The Show Must Go On...

Hey there! Exciting news—the sequel to Have a Little Faith is officially live! Come check out Thick as Thieves and join the adventure. New chapters are posted every Wednesday.

I wanna thank you, thank you, thank you

I can’t believe I finally get to type The End! It has been a long time coming. To quote one of my favorite songs, it’s been 12,000 hours and 7,000 beers. 😊

Never in a million years did I see myself writing a fan fiction. Nor did I imagine writing one with 200 plus chapters. You see, what most of you don’t know is that chapter one came to me in a dream and blossomed into this wild and crazy story.  So when they say it takes a village, it really does. And I have some of the best villagers who have helped me along the way, and I am forever grateful for each and every one of you. 

 

To my readers who have been with me from the beginning, thank you for sticking with me to see Jon & Ariana get their happily ever after.

 

And to Gazoo…. There aren’t enough words to tell you what it has meant to me having you by my side for this entire journey.  I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else. <3

Although Have a Little Faith has ended, it is not the end of Jon & Ariana adventures.

Epilogue

 December 29, 2010

 

Ari set down the box she carried and scanned the living room of her Half-Moon Bay house while swiping at an errant tendril that had escaped her messy bun. It dropped right back onto her cheek, and she frowned in annoyance before letting it fade under her sense of accomplishment. They’d gotten a lot done in only three days’ time, as evidenced by her state of near-exhaustion.  

 

The decision to sell this place was not one that came easily, but it was the right one. From the moment Sal brought her here as a newborn, this house on the beach was the place she called home, but – if she was being honest – Canada would always be the place she truly considered her childhood home. It was where she spent most of her younger years while Sal was on the road. She only came to Half-Moon Bay when he didn’t have a tour to work, and then, when she was a little older, she went to work with him.  

 

Now, though, her home was in New Jersey with Jon and the children, with their new loft near Petit Soho at a close second.   

 

She’d always have the memories that were made here, though, and she really wanted one more sunset to add to the collection. With the movers coming in the morning, it didn’t matter that there were still dozens of boxes to be packed. This would be her last sunset in Half-Moon Bay, and she was going to savor it.  

 

With a cup of tea.  

 

The kitchen was in disarray but still somewhat functional, so she easily located the kettle to fill and place on the burner. By the time she had a tea bag and honey to go with it, steamy water was ready to be poured into her insulated mug. The scent was deliciously spicy and could only be made better by her daddy’s favorite whiskey, but she didn’t bother looking for it.   

 

Instead, Ari pushed the lid onto the cup and headed out on the deck, grabbing her laptop along the way. The breeze was starting to cool with the fading daylight as she put the cup and laptop on the deck, but as luck would have it, the fleece blanket they’d had out here last night was still lying over the back of the chaise.  

 

She climbed onto it and crisscrossed her legs under the fleece before curling her fingers around the mug and drawing a sip. The hot liquid soothed and warmed her from the inside out.  

 

The Sydney show and its pouring rain had earned her a sniffling, sneezing cold that lasted for a few days. That’s when she’d started with the tea, and she was still drinking it in hopes that it might ease the fatigue that just wouldn’t go away. Of course, their busy schedule didn’t help.  

 

They’d barely gotten home to New Jersey before the craziness of the holidays was upon them. Dorothea had wanted to take the kids to Colorado and spend Christmas with her sister’s family, so they agreed to celebrate with the Bongiovi clan on Christmas Eve and look forward to spending New Year’s with the older kids.  

 

That left Ari and Jon to celebrate with Lily on her first Christmas Day. Thanks to Christmas Eve festivities that lasted well into Santa’s nighttime run, the winter sun was well above the horizon when they finally made it downstairs on Christmas morning. They were grateful that Lily had slept in, so they were well-rested enough to truly appreciate the joy of watching their daughter coo in curiosity at the cheerily wrapped gifts that hadn’t been there the day before. The memories and photos of her chewing on a bow and clutching the bright paper in both pudgy fists were ones they would cherish forever.  

 

A bright, cheery “ping” signaled an incoming email, pulling her from her memory and prompted her to trade the coffee mug for her laptop. Clicking on the app icon only took a second, and when she saw the sender and subject line, she laughed out loud.  

 

“Boyfriend sending you dirty pics again?” Jon asked with an unconcerned drawl as he nudged her to move over, joining her under the blanket.

 

“Ha-ha. Very funny. Did Lily go right down, Mr. Comedian?”

 

“Took a coupl’a songs, but she should be out for a while.”

 

“And Meatball?”

 

“Sleeping right next to the crib, as always. I don’t know who’s more protective, that damn dog or Jake.”

 

The dog, Jake, Jesse, Romeo, Tony, Matt, the band, the crew… Lily had more protection than the President of the United States. Ari now knew that for a fact, since Jon had introduced her to him.  

 

“So, what were you laughing at?” He persisted. When the screen was turned far enough for him to read, Jon found it was his turn to laugh. “Does Jeanie know yet?”

 

“Yeah. It’s why Kennedy took a few days to respond back to me. She wanted to discuss it with Jeanie and make sure she was okay with it.”

 

“It’s official then, huh? You have your first official SAMCO employee. Congrats, Crash! I knew you could do this.” He kissed her hair and pulled her closer.  

 

Closing her eyes, Ari sent a silent thank you to her grandmother, because without the money Lili left, none of this would be possible.

 

“Pinch me, because I still can’t believe this is happening.”

 

“Why not? You worked in this business your whole life and are damn good at it! Owning your own company is the next logical step.”

 

“You’re right! I am the best, and SAMCO will be too.”

 

“There’s that Moretti chutzpah!"

 

“So, who should my first bid go to? Think Mick is going on tour soon?”

 

“Now who’s being funny? Guess you didn’t read all your emails today.”

 

She rolled her eyes and waved a hand in the air.

 

“I’ve been kinda busy with packing up my life here, but let me look now.” She scrolled through her inbox, stopping when she came to the one he must’ve been talking about. Shaking her head, she fixed him with an exasperated glare. “Jon, I have one employee – two, if you count me. I explained why this wouldn’t be a good idea.”

 

“Crash, the Jovi tour doesn’t start until February. I know for a fact Kennedy wasn’t the only person you reached out to.”

 

“Even so, I won’t have enough employees to go to work for you in two months!”

 

“Is thee Ariana Moretti Bongiovi afraid of a little challenge? ‘Cause I know for a fact her daddy didn’t raise her….” He didn’t have time to finish the sentence before she tossed her laptop aside and straddled his lap. “That’s not the challenge your daddy had in mind, though I wouldn’t say no to giving this chaise one last bang before it’s gone.”

 

“Who says it's going anywhere?” Nimble fingers brushed a lock of hair off his brow.

 

“I thought we sold all the furniture except for your bedroom?”

 

“I couldn't bring myself to sell the chaise. I made a lot of good memories here.”

 

“Some real-ly good ones.” He emphasized really with a long drawl and eyebrow wag.

 

“Your mind would go there. Do you know I was sitting right here when I got the call from TEL Productions, offering my apprenticeship for the KISS tour?”

 

“No, but that definitely goes in the good column.” He reached for the fallen blanket to pull over her shoulders. “It’s also where I sang ‘Open All Night’ to you for the first time.”

 

“Which column would that go in?”

 

“Crash, for me they are all good memories.”

 

“Even the times I found you here drunk?” 

 

Soft cries from the baby monitor saved him from replying, and she smirked at him with a wry, “Saved by the baby.”  

 

“God, I love that kid.”

 

Ari returned his grin, puckering just long enough to plant a quick kiss on his nose before easing off his lap. Man, she was tired, but there was still so much left to do. “I’ll get her if you move the two boxes on the kitchen table to the pile in the front of the house. They’re going to the loft.”  

 

“Will do.”

 

Following her inside, Jon found the boxes waiting on the table as promised. He tried to lift both at once, but one quick tug warned that his back wouldn’t appreciate it, so one stayed behind while he took the other to the living room.

 

Holy shit!

 

He was expecting boxes, but not rows and rows of them! They didn’t appear to be sealed, he noticed when setting down his current load, and he lifted the flap on a couple just to see what in the world was inside.  

 

What he found?  Books. Every single one of them held books, which made sense now that he realized all the built-in bookcases were now half-empty. A glance through the titles revealed they were books from Lili. Ari had kept and surrounded herself with them all.

 

He’d just told Ari he loved their kid, but damn if he didn’t love his sentimental wife just as much.  

 

After retrieving the second box from the kitchen and adding it to the pile, he got busy packing up what was left on the shelves. Jon had no idea how many minutes had passed by the time the last book was packed away and its box joined the others in the front room, but it was enough to have him wondering why his wife and daughter hadn’t yet appeared.  

 

Quick glances toward the kitchen and deck confirmed that they still hadn’t come out of the bedroom, prompting him to set off down the hall, where the room’s door was partway open. There were no noises from inside so he nudged the wood with a silent knuckle until the opening was wide enough to reveal what had become a familiar sight as of late – his two favorite girls snuggled close in the middle of the bed. 

Over the years, Jon had spent countless hours watching Ariana sleep simply because it was one of his favorite things to do. Heck, it was how they’d first met, and how she rightfully earned the name “Crash.” But watching her now – as his wife – curled protectively around the perfect little human they’d created together….  It took things to another level.

 

His heart gave a warm ache, causing him to immediately scrap the plan of taking one last drive along the coast with his girls. There wasn’t a coastline in the world that could top this view, anyway, so he situated himself on the oversized chair and ottoman to enjoy it as he would a favorite movie.

 

The contented sighs and snuffles made the perfect soundtrack, and invited him to scoot back in the chair and relax. God knew it wouldn’t kill him to take a minute after all they’d accomplished this year. Boy, was it a lot! A tour, a spur of the moment wedding, a baby and all the ups and downs in between could wear out even the most seasoned of men, and in a few short weeks, it was going to start all over again.

 

Well, not all of it, but touring with a seven-month-old was sure to be interesting since his stubborn wife was still refusing to hire a nanny.  She kept saying she’d just carry Lily around in the baby carrier and supervise her crew from a distance. As if. He’d given her two weeks before she was hanging upside down and doing it all herself while Matt walked around with the baby strapped to his chest.  

 

Damn if my brother is going to snuggle my baby more than me.  

 

Feeling left out, he made his way over to the bed and gently slid in across from this wife, giving him a closer view of the dozing duo. In a pose just like her mama’s, Lily had her tiny mouth slightly open, and droplet of drool slid down her chin on its way to the little fist clenched under it.

 

He gave her a look of adoration before stroking the back of his knuckles over one of Ariana’s flushed cheeks. Sleepy green eyes struggled open and focus as he whispered, “You’re sleeping on the job again, Crash.” 

 

“I just crawled in for a minute.”

 

“If you say so.” He didn’t much care what they did as long as it was together, which was a good thing, since she fell back to sleep for at least another five minutes.  

 

Even then, her eyes didn’t open. She just murmured, “I swear.”

 

“Considering I’ve been watching the both of you drool and babble for about half an hour, I’d say your watch is wrong.”

 

“For the billionth time, I don’t do those things while I sleep,” she grumbled with annoyance.

 

“Photos don’t lie, sleeping beauty. By the way, all the books are done.”

 

“Mmm, thanks, but I forgot to tell you,” She tucked her chin into one shoulder to smother a yawn before finishing, "I wanted one of those kept out."  

 

"Of course you did."  

 

"Not my fault you're an overachiever."  

 

He sighed, choosing not to remind her he wasn’t the only overachiever in the family. "Even if you told me which one it was, I probably wouldn’t recognize it in all those boxes."  

 

“Oh, it’s one you know.” A half-smile slices into her cheek as she peeks at him from under her lashes. "The ABCs of Pregnancy.” 

 

"What do you need that for? Are you giving it to somebody?”

 

“No. I think we skipped a chapter the first time around.”

 

It took a second for what she said to register, and when it did, Jon’s previously warm heart chilled into a frozen state. Surely not. Six kids? He was too old for this shit!  

 

“Oh Jesus, please tell me you’re kidding."  

 

The Cheshire Cat’s grin had nothing on Ari’s as she reached up to pat his cheek. “Maybe I am… and maybe I’m not.”

"So now it's over let the spot light fade

I hear the music slowly fade away

And now i find it hard to say good bye

So I'll just say good night my friends"

201 - How Far We've Come

 

October 11, 2010

Canadian Thanksgiving

 

Ari awoke early to a silent house. Nobody else was stirring, but she couldn’t lie in bed any longer. Last year, they had missed the tradition of providing Thanksgiving dinner for the Petit Soho neighborhood because of her grandmother’s death. She wanted to make up for that, and that meant getting a head start on what would be a very busy day, especially if she was to find a moment of quiet before it all started.    

 

She grabbed Jon’s sweats off the floor and, after stepping into them, reached for the chair to snag an old baggy hoodie and pull it over her head. Sneakers followed, and they were nearly silent along the hallway to the nursery whose door was slightly ajar. A gentle smile played at her lips as she envisioned the picture inside before easing open the door to see the real thing.    

 

It was the same scene she’d found every morning since they came home from Rio. Jon was dead asleep, slouched into the oversized corner chair with one leg stretched out on the matching ottoman while the opposite foot was planted on the floor. On his chest was a contented Lily, nestled in with a chubby hand clenching the v-neckline of his t-shirt.  

 

She tucked that memory away in a safe spot and slipped down the foyer. Her keys were hanging on the wall rack Jake had made, and she took them from the hook, grabbing her bag before stepping out into the brisk morning air. The sun was just coming up and the sky was a canvas of gentle color that grew more vivid as she made her way to Petit Soho. Given the early hour, traffic was kind. She only had to share the road with a handful of avid joggers who were burning off calories in anticipation of upcoming feasts.  

 

Unlocking the door, she stepped inside the darkened bar and flicked on the lights, thinking it was the quiet before the storm. Her eyes scanned the room and counted ten long, rectangular tables lining the dance floor. Someone had already set them and awaiting today’s guests.  

 

Her grandparents started Petit Soho’s tradition of serving Canadian Thanksgiving to the community when she was just a little a girl. Last year, with Lili’s passing, that tradition had taken a hiatus, but now she was ready to take her turn and keep the legacy alive.  

 

The thought made her smile as she put her things behind the bar and drifted toward the clicking sounds coming from the kitchen. She had no doubt who was responsible for the noisy activity, and she pushed open the door to find Gabriel and his staff busy with the prep work for today’s menu.  

 

“Bonjour Gabriel! Joyeuse action de grâces,” she wished him a Happy Thanksgiving and went to place a kiss on his cheek. 

 

“Et á toi, mon petit papillon! Tu et seul?”   

 

“I love it when you call me a butterfly, but I feel more like a moth some days,” she joked before answering his question. “Oui, I am alone. There are a few things I wanted to take care of before everyone arrived, so Jon and the kids will be here a little later.”    

 

“Tu travailles trop fort!” he called to her as he stepped into the walk-in.

 

“You work just as hard as I do!” She laughed while reaching for her coffee mug.  

 

When it was filled with fresh-brewed coffee, she let the steam warm her nose as she climbed the wooden staircase she’d climbed a thousand times before. The door to her childhood home was already open when she reached the landing, meaning someone had already been up here this morning. More evidence of that was the exquisite autumn floral arrangement sitting on the banquet. Lush roses bloomed in bold shades of burnt orange, mustard and terracotta that were accented by an array of eucalyptus.

 

Ari closed her eyes and inhaled the wonderful scent, holding for a moments' time before exhaling gently. It was almost as if Lili was still here. Her grandmother had always had fresh flowers in the house, no matter the time of year.  

 

She made a mental note to find who was responsible for these and thank them… right after she had a visit with the woman whose spirit still lingered on in this place.  

 

With her favorite blanket from the back of the couch in hand, she looked out into the yard before making her way down the leaf-covered path towards her lounge. After brushing away a few leaves away, she touched a kiss to her fingertips and coasted them over the inscribed stone until it warmed at the touch. That simple action made her feel connected to her grandmother, and not wanting to give that up, she forsook the lounge to sit on the ground with her blanket. 

 

It hadn’t been her plan to have an actual conversation, but the words came out so easily that she let them.

 

“Joyeuse action de grâces Mamie,

 

“I thought I’d come sit out here with you before it got hectic inside. You of all people should know how crazy Thanksgiving Day would be for Petit. And, you guessed it, Gabriel was here at the crack of dawn to prep for today’s feast. It won’t be long before he is driving everyone nuts like always, but we still love him. Of course, he’s outdone himself. There is enough food in the kitchen to feed an army with plenty of leftovers for everyone to take home. 

 

“We are expecting an even bigger crowd this year since we couldn’t celebrate with everyone last year. The usual suspects, Cara and Max will be here as well, along with Jonas. Plus, there will be a few extra family members celebrating with us this year, too. Jon’s family will be joining us. His kids are already here—well, at the loft. His parents, his brothers Tony and Matt—and Matt’s wife Desiree plus their two kids—will arrive later this afternoon.

 

“I can’t believe it’s been a year already. So much has happened, some bittersweet, yet so much to be thankful for. I miss you like crazy every day. Don’t think that will ever change, but I know you are looking down over me. I just hope I’m making you proud. Oh, and please tell Papi that his ‘secret passage way’ stories live on. Gabriel has been sharing them with Romeo when he is here. We have found him asleep under the pool table once or twice as well.

 

“How’s Daddy? I bet he’s driving everyone crazy with those silly jokes of his. Lily and I talk to him every night while I’m rocking her to sleep. Speaking of Lily, she’s growing so fast! Just yesterday Jake came running to tell us that she started rocking from side to side and almost turned over. Yes, you heard me correctly. I said Jake. Any and every chance he can get his parents to let him spend with us, he does. The bond he has with Lily is precious. Let’s see if he still feels the same way when she starts walking and is all in his stuff.

 

“Balancing all aspects of motherhood has been interesting, but I’m learning. I don’t want to overstep my boundaries when it comes to the older children. Even though Jon tells me not to worry, I do. I don’t want to be called the evil step-monster. 

 

“Jon finished up this leg of the tour. He even managed to surprise me and flew me out for the last show followed by a few days of just us away. Rio, of all places. He even had Carol and John come stay with Lily so I wouldn’t worry. Though I did at first. He told me he knew today would be difficult for me and wanted to show me how far we have come. It’s still surreal to me sometimes. Being in Rio these last few days with Jon, I realized just how our lives have come full circle and that there is no other place I would rather be. 

“Oh, I forgot to tell you the most important thing. I finally have a name for my production company—SAMCO. Isn’t it perfect! It’s daddy’s and my initials. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have the career I do today. The papers should be complete and finalized by end-of-year. I’ve hired a small crew for now and will look for smaller gigs at first. My hilarious husband has graciously offered to submit a bid for next year’s leg of the tour as long as he could get the family and friend’s discount. Speaking of touring, Lily and I will travel to with Jon on Australia/Asia leg of the tour next month, making her younger than me when I was first on the road with Sal.

 

“Well, I better get back before they send the search party after me. Jon and the kids should be here soon, and I want to finish up a few things before they arrive. I promise to come back and say goodbye before we head to New Jersey in a few days. For now, I love and miss you. Kiss everyone for me.” 

 

Kissing her fingertips once again she touched the stone before standing and heading inside.

♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱

  

Jon reached for his fussing daughter, kissing his wife’s cheek and allowing her to continue her conversation with Father Gaetan in peace. They would be leaving for Asia and Australia next month and Ari wanted to have Lily baptized before they left. Father Gaetan had graciously agreed to fit them in after the Gulf Shores show this weekend. 

 

He wove his way through the throngs of people who had joined in today’s celebration, nodding a greeting here and there until he could disappear into the kitchen. Gabriel required nothing more than an acknowledging smile, so he didn’t keep Jon from heading upstairs and to the bedroom. Once there, he gently laid Lily in the middle of the bed just long enough to slip on his coat. Then he worked a hoodie over his daughter’s head, cooing and peppering kisses all over the tiny face that peeked out the hole.   

 

“Your mama thinks she’s cute leaving out this Rolling Stones’ hoodie for you. I’ll fix her. Tomorrow imma get Uncle Matt to order you all the Bon Jovi things he could find, but don’t let your mama know. It will be our little surprise,” he said picking her up with a little shimmy that earned him the precious giggle he couldn’t get enough of. “Now… whaddya you say we take a walk outside my little Lily-bug?”   

 

She didn’t object, so he grabbed the blanket off the couch and threw it over his shoulder so that a hand was free to twist the doorknob. Once outside, the soft folded rectangle was plopped on the ground in front of the memorial stone, and he didn’t bother with unfolding it. The extra layer between him and the cold ground would be a good thing as he settled the little one in his lap to chat with her namesake.

 

“Hey Lili, I have a special guest that wanted to come say hello to you.” Shaking his head, he couldn’t help but to laugh as the words fell from his lips. He knew damn well if she was standing here, she would be calling him out – in French, no less – for using her sweet little butterfly as an excuse.

 

“I know, I know. What can I say? It was getting a little to peopley in there for me. Besides, this little munchkin was fussing so I figured it was a good time to come out and see you. It’s been a while, I know. I’m sorry. I’m sure Ari has been keeping you up to date with all the goings on we’ve had over the last couple of months, so I won’t bore you with them again. That’s not what you’re interested in, anyway. You wanna know about your girl, right?  

 

“Well, I tell ya what, Lili. You would be so incredibly proud of how far she’s come since this time last year. Not gonna lie. I was worried, and for good reason. It hasn’t been easy. Losing you crushed her in a way I’ve never seen her before. I thought losing Sal was bad, but this was different. Not having Helena growing up, you were the only mother she’d ever known. But my girl – our girl – took it one day at a time, conquering every obstacle in her path.

 

“I’d like to think it helped some for her to know I wasn’t going anywhere this time, and those signs you gave her and us along the way were a big help, too.  Like this little monkey, here. Thank you first and foremost for whatever hand you had in sending Lily our way, because despite all those years of her fighting it, Ari is an amazing mother. As I knew she would be. 

 

“Even before Lily was born, she was a natural with my kids who took to her from the get-go. Okay, maybe Jake took the long way around, but he got there eventually. Now it’s us having to tell him he can’t miss school or time with his mother because he wants to hang out with his little sister.”

 

As if she knew he was talking about her, Lily leaned forward to tap her little hands on the chilled stone.

 

“I know the journey to get us here today wasn’t one you may have wanted for Ari, and I’m sorry for that. But like I promised you all those years ago, I will stop at nothing for her and never will. You have my word.”

 

A soft breeze cut through the tree branches, and despite the chill in the air, its touch on Jon’s face was warm.  With the mind of a dreamer, he imagined it was Lili patting his cheek for doing right by their girl.  True or not, it gave him a sense of peace and completion. He was done here – for now.   

 

“I better get this little one inside before my wife comes looking for us. I miss you, Lili. We all do.”

 

Taking gentle control his daughter’s hand, he touched lips to the tiny fingertips that were pinched inside his, and then guided them the stone in farewell. Whatever the future held for the Bongiovi family, he had no doubt Lili would be right there with them.  

200 - Love's The Only Rule

October 8, 2010

Rio de Janeiro

 

 

“I’m not kidding Matty! No interruptions.” Jon barked.  

 

“Jesus H. Christ! I said I got it!” 

 

With a little extra umpf, Matt pulled the door closed behind him. They were still hours from show time and he’d hardly touched his to-do-list thanks to Jon. Hell, he’d barely done anything since the wheels touched down in South America. He went from head of security to Jennifer Lopez in the wedding planner minus the four-inch stilettos and a set of tits. 

 

He hated when Jon concocted one of his cockamamie ideas and expected him to pull it off. Just who did Jon think he was, Houdini? Yeah, he could’ve thrown Jon’s name around with a couple of added promises to be cashed in at a later date, but there were just some things that couldn’t be done. Now the usual pain in the ass his brother was had now become the mother of all hemorrhoids. And a pain he didn’t need or want right now.  

 

Frustrated, he took in a long breath, then exhaled as he continued his way down the hallway to pull off the impossible. When it came to matters such as this, he needed his partner in crime, and he knew just where she’d be hiding. Making his way to the craft service room, he found her sitting towards the back, typing frantically on her keyboard like that Kermit the Frog gif he’d seen one too many times. A whiskey glass filled with three fingers of her drink of choice, no doubt.

 

“Little early for that Jeans, don’t you think?” Matt slipped into the chair next to her.

 

“Guess you haven’t had the pleasure of speaking with Captain I need to get laid yet today.”

 

“As a matter of fact, I just came from there and I need your help. "

 

“Let me guess, he wants you to find Ari and get her here yesterday?”

 

Shaking his head, Matt reached for the glass and drained it of its contents savoring the familiar burn as it slid down this throat. “So, he’s got you on the same mission. I’ve told him a hundred times already today that she will be here. Do you know what the delay is? I called Ma, and she said everything went off as planned and she left on time.”

 

“Yeah, they hit a patch of bad weather and had to land in Miami for a bit.”

 

“Fuckin great! Will she be here by show time at least?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Thank God! The weather already fucked with his plans this morning. I don’t need it getting in the way of him getting his dick wet.”

 

“Thanks, Matty. I’m gonna need a few more of these to get that image out of my head.” Jeanie waved her empty glass at him. “Why don’t you go get me another since you finished this one?”

 

“I’ll get you two. I have a feeling you’re gonna need them.”

 

Flipping him the bird, Jeanie returned to the work she was doing before Matt interrupted her.

 

 

♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱

 

 

The instant she heard him singing in her ear, the so-called baby bubble she’d been living in since Lily was born popped. For Pete’s sake, she had his schedule, not to mention the umpteen times they video chatted since he left, should have told her where and why he sent for her. 

 

Having worked many tours, she passed through Rio de Janeiro more times than she could remember, but she could count on one hand the number of times she had been in this specific stadium. Two. Each of them represented a different milestone in her life and what brought her to the who and why she was here today. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that when this plane landed, she’d be making milestone number three.

 

“Three jacks.” Wearing a big, proud smile, Cliff laid his cards down in front of him, hoping he might finally have a winning hand. They’d been playing poker since they took off. He told her he couldn’t sing for her, but he would do anything to help take her mind off ‘wheels up’. 

 

Fanning the cards in her hand, she set them down on the table. “Straight. Ace high.”

 

“You sure you weren’t a card shark in another life?” Cliff gathered the rest of the cards and shuffled.

 

“Nah. Years of being out on this gypsy highway with nothing to do, you learn a few tricks here and there.”

 

“How old were you when you started playing?”

 

“Eleven. No wait, not quite ten yet. I was spending the summer with my father in Europe. He was working with the Stones.”

 

“Don’t even tell me you learned to play cards from Keith Richards.”

 

“Nope. Mick.” Ari flashed him a silly grin. “But don’t you be telling Jon. He’s already jealous of my friendship with good ole Mick.”

 

Cliff laughed. “You sure do love to bust his balls about it, too.”

 

“Maybe just a little.”

 

Rubbing the back of her neck, she craned her head from side to side. “Do you mind if we call it quits for a little? I’m going to go in the back and stretch out for a bit.” Standing now, she locked her fingers together and stretched her arms over her head.

 

“Do what you need to do, Mama bear. I’m gonna try to catch a few zzz myself.”

 

“Thanks.” 

 

Grabbing her bag off the seat, Ari headed towards the back of the plane, stopping briefly to grab a bottle of water and blanket from Vicky. Once she was comfortable on the couch, she pulled out her phone, queued up her favorite playlist and sent another text to two of the three stooges letting them know she was on to their little shenanigans and that they would pay dearly the next time they needed her help to ward off Jon. 

 

She was going to text Jon next but decided not to. He went through all this trouble planning this surprise getaway for her, and she wanted to let him think he pulled one over on her a little bit longer. There were a few texts from Romeo asking how Meatball was doing without him, as well as one from Jake asking her to convince his father to let him miss school to go to Montreal and help his grandparents with Lily. Boy, did that kid do a complete 180 since Lily was born. Mind you, she wasn’t complaining. It warmed her heart every time she thought about it.

 

She must have drifted off to sleep while checking her emails because the sound of the captain’s voice alerting them they would be landing soon woke her. 

 

“How long have I been asleep?” Righting herself, she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

 

“Long enough to miss a storm and a stop in Miami.” 

 

“You’re joking, right?”

 

“No. The storm came in fast, so we had to land and wait it out on the tarmac.”

 

“Can’t believe I slept through all that. I must have been tired.”

 

“Little one keeping you up at night will do that. Will you be returning to your seat for landing?”

 

 “Yes. Now that I’m awake, I would prefer to sit with Cliff for that.”

 

Vicky nodded her acknowledgement. She knew all too well how much Ariana hated to fly. Having her sleep through one take-off and landing was lucky enough.

 

Arriving back at her seat, Cliff had the cards delt and waiting for her. They had time to play five hands, all of which she won, resulting in Cliff grumbling about needing a raise if they kept this up. 

 

When the plane touched down and Cliff suggested they head to the hotel first so she could freshen up a bit she squashed his suggestion. Having slept more in the last twelve hours than in two months, rest was the last thing she needed. 

 

Everything she needed was waiting for her at Apoteose Stadium.

 

 

♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱

 

Apoteose Stadium

One hour to show time

 

If his sister-in-law didn’t get here soon, he would not be held responsible for his actions. The last show before a much-needed break was supposed to be smooth and easy. He should have known today would have been anything but when the rain woke him up. Add in his brothers’ pissy attitude, well let’s just say he would owe Ari big if she got here soon.

 

As if the gods had read his mind, the walkie attached to his collar came to life and Cliff’s voice came across. “Priscilla has entered the building, and she’s hot on the trail.” A chorus of thank fuck came across the wire just as Matt was about to hit the button to reply. 

 

“Roger that, Big Red. Would that be a happy trail or a clear the fucking runway trail?” Matt asked.

 

“I can’t quite tell, but we should be in your sight in... 4… 3… 2….”

 

Rounding the corner Matt walked right into his sister-in-law. “Thank fuck you’re here.” 

 

“Happy. Matty boy. A very happy trail.” She tapped her brother-in-law’s cheek and continued down the hall. “Oh, and Matt...”

 

“I know. I know. No interruptions!” he huffed. It was no wonder they were perfect for each other. Sometimes they were the same damn person.

 

She didn’t hide her excitement whatsoever as she weaved through the familiar corridors nodding and smiling to the crew she passed along the way.  The fast pace slowed when she reached her destination. as she paused outside the door she knew was his, her heart raced and butterflies danced as if it was 1990 all over again, except this time she was on the outside of the room and he was on the inside.  

 

She could almost feel the bass beat of “Fever” between her legs as all the kids disappeared from her mind.  The losses, drama and angst all fell away.  She was just an anxious young woman who’d denied this connection for too long, and on the other side of that door was the man who’d made her face it. 

 

When she pushed open the door and stepped inside, the first thing Ari heard was a guttural snarl.  The flash of blue fire in the irises that flicked to her chest was his only warning before stalking forward and slammed the door behind her.  

 

“I can say the same thing,” he growled before his lips crashed against hers.

 

She had no idea what the hell he was talking about, but she frankly didn’t care.  Ari was overwhelmed by the sloppy, frantic kiss that felt so much like that first Rio night.  Groping hands roamed each other’s bodies like they’d never touched before, and the air between them hissed like a sauna.  Or maybe that was her hissing.  No, not her.  She didn’t have enough breath to hiss.  In fact, if she didn’t pull away now, there was every chance she would pass out before they got to the really good part.

 

Her fingers combed through his still-damp hair as she pulled away, chest heaving.  Buying herself an extra bit of breathing room, she murmured, “What exactly is it you can say?” 

 

Once again, fiery blue eyes slid down to her chest, but this time hers followed along.  He was reading the front of her tank top.  You and tequila make me crazy.  

 

“And when did you start drinking tequila again?” 

 

The fire dulled into annoyance, and he let out a little huff.  “The way I see it, we have about twenty minutes before someone comes knocking. We can spend it discussing my beverage choices or we can fuck.  What’s it gonna be?”

 

“Definitely fuck!”

 

“Then shut up and drop those things you call shorts.”

 

She didn’t need to be told twice. Undoing the silver button, she shimmed the worn denim over her hips kicking them aside the minute they hit her sneaker clad feet. “Show me whatcha got, rockstar.”

 

Pinning her against the door, he worked his lips from that sensitive spot behind her ear to her cleavage—thank you, motherhood and low-cut tank tops. 

 

“Fuck, I missed you! Seventeen days I’ve been waiting to sink my dick into that sweet pussy.”

 

“Chair.  Now!” When he complied, she straddled his lap, sinking down to growl against his mouth with satisfaction.  Worrying teeth found his bottom lip and tugged it between her own as she feverishly scrambled to find his zipper.  His bent, stubborn, uncooperative zipper.

 

He didn’t hide his laugh when she grunted with annoyance. “Need a little help there, Crash?”

 

“I swear sweaty, leather lace-ups would be easier right now.”

 

Replacing her hands with his, he leaned back and flicked the zipper open with one practiced flick of the wrist.  She lifted just far enough for him to raise off the chair and shimmy from his jeans.  They were now both naked from the waist down and she wasted no time mounting him.  

 

“Ohhh, God,” she groaned, dropping her forehead against his shoulder.  “Do you have any idea how ridiculously good you feel?”

 

“I know how good I’m gonna feel,” he countered, kneading the flesh of her ass and using the grip to urge her up and down.  “Soon as you start bouncing on me like a motherfuckin’ hippity hop.”

 

Her laugh was lost in a guttural moan as the human hippity hop started bouncing beneath her.  No child’s toy could feel this hard and soft at the same time.  She dug restless fingers into the back of his hair, tugging as her head fell back in ecstasy.  

 

Too long.  It had been too long.  

 

The fierce friction between her legs was making her brain cells melt.  His breathless swearing only made her hotter.  His hurtful fingertips only drove her more insane.  

 

“Faster, dammit,” she croaked, knotting his hair into her fist. 

 

“You go faster.”

 

“Meet you in the middle.”

 

“Fuck, yeah.  In a sticky puddle.”

 

After that, there was nothing but sweaty bodies and sloppy kisses until they both dove into that sticky puddle with a hurt so good that it was blinding.  

 

“You know how much I love you?” she asked glancing from his swollen lips to his sated eyes. It took them too damn long to get here, but still she wanted to make sure he knew.

 

“Where’d that come from?” It was a rhetorical question, but he knew she’d answer it.

 

“This.” she waved a hand in the air. “Rio. The stadium. This very room.”

 

“What can I say?  Rio’s been good to us, baby.”

 

It sure has, she thought as there came a discreet knock warning them it was time to go. “You two done fucking like bunnies?”

 

They look at each other and grin, knowing that this is who they are, will be and were always meant to be. In unison, they call out, “Never!”