134 - Thorn In My Side

Jon placed a hand on the small of her back as they walked through the snow-covered parking lot. Her steps were quick, her body tense, and she didn’t say a word or look at him. She was pissed, but too damn bad. He had every right to be worried about her and the baby. That is why he brought up the subject. Opening the car door for her, he waited until she secured her seatbelt. “Ari…”

 

“Don’t!” she barked, reaching around him for the door handle and pulling it shut.

 

Pounding his fist on the roof, he rounded the car, pulled open his door, and slid behind the wheel. “Can we at least…” He turned and looked at her, her left leg rapidly bouncing as she stared mindlessly out the window.

 

Leaning forward and completely ignoring him, she turned on the radio. Mick Jagger singing about; You can’t always get what you want, roused a sarcastic hmph from her.  

 

How befitting? It’s just like him to want things done his way. Well, not this time. Pushing the volume button, she felt his eyes burned into her as she turned the music up a few notches and slid back into her seat. 

 

Jamming the key in the ignition, he slammed the gearshift into reverse. “Fine!” he grunted and tore out of the parking lot.  

 

The tension in the car was thick as Jon navigated the black SUV along the back roads of New Jersey. Each of them brooding on their side of the car. If they were in a cartoon, you would see the smoke coming from their ears.  

 

As he pulled into the quiet cul-de-sac and into the driveway of a quaint little house, Ariana felt her chest tighten. She’d only been here one other time and most definitely didn’t want to be here now. Not because of who was inside, but because she knew Jon wouldn’t just let this go. She knew if they didn’t discuss it now; he had no qualms about discussing this in front of his parents. Not in the mood to deal with the aftereffects, she unbuckled her belt and turned to face him.

 

“Listen here, mister! I am quite capable of speaking for myself and I sure as hell don’t need you doing it for me.”

 

“Cut the crap.” he put the car in park but kept it running. “I wasn’t speaking for you. I was merely voicing my concerns.”  

 

“Yeah, well. We’ve been over this before. I’m not taking any drugs. And having you talk about me like I wasn’t even sitting there…”

 

“Hold on a damn minute.” He shifted in his seat and now faced her. “I did no such thing, and you know it. If I didn’t bring up the nightmares, were you even going to?”

 

“Why should I? There is nothing you or anyone else can do about them. End of discussion!”

 

“God dammit, Ari.” he slammed his hand against the wheel. “Why must you always do this?”

 

“Do what?”

 

“Make excuses.” 

 

“Am not!” she shouted. 

 

“The hell you aren’t. They’re not bad. I can handle them. Nothing anyone can do.” His head boobed back and forth as he mimicked her.

 

“I! Did! Not! Do! That!” she yelled, vehemently pointing her index in his direction.

 

“You’re so fuckin stubborn. Ya know that.”

 

“That’s the pot calling the kettle black, don’t you think.”

 

“You will not turn this around on me. I won’t allow it.”

“HA!” Who the hell made you, my keeper?”

 

“For Christ’s sake, you know that’s not how I meant it.”

 

And back and forth, they argued. Something they hadn't done in a very long time, but something they were both very good at doing. They fought about the same things they discussed before going to the doctors. Her fears and her dreams regarding them. The pros and cons of her taking medications to help. Why she refused to consider Dr. Barnes' options and why Jon thought she should. Their discussion was so heated and full of intensity, neither of them noticed Carol had come out of the house until she was tapping on Jon’s window.

 

Nowhere close to resolving this, they had no choice but to get out of the car and go inside. Tucking her hair behind her ear, Ariana opened her door and climbed out to greet her mother-in-law. 

 

“Hello Carol. It’s good to see you.” Ariana rounded the front of the car to give her a hug.

 

“Nonsense.” Carol hooked her arm with hers. “It’s freezing out here. Let’s get you inside where it’s warm and then we can say our hello’s.”  

 

As they stepped inside, the delicious smell of fresh herbs and garlic wafted through the entire house, like they were standing right in the middle of Carmela's restaurant in Italy and not New Jersey. Ariana handed her coat to Carol’s waiting hand and waited as she draped it over a hook on the antique coat rack.   

 

“Look at you.” Carol's hands flanked her stomach. “You’ve grown so much since the last time I saw you.”

 

“Yes.” Ariana half smiled.

 

“Stop that. You look wonderful. How’d did everything go at the doctors? Everything okay? Does my newest granddaughter have a name yet?”

 

“Ma.” Matt stood in the kitchen's doorway with a slice of Italian bread in his hand. “Come up for air, will ya?” He walked across the room, placed a kiss on Ari’s cheek, and winked. “Des and the kids are in the kitchen.”

 

Carol’s twenty questions. Matt’s protectiveness. This was all new to Ariana. Yes, Lili would have been the same way, the hovering grand-mère. As would Sal, but this, this was different. Being part of a family like this, well, she missed out on things like family dinners. When she was with Sal, it was just the two of them or a hundred crew members, and when she spent time with Lili, they would eat most of their meal in Petit Soho. Cara and Max were there, too. It was just different.

 

Returning his wink, she ignored the first two questions and went with the one she knew would distract Carol. “Actually, yes she does. Lily Francis. Spelled like her Daddy and Pop-pop.”

 

“Aw. John, did you hear that?” Carol shouted.

 

“No. I’m slaving away in the kitchen. Send her in here.”

 

The two women made their way to the kitchen. The wonderful smells became even more prominent as they got closer, making Ari’s mouth water. John Sr. stood at the kitchen table, dish cloth hung over his shoulder as he prepared the lasagna. Desiree and Bella sat on the other side of the table with Rocco at the head of the table in his highchair.

 

“It smells delicious in here.” Ariana pressed a kiss to his cheek.

 

“Thank you. Now what was my wife babbling about out there?”  

 

Shaking her head slowly at her husband's teasing words, Carol lifted the wooden spoon to stir the sauce on the stove.  

 

“Do you want to tell him or can I?" she asked.

 

“Go ahead.” Ariana slid into the booth next to Bella.

 

“Lily Francis.” she looked down at him as he slid the lasagna into the oven. “Spelled with an ‘i’.”

 

Shutting the oven door, he turned and walked over to Ariana. Cupping her face between his hands and kissing the tip of her nose. “Beautiful. Just like her mama. I hope you like lasagna.”

 

Ariana rubbed her hands over her stomach. “Does it look like I don’t eat?”  

 

Desiree gently nudged Ariana’s shoulder. “Nonsense. You look great.” 

 

“I keep telling her that.” Jon appeared at in the doorway.

 

“Unkee Jonnnn.” Bella stood with her arms open wide, waiting as Jon reached over the table and scooped the little girl up. Safely in his arms and away from the table, he spun her around, their noses pressed together. 

 

Ariana watched as the two interacted. The little girl sure loved her uncle and from the sparkle in Jon’s eyes, he was head over heels for her, too. Her incessant giggling kick started Rocco’s hands banging on the tray of his highchair, along with his high-pitched squeals.

 

“See what you’ve done?” Carol swatted the back of Jon’s head. “Now take them downstairs so we can finish up in here.”

 

Desiree and Ariana laughed as Jon made silly faces behind his mother's back. Setting Bella on the floor, he lifted his nephew out of the chair, stuffed a piece of bread in his mouth, and left.

 

“Dinner is in twenty minutes.” His father called after him. “Don’t go too far.”

 

“Yeah, Pop.” he gave a quick wave, leaving the four of them to finish up.

133 - Dream a Little Dream

Four kids, two schools, three boroughs and two states all before 9 a.m. was a lot for a not- so-much morning person to handle without a cup of coffee. She’d give her left tit for a Triple Venti Raspberry White Chocolate Mocha, extra foam and heavy on the raspberry right about now, but would have to settle for the herbal concoction Lidia made for her this morning. Up at the butt-crack of dawn, not because she wanted to, but because Ari had had another dream. Though this one was not as bad as the others, it was still enough to jolt her awake.   

Luckily, Jon was already up and in the gym, as he had been every morning since they’d been back. She had had one the first night back in New Jersey, too. Bad enough that it had taken a bit for him to wake her from it. He was worried about her, which was understandable, and was why they had made an appointment with Dr. Barnes today.

 

After dropping the kids off at school, they headed into Manhattan to the BJM offices. Ariana needed a pee break and Jeanie needed to go over some foundation things with Jon. An hour later, they were back in the car heading for their next appointment, but didn’t make it too far. They were sitting in the Holland Tunnel going turtle speed, heading back to Jersey.

 

“You okay, Crash?” Jon reached for her hand.

 

“Just tired.”

 

“You slept last night?” It wasn’t so much a question, but rather a statement.

 

“Not exactly.”  

 

Jon glanced at her, then turned his attention back to the traffic in front of him. “Did you have any other dreams?”

 

“A little one.”

 

“Was it the same?”

 

“They’re pretty much all the same.” Dropping her head against the headrest, she turned and looked over at him, a weary smile barely stretched her lips. He could see the faint beginnings of dark under her eyes. He brought their joined hands to his lips and placed a whispered kiss on her knuckles. 

 

“Why don’t you close your eyes and try to get some sleep now? It looks like it could take a while. I’ll wake you when we are close.”

 

“Thanks,” she gave his hand a squeeze. “Mind if we put the radio on?”

 

Freeing their hands, he pushed the button on the steering wheel to activate the radio. The sound of talk radio filled the car, prompting her to shake her head in disagreement. Jon enjoyed music, but mostly listened to some sort of news or talk radio while driving. Ari, on the other hand, preferred it loud. She said it made her think better. Scanning the channels for something they both enjoy, he stopped at the velvety voice of Sam Cooke singing about cupid’s bow. No yay or nay from her. Jon looked over to find she had already fallen asleep.  

 

Trying not to disturb her, he gently released their hands and pulled his sunglasses down as the car eased out of the tunnel and onto the trafficless roadway. He thought about the questions he had for Dr. Barnes.

 

♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱

 

A small huff escaped her tightly pinched lips as she stepped off the scale and plopped down on the small table. “Don’t you say a word!” she shot daggers in Jon’s direction.

 

“What?” he raised his shoulders in a shrug. “I said nothing!”

 

“You don’t have to. I can see what’s going on in that mind of yours and it’s not funny, Jon.”

 

“Crash, it’s natural. You have a tiny person inside you who’s growing every day. Only natural you put on a pound or two or eight.” He darted to his left and out of reach of her flying fist.

 

“Well, I’m done. It’s rabbit food for me from now on.”

 

Jon pulled his phone from his pocket. “So I should call Pop and tell him you won't be having any lasagna tonight?”

 

“Nooo!” she growled.

 

“Everything okay in here?” Dr. Barnes peered around the door before coming completely into the room.

 

“Peachy!” Ariana said.

 

“Nice to see you again Jon.” Dr. Barnes smiled at him, then she turned to Ariana. “How are you?”

 

“Fine.”

 

Dr. Barnes looked over Ariana’s chart. “Let’s see; You’re twenty-five weeks. Marissa’s already drawn your blood and taken urine, and you’ve gained another eight pounds. That’s good.”

 

“Says you.”

 

“It is. Did you forget how much you lost in the beginning?”

 

“I believe I’ve doubled what I lost. No more for me.”

 

 “I don’t want you to stop eating, the baby needs it.”

 

“There goes my extra lasagna.” Jon teased.

 

“Lasagna? And you didn’t bring any for me?” Dr. Barnes asked as she help Ariana lay back so she could measure her and listen for the heartbeat. “Otherwise, how are you feeling? Any heartburn? Hemorrhoids?”

 

“Nope.”

 

“Good. All common by the way.” Removing the doppler from her pocket, she placed it on Ariana’s stomach. “Sex? Still fun and comfortable?”

 

“Oh, geez!” Jon mumbled. 

 

Ariana rolled her eyes at him. It was her turn to have a little fun. “Oh, yes!" she said enthusiastically, “We are good in that department.”

 

“You can continue having sex as long as you’re comfortable and not experiencing any contractions or pain.” Rolling the doppler a little lower, the rapid thumping became clearer. “There she is. Strong. Any name yet?”

 

“Lily Francis.” Ariana smiled up at her.

 

“Beautiful. You can sit up now.” Dr. Barnes took a seat on the stool and scribbled some notes on the chart. “We need to discuss your next trimester. I need to see you next at twenty-eight weeks, then every two weeks after that.” She turned to Jon. “What does your schedule look like?”

 

Jon pulled up his calendar. “April, we are a quick plane ride away, with a few shows here in Jersey in May. Then we're off to London for the month of June and back to the States.”

 

Tapping the pen against the file, Dr. Barnes took a few moments to process what Jon had just told her.  

 

“So, let me tell you what I am thinking. I rarely allow my patients to fly. Well, starting now. But you are not one of my typical patients. I won’t lie and tell you that having you gone for the entire month of June worries me. Were you planning to go with Jon?”

 

Ariana took a glance at him first, then started to answer, but Jon cut her off. “I would prefer she be with me. For one, she’s my wife and I want her with me. Then there is the obvious, if she were to go into early labor, I want to be there for her and my child. My other concern is her nightmares.”

 

“You’ve gotten married?" Congratulations.

 

“Thank you.” Ariana said, smiling.

 

“Nightmares, you’re still having them? How often? Are they better or worse?”

 

“Often enough. Some bad enough I have a hard time waking her.” Once again, Jon spoke before Ari could.

 

Shooting him a disdained look, Ariana spoke with a harsh tone. “I can answer for myself.”

 

“Ariana, we talked about this. Why didn’t you call so I could prescribe something for you?” Dr. Barnes made sure she addressed her specifically.

 

“I won’t take anything.”

 

Jon shook his head in disgust. They had this conversation one too many times too. She was just being stubborn, and he’d told her just as much. He was afraid she was creating too much extra stress by not taking something.  

 

“Is it safe for her to take something?” he asked.

 

“NO!” Ari spat at him.

 

“Ariana, calm down.” She placed a gentle hand on her knee. Addressing Jon now, Dr. Barnes continued, “With anything, there is always a risk and I prefer she not, but if she’s not sleeping and these nightmares are causing her undue stress, I can prescribe something mild.”

 

“No. There has to be something else.”  

 

“How about talking with someone? And I don’t mean Jon. Friends, family who have had babies. It might help if you talk about what it is you are afraid of. I’m assuming the nightmares are still same.”

 

“Yes, they are.”

 

“Do you think talking to someone would help?” Jon asked.

 

“I do. Even if it’s just with a friend or neutral party. Every pregnancy is different, but women tend to share the same fears. You can even try reading. I’ll suggest some books for you.”

 

“I’ll try anything but drugs. That’s not an option.”

 

“Alrighty, then. I’ll get you a list, the name of a doctor you can call.” Ariana sighed. “Just in case.” She squeezed Ariana’s hand. “I’m also going to make a few calls. If you are determined to go to London, I’d like you to have a doctor with you. Is that okay with the both of you?”

 

“Yes!” they replied in unison. 

 

“Thank you again for everything, Dr. Barnes.” 

 

“Yes. Thank you.” Jon stood and extended his hand out to her. “For everything.”

 

“You’re welcome. I’ll get you that list. Why don’t you make your next appointment? I’ll bring that list right up to you.”

 

Ariana slid off the table and straightened the hem of her shirt and followed Dr. Barnes out of the room. Not giving Jon a chance to speak, she made her way down the hall to the reception area. Smiling at the young girl behind the desk, she handed over her paperwork.  

 

They made Ariana’s next appointment and Ari explained she would need to change some information on forms. The woman explained she could go to the website and download the forms and bring them with her the next time or she could fax them to the number at the top of the page. She handed Ariana a business card with the appointment along with the referrals and a few books from Dr. Barnes. They said their goodbyes and left.

132 - That's Amore

March 24, 2010

Ariana watched the people hustle and bustle along Mercer St. As promised, they had landed at Teterboro just before noon and headed straight to the city to pick up the kids. Jon had tried to convince her to come upstairs with him, but she kept her foot firmly planted and told him it wouldn’t be right. This was Dorothea’s home and even though she wouldn’t be home when they arrived, the last thing Dorothea needed to hear was that Ariana was in her home.

 

Jon didn’t see it that way at all. Ariana was his wife and now stepmother to his kids. And eventually, there would come a time when she would be the one picking them up when he could not. Not wanting to upset her, he pulled the lapels of her coat shut, kissed the tip of her nose, and promised he wouldn’t be long before disappearing into the building.

 

Leaning against the parked car, lost in thought, she hadn’t noticed the Bongiovi clan emerging from the building until she heard Romeo screaming her name, turning just in time to catch the boy's arms open wide and in mid-leap.

 

“Can we? Please? Just say yes?” he whispered into her ear.

 

Confused at his request, she helped him safely to the ground just as the rest of them arrived. Jon tossed a few bags into the back of the truck, then looked at his youngest, who was wearing one mischievous grin.

 

“I said no!” Jon pointed into the backseat. “Get in the car.”

 

“But…” Romeo opened his mouth, but Jon snapped his fingers in a shut it motion.

 

“No, what?” Ari asked innocently. It was obvious Romeo wanted something, otherwise he wouldn’t have whispered into her ear. Stopping him as he was climbing into the car, she looked up at Jon, then at the little boy. “Romeo, is there something you want.”

 

“Piiiiizzzzzzzzaaaaaaa!”

 

“Ooh! Yum!” She wagged her eyebrows at Jon.

 

“In!” Grinning, Jon nudged them one by one into the car, then he waited as Ari climbed into her seat and shut the door. Rounding the car, he climbed into the front seat, pulled his belt across his lap, and looked over at Gus. “Change of plans. Looks like we’re going to Sal’s.” A deafening roar of yes! erupted from the back of the car.

 

Sal’s Little Italy was a family operated restaurant in the heart of Manhattan’s Little Italy. A staple in the neighborhood for thirty years, it was a favorite of the Bongiovi brood for as long as they could remember. The spacious but cozy eatery played host to mostly local folks and tourists. However, they had hosted the occasional celebrities, too. But no matter who you were, the minute you walked through the door, you were treated like family. 

 

Angelo, a stout middle-aged man with a thick Italian accent, greeted them as they walked through the door. Shaking hands with Jesse and Jake, he kissed Stephanie on the cheek, and mussed Romeo’s hair when the little boy asked if they had lemon ice today. The man smiled politely as Jon introduced Ariana as his wife, then escorted them to a table in the back.

 

This being Ariana’s first time to Sal’s, the kids insisted she tried just about everything, and they did. From fried calamari to eggplant caponata and calzones to pizza. And not just any pizza. There was one pie to everyone’s liking. There was white pie for Stephanie and meatballs for Jesse. Opting for the more traditional, Jake chose cheese, but that didn’t stop him from tasting everyone else’s. Of course, Ariana and Romey had to have pepperoni. Jon was yelled at when he tried ordering his usual; mushrooms, tomatoes and green peppers but quickly changed and went with sausages but kept the peppers.

 

Over the next two hours, as they feasted on the exorbitant amount of food, the six talked and laughed. They talked about Jon and Ari getting married and the reasons behind its urgency. Discussing how they all felt about it and want it meant to them. They each had a chance to explain their feelings. There were questions which Ariana and Jon had no problem answering. Ariana spoke of her nightmares and fears, which seemed to help with the older ones understand the urgency more. Romeo was still a bit confused with the whole two mommies kinda thing, but that was understandable for his age. Jon reassured the boy that him marrying Ariana wouldn’t change who his mommy was. It made him extra special because he now had two. Content with what his father had told him, Romey promptly changed the subject to what had been going on with him. Talking about school and friends and after about fifteen minutes of the rights and wrongs of kindergarten, Jake teasingly told his younger brother to hush up so the rest of them could get a word in edge wise.

 

When Romeo stopped to pop a piece of pepperoni into his mouth, Jake took the opportunity to start talking. Ariana asked him how he was doing in school and got the typical nine-year-old reply of fine. Jon couldn’t really say much. He didn’t like school much either. All he asked of his son was to do his best, and he did. They all did. Jake got really excited when he told them he had tried out for the local youth league basketball team and made it. Jon was really excited about that. When weather and time had permitted, he often took Jake to the park to shoot some hoops. He was good, too. Jake was a little taken aback when Ariana asked when their games would be. He didn’t really think she would want to go. But he learned differently. He learned she had an avid love of sports. All sports, for that matter. He promised to print her a schedule as soon as they got back to the house.

 

Angelo stopped by with some boxes and to ask if they were ready for dessert. Looking towards her father, Stephanie asked, “Dad, can I have a cappuccino?”

 

“Sure. Jess, you want one too?” Jon asked.

 

“Nah. I’ll have an enormous glass a milk and a piece of cheesecake, Please.”

 

“Boys? Lemon or pineapple?” Angelo asked, even though he knew the answer. They never wavered, no matter what flavor they offered. Lemon, they sang in unison as he looked over at Ariana. Stating she couldn’t eat another bite, she declined and thanked him. Next, he bent down closer to Jon, who seemed to whisper something to him. When Ariana asked what he had just done, Jon just grinned and muttered nuttin’.  

 

While they waited for their coffee and dessert, Stephanie talked about the few colleges she was considering and how she would like to visit some of them soon, then she asked Ariana if she was up for a girl’s day of shopping since Ben had just asked her to the Junior prom and she needed something to wear. Rolling his eyes at the two of them, Jon turned to Jesse, asking him if he had anything just as exciting going on.  

 

“Actually, I do,” Jesse said in a matter-of-fact manner. “I’m going to the prom too.”

 

Shocked by his son’s statement, Jon wished he had asked Angelo for another glass of wine instead of what he ordered. “Don’t you need to be a Junior to go?”

 

“Yeah. Or you can go with a Junior.” A sheepish grin crept over his face. 

 

“Spill!”

 

“Troy’s sister asked me. Who was I to say no?”  

 

Jon was familiar with this family. Troy and Jesse had been friends for years and played on the school’s lacrosse team together, but this was the first he was hearing about his sister. “So, she just asked you out of nowhere?”

 

“Not really. We’re kinda seeing each other.”

 

Jon was just about to question him further, but Angelo had arrived with dessert. Starting with Jake and Romeo, he set the frozen lemons in front of each of them. Next, he set Stephanie’s cappuccino down along with a small dish of homemade biscotti. Jesse’s cheesecake barely hit the table before the teenager had a forkful ready for his mouth. Ariana’s eyes lit up when Angelo placed a single dish with a martini glass down in front of Jon. She knew exactly what was in the v-shaped glass. It must have been what Jon whispered to Angelo, because she didn’t recall seeing it on the menu. Reaching for the spoon, she dipped it deep into the glass, scooping from the bottom all the way to the top. She was about to bring the spoon up to her lips when Jon stopped her by placing his hand on her wrist.

 

“Nuh-uh!” he said, “You’re stuffed, remember?” Jon guided the spoon to his mouth and slipped it between his lips.

 

“Daaad! That’s not nice!” Romeo stood and walked around the table with his dish in his hands. Placing it next to Ariana, he climbed in her lap, scraped the edge of his spoon against the frozen dessert and shoved it up at her. “Here, I’ll share mine with you.”

 

“Thank you, sweetie,” Ariana gently lowered his spoon, “that’s very gentlemanly of you, but your Daddy’s gonna share his.”

 

“No, I’m not.” A smile crept on his face.

 

Snatching the spoon from his hand, Ariana slid the dish in front of her, spooned herself a heaping size of Zabaglione; ice cream and strawberries, then, in a very unladylike manner, shoved the whole thing into her mouth. She swished the oversized amount around her mouth, savoring all the delectable flavors for a moment. She swallowed, licked her lips and smiled at Jon. “You wouldn’t deny your pregnant wife food? Would you?”

 

“Yeah, Dad.” Jake looked up from his dessert. “Where are your manners?” 

 

“Okay… okay.” Jokingly, Jon threw his hands up in defeat.

 

“What is it anyway?” Jake asked.

 

“Just one of the best desserts known to man,” she stated. "It’s an Italian dessert called Zabaglione; made with egg yolks, sugar and a sweet wine. Some restaurants serve it cold like a custard, but this way” she used the spoon and pointed to the dessert, “hot with strawberries and ice cream on the bottom is the best way to eat it!” She scooped some on her spoon. “Anyone want to try it?”

 

Jon laughed. Of course she would share with them, and he was cool with that. He had ordered it for her anyway, as he was too stuffed to eat another bite. Reaching for his coffee, he sat back in his chair, enjoying the rare moment with his family.

 

131 - Morning After

March 20, 2010

Using his extra key, Matt pushed opened the door to Jon’s suite at the St. James Hotel. “Hey Jon! You in here?” He called out as he moved around the suite’s common rooms. When he received no response, he moved towards the bedrooms, grumbling under his breath he then placed his hand on the doorknob and cracked the door open. “Ari? Jon?” he gave a verbal warning before entering.

 

No one. They did not even sleep in the bed, well at least that’s what he assumed. It was still made. From the sight of Ariana’s suitcase on the bench at the foot of the bed, he could tell they hadn’t checked out yet. Where the fuck could they be? Letting out a frustrated growl, he walked back through the room, shaking his head and out the door.

 

Climbing into the front seat of the waiting SUV, Matt slammed the door. Giving the driver the go-ahead nod, he pulled out his phone and quickly typed out a text. First to Tony, then to Jeanie letting them know his brother and new sister-in-law were a no-show at the hotel and he was heading over to Petit Soho next. 

In a last-ditch effort as the car pulled into downtown Montreal traffic, he dialed Jon once again and hoped he would answer this time. It was not like Jon to do something like this. Go all day without checking in with him or anyone else. True, they were in Montreal. A city he had always roamed around freely without being detected. And yes, it was understandable if he wanted to lie low a little. There was a show, a wedding, a party, and without a doubt a private after party, but this, this was a whole new for Jon. Matt knew one thing for sure, once he found his brother, he would let him have it.

 

Buried under her pillows, Ariana could hear muffled voices coming from downstairs. Nudging Jon with her foot that was draped across his calf, she mumbled, “Jon. Go see who that is?”

 

“Huh?” he grumbled, lifting his head off the pillow. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Jon looked over at his sleeping wife, who was lying on her side diagonally across the bed, her head buried under her pillows, one leg was draped behind her and rested on his leg and the other stretched to the edge of the bed with her foot dangling off the side.

 

“Please.” She tugged on the covers and tucked them between her legs.

 

“Why me?” he pulled them back.

 

“Cause that’s what good husbands do.”  

 

Pressing his body against her back, his hand caressed her bare belly. “I am good, ain’t…” His I turned into an oof as she teasingly elbowed him away.

 

♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱

 

Shaking his head, he ran a quick hand through his hair before rounding the doorway of the kitchen. He had recognized the familiar voice, though he couldn’t understand a damn thing the man was saying. The short, stout, grey-haired man turned when he heard Jon clearing his throat.  

 

“Vous… vous… Ça!” (You… you… This!”) Gabriel took two steps towards Jon, waving Ariana’s bra in the air. “Inacceptable. Impensable. Dégueulasse. Ici, c’est MA cuisine. Absolument!!!!! Pas de sexe dans MA cuisine.” (Unacceptable. Unthinkable. Disgusting. This is my kitchen. Absolutely!!!!!! No sex in my kitchen.)

 

Jon couldn’t help but laugh even though he had no clue what he was saying. Undoubtedly knew it had to do with what he and Ari did last night in this very room. It wouldn’t be the first time they pissed off Gabriel either. He was absolutely possessive of his kitchen. If you did not work in it, you were not welcome. Fornicating anywhere near it was a definite no-no. Jon held up his hand to say something, but Gabriel held up his other hand, which held a chopping knife.

 

“Whoa! Whoa!” Jon backed up, bumping right into Ariana.

 

“Gabriel!” stepping around Jon, she snatched her bra from Gabriel's hand. 

 

“Toi aussi.” (You too.) He pointed at her. “Sheesh! Comme ma fille, tu me rends fou. PAS DE SEXE!” (Sheesh! Just like a daughter, you make me crazy. NO SEX.) Disgusted, he waved a hand at them and went to storm out the back door, running right into Matt. 

 

Stepped aside to let Gabriel pass, Matt turned to face the two of them. “So, this is where you are?”  

 

“Where else would we be?" Jon asked.

 

“Oh, I don’t know, let me see… The Bell Center, maybe?”  

 

“What the heck are you talking about?” Jon asked as he kept a half an eye on Ariana, who was trying to calm the crazy Frenchman.

 

Matt pulled his brother out of ears' reach. “Did you fuck yourself stupid last night? It’s five o’clock, asshole.”

 

“Ya shitten me, right?” Jon turned to look at the clock above the door and shook his head in disbelief. They had indeed slept all day. “Why didn’t you…” Jon waved his hand as if to say never mind and called over to his wife. “Crash, we gotta go.”  

 

Turning when she heard her name called, she saw Jon pointing at the clock. Placing a reassuring hand on Gabriel’s shoulder, the older man nodded and left to tend to his business. Walking to where Jon and Matt were, she responded, 

 

“Holy shit! Did we really sleep all day?”  

 

“You sure did. Musta been a helluva night.” Matt winked. “So, shake a leg. I’ll be in the car waiting.”

 

Matt left, leaving Ari and Jon to retreat upstairs. Shocked and dumbfounded that they had slept the day away and that neither one of them had heard their phones, they gathered their scattered clothes and finished dressing.

 

“Hey, do you mind if I meet you at the arena in a little bit?” she asked as she gathered her hair at the top of her head. “Since we are leaving right after the show, I have some things to finish up here and need to grab my things at hotel.”

 

“Sure but leave the hotel. I’ll have Jeanie call and tell them we won’t be checking out till morning.” He pushed his foot into his boot. “The guys can head back tonight.”

 

“You sure? I know the kids are waiting to see you.”

 

“Yeah. We’ll go first thing in the morning, then swing by and get them and take them home with us for a few days.”

 

“What about school?”

 

“I’ll take ‘em Monday and pick them up. Tuesday, they’ll go for half the day, and I’ll have Jeanie pick them up and meet us. They’ll come to Philly with us, they enjoy it there as much as I do, and since we are local for the next few shows, it will be nice to have them with us.”

 

“I would love that, too. Isn’t Romey’s birthday is coming up soon?” she asked, as she straightened the bed.

 

“Twenty-ninth. And it’s Spring Break for them.”

 

“Ah.” 

 

Jon pulled her into his arms. “Hey, what sup?”

 

“Nothing. Don’t you usually go to St. Bart’s?”

 

“So?” he brushed a wisp of hair off her face.

 

“I don’t want us getting married to change anything for them. They need some things to stay familiar.” 

 

“It won’t. If they want, we will still go. How’s that?”

 

“I want whatever will be comfortable for them.” Wrapping her hands around his neck, she played with the ends of his tousled hair.

 

“How ‘bout we ask them tomorrow and leave it up to them?”  

 

“Sounds good to me.”  

 

“Good.” He pulled her tighter to him, “I’ll send the car back after we get dropped off.”

 

“Kay,” she smiled, “I can’t believe we did this.”  

 

“Oh, we did!” he wagged his eyebrows. 

 

Ari ran her hands down the front of his wrinkled dress shirt. “Git outta here before Matt comes looking for you.”

 

“Yes, Mrs. Bongiovi” he leaned in and kissed her softly, then left.