Monday, October 24, 2011

Chapter 9


During lunch Lori started again, questioning Melody about her clothes, still not believing her.
“Lori, please, we didn’t do a thing.”
“Then tell me what you did do, cause you haven’t told me a thing.” Lori said a little bit annoyed by now that she still didn’t know a thing. Melody kept denying it but hadn’t told her anything else either.
“We ordered food and watched a movie.” Melody explained.
“More details Mel!” Lori insisted, she wanted to know every little detail.
“Ok,” Melody said reluctantly, “he picked me up from work and we walked to his house. Then we took the elevator up to the penthouse, got out and then I was overwhelmed by how nice it was. We talked, then he ordered lasagna and we watched a movie.” Melody explained a little bit annoyed now too. “Hows that?”
“Better.” Lori said, almost pleased. “What about after the movie?”
“Ugh Lori! Nothing! I told you I fell asleep. I was tired before and he offered to drive me home but I wanted to watch the movie and then I woke up this morning. Nothing happened.”
“Not even this morning?”
“No, had breakfast, I showered, alone and went to work.”
“Not even a kiss?” Lori asked surprised.
“Of course a kiss, and a good one.” She answered happily.
“Are you seeing him tonight then?” Lori wanted to know.
“No, he’s filming a movie and then he’s off to D.C. Then more filming and then concerts so I won’t see him till the 23rd when they’re doing a concert in New York.”
“You’re taking me with aren’t you?”
“Of course I am.” Melody said, she wouldn’t go to a Bon Jovi concert without her best friend. They’ve been going to concerts together since college years.

“Are you taking the next day off then? So you can have more time with him?” Lori asked.
“I honestly hadn’t thought of that yet. I should see if I can take that day off, you’re right.” Melody said excitedly and went to check the bulletin board with the schedules on. She looked around; she had to work both days, 23rd and 24th. There weren’t any options on switching shifts or days either. She knew who didn’t like to switch around and of course those days she’d be working with him, so she wouldn’t bother to ask. Melody noticed Lori was scheduled to work too, so she couldn't switch with her either. She went back to sit with Lori and explained to her. Lori agreed it would be useless to ask and agreed she’d at least have the second day with him. Lori remembered she had to work those days and told Melody to go alone then, they would go together in March anyway.



The rest of the day was the normal hectic routine like hotels have. Melody was glad when 5pm arrived and she could go home. She got her stuff from the staff room and said goodbye to Lori since she had to work later. She walked to her car, dropped her stuff in the trunk and started the drive home. The traffic was the same as every day and it took her about an hour to get home. When she drove up on the drive way her phone started ringing, she quickly checked for caller ID which read Jon and answered.
“Are you driving again?” He asked, skipping right to the point.
“No, I was just getting out of the car, I just got home. You shouldn’t say a thing; you don’t wear a seat belt.” She fought back.
“They’re annoying.” He answered. “I’m just at the train station so I thought I’d phone you, the train isn’t here yet anyway.”
“You’re going to D.C. now? I thought your meeting was tomorrow?” She asked while she got out of the car, got her bag and went into the house dropping her bag by the door, kicking off her shoes and settling down on the couch.
“It is, it’s at 9am, the train ride is about 3 hours and I don’t want to get up at 4.30. So I’m going now, getting a hotel and be there bright and early in the morning.” He explained to her.
“3 hours? I hope you brought a book or something. What are you going to do?” Melody asked him.
“Yeah, I got a book and work with me but I was hoping you’d like to talk because I don’t really want to read or work.”
“Of course I have time to talk; I was just going on Facebook to talk with my friends. So I’ll put you on speaker phone and then it’ll be just like you’re here.” She explained to him while reaching for her laptop, turning it on and putting her phone on speaker.
“Works for me. Are you on Facebook a lot?” He asked almost wondering she was one of those people that are on there 24/7.
“Not all the time, when the kids aren’t around I’m not on there at all but like now I’m alone, so I go online and I can talk to people.” She explained to the phone that was now lying above her keyboard. She logged in on Facebook and looked around for updates from people.
“I guess that’s ok then, that’s not too bad.” He agreed with her.
“I don’t think it is, I still think it’s a great way to keep up with people.” She noticed some group uploaded pictures from the film set today. “Like right now, now I know what you did today. That red shirt looked really good on you.” She said.
“Huh? How do you know? That’s kinda creepy.” He said a bit startled she knew what he wore this afternoon.
“Someone uploaded pictures from the movie set today. Looks like fun. Now I don’t have to comment on pictures, I can just tell you that you looked good.” She said happily.
“Thanks but that’s still kind of creepy.” He said, he noticed his train being announced and got up to walk to the right stop. “My train is here. I’ll phone you back when I find a seat, okay?” He asked her while he walked.
“Yeah, that’d be great. See you in a bit.”
They said goodbye quickly and hung up.

Melody looked at the pictures from the movie again, noticing little details about the set. She posted some comments and saved her favourite picture. She got up to put her stuff from work away and went to the bathroom. Grabbed a drink in the kitchen and some food before sitting back down on the couch and putting her laptop and phone back on her lap. She checked her messages and answered her sister her message, Melody arranged to see her on Saturday. She went back to her home page when her phone started ringing.

She answered him and they talked some more about their days. He told her how filming was. Not telling her details about the movie even though she kept asking him, just because he wasn’t allowed to. But he promised her to take her to the premier of the movie in December. She told him about Lori at work and about the rest of her day. After an hour he decided he needed a bathroom break and would phone her again in a few minutes.

Just like he said he phoned back in 5 minutes and they talked till his train arrived. It was almost 10.30 by now and after saying goodbye for the third time that night Melody went to her room. She took off her jeans and bra and went to bed in her panties and tshirt, leaving her cell phone on her night stand since he was letting her know when he arrived at his hotel. Only 15 minutes later she got a text that read
10.45pm: Got to the hotel, off to bed. Good night, sweet dreams. She answered him and wished him the same. She put her phone back, turned around and went to sleep.

The next day she worked at her brother’s cd store again. She hadn’t seen him since she went on her first date with Jon. She told him the whole story about the dates again. He was happy for her and for once didn’t complain she turned on a cd instead of radio station. She didn’t hear from Jon until 2 pm. He texted her after the meeting and told her he was back on his way home now. She answered him quickly and went back to work.

That night and the next day, he phoned her after she got home from work and they talked about their days and chit chatted. He explained her the preparations for the tour that started the next day. Melody told him she worked longer hours this week because the children weren’t around and she would probably be sleeping by the time his concerts were over. He promised to phone on Saturday during the day then before the concert and on Sunday.

The rest of the week passed as usually and it was Saturday morning faster than Melody had thought. She slept in and got up lazily to take a relaxing bath. She turned the water on, letting the tub fill and turned on some music before stepping in tub and sliding in the water. She let the warm water over take her and relaxed completely. After her bath Melody decided to have a quick lunch and went to the park for a walk. It was nice to feel the cool air and she enjoyed her walk even though it was cold, being the middle of February. She walked back home, made some warm chocolate milk and settled in front of the tv. There wasn’t really anything on tv but she didn’t mind, she had a calm day and didn’t even want to get up to put a dvd on. Around 1pm, Jon phoned her.
“Hey.” He said hoarsely.
“Hi, are you ok? You don’t sound so well.” She wondered
“No, I think I caught a cold.” He said, still sounding hoarse. “Not just me though, Richie sounds worse.” He explained to her.
“Aw, you should have some tea and go have a nap before you have to do your show.” She told him a bit concerned, hoping he didn’t feel too bad.
“Yeah, I got tea, I still gotta sing tonight, otherwise I’d be sounding even worse.”
“Then you should still have some rest.” She insisted.
He told her how the first few concerts went and she told him about her week. After talking for a while he agreed he should take a nap, agreeing it would make him feel better and might make his headache go away. They said goodbye and Jon crawled in his bed and slept till sound check. He texted Melody before he left for sound check telling her she was right and he did feel a bit better now. 

Chapter 10 

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Chapter 8



“Thank you.” She said as she reached for the plate he gave to her. 
“Good pick by the way, I love the lasagna from this place, it’s really good.” Jon said after he pressed play. They ate watching the movie quietly, when he finished his lasagna he put his plate on the coffee table and moved closer to Melody and put his arm around her shoulder. She sighed contentedly, she was waiting for him to do that. She rested her head back against his arm and turned her head to look up at him and wanted to ask if he liked the movie but she didn’t have time to ask. His lips covered hers faster than she could think. So she forgot and kissed him back, letting his tongue enter her mouth and explore it. She returned the favour before breaking the kiss and yawn.
“Are my kisses boring you?” He asked her feigning disappointment.
“No, I’m just tired from work; it was busy, as usual.” She explained to him and he held her closer to him.
“Do you want to go to sleep?” He asked her a bit worried.
“No, I don’t want to go home yet, besides we haven’t finished the movie yet.” She answered him and settled back into his arms, turning back to the tv to watch the movie. He didn’t say anything and turned back to the tv too, throwing a few quick glances at her every few minutes, just watching. She was beautiful even though she looked tired, her hair, he could smell it, coconuts.

An hour and a half later the credits started rolling and Jon looked over to Melody again and noticed she had fallen asleep. He stroked her hair and carefully got up, trying not to wake her up. He went in search of a blanket. When he found one in the bedroom closet he went back to lay her down on the couch and covered her with the blanket. Kneeling down beside her, he stroked the hair out her face again and kissed her forehead before turning off the main lights, leaving a lamp on a side table on and going to his own bedroom. Reluctantly he went to sleep himself.



Melody woke with a start in the morning, not recognizing where she was. She looked around the dimly lit room and it came back to her. I fell asleep during a date. She felt stupid, she fell asleep on a date. Jon must find her really pathetic. She turned around, burying her head in a pillow, she contained herself not to scream, he might hear her. Melody stretched out and thought she recognized the smell of bacon. Reluctantly she got up, she had to face him anyway, if she felt stupid or not. She walked past the dining area into the kitchen.
“Good morning.” He said when he heard Melody walk in. “Did you sleep ok?”
“Morning,” She said, not too sure about the good yet. “Yeah, just fine.”
“I hope you like eggs and bacon. It’s about the only thing I can cook, scrambled eggs, some cheese and some pieces of bacon.”
“I love eggs with cheese.” Melody answered happily. It was her
favorite breakfast; she loved adding to the eggs with cheese, just like Jon now did with bacon or even tomatoes.
“You’re lucky then.” He said, “Do you have to work today?”
“Oh yes, what time is it?” She asked worried looking for a clock but not finding one.
“7.30, when do you start?”
“At 9.” She said now a bit more relaxed, she still had time and she didn’t have to do the long drive either.
“You got lots of time then. You can take a shower after breakfast if you want. Do you want a drink?”
“Some tea would be nice.”
He nodded and started making tea. He put the eggs and bacon on plates, walked over at the extended counter with bar chairs and put her mug and plate down. Then he walked back to the oven. He opened it and looked at it hopefully. “I didn’t burn them!” He grabbed a bowl and put the baked buns in, grabbed his coffee mug and went to sit down opposite of Melody.

They talked while they ate and after he put the dishes away Melody wanted to get ready for work. Jon showed her to his bathroom. Standing by the door he would have loved to stay and shower with her but it didn't seem appropriate to just jump into the shower with her.
“There’s no fancy shampoo and soap though but I can check Steph’s bathroom if you want.” He told her after handing her a towel.
“Fancy shampoo?” She asked and took the towel from him.
“Yeah, the volume adding and the colour and repairing and whatever kinds of shampoo you all have.” Jon explained to her.
“No, I’ll be just fine.” She laughed and smiled at each other. Jon sighed, turned around and closed the door behind him.

She turned on the hot water, undressed and stepped in the shower. The hot water felt so relaxing, she actually took her time to shower. But she couldn’t shake the idea of falling asleep on a date, she felt so stupid. She was lucky he was so nice to not say anything about it. She finished showering, and took the towel to dry off, it was so soft. She wrapped it around her while she dried her hair. She combed her hair out and got dressed. After dropping the towel in the laundry basket she walked back to the living room where Jon was watching the morning news. On the tv she could see it was 8.30 now, she sat down next to him.
“So now you’ll be busy till March?” She asked him, knowing he would start touring in 2 days.
“Yeah, filming today and Thursday, White House tomorrow and the tour starts Thursday. But you have to come to the concerts in a few weeks, when we’re in New York.”
“Wow, you are really busy. I would love to go but I don’t have tickets or money to buy them.”
He laughed. “Don’t be silly, I told you, I’ll arrange it. I’m the boss of this corporation.”
“2 weeks then?” She asked. “Till I see you?”
“Yeah, but two nights in a row. It’ll be great.” He explained to her.
She agreed and noticed the clock on tv again. “I should be going.” She said reluctantly, she’d rather stay with him all day. “Have a fun day on set.”
“Yeah, maybe. Have a fun day at work.” He told her and kissed her deeply before letting her leave. He walked her to the elevator and kissed her again before the elevators bell interrupted them. “I’ll phone you tonight.” He said and let her go.

At work Lori noticed her walking in. She looked a bit funny at Melody when she came and stand next to her at the front desk after checking in.
“You’re wearing the exact same clothes. And you went along with Jon Bon Jovi.” Her face turned surprised. “Did you?”
“No, we didn’t!” Melody said.
“You’re wearing the same clothes, I don’t believe you.”
“We didn’t! I fell asleep on the couch when we were watching a movie.” Melody explained and Lori gave up not really believing her yet.

Chapter 9 

Chapter 7



On Sunday afternoon the children went to Rob’s house and Melody was home alone again. He had picked them up early and it was only 3pm. Melody decided she had nothing better to do and went online on facebook. She was in a few groups about Jon and the band, but it felt different now to talk about him. She looked around a bit finding pictures of last week when he was filming a movie. She started talking about some people and her friends she always talked to.
It was great catching up with her friends, its had been a week since she had time to talk to them, she told them she went on a few dates and they were all very happy for her. Melody lost track of time while talking until her phone rang.

“Hey.” She heard him say.
“Hi.” She answered coming back from facebook world.
“Are you busy?” He asked insecure because of her calm answer.
“Huh? No, I was on facebook.”
“You’re on facebook? You even know how that works?”
Melody laughed, “Not all of us have 2 finger typing skills, besides facebook is great, the whole Jovi family is out there.”
“Jovi family?” He asked, he knew fans were on there, but family?
“Yes, we’re a great big family, everyone knows everyone. There are lots of people that get to meet each other now at the concerts, its really cool.”
“That is cool, so you all know each other and talk about the band?” He asked again.
“We talk about you guys, but not all the time. We do have lives you know!” She laughed again.
“Ah,” He said, pausing. She could hear a door open and a little voice asking why he was in his office. He told him he just had to make a phone call and would be there in a few minutes, the door shut again.

“Your kids are there? And you're in your office? Go spend time with them!”
“I was planning Jesse’s birthday, I couldn’t do that in the living room. And then I thought I’d phone you quick about tomorrow too.”
“Are you cancelling?” She asked worried now.
“No! Just wanted to let you know I’d still be picking you up.”
“At 5?” She asked him.
“On the dot.” He said.
“Don’t be that precise at least give me 5 minutes to get changed.” She said joking. “Ok, 5.10 then?”
“Great,” She said, “I’ll wait outside for you.”
“No, you don’t have to stand outside, wait in the lobby.”
“But what if people recognize you?” She asked worriedly.
“Then they do.” He said, a door opened again and she could hear a wining voice asking for him. This time she didn’t hear a door close. “I gotta go.” He said, “See you tomorrow, 5.10.”
“Great, ill be ready. Have a nice evening with your kids.” She said.
“Wait, what hotel do you work at?”
Melody laughed again. “Yeah that’d be handy, wouldn’t it? The Mercer.”
“A few doors down? You’ve been there all the time, down the street? And I had to go all the way to Woodbridge to find you?”
“Guess so.” She answered plainly, “So I guess you know where it is?”
“Yeah, I do.” He said.
“Dad!” She heard the voice yelling at him again.

 He put his hand over his phone and when he was back she could hear a door slam.
Melody sighed. “Go play with him.”
“He shouldn’t have yelled, I could have been having a business call.” He said annoyed now. “See you tomorrow.” He said, “Have a nice night.”
She said goodbye and hung up the phone.

Melody decided to have a quiet night and logged out of facebook and went to watch some TV. She went to bed early, the TV wasn’t interesting anyway.



Monday morning she woke up early and went to shower. After the shower she dried off and wrapped a towel around her hair and started getting dressed. She dried her hair and combed it out. She put some extra clothes in her bag for work so she could get changed after work before he picked her up.

When she was dressed and ready to go she stepped in her car, turned on her ipod and drove to work. She couldn’t wait for tonight, she hadn’t seen him in a week and she really missed him. Then she wondered about the tour. He’ll be busy a lot now, he won’t be around as much and it wasn’t like she could go with him anywhere, she didn’t even have a passport otherwise she would have gone to the Valentine’s Day concert. It was all she could think about the rest of the day. She wouldn’t see him anymore, he’d still be around America for a few months but then he’s in Europe. He’ll be so busy here too and she has her job. She couldn’t just take off and go. And the kids! Of course not, she had to be here for them every week. Did she even have them the days he played in New York? She thought about it for a second, visualizing the schedule she made with Rob for the next few months. They were with Rob that week, good. She stopped worrying and was glad it was busy at the hotel, she had less time to worry and the time passed faster like this.

At 5 her job was done and she went into the employees bathrooms to change into something more casual.
She looked in the mirror and realized how tired she actually looked. She re-applied some make-up and combed her hair out. It didn’t help much but she looked better. Still tired, she walked out and went back to the lobby. One of her colleagues called her while she walked past the desk. Melody walked back and they chit chatted for a moment until her colleagues eyes went big and Melody felt a hand on her shoulder.
“Hey, are you ready?” Melody turned around and hugged him.
“Finally.” She said. “I missed you.” She said to his chest.
He hugged her back and said “I missed you too.”

Melody said goodbye to her colleague and she and Jon walked out of the hotel. They turned left and started walking.
“How far do you live?” She asked him, she knew it was this street but not the exact address.
“Right here.” He said and opened a door, greeted the doorman and went to the elevator. He pressed the penthouse button and turned back to Melody and kissed her slowly. “That’s a nicer hi.” He said as the elevator doors opened and they walked inside.
“Wow,” Melody said looking around. “This is big. And those windows, what a view.” She looked around and walked closer to the windows to see the view better.
“It’s only the upstairs living room.” He said like it was the most normal thing.
“You got a downstairs living room too?” She asked surprised.
“Well it’s more like a den, the kids rooms are downstairs too.”
“Wow” She said again. “You got a really nice place here. You really were that close to me all along!”
“Yeah, we could have ran into each other ages ago!” He said.
“We did.” She said, he looked at her questioningly. “A few months ago when I went to work around 10, you were running, you ran passed me.” She explained to him.
“Oh, cool. Anyway, want some dinner. I don’t really have anything but we could order something.” He said, grabbing some menu’s from a few places nearby and handed them to Melody. The first one was from an Italian place, she would love some lasagna, she thought and told him what to order not bothering to check the other menus.

He phoned and placed an order, after that he walked her to the kitchen offering her a drink. He grabbed a soda for her, like she asked and grabbed one for himself too and walked her back to the living room sitting down on the big couch.
“Wow.” Melody said again when she looked through the big windows. “If it wasn’t February we could sit out on that terrace. I have to stop saying wow.”
“Oh just wait till I show you the bedroom.” He said and laughed, “It’s got a nice view too.”
“You’ll have to show me sometime then, I bet its really nice.” She laughed now too, she set her soda can down and walked to the windows next to the kitchen. “I can see the river! At least I didn’t say wow this time.” She said when Jon walked up to stand next to her.
“You’re quickly amused.” He said with a chuckle, really happy she felt easy around his house.
“Or easily excited.” She said, “I really like it here, I like your place, it’s really nice.” He turned her to him and kissed her again, slowly, tenderly. Their tongues danced around until they heard the doorbell and he broke the kiss.

He paid and came back in with a brown paper bag that he set down on the kitchen counter.
“Wanna watch a movie while we eat?” He asked her while he took the food out of the bag. She agreed with him and he told her where to find the dvd’s. She went looking for a movie while he served the food. When he walked into the living room she was holding a case. He put the movie in and gave her a plate with lasagna and started the movie.

Chapter 8 

Chapter 6



On Monday Melody had a normal day of work, it was busy at the hotel but then again, it was always busy at the hotel. It was in the middle of New York so there always were lots of tourists to come and go.

When she got home from work, she started making dinner for her and her kids. Just when she was about to bake the meat her cell phone went off.
“Hey.” She answered without looking at the caller ID but already knowing who it would be anyway.
“Hey, how was your day?” He asked her casually.
“My day was ok, the usual,” She said, “but I’m cooking and I need both hands so I’m putting you on speaker phone now.” She pressed the speaker phone button on her phone and put it down on the kitchen counter next to her cooking.

“How was your day?” She asked him while putting meat in a heated  pan.
“The same, the usual.” He said.
“What is your usual?” She asked him wondering what he actually did in a day.
“Getting up, breakfast, work out and had a meeting in the afternoon. That’s a pretty calm day for me.” He said.
“That’s calm? Working out isn’t calm at all.”
“Yes, it is, it’s relaxing." He protested. "No thoughts on anything but running for an hour.” He explained to her.
“Sure, if you put it that way.” She said sarcastic not agreeing at all, she didn’t like work outs, she didn’t do any of it and she was completely fine with it being that way. She could hear him laugh at her tone when she said it.

“What about tomorrow? What are you doing?” She asked him.
He had to think for a second, mentally looking over his schedule. “Nothing at all. How about you?”
She didn’t have anything planned other than work and she wanted to tell her children she went on a few dates. “Just work and after that I’m having a talk with my children.” She said calmly, waiting to see what he would say.
“What are you talking about with them?” He didn’t want to ask it straight forward but he thought he knew what she meant.
“I’m just telling them I went on a few dates. I told you I tell my kids about these things.”
“But we’ve only been on 3 dates.” He said.
“Is it going to stay at 3 dates?” She asked him a little worried now.
“No!”

Melody let out a sigh of relief. “Then I want to tell them.” She said relieved and he gave in noticing he couldn’t change her mind and it were her kids after all. They talked for some more and no kids came running in while she was talking. Which she thought was a good thing because she hadn’t told them yet.

After a few more minutes they hung up and Melody started to serve dinner. The kids talked about their time at their dad’s house during dinner and hours after that until they all went to bed. Finally she thought. Every Monday was a busy talking day. Her children had to tell her everything in fine detail.





Tuesday went quite the same, work had been busy. When she got home she didn’t start on dinner yet because Tyler wasn’t home yet. So she gathered the other 3 in the living room and decided to tell them she was dating. When they all sat down, she started “You all told me about your week yesterday so today I’m telling you about my week.”

They looked at her not saying a thing but just waiting, so she decided to go on. “On Tuesday I went on a date with a guy I met at Uncle Dan’s cd store and on Saturday and Sunday we went out again.” She stopped and waiting for some reactions now.
“What’s his name?” Was the first reaction that came. She told them a little bit about Jon, not mentioning yet it was Jon Bon Jovi and they agreed it was great their mum was dating again, they hoped it would be a great thing for her.



She sent them off to do their homework and went to make dinner when Jon phoned again.
“You’re really good at phoning me when I’m cooking, aren’t you.” She said when she answered the phone.
“Do you want me to call back later?”
“No, not at all. You’ll just have to go on speaker phone.” They talked about their days when Faith walked in with a question about her homework. She noticed she interrupted a conversation and froze next to the fridge not sure what to do.
“Jon, give me a few minutes apparently I have to do English homework.” Jon waited and could hear Faith ask if that was her mums date.

When her mum told her he was Faith walked over to the phone that was lying on the counter and said “Hi, I’m Faith.”
Jon chuckled and answered her, “Hi Faith, I’m Jon. How are you?”

Melody let Faith talk to Jon for a minute before she sent her back up to her room to finish her homework. Melody talked to Jon while she cooked. She liked having him on speaker phone that way it seemed like he was just in the next room, close by.

Next week Melody would be home alone again and asked if Jon was busy then.
“Our tour starts on Thursday, Wednesday I have to go to the White House and Tuesday I’m filming, but I’m free on Monday.”
“Your tour starts?” She asked sounding disappointed, she had hoped to see him before the tour started, and she had thought they started the week later. “When are you back home?” She hoped he wouldn’t take too long.
“March tenth.” He said, he could hear her letting a breath out.
“A whole month?” She asked surprised, she wanted to see him sooner than that. “Then I don’t get to see you till March second.” She had bought tickets for that concert, because she knew birthday concerts were always more special, she would have loved to go to the Valentine’s concert too but she couldn’t go to Canada for a concert.

"You're coming to the show?" Jon asked surprised.
"Me and Lori have been planning for ages." Melody said. "Didn't I tell you?"
“No, you didn't. We’re playing in New York the 24th and 25th.” He said, “Maybe you can come for those too.” He didn’t want to wait till his birthday to see her.

She agreed it would be a great idea but she didn’t have money to buy tickets. He laughed and told her to not worry about it she’ll get access all areas anyway. “Now what about Monday?” He asked her. “Do you still want to do something?”
Of course she wanted to do something although she didn’t really want to go anywhere.
“Why don’t I pick you up after work and we can go to my apartment and watch a movie?” He asked her.
"Yeah that's a good idea." She turned her stove off, food was ready. "My supper is ready, I have to go now."
"Ok, talk to you later." He said.

Yeah, talk. Melody thought when they hung up, it's how their relationship went, talking on the phone.



The next few days went fast for Melody. The children all had their sports and activities in the second half of the week, so she was very busy driving around 4 kids. Jon still phoned her every evening. He told her about his week, how filming and tour preparations were going. 



On Thursday night she left her kids home alone for a while and went to Lori’s house. She knocked on the door and went inside. Lori met her in the living room, they sat down and Melody started telling her she wouldn’t see Jon for 10 days after Monday. She stuck to the idea that they’ve only been on 3 dates and she couldn’t possibly like him this much after 3 dates. But she did, she did like him this much and couldn’t wait to see him on Monday, it only had been a week since she saw him but it seemed so much longer to her. Lori agreed with her but then again, what’s not to love about him. They already knew he was a wonderful person and his looks just added to it.

Chapter 7 

Chapter 5



Sunday morning she made sure she was up early and ready when he got there. She dressed and ready to go  at 10.45 and waited for him. The waiting made the 15 minutes seem longer and she really didn’t want to wait, she wanted to see him, now. After last night, she realized she did like him, he was nice and funny when they were at the part and he was beautiful. He hadn't seemed a rock star at all while she was with him, just a regular guy. 7 minutes to 11 she saw a car pull up by the driveway and she assumed it was him but there didn’t follow a knock for a while. She looked over at the clock, 1 minute to go. Oh ain’t he funny. He was waiting to knock at exactly 11am.

Finally, she heard that knock she’d been waiting for at the door and immediately opened it, finding him standing there, looking at his watch. “11am,” He said as he looked up, “exact, this time.” He smiled his brilliant smile at her. She laughed when she saw him smile. “Are you ready this time?” He asked her.
Melody stepped outside and pulled the door closed behind her. “All ready.” She said with a big smile.

He walked her to the car and opened the door on the passenger’s seat for her, waited until she was sitting comfortably and closed the door again. He got in on the other side of the car and started driving. “Where do you want to go for lunch?” He asked her as he drove out of the street.
“You know what, I could go for some fast food, fries and a burger.” She said facing him.
He looked back at her and agreed with her idea. “Do you want to go to some fast food place, drive thru or a restaurant?” He asked as he placed his hand on her knee.
“Didn’t you plan to go to some movie? We could go to drive thru and then go for a movie.” She said, looking down at his hand on her knee and back up to his eyes with a smile. A happy feeling ran through her, that gesture must mean he liked her.
He liked her idea and agreed with it, driving to the nearest drive thru she pointed out for him. He ordered 2 burger combos and they ate while they drove to a movie theatre. 


“What do you want to watch?” He asked when they arrived at the theatre. He looked over at the screens to see which ones were playing before going to the registers.
“Let’s just watch the one that starts soonest.” She said now also looking at the boards to check which one was playing first. She noticed it was a fantasy action movie, she could go for that.
“You sure you want to watch that one?” He asked her, to be sure she really wanted to watch an action movie, he didn't mind going to the newest chick flick or romantic comedy.
“Yeah, of course.” She said, she didn’t expect much from an action movie but she could go for it today. She went to the register to buy tickets when he grabbed her arm. “I can’t let you pay for the movie.” He said and walked past her to buy the tickets.
“Yes, you can, you already bought me dinner and lunch, twice.” She tried to argue with him.
“No, can’t let you do it.”
“Then I’m buying snacks." she said consistent. Letting him pay for dinner, two lunches, a movie and snacks just didn’t seem right, she wanted to pitch in too.

He gave her a ticket and they went to the food section, where she was at the register faster than him to be sure she could pay. She ordered popcorn and drinks, letting him carry the drinks she so she could pick at the popcorn they'd share and went to the theatre room. Jon decided to sit all the way up in a corner. She didn’t argue and realized it would be the place he wouldn’t be noticed.

The room was busy but they still made their way up without anyone saying anything to them, after they sat down the movie started almost immediately.
“Just on time.” She said. He nodded and reached for the popcorn she was still holding.
She gave him the bag and the movie started. He held her hand, squeezing it when a scary part came up in case she got scared. Even though Melody wasn't scared at any scenes in the movie, she liked the little reassurance every time he squeezed her hand, it made her feel protected by him.

When the movie was over they waited until most of the people had left the room. The bag of popcorn was on the floor, their hands still together on the arm rest.
The room was almost empty, he let go of his hand and stood up. He grabbed her hand again when they walked down the dark stairs.
He looked over at his watch and it was only 4pm. “Do you want to do anything else?” He asked her while holding open the door to the exit.
“We can just go to my house, if you want to.” She said, she liked the idea of just watching some tv. He agreed and they drove back to her house. 

Once again she made him sit on the couch while she made coffee.
“Aw, no mug with me on?” He asked when she handed him coffee.
“Sorry, next time.” She said and went to sit next to him.
Tyler was still on the other couch, to Jon it seemed like he hadn’t moved all week.

Jon and Melody talked until Jon thought of something, sitting up in the couch. “Aren’t your kids coming home today?” She looked over at the clock, 5pm.
“Around 8,” She said, “You can still stay here.” He relaxed back on the couch and pulled her closer to him. Tyler got up and left the room and went to the basement, where there was a rec room and a bed room. Melody and Jon were both surprised he left without saying a thing but didn't mention it.

A few minutes later he returned with the game of life. “Wanna play?” He asked when he walked in the room and put the game on the coffee table.
Jon looked up to Melody, asking.
“It’s up to you.” She said when she saw his look.
He turned back at Tyler and said, “Sure, let’s play.”
Tyler started setting up the game and gave everyone game money.

Ironically Jon got the rock star job with the lowest salary, halfway through the game he had 5 kids and lost his job and became a sales person. After an hour of playing he had lost the game, Melody came in second and Tyler had won.

Around 7pm he decided it was time to leave. She walked him to the door again and he kissed her. His lips felt softer on her this time as he gently pushed and waited for her to slid his tongue inside. His arms again wrapping around her waist as the palms of her hands rested on his chest. A hot warm kiss and he hugged her as he broke the contect.

She again waited for him to drive around the corner before going back inside.
“What’s that? Date 3?” Tyler asked her?
She thought for a second but she was pretty sure the weekend counted too. “Yeah it is.”
“Does that make him your boyfriend then?” He asked her curiously.
“No, it doesn’t.” He wasn’t, they’ve only been on 3 dates, and you don’t call someone your boyfriend after 3 dates. They’ve only really know each other since Tuesday, that’s only 6 days. So he was definitely not her boyfriend, yet. 

She joined Tyler on the couch and waited until the other kids got home a little while later. She made sure that the youngest was in her bed only half an hour after she got home. She gave Faith a hug and kiss and wished her good night. After that she went to Ryan’s room to make sure he was getting ready for bed and wished him good night too.

She went back downstairs joining her oldest sons, watching the tv show they always watched on Sunday night before telling them to go to bed on time and wished them a good night too. Then she went to her own bed. When she went to set her cell phone for an alarm in the morning she noticed a text message.
10.35pm: good night. She answered him wishing him a good night too. A few minutes later she got a new text.
10.38pm: Are you free this week? She wasn’t sure about that, she had the kids, she was open about her relationships but she would rather talk to them first about it. She couldn’t just go on a date on a weeknight, leave them alone and not talk about it, she couldn’t do it. She answered him, plainly saying she had the kids this week. Again a few minutes later she got an answer
10.40pm: I understand. Can I still phone you?
Of course he could! She immediately texted her answer. 10.41pm: Good, I couldn’t wait a week to hear your voice. Good night. She wished him a good night again and went to bed.

Chapter 6 

Chapter 4



Saturday, at 10.55am, she heard a knock on the door, she put the book she was reading down and got up from the couch to open the door.
“You’re early.” She said still in sweatpants and a long sleeved shirt that she had slept in.
“By 5 minutes.” He said defensively, “that’s hardly early, just being on time.”
“Well I’m not ready, so come in.” She guided him to the kitchen and pointed at the kettle, she already made coffee, knowing he was coming over. “Have some coffee, mugs in the cupboard above it.” She went to her bedroom which was next to the kitchen to get ready to leave.

He opened the cupboard and saw a lot of different mugs, all with different pictures. Then he noticed some mugs with pictures of him in the back. He moved the mugs in the front around until he could reach the back ones. He picked one out with his picture and poured some coffee. He took his mug and went to sit in the living room.
Tyler looked up as Jon walked in. “It’s you again. Oh God you found her mugs.”
“Yeah.” He laughed, looking at his mug. “Why? Were you expecting another person for her?” He asked Tyler. “Nah, she hasn’t dated in about a year, I think, after that jerk Stephen.”
“Oh? What about him?” He asked again.
“They dated for like 6 months, he kept on pushing to move in, but she wouldn’t let him and he turned in a real jerk. After that she hasn’t been on much more than first dates.”
“You know all about it?”
“Yeah, she tells us everything, usually when she tells the guy she’s got 4 kids, he’s gone though. Don’t you have a problem with that?” Tyler asked a bit worried now.
“She tells you everything? I got 4 of my own.” He said.
“Not everything, she tells us when she’s going out with someone and who. She wants us to know cause its part of our lives too. You got 4 too? Wow that would get crowded. How old are they?” He asked Jon.

They heard Melody from her room yelling she was almost ready, Jon couldn't resist but laughing.
“Well I guess it is sort of part of your life too. 17, 15, 8 and 6, how old are you?” He asked Tyler.
“16.” He answered simply.
“How about your brothers and sister?”
“17, 13 and I think Faith’s 8 now.”
“You think?” Jon asked a bit surprised he didn't know how old his sister was but remembered when he was a kid he always had to think about it too.

Tyler nodded as Melody walked in.
“He thinks?” She asked Jon.
“Yeah, he thinks Faith is 8 years old.” He explained.
She rolled her eyes. “Yes she’s 8, great big brother you are Ty. Are you ready to go Jon?”
He raised his mug “Almost.” He said.
She cringed when she saw what mug he was holding. “I should have given you a mug instead of just telling you where they were.”
“No, I like this one.” He said. “It’s got a pretty picture.” He finished his coffee. “You look better than Wednesday, by the way.” He said to Tyler and turned to Melody “And you look just as beautiful.” He said as he got a full view of her tight blue jeans and red top.
“Sweet talker,” She said, “come on let’s go." She pulled him to the door and they left. 

They drove a few streets to Woodbridge River Park, parked the car and went to a small restaurant. They ordered their food which arrived only a few minutes later.

After lunch they went to the park and strolled around.
“So how come the kids didn’t come.” She finally asked him.
He shrugged, “I don’t know, she said they’re busy with school, the older two have tests and it would be easier for them to study at home. It’s just not fair, cause after next weekend I start touring again.”
“How long are you touring for?” She asked him. She knew how long, she knew which concert she would be going to but she still pretended not to know him.
“Don’t get home till 10th of March. Although I’m playing in New York at the end of the month, I doubt I’ll get to see them.”
“That really sucks, I really hope you still get to see them next weekend. Don’t let her get away with it.”
He shrugged his mood still down, “Got April off though, and they’ll be coming over for a week then, school break.”
“That’s definitely something to look forward to.” She said, he agreed.

They walked around the park. It was end of January and it was pretty cold outside, so they walked fast. He grabbed her hand and held it, intertwining their fingers. He didn’t care if anyone would see, he liked her and wanted to show her that. That was all that mattered right now. She didn’t go all crazy about his career even though she was obviously a fan. They talked more about other things. Melody explained him her job and Jon did the same. She finally got a few laughs out of him when he was talking about his work. Honest laughs, she could see his eyes sparkle when she looked at him.

After they walked around the park a few times, they went back to the car and he drove her home. He got out of the car to open the door for her and walked her to her front door.
“Thanks.” He said. “That was better than sulking around the house all day.”
“What about tomorrow?” She asked remembering he had nothing planned for tomorrow either.
“Want to go out again? You just can’t get enough of me, can you?” He said teasingly.
“No, I can’t. Have you looked at yourself?” She asked laughing.
“It would be great to go out again tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at 11 again.” He smiled.

He leaned in to kiss her but didn’t go for her cheek this time. He brushed his lips over hers. She felt how the cold wind had made his rough and probably hers too. That didn't stop him and she leaned in more, she felt his arms wrap around her waist.
She leaned more into him before ending the kiss and he was just holding her close. Staring into her green eyes she stared back at the blue ones, seeing the honesty in them. He let her go and gave her another short kiss before he left.

She watched him drive away, wondering if that just happened. She already thought it was crazy she actually went on a date with him and he had just kissed her. It seemed so surreal, something she always dreamed of, a dream. After his car turned the corner she went inside. 

When she got to the kitchen she saw the post-it on the fridge that said Lori had called some time during the afternoon. She took the phone and called her back.
“You went on a second date?” Lori asked Melody surprised. “A second date with Jon Bon Jovi? The big rock star?” She couldn’t really believe it.
Melody nodded, “Yes, and we’re going out again tomorrow.”
“This can’t be,” Lori said, still shocked but happy for her friend. “You’re too lucky.”
“I know, it seems surreal, I’m still wondering if I’m dreaming about that kiss.”
“He kissed you?!” Lori said surprised.
“Yes, after he dropped me off tonight, a real kiss.” Melody said with a smile and blushed.
“Do you like him?”
“I don’t know, I’ve always loved him, but this is different.” Melody explained a bit uneasy.
“But do you like him?” Lori asked again.
“I don’t know, we’ve only been on two dates.”
“Tyler told me on the phone he seems like a nice guy.” She wouldn’t stop till Melody admitted.
“He is very nice…” She confirmed for Lori
“So you like him?” She asked again, not giving up.
“I think I do, he really is very nice and he doesn’t mind about the kids, he’s already met Tyler, so that’s all good.” She sighed. “He opened doors for me Lori.”
“What a gentleman.”
“He kisses really nice too.” Melody said, she could feel her cheeks turning red.
“Just don’t forget you’re dating a rock star.” Lori said bringing Melody back down to earth. “He always said he was no saint either.”
“I know he said that, but we only had two dates so I’m not worried about that.”
“Doesn’t he start touring in two weeks?” Lori said.
Melody could feel herself getting a little bit annoyed. “We’re only dating, he’s not my boyfriend.” She said slightly annoyed.
“I’m just telling you to watch out.”
“Not because he’s a rock star, he’ll cheat on me or dump me for no reason or something, any guy can do that.” Melody said annoyed.
“You’re right about that.” Lori said. “Sorry I shouldn’t have said that. I’m really happy you’re dating him and you like him. I really hope it goes somewhere for you.”
“I think I hope so too.” Melody said.

Chapter 5 

Chapter 3




The next morning, Melody woke up to the sound of her alarm clock. She loved the fact that it played cd's and she could wake up to whichever music she picked out. Reluctantly she rolled out of bed, she'd rather stay in bed but she had to go to work, she got dressed and made toast for breakfast after asking Tyler if he wanted breakfast.

Just when she was about to sit down in the couch next to him, she heard a knock at the door. She put her plate back on the counter in the kitchen and walked to the door.
“It’s only 8.30. You were going to phone tonight.” She said after she opened the door.
“Yeah, I think I forgot my jacket.” He said rubbing his right arm with his left hand nervously.
“Oh.” She said. “Come in, do you want some coffee?” She asked after gesturing him in, through the hall and into the open kitchen and living room. She made him sit in the couch and asked if he had breakfast, he didn’t, so she offered him some. She left for the kitchen to make more toast and get coffee. 

“Hi.” He said a bit unsure to Tyler who was lying on the couch.
“Hey.” He said hoarsely. “You my mum’s date?” He asked Jon.
“We only went out last night.” He answered leaning forward in his seat, his elbows resting on his knees.
“But you’re here. Going on a second date then?” Tyler asked even hoarser than before.
“Yeah, I hope so, soon.” Jon answered honestly.
Tyler nodded and turned back to the tv when Melody walked in and handed Jon a plate with toast and a cup of coffee. 

She went to sit next to him and had her own breakfast.
“Where are your other kids?” Jon asked, again a bit unsure.
“Oh they left for their dad’s on Sunday, they’ll be back Sunday night. Tyler just didn’t want to go this week, he wanted to stay with his mum for 3 weeks, didn’t you sweetie?” She asked Tyler, he glared back at her, not happy with her comment at all. “Too bad you got no voice to deny it.” She said.
“Teaser.” Jon said, taking a sip from his coffee, he nodded appreciately.
“Only when I can." She laughed. "Besides, you kinda have to with 3 teenagers.” She said.
“Even with two.” Jon agreed.
“When do you see your kids?” She asked him.
“Only on the weekends and school holidays, we agreed two years ago that was easiest. With me touring and stuff all the time and she moved out to another part of the city. It’s nice to go to Red Bank during the weekends, short escape from the city, although it's been since Christmas.” He explained to her.
“That’s nice.” She said, finishing her toast.

She walked to the kitchen to put her plate away. When she turned around at the counter to go back to the living room she noticed he followed her in and was standing by the table, holding his leather jacket.
“So what about that second date?” He asked her. “Are you free tonight?”
“No I work late all week.” She said disappointed.
“Lunch?” He asked.
“I got a doctor’s appointment with him.” She said, pointing to the living room. “What about tomorrow?”Melody asked.
He shook his head. “No, I got that concert.” He said now disappointed too, he clenched his jacket and looked over at the clock. “I’ll still phone you tonight.” He said while she walked him to the door. Again he gave her a light kiss on the cheek before he left.

She went back inside and went to put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
“You’re dating Jon Bon Jovi?” She heard from the living room.
“Not dating, we haven't even planned a second date.” She answered him. 
“But still, and it’s Jon Bon Jovi, that’s crazy.”
“Yeah it is.” She agreed and left him to go to her room to shower and get ready for work.

When she was dressed, it was almost 10 pm. She went to the living room asking Tyler if he was ready to go. He got up, dropped his blanket on the couch and they left. After the appointment, she dropped him off at home and drove to the city. It was a busy day at work, a lot of tourists checking in at the hotel, a lot barely spoke English which made everything even more difficult. She advised restaurants, touristic sights and assigned rooms, all day long.

By 8 pm her shift was over and she could finally go home. It was about at 45 minute drive from the hotel to her house, but it was busy on the road as it usually was. By the time she got home it was 9.30 pm. She walked inside and dropped her keys on the table by the door, kicked her shoes off by the heap of other shoes that nobody ever bothered to put away, hung her coat in the closet and went to the kitchen.

She started making Kraft mac and cheese when her phone received a call. She picked it out of her pocket and answered without checking who was phoning.
“Hey.”
“Hey, are you home yet?” He asked her.
She smiled, she'd been looking forward to it all day and hoped he wouldn't phone to early while she was still at work or driving him. “Yeah, I just got in, just started making dinner. How about you, how was your day?”
“Was just fine, did some planning for tomorrows concert but that’s it, the rest of the day I waited to phone you.” He said.
“Aw, aren’t you sweet.” She said.
“Yeah, I am.” He laughed. “How’s Tyler?”
“Well, he’s bummed out he’s missing his hockey game on Saturday. He’s got a flu, so he’ll be fine by next week.” She said while adding the pasta to the boiling water.
“Oh that sucks.” He said. She agreed, they talked until she finished making her supper.

“I should let you have you supper.” He said. “I’ll phone you Friday, okay?”
“Sounds great,” She answered, “Have fun at your concert tomorrow.”
They said goodbye and hung up. She had her dinner and got ready for bed.
 
The next two days she had normal busy days at work. Working later hours all week, even staying an extra hour on Thursday. While the kids were at their dad's she always took the longer shifts and worked shorter ones when they were home with her.

Late afternoon on Friday she got a text from him.
4.42pm: how late do you work?
It read. She pressed reply and send him a text back.
4.42pm: 8pm
She put her phone back in her pocket and went back to work forgetting about her phone. 3 hours later when she left work, she saw he texted her twice more asking if she was busy and one confirming he thought she was busy and a missed phone call in between the texts. Wondering why he texted her and phoned while he knew she was working, she sent him another text.
8.09pm: I’m sorry I didn’t answer, I'm going home now.

She went to her car and made sure the hands free system was on when she got in, in case he phoned her back, which he did by the time she hit the highway. She turned the system on and answered him.
“You’re driving?” He asked. He sounded annoyed. “That’s not safe.”
“Don’t worry,” She said, “I got a hands free system, both hands on the wheel.”
“Good.” He said shortly.
She sensed there was something wrong and asked him what was up.
“Nothing, just…” He sighed.
“Come on Jon, tell me what’s wrong.” She insisted and heard him sigh again, he was obviously bother by something and she wanted him to tell her so he'd have it off his chest and feel better.
“The kids aren’t coming. She made plans for them. Again! That’s the third week in a row she did that!”
“Third time? That’s terrible.” She said, not sure what she should say otherwise, he sighed again.
“It’s not fair.” He sighed.
“No, it’s not.” She agreed with him. "Did you have things planned?" She asked him.
"Yeah, was planning to take them to a movie on Sunday before they had to go." He explained to her and sighed again. "But plans or not, I just don't get to see them. It's been three weeks after this weekend there are only 2 more weekends before I go back to touring." He really was sad about not seeing them, he missed his kids.
“You  know what? Let’s go out tomorrow and Sunday. You'll have something to do and take your mind off of things.” She said, hoping he’d like the idea.
“Yeah, good idea, we can go for lunch and spend some time together.” He sounded a bit h
appier now.
“Great, lunch. We could go for a walk in the park, if you’d like.” She said, getting a bit excited.
“That’ll take my mind off of things. I’ll pick you up tomorrow around 11 am, okay?” He asked her.
“That’s great. See you then.”
Melody was still driving home and they said goodbye until she phoned him back when she got home.

Chapter 4 

Chapter 2


Monday was a pretty standard day for Melody. She left for work to the hotel where she worked as a receptionist in New York. During lunch she made a doctor’s appointment for Tyler and asked her boss if she could work a later shift on Wednesday so she could to take Tyler to a doctor. Her boss agreed and she went back to work.

By 6pm she was home and made dinner for herself, she found herself a little bit nervous to work at the cd store tomorrow. She still couldn't really believe he had come into the store. To be that lucky it was even on a day she helped her brother out. Nervous as she was, she couldn't wait to see him again. Those beautiful blue eyes and that perfect white smile. If he didn't order another cd tomorrow, it would be the last time she saw him. She let out a big sigh as she realized that. Then again she marvelled at how professional she had been when he was in the store. It had been her dream all her life to meet him, she couldn't believe she hadn't said anything fan-like to him, how much she adored him, how much she loved him or something.



Tuesday morning she made sure she looked nice by using some more make-up than usual before her brother picked her up. Using a red lipstick that wouldn't stand out too much, some mascara finally stayed on her eye lashes after poking herself in the eye once or twice. She always felt like skipping when she walked outside, she had to say something to him today, something more than cd talk.



Around 3pm she started wondering if he had forgotten, he still hadn't come to the store. It started getting later and later and she got more nervous every hour. She didn’t look up anymore every time she heard the door, being sure he had forgotten about the cd. 5pm, he definitely forgot She thought as she read the clock behind the register and reached under the cd displays for boxes with cd’s when she heard someone walk into the store. She lifted the box and started putting them on display.
“Hey Melody.” She heard a familiar voice say.
She turned her head and smiled. “Hi” She said happily, almost dreaming, just looking at him.
He stood there feeling a bit awkward being looked at. “Hello?” He asked.
“Oh sorry.” She said when she snapped out of it and came back to reality. “Here for your cd?”
“Yeah, that too.” He said. She looked at him confused what else would he be here for, but walked to the register, reaching under it to look for the cd.

She took a second to look at the picture on the cover, still wondering why he ordered a cd of his own band as she looked at him standing alone on the cover. She stood back up and scanned the cd "I like this cd, I'm sure you'll like it too." She said as she put it in a plastic bag.
"Really?" He chuckled.
"Yeah, I have every cd of that band, they're really good." She told him. Still professional but she had told him she liked his music.

“So when are you off?” He asked her, leaning on the counter.
“We close at 6.” She said with a smile.
“Care to go for dinner with me when you’re done?” A big smile appeared on her face when he asked her.
“Really?” Surprised he had asked for dinner. He had to chuckle at her question and reaction.
“Yeah, really. Do you?” He asked again, a bit less sure now.
“Yeah, absolutely.” She said even happier than when she finally saw him tonight.
“Ok then,” he said, “I’ll pick you up here at 6.” He said with a big smile, she returned his smile with her own. “See ya then.” He said and started to leave.
“Your cd!” She called after him when he was almost by the door.
“Oh right.” He turned around and walked back to get the cd and left again.
“Have a nice day.” This time he just had to laugh when she said it.
“A very nice one.” He said over his shoulder as he opened the door. 


Once he was outside, she saw him give the cd to the first person he saw and walked down the street.

Excited she went into Daniels office.
“He asked me out! He asked me out!” He looked confused at her. “Jon Bon Jovi asked me out! He’s gonna be here in 30 minutes!” She said after glancing at the clock on the wall. “Oh my god, I gotta go, I have to get ready!” She looked at her older brother hoping he could go in the store so she could leave.
“Yeah go.” he said waving her away. She didn’t even thank him and left quickly. 

Once outside she was wondering where she should go, home was too far to be back in time. Idiot, there’s a clothing store next door she thought to herself and went to the store. She walked in, looking around, not really knowing what she should get when the store owner asked her if she needed help.
“Yes, I’m going on a date in half an hour. I need something nicer than this.” She gestured at her blouse and store vest.
 

The lady showed her different kind of tops around the store. Melody picked out a red strapless top that would still go nice with her jeans and a black top which were basically just arms to put over something like the strapless top.

She paid for it and went back to her brother’s store, where she got changed in the bathroom and reapplied her make-up. Brushed her hair quickly with the small brush she always had in her purse and actually thought her hair looked better than before. She remembered to text Tyler she’d be on a date and home late. She had been dating before, so she didn’t think it would bother him. She told her children when she was seeing someone, even after a few weeks. Usually it wasn't longer than a few weeks anyway. When she was ready it was just 3 minutes before 6pm. She left the cd store and waited on the bench in front of the store.
 
A few minutes later she saw him walking around the corner of the street and walked up to her. She got up from the bench before he reached her.
“You look gorgeous.” He said when he was standing in front of her. “I should have put something more decent on.” He saw her blush.
“No, you look great in jeans and a black t-shirt.” She said, blushing less and smiling.
“Ready to go?” He didn’t wait for her answer and grabbed her hand and started walking in the direction he came from. He's holding my hand!
“Where are we going?” She asked him wondering.
“That Italian place, it’s just around the corner.” He pointed at the corner. 


She knew the place, it was fancy, and she had never gone inside but passed it a million times. He held the door open for her, and guided her to the host. Where he said his name and the host checked his book before guiding them to their table. A few minutes later they were seated at the back of the restaurant and a waiter brought them menus.

Sitting across from him she caught herself staring at him again as he read his menu and quickly looked at her own menu. Reading all the delicious meals, she couldn't pick what she wanted. Spaghetti sounded nice, but so did lasagna and pizza. She loved Italian food, she could never make her pick when she went to a restaurant.
"What are you ordering?" She asked him, hoping that would help her.
"The pizza." He said with a smile and told her which number it was on the menu. He closed his menu and put it down in front of him on the table. She looked and decided it did sound nice. Magazine's were right, pizza with everything on it
"That really sounds great." She said with a smile.
"Great, let's get the large one and we can share." He said and called for the waiter. 


He ordered the pizza and asked for a nice wine.
“So…” He said, not really sure what to say, “You work at that cd store?”
“No, it’s my brother’s store; I help him out on most Tuesdays. I work at a hotel, at the front desk.” She explained to him.
He nodded “Cool.” She smiled at him.

The waiter brought their wine before she could ask him a question.  The waiter kept looking back at Jon while he let him taste the wine. He surely recognized him.
“I’m at least going to pretend I don’t know you.” She said after the waiter had left.
“Oh, you know me?” He asked her, then taking a sip from his wine.
“No, no idea who you are, just a stranger that came in the store and asked me out.” She smiled at him again; he flashed his brilliant smile back.
“Ok then.” He said laughing.
“Well then,” She said. “What do you do for a living?”
“I sing in a band.” He said, playing along with her.
“A band?” she asked. “What kind of band? Big enough to live off?”
He nodded; this wasn’t too bad he thought. “A rock band. We’re pretty big, we just finished a leg of our tour in December and played during the summer too. We start the next leg in 2 weeks and in the summer we go to Europe.” He explained to her.
“Must be a big band then.” She said.
“Yeah.” He agreed with her. “In two days, there’s a charity thingy, where a lot of fan club members go to, just to get back used to touring." He stopped talking when he saw the waiter approaching with their pizza and waited till he left again. "So what about you? Tell me. Your name, where you’re from, birthday, kids?” He asked her.

She finished her bite of pizza and answered him. “My full name?” She asked, he nodded. “Melody Catherine Walker, I grew up in Cape May. My birthday is 12 July and I have 4 kids.” She looked up at him. Usually when she said she had 4 kids her dates were over pretty fast.
“Four?” he asked. She nodded, she knew he had kids too and hoped he didn't mind the big number. “Great, me too. Boys, girls?” He sounded more exited than any date she ever told she had 4 kids.
“3 boys and a girl, you?” She asked him.
“A girl and 3 boys.” He said taking a bite from his folded pizza slice.
“Same questions for you.” She told him and took another bite of her pizza. Just as she thought of the description in the menu it tasted really good.
“The same? John Francis Bongiovi, I grew up in Sayreville, second of March and, well four.” He said, she smiled at him while he took a bite from his slice. “I got 4 more questions for you then.” He said when he finished his bite. “Do you have siblings? Favourite music, favourite movie, favourite book?”
“I have 2 older brothers.” She said, pausing not sure if she wanted to tell him already, he nodded.
“Go on, I didn't run when you had 4 kids, so I won't run if you have like 8 sisters.” He said sweetly.
“And 2 younger sisters." She decided to say. "Favourite music, that’s difficult. I definitely liked the 80s, great music. Favourite movie, I’d have to say The Lord of the Rings, cause I’m that kind of geek. I can’t pick a favourite book, cause, cause I just told you I’m a geek, I can’t pick.” She confessed and he laughed.
“Then I’m not answering the book question either.”
“Fine, be that way.” She said, reaching over the table to slap his wrist where his face was resting in his hand.
“I will.” He laughed again.
“Answer the other 3 then.” She told him.
“2 younger brothers. Southside Johnny, Dylan, The Stones, Beatles, Elvis, loads of people. Movie? The Godfather.”

They talked some more about their favourite music and movies as they ate their pizza. Melody couldn't believe she stayed this calm and even pretended not to know him. She thought it would be nicer for him if she didn't already know things about him. Amazed at how calm she stayed, she continued the conversation about music and movies with him, still surprised she was even in a restaurant with him talking about music and movies. Finally he finished his glass of wine and called for the waiter.
“Do we do second dates?” He asked her when the waiter left with their plates.
“Of course we do.” She answered him. He paid the waiter when he came back and they left the restaurant.
“Do you live far from here? I’ll drive you home.”
“That’d be great.” She said while they walked to his car, she didn't look forward to taking a bus now.
 

He opened the door for her and walked around the car to get in and started the car, loud music started blaring. He quickly turned down the music.
“Sorry about that.” He said. “So where to?” He asked her.
“Just go on the highway. I’ll tell you when to turn.”
He started driving. “Why did you move here all the way from Cape May?” He asked her.
“My ex-husband got a job here, so we moved here when we got married. Lived here for 20 years now. Go right here and left after you passed the park.” She said.
He turned right. “Richie used to live around here, you know.” He said.
She looked up at him. “Who?” She asked him.
“Richie. Oh right, you don’t know me.” He turned left. “Now where?”
“First left, second house.” She pointed the way for him.
He parked the car and got out to open the door for her.
“Do you want to come in for coffee?” She asked him hesitantly, he agreed and followed her in.

He noticed a big promotion poster of a concert tour opposite of the door when he walked in. They went into the kitchen and she started making coffee. He put his jacket over the chair at the kitchen table and sat down.
“I just gotta go downstairs and check on Tyler." she said. She went downstairs and was back again in 2 minutes, the coffee was done when she was back, she poured him a cup and handed it to him, sitting down in the chair next to him. They chatted about some things until his cup was almost empty.

“So about that second date.” He said, grabbing a piece of paper off the pile that was left on the table, checking if it was empty. He tore it in half and grabbed a pen, wrote down his number and slide it to her over the table, along with the other piece of paper and the pen. She wrote down her number and gave it back to him.
“I’ll phone you tomorrow night.” He said and emptied his cup. “I guess I should go.” He said looking at his watch.

Melody looked at the clock and noticed it was 11.30 already. Time flies by when you're having fun.
She walked him to the door, where he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek.
“I had a great night.” He said softly.
“So did I.” She agreed.
“I’ll phone you tomorrow night.” He reaffirmed.“Goodnight.” And walked outside, he got in his car and Melody waved him goodbye before going back inside.

She texted Lori, saying she had a date with Jon Bon Jovi and got an answer while she was going into her bedroom, it read:

12.03am: Go back to sleep
.

She undressed for bed and thought for a second. Did I just really have a date with Jon Bon Jovi? And I asked him in for coffee? She was surprised how she could remain so calm about it all. She’d only been dreaming of this since she was 17, she never expected to be this calm seeing him in person, let alone going out with him.

Chapter 1



“Mel, can you help me out Thursday and next Tuesday too?” Daniel asked his sister through the open door of his office.

She looked up from putting cd’s away and said she’d have to check her work schedule first. After she finished putting the cd’s away, she walked to the register when someone walked in the store.
“Can I help you?” She asked without looking up from the register.
“Nope, just looking.” She continued to look at her schedule but another costumer was waiting at the register so she helped the lady first. “Have a nice day.” She said to her after handing her the bag with cd’s she just bought.

She checked her schedule and saw she was free those two days, she turned around to open the door to Daniel’s office and told him she could help him out. When she turned around the man that had just come in was standing at the register.
“Hi,” he said trying to read her name tag as she walked closer. “Melody. I’m looking for a cd but I don’t seem to find it.”
She looked up at him, she couldn’t see his eyes because he was wearing sunglasses. In January? She thought. “Which cd are you looking for sir?” He said a band’s name and a cd title as he took his sunglasses off and put them on the collar of his t-shirt that he was wearing under a half opened black leather jacket. She couldn't resist looking at his face for instant, recognizing him immediately. Noticing she was still looking at him she turned her head and checked the computer if the cd was in stock.
“You’re right sir, we don’t have it in stock, but I can order it and have it here by Thursday.” She looked up at him again. God, those blue eyes, wow.
“That’d be great.” He said with a very white smile. “Thanks.” He said and took his sunglasses back out as he left the store.
“Have a nice day, sir.” She said, he chuckled and wished her the same. “Did that just happen?” She 
accidentally said out loud when the door closed, just as Daniel walked out of his office.
“What happened?” he asked her wondering.
“Jon Bon Jovi just ordered a cd.” She said dumbstruck as she turned around to face him.
“Did he?” Daniel asked her not really believing her. “And you stayed calm like that?”



Thursday morning before she left to help at her brothers record store, Melody made sure to look extra good and put some more make-up on than she usually did. She took the bus to the cd store. It was only 20 minutes on the bus, she felt stupid for driving such a short distance if her brother couldn’t pick her up and she would have some time to read a book while she sat on the bus.

“Checking back for Jon Bon Jovi?” Daniel asked her when she walked into the store.
“How could I not?” She asked him shrugging. “I’ve only been drooling over him since I was 17.”
“Weren’t they touring?” Daniel asked her when he walked to the door to turn around the closed sign.
“They were in December but now they’re on a break until February something.” She explained to him.
“Alright then, have fun.” He told her and went into his office, leaving her to her job of taking care of the store.



She started sorting out some cd’s and restocking the shelves. Every time she heard the bell above the door, she looked up hoping it was him but every time she turned back to what she was doing.

Finally around noon she was lucky and he walked in, sunglasses, baseball cap and his black leather jacket with red stitching. She loved that jacket on him, he looked amazing in it, she watched him as he walked in the store. As he walked over to the rock section, he took his sunglasses off and put them in his pocket. She walked to the register to help some costumers and had to take her eyes off of him. She'd seen him at the many concert she had been to but now he was right there, again. After helping the costumers that were already standing in a line he walked up to the register too.
“Hi, Melody, right?” He asked hestantly. She nodded with a smile, again looking at his beautiful face, noticing his perfectly white teeth as he spoke to her. “I ordered a cd a few days ago, do you have it for me?”
“Yes, right here.” She looked on the shelves under the register and reached for it, “Here it is sir.” She scanned the cd and put it in a plastic bag as he looked for money.
“Oh and I was over there looking for this other cd but I didn’t seem to find this one either.” He said, taking a 20 dollar bill out of his pocket and handing it to her.
“I’ll check for it.” She said as she took the 20 and put it in the register. She read how much change she had to give him from the register's screen and quickly counted out the change and handed it to him. Tearing her eyes away from him again, she looked over at the computer. “Which cd?”
He again, said a bands name and said the cd had the same name.
“You’re right again; you seem to like the cd’s we don’t have in stock.” She joked. “And I usually make sure there’s enough stock of this band when I get to help out here.”
He chuckled and smiled at her.
Oh god.
“I can have the cd by Tuesday.” She said. Actually by Monday but then I don’t get to see you “Ok, see you on Tuesday then.” He said and took his bag as he started to walk out.
“Have a nice day.” She said when he reached tha door and he chuckled again.



Sunday evening her ex husband came around 8pm to pick up the children.
“Are they ready?” He asked her after he let him in. They got divorced 5 years ago, the divorce wasn’t too bad although the youngest kids didn’t understand it then. He hadn’t cheated on her, she hadn’t cheated on him, they just couldn’t do it anymore.
“Yes, they are, except Tyler, he’s still deciding if he’s going or not.” She explained to Rob as they walked to the living room.
“What do you mean he’s deciding to go or not?” He asked and she started explaining how Tyler started feeling sick in the morning and hadn’t felt better since when Faith walked in happily, hugging her father.
“Missed you.” She said to him when he hugged her back.
“Go tell your brothers.” He said, turning back to Melody,
“That sick?” He said surprised. She nodded. “Where is he? I wanna talk to him first though.” He said.
“In bed, he never got out.” She told him.



He went downstairs to the bedroom the two oldest sons shared. She followed him to make sure the kids cleaned up the den before they left. She saw Rob walk into the bedroom, he left the door wide open when he talked to his son. Melody put away some dvd cases that were left on the coffee table and cleaned up some books that were next to the coffee table. She heard Rob in the bedroom and how agreed with Tyler. Looking back up from the bookcase she saw Rob walk out and saw Tyler reach for the trash can before Rob closed the door.
“Probably best,” he said to Melody, “or they might all get that.” he pointed to the closed bedroom door over his shoulder. Melody agreed with him and grabbed the back pack that was left by the door and went upstairs with him. 


The kids were all standing ready by the door to leave.
“See you all next week.” She said, hugging the youngest before she walked outside to the car first. “Want this?” She asked her oldest tried to get away without a hug and held his back pack to him.
He smiled at her. “Thanks.” He said and started to leave when she yanked him back.
“No, you don’t.” She said pulling him into a hug.
“See ya.” He said, turned around and closed the door behind him. 

After they left she was alone and decided to phone her friend, who lived a few houses down the street to tell her what happened this week at the store. Melody knew her friend would come over right away. So Melody started making coffee. When she finished pouring a cup Lori walked in through the back door into the kitchen an sat down on one of the bar stools at the island. "Tell me everything." Putting her elbows on the counter, resting her head on her hands and listened to what Melody had to say.

“No, he wasn’t!” Lori's eyes went wide in surprise.
“Yeah, he definitely was.” Melody said happily.
“Wow, remember in college when we had every wall covered?”
“That was wonderful, I still do that.” Melody pointed to the hallway by the front door and remembered their dorm, it was full of posters, everywhere, every inch was covered with a picture of Jon or the band, pillows, coffee mugs, their dorm was full of Bon Jovi stuff. When she and Rob bought the house she had a few pictures up and still had the coffee mugs. Since he left, she had put up more posters up again, back to just having one man in her life and this one always listened to her and was always nice.

They talked some more before Lori decided it was time to go. Melody led Lori to the door and said good night. After cleaning up, she went to say good night to Tyler and went to bed too.

Melody's Story Home



Here is the link to the story:
Chapter 1

It's set during this year, starting January 2011

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