can I be there when you tell Jon that because I want to see how that goes over first before I try that on Richie. Because once Jon blows over that then I’ll know how to handle him. You know damn well Jon is not going to let you get off the hook with that.” Sarah told her sarcastically.

“Sar this isn’t funny. I…I’m in love with him ok?” she said finally.

“Yeah I know you are that’s what I don’t get Honey. So if you love him why won’t you be with him?” Sarah wanted to know.

“Because I really don’t think I can trust him. I’ve been hurt too many times now and you know that. Out of everyone you know that that most. I have shit luck with guys.” Karen said as she got up and walked into her room.

Sarah didn’t know how to make her feel better. But maybe if she could know how the other half felt she could get a good idea on how to help her. She picked up the phone and dialed Richie’s room but there was still no answer. That meant that he was probably still with Jon. She now had two options, the first was to wait til he got back to his room to talk to him in private or second she could walk down to Jon’s and confront him and see where he stood. She preferred the first because she really needed Richie’s opinion first before she made the wrong decision.

After a few hours went by Sarah had tried again and as she picked up the phone there was a knock on her door. She put the receiver down and went to answer the door and to her surprise was Richie standing there with a bottle of wine.

“Hi can I come in?” he asked smiling that perfect smile.

“Sure come on in. Funny thing is I was just going to give you a call.” She told him.

“Really? Well what do they say about great minds?” he said as he sat down. “Would you like a glass?” he asked her.

“Yeah that would be great I think we’re going to need it after tonight.” She told him.

Richie looked at her strangely. “How come if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I had a talk with Karen and I need some advice.” She told him.

“Well that’s funny because I just got done talking with Jon. So why don’t you start and I’ll fill in the blanks how’s that.” He told her as he poured.

They spent most of the night talking about what each party told them and trying to figure out how they were going to get the two of them together. Richie told her that Jon was more than ready to commit to Karen but could see her point that their life style would scare the hell out of her as it would for her to. Sarah told Richie that she cares for him but how could they make it work first. Richie thought about that and smiled.

“Well we do have a very hectic schedule especially now that the album has taken off like it has. And to tell you the truth you saw how Doc freaked when you and Jon were well “Married” so if anyone of us get a study girlfriend Doc gets freaked out because if we are single then they’ll buy the records and tickets to the concerts. If we aren’t then they lose interest you know.” He explained to her.

“Oh come on now that’s bull shit. When Elvis or the Beatles got girlfriends or married nobody ever lost interest in them so what makes you think they’ll do that to you guys. I mean have you guys looked into the mirror lately? Besides most of them just want to be able to say that they fucked a rock star and which one. But the only problem to that is they don’t understand that it causes a riff between the people that they do it to. I mean they have lives and they ruin it by making that person unfaithful to their significant other.” She told him in a not very happy voice.

“I understand that I really do but we can be faithful you know.” He told her smiling at her. “You just need to give us a try.”

“Well it’s kind of hard Richie when all you have dated is unfaithful guys.” She told him making a very unhappy and sad face.

“I’m sorry I didn’t know? Both of you?” he asked her feeling really angry at the men who have hurt both of them.

“Yeah and well you know Kyle as one and there were a few more with me I can’t seem to find the right guy and for Karen well she well she really hasn’t had any luck with guys to tell you the truth.” She told him.

Richie looked at her and then said, “Is that why she said to him that she was leaving with you when all of this was done? Because he really didn’t know what to feel or say to her about that at that moment. But I can tell you now after he’s thought about it some he’s going to try and convince her to stay or at least rethink what she wants from this relationship. Sarah he’s crazy about her and I’ve never seen him like this about another girl before and he’s even said he thinks he’s in love with her.” He told her seriously.

Sarah nearly fell off of her chair. “He said he loved her? Are you sure Richie because I don’t want him just saying that to get her to stay?” Sarah told him sternly.

“I’m not Honey he said it and meant it. And believe me if he commits to her he’ll do it all the way but she is going to have to be honest with him because he doesn’t condone liars Sarah. She is going to have to commit to him too so do you think she’ll be willing to do that?” he asked her.  

“Oh God Richie I don’t know I really don’t. I’ll have to talk to her about it first. Do you think you could head him off before he asks her?” she wanted to know.

“I can try because I don’t know if she rejects him just once if he’ll take her back or pursue her again. Not the way Dot fucked with him.” He told her.

“Well I can’t say that I blame him but that will just confirm her reasoning that men suck. All they want is one thing and if they don’t get it well they’ll either leave her or hurt her for it.” She told him.

“What do you mean hurt her? Sarah has she been raped before?” Richie asked her.

“Not that we could prove. You know the story Rich she wanted it. We thought this guy was a standup guy and well he wasn’t. I’m not going to get into it it’s her story to tell but it wasn’t good and she didn’t come out of the house for like a year or so. It took me a long time to get her out and to trust again. But she’s always there when I need her. But my brothers did beat the shit out of him which was a good thing thou.” Sarah smiled.

“Really? Did he press charges?” Richie asked.

“Nah they threatened him so badly he didn’t dare.” Sarah chuckled.

“So what about you and I? Have you had any more thoughts about us?” he asked her.

Sarah sat there thinking about what he just said and looked at him lovingly. “Well ok I’m willing

to give it a try as long as you are but you know we both have to stay monogamous right?” she told him.

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Morning came and Karen was the first one up so she went into the kitchen area to make herself a cup of tea and to put on the t.v. to see what was on. She ended up watching The Today Show as she curled up on the sofa for about an hour and as she was on her second cup Richie came out of Sarah’s room. Well Karen nearly choked.

“Well look who’s trying to sneak out Mr. Sambora.” Karen said as she giggled.

Looking at her smugly he said to her, “I’m not sneaking out Smartass. I just thought I’d order down to room service and surprise Sarah with a nice breakfast ok? I’d thought you’d be with Jon? Why aren’t you Darling?” he asked her smiling.

Karen took a deep breath and sighed. “I’d thought Sarah would tell you.” She asked him sadly.

Walking over to her and sitting down next to her, “Well she did and neither of us buy it. You know he’s crazy about you and Sarah and I know you’re crazy about him so what’s the problem Darling? Oh and don’t start with your afraid that he’s going to cheat on you because you’ll never know if you don’t take a chance. You need to talk this out with him not keep it going around in your head til it gets so out of control that your imagination is so wild you have him dating like hundred women at the same time.” he told her trying not to laugh at her.

Smacking him on his leg, “That’s not funny Richie. You know I’m crazy about him but you guys are on the road constantly and well you have groupies every night at your concerts. So can you tell me that you or him won’t succumb to temptation?” she asked him.

But before he could answer Sarah was standing at the beginning of the hall to the living room leaning up against the frame listening to their conversation. “Karen! That’s not a fair question to ask Richie because it has to do with the circumstances. Plus he’s not Jon. You do need to talk to him about this seeing it has to do with him and not Richie,” Sarah told her.

Looking at Sarah as she walked over to sit with Richie, “Really? Well it looks like the two of you seem to have worked something out haven’t you? I thought Sarah you were going home with me?”

“I am because I have to tell my parents that I’m taking some time off and just dealing with some things like me for a change. I think it’s time don’t you?” she asked her hoping that she would agree with her.

“Well of course I do Honey and it’s about time too.  And Richie you better take damn good care of her or I’ll kick your ass.” She told him.

“Well if you come with us you’ll see firsthand how I’m treating her and if you think I’m not you can kill me right there and then how does that sound Darling?” as he asked her with his brows raised.

“You two aren’t going to let up on me until I talk to Jon are you?” she asked them as they shooked their heads no. “Argh!! Fine I’ll go talk with him but I’m not going to guarantee anything alright?  Unlike you I just can’t take time off from work I’ll have to quit my job you know.” She told them a little unhappy.

“Look you don’t like it there anyway so just quit and if it doesn’t work out for you and Jon I’ll hire you to come work for me. In fact if Richie and I let’s say do make it my parents will love it that I could find someone who they trust to take my place. And if you and Jon do make it then I’ll just have to go home for a little bit and hire someone in a temporary position because if I hire someone in a full time position well you know my folks they’ll freak.” Sarah said.

“That’s true, ok let me go get dressed and I’ll go take a walk down to see Jon but if he’s going to be a jerk about this I’m going to be on the first plane back to Boston.” she told them.

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Jon had been up for a while and had been trying to get a hold of Richie. Damn Richie he probably has the phone ringer on mute so he can sleep. He was also hoping that Karen would have changed her mind about coming to him during the night but she never showed up and Jon jumped at every noise that he heard during the night thinking that it was her. Sitting drinking his coffee he was trying to think what he did wrong. If Richie was here at least he could get him to write but sitting here by himself all he could do was get stuck in his head. Finally he decided he would jump in the shower and just try to relax when there was a knock on the door.

Getting up and walking over to open it he reached for the knob and turned and when he did as he opened the door he said, “Well it’s about damn time that you got here I’ve been calling you all fucking morning…” as he then stood shocked at who was standing before him.

“You were? Funny my phone never rang Jon.” Karen told him standing there a little put out at the way he just spoke to her.

“Karen? Hi. Oh no…no I didn’t mean you I thought you were Richie I’ve been leaving messages for him all morning. Come on in.” he told her smiling.

Walking in she turned around and said to him, “Well Richie spent the night with Sarah. He’s there now having breakfast with her.”

Jon stood there shocked. “You’re kidding? They finally got together? That’s great. So does that mean what I think it means for them?” he asked her.

“Yeah it does she’s going to give it a try with him. She’s going to go home with me and tell her folks and find a replacement for herself then fly back to you guys I guess. Funny thou she had all these plans to show her Dad what she could do with the company and show him that she was just as good as her brothers. Now she’s going to prove him right.” Karen told him

Jon looked at her upset. “What the hell does that mean Karen?” he asked her angrily.

“It means Jon that her Father will rub this in her face for leaving her job to be with a guy than be independent  and rise in the family owned company like she has been bitching about  for years now. Like I said she had great ideas where she wanted to take the company and now she is going to throw everything away that she worked hard for.” She told him a bit angry herself as she sat down.

“Really Karen is that what you’re taking from this? She found someone that she is happy with and your taking away with that she’s not going to be an executive in her family business. And you, you don’t want to be happy with me you just want to run home and be miserable doing what? A stupid office job and dating crappy guys who treat you like shit. What the hell did I do wrong? I thought we cared about each other especially after the other night? Because I don’t act like this normally when I make love to someone I usually send them on their way. But I thought you and I felt something for each other didn’t we?” he asked her pissed.

Sitting there feeling hurt she did but she had to tell him the truth. “Jon I do care for you so very much but…I really don’t know if I can handle your life style to be honest with you.” She told him straight.

Jon finally sat down beside her in a state of bewilderment. “Um what do mean? Is it the long distance thing? Or the whole rock and roll thing?” he asked her.

“Jon it’s really a whole lot of things mixed together but mainly the groupies. You can say things are fine but I really can’t trust them. I’m sorry.” She told him.

“Wait what do you mean you’re sorry? We haven’t even tried and already you have us broken up. Baby you have to try and learn to take chances and good things will come from them. Stick with me and I’ll show you the world.” He told her as he moved in closer to her because he knew if he could start kissing her he could change her mind.

But Karen had other things on her mind. Picking up his hand, “Jon look I need time to think about this but I really don’t see myself changing my mind right now. After what we just went thru with your crazy ex I really don’t know.” She told him.

“Is that what’s bothering you? Dotty? Look I have a restraining order out on her so she won’t be bothering me for a long time and we have one’s out for you and Sarah so Baby don’t worry about her ok? Please when you get things settled in Boston just come back to me and I’ll show you that your wrong.” He told her worried.

Looking into his deep blue eyes it was so hard to tell him no. But she knew she had to tell him the truth. “I’ll try ok but that’s all I can do. I’m not going to lie Jon I have so many emotions going through me right now and I really don’t know what I want and I don’t want to hurt you I really don’t.” she told him as tears were running down her cheeks.

                Jon didn’t know what to say to her.  They talked for quite a while and finally Karen told Jon that she loved him and kissed him on the cheek and then left as he just stood there feeling drained. She then went back to her room as Richie and Sarah were waiting for her but when she entered she just looked at them and ran to her room. Sarah told Richie that she would have to get back to him later and kissed him goodbye.

Chapter 16

Dorothea screamed as Jon held tight as Mitch ran over to Karen to untie her. Jeff went to help Jon as he took out his handcuffs and put them on Dorothea’s hands so Jon could let her go.

“Jon you Son-of-a-Bitch!” she screamed.

Jon just ignored her and got up to see how Karen was. She was tired and weak and needed help getting up. Jeff had gotten the ropes off of her and Jon had noticed the rope burns on her wrists.

“She needs medical treatment on her wrists she’s bleeding a little on both Mitch.” He told them concern.

Smiling at him, “Jon I’ll be ok right now they are really just sore as hell.”

“Well I don’t care we’re getting them looked at ok?” he told her and then took her face in his hands and kissed her gently.

Well Dorothea saw this as Jeff was taking her out of the room and she flipped.

“Are you fucking me? What are you doing fucking both of them Jon? Oh it’s a damn good thing I didn’t know that or she would be dead! Dead! Do you hear me?” she yelled. Well Jon wanted to say something back but Karen stopped him and Jeff just rushed her out of the room before either one could start anything more.

“Jon let’s just get Karen taken care of ok? We’ll deal with Dorothea later after we book her. You’re going to be ok with that right?” Mitch asked him.

“Huh? Oh yeah I’ll be fine. We also need to contact the guys and let them know what happened here so they don’t worry anymore than they are.” He told Mitch.

“Don't worry I’ll get one of my guys right on it. She didn’t hurt you did she?” he asked him.

“No I’m fine. Let’s, let’s just get Karen to the hospital alright.” He said as Mitch noticed that Jon seemed a little off. Maybe he was a little more concerned about her than he wanted to admit. The unfortunate thing was it didn’t just go unnoticed to Mitch. Karen noticed also.

Karen was quiet with the ride to the hospital and while she was there, Jon had asked Mitch about it and he felt why she was but he gave Jon some lame excuse why she was quiet. He didn’t want to get into right now and get him all upset.

“Jon she’s been thru a lot these past couple of days. Give her a break. You saw her face. It looks like Dotty hit her a couple of times and I think she’s not only pissed about it but she could be a little embarrassed about it too.” He told him as they waited to hear how she was doing.

“Wait why would Karen feel embarrassed about being hit by her?” Jon wanted to know.

“Because Karen hates her and she thinks that she is a bad ass herself right?” Jon shooked his head yes. “So for Dot to get the drop on her like she did she probably is pissed at herself for it and then hitting her like that? If I know Karen like I think I do she would rip Dot’s head off if she had the chance. So cut her some slack ok? And stop looking like you’re concerned for Dot’s ok? Just FYI. I saw how Karen looked at you when we were leaving.” He told him looking like a disappointed father.

“What? What did I do?” Jon asked as he really didn’t know what he did.

“You were showing sympathy for your ex that’s what you were doing. She nearly killed her and when I asked you if you could handle it you showed well how can I put it…a look that only someone who had a history with someone that maybe still had feelings for?” Mitch said to him.

Jon sat there listening to him and couldn’t believe his ears. He knew it was over between him and Dot. But they had gone thru a lot that no one would understand and she was there from the beginning. But she was also toxic to him. “Mitch I don’t give a damn about Dot you know that.”

“I know you don’t. But maybe deep down you still might have some unresolved feelings that you need to take care of. Just an observation man. Look I need to go downtown and take care of her and Kyle I’ll talk to you later.” Mitch told him as he left.  

Jon sat there as he thought over what Mitch had said to him. Yes he had gone thru a lot with her but Dot also had put him thru a lot and he couldn’t forgive her for that. Especially now trying to get even for him dumping her and trying to ruin his reputation and not just his but someone else’s. How sick do you have to be to drag someone else into your revenge just to get what you want? Just then Karen was being pushed down the hall by a nurse to the nurse’s station.

Jon jumped up, “Karen are you all right?”

“Yes she’ll be fine but she has two bruised wrists that are also raw and we have prescribed her some ointment that needs to be put on once a day. As for her face she needs some cold packs for the swelling to go down and no longer than fifteen minutes at a time. Her ankles weren’t injured that badly but she does need to walk around some to keep her circulation going because she was tied up for quite a while but if there’s any swelling then bring her back here right away ok? Oh and we did prescribe her these anti-inflammatory meds also. Is there any questions?  ” the nurse asked them.

Karen just shooked

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  

Richie had just got off of the phone and turned to everyone that was waiting to hear anything about what was going on.

“Well that was Mitch and they got them. Karen is fine and little beat up but fine. He said we’ll get the whole story later when they get here but he said he dropped Jon and her off at the hospital to get looked at.” He said happily.

Well everyone yell happily and hugged and kissed when Sarah realized that Richie said hospital.

“Wait Richie did you say hospital?” she asked him scared.

“Yeah I did. Mitch wanted to get them checked out. I guess Karen’s bruised up a bit and Jon too. We’ll know more when they get here. Hey don’t worry ok they’re both tough and what I’ve seen of Karen I’d be more worried of what Dotty looks like.” Richie chuckled trying to make her feel better. 

                     “Yeah if she ever got her hands on her Karen would kill her. I know Dot knows all that karate crap and stuff but when you piss Karen off well let’s just say I wouldn’t want to be on the other end of her wrath.” Sarah said as she held on tight to him.

About a half hour later the door opened to Jon’s room and he helped Karen in as there were cheers from all the guys. They all descended on the two of them hugging and kissing them as Sarah was last and she wouldn’t let Karen go. The two of them started to cry as they held each other as the guys just smiled and gave Jon hugs and slaps on the back.

Finally Jon said to Sarah, “Hey ok where the hell is my hug Sarah?”  Well Sarah laughed and went over to Jon and gave him a huge hug and he kissed her hard as Karen laugh too. Richie walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder.  

“Ah hum excuse me but you can let go of her now Kidd.” Richie said as he was still poking Jon and Jon was waving him away. “Fine hey Karen did I ever tell you about the time when we were in Japan and we went to these baths that they have…” Jon nearly dropped Sarah right there and turned to Richie and jumped him.

“You asshole! You know what goes on in Bon Jovi stays in Bon Jovi!” he yelled as he was on top of him hanging as Richie was laughing his ass off.

The girls were just watching as they were goofing off and saying to each other that later on they would have to find out about that story and what happen in Japan. Sarah saw the bandages around Karen’s wrists and the bruise on her face as they were talking and it broke her heart. She knew those were meant for her. The girls were trying to keep a brave face as Jon was telling them what happened when he dropped off the bag and Kyle came out of nowhere and took him to Karen and Dotty. He told them what had happened up til Mitch had gotten there and at the hospital.  They also had ordered dinner as Karen really didn’t want to go out anywhere either she just wanted to stay in and eat then she told them that she was getting tired and wanted to try and get some sleep and take the meds that the doctor gave her.

Jon took her hand and took her over to the corner of the living room so he could speak to her in private. “Hey why didn’t you tell me you were getting tired? Why don’t I tell everyone to leave then we can go to bed how’s that?” Jon asked her.

She didn’t want to insult him but she just wanted to go back to her and Sarah’s room so they could talk and then maybe she could try and get a good night’s sleep.

“Jon would you be hurt if I would go back with Sarah to our room?” she asked him as she made a face with a half-smile.

Jon really didn’t know what to think all he knew was that he wanted to curl up with her and hold her tight. “Well if that’s what you want. I’ll miss you thou but if you need time with Sarah I get it. Girl talk right?” he asked her.

“Yeah is that ok?” she asked him.

“I guess but I would rather you do it in the morning or actually the afternoon so we could be together. But I get it. Ok then do me a favor then?” he asked her.

“Ok what?”

“Promise me you’ll come over when you feel more comfortable.” He told her with an almost hurt look on his face.

“Jon it’s not like that I just need to talk to Sarah like you do with Richie ok?” she told him with a little kiss on his lips.

“Ok then but I do want to talk to you about some things and then maybe well you know.” He told her as he drew an outline on her face.

“I’ll ring you tomorrow I promise.” She told him then he gave her a kiss that she soon wouldn’t forget.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The girls had gone back to their room and Tico and David made their goodbyes to Jon so he could try and get some rest. Jon had asked Richie to stay so he could talk to him and Mitch was just about out the door when the phone rang. Jon told him just a second that he had something he wanted to ask him as he had picked up the receiver.

“Hello?” Well Mitch and Richie could hear Doc screaming over it at Jon. All Jon could do was make a face of disgust and shake his head. So Mitch walked over and shooked his head at Jon and gestured to him to give him the phone. Well Jon was more than happy to because he just couldn’t take him right now.

“Doc Hi it’s Mitch I think you and I need to talk.” He told him as the guys took their drinks and walked into the bedroom to get away from what was going to be just another anxiety attack for Jon.

Richie closed the door as Jon sat on the bed making himself comfortable. Richie took the chair by the bureau next to the bed. “So I guess Doc found out huh?” Richie said.

“You think? All I can say is thank God Mitch took the phone because I really can’t handle him right now. So don’t need him blasting me about risking my life you know. Oh damn and I still need to call my parents before they see it on the news crap.” He said tiredly.

“Yeah you better because if you think Doc is not taking it well wait til your Mother hears about it.” Richie told him feeling his pain.

“God I’ll pay you a million dollars if you’ll call her for me.” He asked him with a painful look on his face.   

“I wouldn’t do that even if you HAD a million dollars Bongiovi.” Richie told him smiling. “Hey why didn’t Karen spend the night here or you spend it with her? I thought after what the two of you went thru that you guys would want to spend the rest of the time together?” he asked curiously.

“Yeah you would think so. She had said something after our night together that she and Sarah were going home and I told her I wanted to talk to her about that because I thought we had an amazing night. I mean you know with groupies it’s in and then out right?” he asked Richie as he shooked his head yes. “Ok then with our girlfriends you know we love them and feel connected to them and want them around well some of the times.” He said with a smirk.

“Ok right there that smirk is what got you in trouble with Dotty.” Richie laughed.

“Yeah like you don’t feel the same Mr. Revolving Door. I’m just saying in the beginning it was puppy love with me and Dotty for crying out loud we met in high school at the age of sixteen. Now we are out in the real world meeting all these people and how the hell are we supposed to not be tempted and not want to try different taste so to speak. Plus she even decided to she wanted to try different guys herself so why shouldn’t I try different women? It’s only human nature.” He explained to him.

“Well I have news for you if you do get together with Karen you try and explore with anyone during your time together with her, and she’ll cut your balls right off.” Richie started laughing.

“Well if you do that too with Sarah, Karen will do that to you too so there!” Jon told him as he stuck out his tongue at him.

“I know she already told me so there!” Richie told him back.

“Rich why does she want to leave I thought we were connecting. I really haven’t felt this way about a girl like this in a long time. Did I do something wrong?” Jon asked him.

“I don’t think that you did something wrong Jon. I think Karen is just scared. Scared of you cheating on her and of all the groupies hanging around with the threat of you cheating on her. She saw them when they came to the concert the other night and well she and Sarah just couldn’t believe how ballesy they were trying to get on stage to get to us and how they just lifted their shirts and well you know showed their wares at us. They would do anything to get to us and Sarah said that scared them and mix the booze into it and well one morning you wake up married to one of them.” He said smiling at him.

“Oh very funny King, but I do get it even I wouldn’t want to date me.” Jon said taking a swig of his drink.

“Yeah right. Look Kidd we were in this from a young age they weren’t so they don’t get the drive that we have. We live, eat, breathe this. But if we want a relationship on top of this the one thing we have to change is that we have to be monogamous to a fault or we’ll lose them. Do you think you can do that?’ he asked his best friend.

Putting his head back against the head board, “Ohhh I don’t know, I really want to Rich but you know how lonely it gets out on the road. I don’t want to promise her something that I’m not sure that I can keep. I fucked up with Dotty so what makes you think that I won’t fuck this up.” He told Richie sadly.

“What makes you think you won’t Jon? Look if you don’t try you won’t know right? Look even I know you care for her more than anyone that I’ve seen you with and I know you even want to give it a try. I even know that you never back down from a challenge so why are you even thinking of backing out of this?” he wanted to know just as there was a knock on the bedroom door.

“Yeah come in.” Jon yelled.

Mitch stuck his head in, “Hey well I talked to Doc and boy was he pissed off but I took care of him for now and I think I got him off of your back for a while anyway. I told him if he has anymore questions to call me.” He told them.

“Hey thanks Mitch I really appreciate that.” Jon told him relieved.

“No problem. I also told him to put out a press release and told him what to say. If he needed my office to send over anything I’d get Carrie to send over a memo to him so he could send it out to the outlets. But knowing him he still might say something to you so just remind him who is boss ok? Tell the girls if they need anything to give me a call. And try and have a good night.” He told them and left them to wallow in whatever was bothering them.

After Mitch left Jon just groaned as Richie got up to go into the other room. “You want another refill?” he asked Jon.

“Yeah why the hell not.” He said as he got up and followed him out into the living room.

Pouring two more drinks Richie handed him his. “So what’s our next move Kidd?”

“It beats the hell out of me. Normally we would get drunk and then find some girls and well you know.” Jon said sarcastically. 

“Yeah I know but we are trying to be better now seeing that we are interested in these beautiful women and not act like two dogs in heat.” Richie chuckled back at him.

“Isn’t it just grand being Rock Stars Rich.” Jon said as he lifted his glass.