Life is a highway ... Ain’t that the truth. Life on the road was hectic enough, but when you add four kids, a couple of good friends and a set of future in-laws, there was never a dull moment, that’s for sure. When Jon returned from his day with the kids and told Ari about his conversation with his daughter, not only was she a little shocked, but relieved as well. It was the stress she had been carrying around, always worried that the press would get hold of it and, like the mutants they were, they would spin and spew it like some vile liquid before Jon had time to talk with his older kids.
The LA show was just what one would expect. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry in the business crawled out from under their proverbial rocks and found their way into the good seats. It was one of the few things about this business that Ariana did not approve of. It wasn’t those people who put the bands there; it was their fans. They are the ones that deserved those seats. By the time they arrived at the after party, her face hurt so much from smiling she was more than happy to take Romeo back to the room when he announced he was bored and tired.
In the last ten days, they had become inseparable. Wherever she went, he was sure to be close by. Unless his father told him otherwise. It was funny to watch the two together, as their similarities were uncanny. Their behavior was so similar at times, she sometimes thought Romeo was a bit more mature than his father. He had fallen asleep in her lap that night, and as she watched him sleep, she wondered what Baby Lily would look like. Would she have her coloring with Jon’s eyes or visa-verse? She didn’t mind either way, as long as she was healthy.
“Come back to bed.” His voice brought her back to reality as she took one last look in the mirror.
“No can do. I have a date and you need to get ready for your meeting."
When she turned and started towards the bathroom, he patted the edge of the bed for her to sit. Smiling, she meandered her way across the vast room, her chocolate curls down and flopsy like he liked. She was wearing a black tee that hugged her in all the right spots, including showing off her ever-growing belly. In true Ariana form, the shirt had words - We’re hungry, stretched across her bosom, green denim pants and knee-high black boots finished out her outfit. His hand caressed her swell as she sat down.
“Who’s the unlucky dude I have to have a talkin’ with.”
“That would be your son, Romeo. Remember, I promised to take him to the Secret Gardens today.”
“I got a better idea. Take those pants off and let me in your secret garden?" His hand traveled between her legs.
“Stop!” She pushed his hand away and flipped the covers off him. “You have about five minutes to get up and put some clothes on before Romeo comes knocking.”
Huffing, Jon did what she asked and just like clockwork there was a series of three pounds on the door, followed by a hurry up, let’s go.
“Be right there Rome.” Ariana called out. “See told you.”
“Yeah whatever. Kids been cramping my style all vacation.”
“Ahh poor baby. Are you feeling a little neglected? Or are you just undersexed?” Ariana laughed.
“It’s not funny. Tonight's our last night together.”
“So? Who said you weren’t getting laid?”
“Really? We are in Vegas, aren’t we? I’ll be lucky to pull you away from the poker table before the plane takes off tomorrow.”
Jon groaned, as her mischievous hands moved over his bare torso, slowly toying with his nipples. “If you’ve forgotten I am five months pregnant. Sitting at a poker table for long stretches is out of the question for me. Besides, Jonas is flying in for the show tonight. We have dinner with him and Cara.”
“Hmphf” Pouty duck lips stared back at her.
“And what’s that for?”
“It means we will be entertaining after the show too.”
“You can’t be serious? This is Cara we are talking about. Sexerella? Remember? We’d be lucky she makes it past Born to Be My Baby.”
Jon stiffened his back and pushed out his chest. “Who said that song will even make the set list?”
“If you plan on getting laid tonight it better, along with a few of my other favorites. Now, I’m off on my date. Have fun at your meeting and I will meet you at the MGM.” Ari placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
“You’re taking Matt, right?”
“Nope. He’ll stick out like a sore thumb. Vince is coming with us. Don’t worry, we’ll be fine.”
“Wait.” he called as she opened the door.
“Yes?”
“You’re going out with that shirt?”
Ari looked down at her attire and smiled. “Damn straight I am. Anyone who needed to know does. Everyone else can kiss my ass.”
♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱
Romeo and Ariana spent the next few hours at the Mirage hotel exploring the Secret Gardens. Thanks to Ari’s resourcefulness, after they explored the exhibits with the rest of the tourists, they were treated to a very special behind-the-scenes tour as well. Romeo was enthralled as Joe; their personal tour guide explained the difference between the species of cats at the Secret Gardens to other habitats.
The Gardens featured some of the most impressive cats, white striped tigers, and snow-white ones. People came from all over the world to see the animals with the most distinctive fur color and crystal blue eyes. Joe explained for over twenty years, Siegfried and Roy dedicated their time to preserving these rare and exotic breeds.
When they were finished with their tour, they headed for Dolphin Habitat, home to the Vegas Strips very own bottlenose dolphins. Though these dolphins didn’t perform, they got to watch them being fed. One trainer even let Romeo throw a few balls into the pool. After a few minutes of watching the dolphins play ball, Romeo turned to Ariana and asked if they could leave. When she asked why, he simply stated that this was boring and that he could see all the dolphins he wanted swimming at the beach in the Hamptons or Jersey.
They walked hand in hand as Vince guided them through the crowds and back to the waiting car. As she watched Romeo get buckled in, she whispered something to Vince, who smiled and nodded. Climbing into the seat next to him, Ariana pulled her seat belt over her stomach. Getting frustrated when she couldn't reach to secure the clasp, Romeo unclipped himself, got up on his knees and helped snap hers, then plopped back down in his seat and buckled up once again.
Confused as to why their car turned right onto the crowded street when their hotel was across the street and to the left, the little boy looked up at her.
“Hey, we live that way?” His tiny finger pointed out the back window.
“Uh-huh.”
“Where are we going?”
“Thought maybe you’d want some ice cream.”
His candy kiss eyes grew along with a smile that went from ear to ear. “Serious dude?”
“Serious dude!” she smiled back.
“But we didn’t have lunch.”
“Duh! Ice cream will be our lunch.”
Vince pulled the black SUV in front of Serendipity’s letting them out and instructed them to go directly inside. He would meet up with them once the valet parked the car. Caesar's Palace was a huge hotel. This was the fastest way for them to get inside and get a table, not to mention less time spent in with the crowds. While at the Mirage, Vince had noticed a few people snapping photos. He was sure it was nothing but informed Matt, anyway.
Climbing the white marbled steps, Romeo led Ariana to a quiet little table outside that overlooked the Las Vegas strip. Pulling out her chair, the young boy waited until Ariana was seated before walking around the table and taking a seat.
“See anything you like?” Ari asked him.
“Can we order it all?” he giggled.
“Could you eat it all?” a perky voice asked. “Hi, I’m Brenda. I’ll be your server today. Should I just put in an order for the works?”
“Thanks, but no.” Ariana smiled up at the woman. “Can you give us a few minutes?”
“Sure. I’ll bring you a couple of waters.” The woman left them to make their decision.
For the next few minutes, both Ariana and Romeo studied the menu. He started with the ice creams and pies, she with the actual food. Nothing seemed to appeal to her, so she flipped the pages to the dessert. Letting her eyes scan the two pages, she closed the menu and waited for him to do the same. She was hungry. When Brenda returned with their waters, Romeo closed his menu and looked across at Ariana.
“Can I get this?” Romeo pointed to a photo of a sundae.
“Sure can.”
“One ‘Lookie Lookie Gimme Cookie’ sundae. And for you, Ms.?”
“I’ll have the Outrageous Banana Split, please.”
“Coward’s style?” Brenda asked.
“No cowards at this table, right?”
“Nope.” Romeo piped up.
“Alrighty, then. I’ll put your order in. Is there anything else I can get you?”
“Extra whipped cream. Please.” He smiled big and wide.
“You got it.”
Twenty minutes later they were spoons deep into not one but two very, very big ice creams. They took turns tasting each other’s then describing all the wonderful flavors. Romeo’s sundae consisted of a large chocolate chip cookie mixed with an assortment of various other little ones, chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, hot fudge, and extra whipped cream. Ari’s banana split had two bananas, three scoops of ice cream, chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, hot fudge, nuts, whipped cream, and a cherry.
As they ate, Romeo entertained her with funny stories about his brothers and sister. He talked about school and his friends. He asked her about things she did as a kid. She told him stories about the silly things she and Cara would do. He particularly liked the story of the infamous secret passage in Petit Soho and how they would sneak downstairs to listen to the bands and hide under the pool table. She promised to show him the next time they went to Montreal.
Plopping back in her seat, Ariana tossed her spoon on the table. “That’s it! I’m stuffed.”
“You quitting?” He dug his spoon in her dish.
“Yup! If I eat another bite, I will explode.”
“Lightweight.”
He licked his chocolate laden lips after shoving the spoon in his mouth. Ariana picked up her phone off the table and pointed it in his direction. He scooped up some from his dish and held it out in front of him.
“Say ice cream,”
“Iiiiiccce creeeeaaamm.”
“Goofball. Wait till your father sees that one.”
Vince had been sitting at a table off to the side and he motioned to her that it was time to go. Dipping the corner of her napkin into her glass of water, Ariana reached across the table and wiped his face. She was pretty sure he had just as much on his face as he did in his stomach, but who cared, they had a fun time. Folding the soiled corner, she dipped it in once more and told him to come stand in front of him so she could clean the few spots she missed.
“There. Much better.” She tossed the cloth down. “Ready to go?”
“Yup.” Romeo threw his arms around her neck for a hug. “Thanks, Ari.”
“You’re welcome. Now let’s go before your father sends the search party after us.”
Just like earlier, he helped her with her chair, then took her hand and followed Vince back to the car. Buckled nice and cozy in their seats, they both watched the passing crowds on the street as the car made its way down Las Vegas Boulevard. After a few blocks, Romeo slid his hand across the leather seat and gently wrapped his fingers around hers.
“Ari?” His eyes continued to stare out the window.
“Yeah, Buddy.”
“I love you.” he whispered quietly.
Her eyes filled with tears at his declaration, “Me too, baby. Me too.”
I cried. Well done. Good chapter.
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