April 16, 2010
"Oh my God!" Ariana took off, squealing across the lobby and throw her hands around her friend's neck. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, hello to you too.” Cara stretched out their joined hands and took a few steps back. "You look amazing. And look at that belly." She placed her hands on each side of Ariana's round belly and gave it a kiss.
"Knock it off and tell me what you are doing here?"
"Montreal's winter suck! I heard you were heading to the land of sun and fun and was jealous."
Cara looked over Ari's shoulder at Jon and smiled. It was he who had called and begged her to come. After Ariana’s strange behavior in Minnesota, he thought for sure, things would slow down. He was wrong. It turned out she was just as overtired as was he. And after a good night’s sleep, she was back to her pecker-licking-self.
He tried talking about it with her, about letting him reciprocate and take care of her needs, but she wouldn’t have any of it. Instead, she’d gave him a wicked grin and a smartass reply, then drop to her knees. That's when he remembered what Matt had said about giving her a distraction and what better distraction than inviting Cara.
Cara could at least keep her busy during the days and during the shows. Giving him and his wiener a much-needed break. He had Cara meet them in Florida, where they would have a few days off between shows. It was the perfect plan.
Jon reached around Ariana and kissed her hello. " Frenchie, was the flight, okay?"
"Perfect. Having a plane all to yourself has some benefits. Thank you."
"Wait? You knew she was coming? Is that why you insisted on having breakfast in the restaurant this morning?" Ari asked.
"Cara called to ask if it would be okay to surprise you. I figured you two could spend some time in the sun, so I made all the arrangements."
Ariana pulled him into a hug and whispered softly into his ear, “I’m on to you.”
Shaking his head, he laughed to himself as he followed them towards the restaurant. Of course, she would say something like that. He should have known he couldn’t pull something like this over on her. And if he knew Cara, she would throw him under the bus the minute they were alone. He was actually surprised she hadn’t done so already. Ariana’s genuine reaction to seeing her in the lobby made him think she didn’t know — yet.
After breakfast, Ari and Cara had decided they needed a little retail therapy before heading to the beach for a little fun in the sun. Not liking that the fans knew they had a few days off and would most likely be lurking, Jon insisted they take Matt and not one of the other guys with them. Of course, Ari barked and tried putting up a stink, but he wouldn’t hear it. He told her that if she wouldn’t take Matt, he would go.
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“Sambora, would you hurry it up already!!” Jon shouted for the third time from the couch in the sitting room.
“Slow your roll! Not everyone looks as good as you when they roll out of bed. It takes time and patience to look this good.” Richie appeared in the door wearing a smartass grin.
“Finally!” Jon stood and shoved his phone in his pocket. “You’re worse than my wife. What is that your third shirt? We’re going walking on the beach. Who gives a shit if your shirt matches you swim trunks?”
“Not you, obviously.” He gave his brother a once over. “I’m glad you dressed for the occasion.”
Jon looked down at his camo pants and sleeveless gray tee. So, what if it was wrinkly and stained. “It’s a walk around town, not the fuckin’ Grammys.” He playfully shoved Richie out the door.
By the time they made it downstairs and out on the street, George was already waiting for them. He stayed back and followed their lead. They walked along the busy streets of Miami, looking in the window of a few shops and watching some tourists who stopped to eat at one of the restaurants along the way. When they came upon a florist, Jon ticked his head at Richie.
“Oh brother! Whatchu do now?”
“Shut the fuck up and open the door.”
Holding the door open, Richie smiled at the clerk, who had already recognized them as Jon walked around a large table full of arrangements.
“Can you customize these?” Jon called over to the sales associate.
“Yes. Was there something specific you were looking for?”
“Not sure yet.”
“Not a problem. Take your time. If you don’t see what you are looking for, we can order them, I’m sure.” The woman smiled and left them alone.
“You have that look in your eye. What are you up to, you devil?” Richie smirked.
“You know how Ari’s been…”
“Into protein pops.”
“Yeah.” Jon rolled his eyes, “Well, I had Cara flown in today to keep her occupied.”
“Frenchie’s here? That’s great! What about her beau? Would love to jam with him again.”
“Just her. This morning when we met her down in the lobby and Ari’s initial surprise wore off, she told me she was on to me.” Jon smiled and used air quotes.
“Ah. So you think Frenchie’s gonna rat you out.”
“Oh, I know she will. I practically begged her to come here, and she would only agree if I told her why.”
“Man, you’re fucked.”
“If only.”
Jon picked up the arrangement off the table and carried it to the back counter. After carefully explaining to the woman what it was he wanted, she was more than happy to oblige his request. However, she told him it would take a bit to collect the items needed, but promised it would be delivered by his requested time. Thanking her for her help, he promised to send over a pair of tickets for tomorrow night’s show.
“Where to next?” Richie asked as they stepped outside.
“Lunch. I’m starving.”
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“Ariana, ne trouves-tu pas que tu en as assez?” When Cara’s French came out, it meant one thing, she was getting annoyed with her.
“Just one more, I promise.”
“But you’ve bought five already.” Cara pulled open the door of yet another jeweler. “He’s not a frigging octopus.”
“Hush and indulge a pregnant woman, for Pete’s sake.” Ariana glided through the store with ease and determination. An older, distinguished man with salt and pepper hair stood behind the glass display, looked up from what he was doing.
“Good afternoon. How may I help you today?”
“The gold Montblanc in the front display. I believe it’s the Nicolas Rieussec, I’ll take it.”
“Excellent choice. Would you like to see it first?” Removing a set of keys from his wrist, he moved to the front end of the store to remove the watch.
“No, that’s unnecessary.” She handed him the little black plastic card. “Would you be able to engrave it please?”
“Yes. When do you need it to be ready?”
“Would later today be good?”
“Perfect.”
Ari picked up the small black leather box he set down in front of her. It was truly a regal watch. Its gold case and chestnut leather band made it both sophisticated and casual. Nicolas Rieussec, chronograph invention of 1821, inspired this timepiece. Sal’s love for the classic watch explained why Ari knew so much about them. Accepting the small yellow pad, she scribbled what she wanted inscribed along with the hotel and her cell number so they could deliver it.
“Where to now, Queen Hormonal?” Cara ducked from her swinging hand.
“Would you mind if we went back to the hotel to eat? My feet are killing me. We could order room service?”
“Sounds good to me.”
Matt held open the door as they exited the store. “Where to next?” he asked with a half a smile.
“Hotel. That is, unless you’re up for few more stores?”
“Where you go, I go.”
“Fine then, more shopping it is.” His smile turned into a frown, and he let out a deep sigh. “I’m joking. Once we get back to the hotel, your babysitting duties are over. Just please don’t tell Jon about the gift.”
“Gifts.” he exaggerated the 's' while guiding them through the busy afternoon sidewalk traffic.
