169 - New Kid In Town

June 3, 2010

London, England
Let the fun begin

 

Carnival de Bon Jovi touched down at Heathrow to a fairly decent amount of hoopla, both fans and paparazzi, which in all honesty wasn’t really surprising, considering they arrived smack in the middle of the day and not like the stealth ninjas of the night they usually were. This also meant that there would be a considerable amount of people waiting outside the hotel. A month’s residency would incite such behavior. After a brief pow-wow with the powers that be, Paul and Jon did a little shuffling of staff, and Ariana now had her very own security dude. Something she knew would eventually occur, but didn’t see it happening until after the baby was born. Mostly, the fans left her alone, but there were some who did not support Jon divorcing his high school sweetheart for a knocked-up roadie, as they called her. And with Jon and Matt leaving for a few days, now would be the best time for any to have one.

 

With the overwhelming number of fans stalking outside the hotel at any given hour, they stayed put their first couple of days. This allowed Jon to handle the few interviews and promos he had in one of the many extra rooms they occupied. Yes, believe it or not, they still actually booked extra rooms these days, though now instead of ‘Justin Case’use, they were used for business purposes. On the night of Jon’s departure for Madrid, the three of them, Jon, Ari, and Cara, journeyed out to Nobu for dinner. This also commemorated Cliff, the security dude’s first official night. He was waiting outside their suite when Jon opened the door.  

 

Ariana’s first split-second impression of Cliff was a mere wow. Huge and burly. She thought Jon’s guys were big. He seemed overly serious, like this job was personal to him. His black short-sleeved button up revealed faded crosses from outer elbow to wrist. One Celtic, one gothic. Signifying that he had faith in something other than himself, although you’d never know it otherwise. The fuzzy grey mustache that she bet wiggled when he laughed reminded her of Zio. The thought made her chuckle out loud by accident. 

 

Stepping forward, Ariana extended her hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Ariana.”

 

“Evening, Ma’am.”

 

“Oh, please don’t call me Ma’am. Ariana will do just fine.”  

 

“Pleasure. Mrs. Bon….”

 

“Uh-uh,” Ariana shook her head. “Ariana or Ari. Got it?” 

 

“I tried to warn ya, Cliff, didn’t I?” Jon spoke up. 

 

Smiling, Ariana playfully nudged Jon towards the elevator. “Watch it, Buddy. I’ll sic my new bodyguard on you.” 

 

Cliff fought back his laugh. This was going to be an interesting gig. Mrs. Rockstar had some spunk. He liked that. Motioning for them to go ahead, he waited for Ari and Cara to walk, then followed in close behind them.  

 

Reaching the elevator, Matt was already waiting, holding the door for them. Jon slipped in first, then Ari and Cara, who were busy chatting as they stepped to the rear of the car. Taking one last look around to make sure the floor was clear, Matt and Cliff stepped in and watched as the doors closed. Standing next to her brother-in-law, Ari could see just how beefy of a man he really was. Matt was a big guy, but next to Cliff, he looked small. Cliff stood at least 6’5, maybe even 6’ 6, with arms the size of tree trunks. Studying his serious expression, she couldn’t help but wonder if maybe he had some teddy bear underneath all that brawn. 

 

♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱

 

The black SUV pulled up to the curb, and the instant it came to a standstill, the front door flew open and Cliff climbed out. His tall frame towered over most of the waiting few who gathered outside. Looking around to assess the surroundings, he then tapped on the glass and pulled on its metal handle. Stepping out first was Matt, followed by Jon, who was met by the blinding flash of cameras and cries of his name. A quick wave of his hand, he turned to help Ariana out of the car, then Cara. Flanking the trio, Matt and Cliff ushered them safely inside the restaurant. Once inside, they were greeted immediately by a hostess and taken to their waiting table.

 

Their table was off towards the back in a small alcove. Not completely out of public viewing, but far enough for Cliff to stand without his burliness being intrusive of the other customers. Matt stayed long enough for them to get settled, then he gave Cliff his instructions and headed back to the hotel. He had a few last-minute things to handle before they headed to the airport. He would be back with the rest of the band to pick up Jon before they were done.   

 

Throughout dinner, one Ari wished she could eat, she had to endure the constant teasing from her husband and best friend. But with all the studies she’d read up on, pregnant women and sushi did not mix. So, while they enjoyed all her favorites and then some, she enjoyed the cooked versions. And as always, when these three got together, the number of shits-n-giggles was plentiful. While conversation flowed with catching up on with everyone, a good portion of it was spent trying to persuade her husband and best friend that she did not want a baby shower or birthday party. The latter, for obvious reasons, she was too old for a birthday party and a baby shower; Why on earth does she need one of those? Everything she needed, she already bought or gifted to her. Luc was in New Jersey right now, finishing up the nursery. If there was anything else, he thought she might need, he would call her. 

 

From a business point of view, dinner seemed to run smoothly. The three fans who tried to approach the table for pictures and autographs were quickly turned away without incident. However, it was during dessert that they had a few of the restaurant’s other notable patrons approach them. First, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne stopped by for a quick hello, followed by Sir Bob Geldof, who greeted them briefly as he was leaving and mentioned something about singing for his supper next week when the band returned to the O2.

And then there was Mick. 

Yes. The Mick Jagger. One would have expected that it would be Jon he stopped by to say hello to, but no. Much to Cliff’s surprise, it was Mrs. Rockstar he was excited to see. So, when this very boisterous, very thick British accent called out across the dining room like a little kid excited to see a puppy, Cliff fought back his laughter once again. Not that Mrs. Rockstar was a puppy or anything, because she wasn’t. By the time Mr. Jagger reached the table, Ariana was up out of her seat, cackling just as bad as he was. All this took place as Jon and Ms. Francis sat back and watched.  

 

"Blimey! If it isn't the best and my favorite little roadie..." Kissing each of her cheeks, Mick pulled her in as close as her belly bump would allow for a hug that ended with a big smooch on the lips. 

 

"Oh, stop." Her hand that cupped his face slid away. 

 

"Girl, you know it's true. No. One. Better. You may even have your daddy beat."

 

"Mick, have you been drinking?" she wagged her finger at him. 

 

"I speak the truth. God rest his soul." There was something so wrong about Mick Jagger and the sign of the cross. "We had some fun times. Didn't we?"

 

"Never a dull moment on a Stones Tour. That's for sure!" She laughed. 

 

"How the bloody hell are you? Been busy, I see." 

 

The sound of Jon clearing his throat interrupted Ariana. She was so busy catching up with Mick that she almost forgot about him and Cara. “Excuse my manners, Mick. This is my friend Cara.”

 

“Ay, yes. I remember Frenchie. Good to see you, love.” Mick kissed her hand. Turning to Jon next, he patted him on the shoulder. “Eh, Jon, you ole wanker. Got yourself a little keeper here, didn’t you?”  

 

“Sure did. How ya been, man?”

 

“You know, same old, same old. I see you still out there traveling the lonesome road.”

 

“What can I say? It’s in the blood. How about you?” Jon, always the fan.

 

“Got a little something stewing in the pot. But I guess now I’ll be needing to replace my top girl.”

 

“I’m afraid so. She works only for me now." Jon joked. 

 

“Oh. I do, do I?” her left brow arched as she mocked him. “Sweetie, I’m not sure you can afford that contract."

 

Aah. There it was again. Mrs. Rockstar’s wit. It was obvious the Mrs. and Mick went way back and that she perhaps worked in the business. Other than the fact that she was married to the man who signed his check, Cliff knew nothing about Mrs. Bongiovi. For security related purposes, he always made it a point to know his client’s background, but this all transpired so fast there wasn’t time for many questions. He made a mental note to do some research before asking Matt. But for now, he stood and watched this scene play out and hoped it wouldn’t attract an audience.

 

“Annnnd, that's my cue to leave." Shaking Jon's hand, he pulled Ari in for another squeeze. "I'll call you." he whispered into her ear. 

 

Ariana waved him goodbye and was about to lower herself back into her chair when Cliff approached the table, informing them that Matt was waiting out front. Tossing a couple of c-notes on the table, the trio followed Cliff as he weaved his way out the door and to the waiting cars. Once outside, Cara headed to the car, where Matt was already holding the door open. As she was about to slip inside, she heard Jon say.

 

“Try to stay out of trouble.”

 

“Who us?” they responded at the same time.

 

“And Cliff, don’t let them talk you into anything. Ya hear me.”

 

“You got it, boss.” Hands folded in front of him, he gave Jon a nod.

 

“Hey. He’s my body-dude. You have your own.”

 

“Yeah, well, I know what you are capable of. It’s his first day. Go easy on him.”

 

“Pfft!” she puckered her lips. “Love you.”

 

“Love you too. I’ll text when we land.” He gave her one last kiss and helped her into the car. “Take good care of them?”

 

“Yes, sir.”