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.