Seattle, WA: Key Arena
Show # 4
Without skipping a beat, Jon hung up with his mother and dialed his ex-wife. He was almost positive she was going to give him a hard time about having the kids because they would have to miss school - something he knew she always opposed, besides the fact that Ari would be present. Under the current situation, they were his kids too, and he wanted them with him for his birthday.
Given the hour he opted to call her cell phone. The younger ones were most likely getting ready, if not already, in bed and him calling would give them an excuse to get up. He’d spoken with them yesterday for Jesse’s birthday, and every day as soon as they were home from school.
“Hello, Jon.”
“Hello. I’m not interrupting anything?”
“No.”
Jon ran his fingers through his hair. He knew from her tone and one-word answers where this conversation was going. He’d only spoken with her once or twice since he’d heard from his lawyer, and both conversations started the same exact way. Instead of beating around the bush, he got right to the point.
“I want to fly the kids out for my birthday. They could spend some time with Ari and I.”
“They have school.”
“How’d I know you were going to say that!”
“Then why ask?”
“Dorothea, I don’t want to fight. I asked, because it was the right thing to do, but if you want to play like this, fine! I’m flying the kids out. My parents will be with them. They will spend some time with Ari and me. I will fly them back after the Vegas show.”
“That’s too many days.”
“No, it isn’t. We’ve done it before. Jeanie will make all the arrangements and call you with them in the morning.”
“I haven’t agreed just yet.”
“I don’t need you to agree. They are coming, even if I have to fly home myself and get them.”
“Really now?”
“Dammit! We’ve discussed this already. Don’t make it difficult. Just have them packed and ready.”
“Oh! So, you’re not even going to listen to what I have to say?”
“I listened. You can’t justify why they shouldn’t come.”
“I don’t need to justify why. I’m their mother and I don’t think they should miss that much school.”
“Well, I’m their father, and it wouldn’t be the first time. I think the actual issue here is not them missing school, but them spending time with Ari and us telling them about the baby.”
“Damn straight, I have a problem with that! There is no need for them to know yet.”
“You’re wrong. They have every right to know. Ari is starting to show, and I’ll be damned if they find out from some dumbass reporter.”
“A little late for all your concerns.”
“I’m not doing this again. Just have them packed, you’ll be hearing from Jeanie in the morning.”
Feeling his blood beginning to boil, Jon ended the call, throwing his phone into the chair. Fisting his hands through his hair, he walked towards the door, shouting for Jeanie as he pulled it open. Once he found her, he barked off a list of things he wanted and how and when he wanted them done by. On top of her new to-do list, she was to find out what was taking Ariana so long. She should have been there already.
Jeanie was used to her boss’ various mood swings. She even knew just when one was coming and could quickly head them off or defuse them when needed. This time she knew if she didn’t do exactly what he wanted and when, heads could possibly roll.
She was busy looking at her phone and not watching where she was going when she ran smack into Richie.
“Whoa there, darlin’! Where’s the fire?” Richie caught her.
“If I had time, I’d tell ya. Boss man on the warpath, can’t stay to chat.” She sidestepped him. “Oh, wait.... have you seen Ariana?”
“Yeah. I just saw her up on stage talking with Mike and Vinny.”
“Geez. Great!” Thanking him, she took off running.
Approaching the stage, Jeanie couldn’t believe what she was witnessing. Ariana, hanging headfirst over the edge of one of the video robots’ screens. She was deep in conversation with Mike. She hadn’t noticed Jeanie. Clearing her throat, Jeanie made her presence known.
Jeanie’s slightly annoyed expression alerted Ari that she best stop what she was doing and go see what she needed. Ariana handed the tool to Mike and climbed down, excusing herself.
“Hey, you need me?” Ari coolly asked, as if nothing was wrong.
“Jon does. Good thing he sent me to look for you.” Jeanie responded with an arched brow.
Ariana rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t doing anything wrong.”
“It’s not my place to say, but can I just make one suggestion?”
“Can I say no?”
The women walked and talked.
“You would make my job a lot easier if you didn’t do those things. Especially on days like today.”
Ariana placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her mid-stride. “Wait. Whaddya mean days like today?”
“He’s on some kind of warpath all of a sudden. Has me making arrangements for the kids to fly out.”
“I know. They are coming out next week for his birthday.”
“Oh no. Plans changed. They will be here tomorrow.... or else.” Jeanie started to walk again but Ariana stopped her again. “His words, not mine.”
“Why tomorrow?”
“Hell if I know?” Jeanie motioned as they continue walking. “My orders are to have the kids and parents in California by tomorrow.” They stopped just shy of the dressing room door. “This is what I need to get done, not to mention keeping a watchful eye on you,” Jeanie smiled. “So, you would make my job a lot easier if you...”
Ariana held up her hand. “It’s not your job to watch me. I’m a big girl and can take care of myself. You go do what you need to, and I will take care of Jon.” She put her hand on the doorknob. “And Jeanie, if you need any help, let me know.”
“Thanks. I just might take you up on that.” Once again, Jeanie was running off.
♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱
At the sound of the opening door Jon looked up from his white notepad he was busy with.
“Where have you been?” He snapped.
“Around.” Ariana plopped on the empty cushion next to him.
“I hope you weren’t doing anything stupid.”
“If by that you mean climbing the rafters... no, I wasn’t.” Ari pulled the pad from his hands.
“That’s exactly what I’m talking about.” He snatched it right back from her.
“Boy! Someone’s got his nonexistent underwear in a twist. What’s with you?”
“I see you’ve added comedian to your resume.” He ripped off the page. Crumbling it into a ball, he tossed it on the floor with the others.
“Guess I can thank your ex-wife for this little attitude.” Ari pushed off the couch and walked into the bathroom.
“Fucking women.” Jon mumbled softly.
Unbeknownst to him, Ariana had heard his little comment. Stopping short of entering the stall, she turned on her toes and walked over to him. Pulling the pad from his hand, she tossed it on the floor, making him snap his head up to see her.
Jon had seen Ari get pissed more than once, which is precisely what she was now. Jaw clenched, hands firmly gripping her hips. He could practically see the steam coming from her ears. Letting out a deep sigh, he ran a hand over his head. The best thing he had learned was to let her get it all out, then he would go from there.
“Excuse me?” She snapped. “You did not just fucking classify me with your ex-wife as a Fucking Woman!” Her finger jolted out at him. “Because you know that won’t go over too well. I don’t know what happened between you and Dorothea, but don’t you ever.... ever take it out on me!”
Pacing back and forth, her hands flailing in the air, Jon stood and reached for her.
“Don’t!” She stepped back from him. “I’m so infuriated with you right now, I could scream. Who the....” She stopped herself. “Fuck! I’m not doing this. I can’t do this now. When you figure out what you meant to say, then I’ll talk to you. Until then, I’m out of here!”
Three strides he was behind her as she flung the door open. “Like hell you are!” Jon said as he took her arm.
“Jon! Let! Me! Go!”
Ariana’s extremely angry voice echoed throughout the halls of the arena. The dominance of her yell sent those lingering in the hallway, scampering. There was a slight shake in her body as she fought the tears that had started to form. Turning away so those who remained couldn’t see, she stepped closer to him.
“Do not! Stop me!” Ariana shoved Jon in the chest, sending him stumbling into the doorframe.
As she slipped through the hall, Jon waited until she was out of sight. “Get back to work.” He barked as he firmly shut the door behind him.
Slapping his hand against the closing door Jon turned towards the couch. The thought of sitting down lasted about five seconds and he was pacing around the room again. Muttering every intangible word that came to mind as he did.
“Jesus fuckin' Christ! What is with everyone today?” First Dorothea and now Ariana. If he didn't know better, he’d say they were both on the rag.
All he wanted was for his kids to come out and spend some quality time getting to know Ariana. But no. Dorothea was being a royal pain in the ass and on top of dealing with her bullshit, he was constantly worried whether he would find Ari dangling from the rafters. The woman couldn’t sit still.
Jon was becoming decidedly more agitated as he picked up the various trinkets on his shelves before slamming them back down again.
He didn’t need this fucking headache today!
Hmmmm....How will Jon figure this mess out that he created?
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