Chapter 50

Veronica pulled her arm out of Jon’s grip, strode across the room and sank into a chair. Crossing her legs, she watched him expectantly. “Problem sir?”

“Call me that again and there’s going to be.” Jon snarled. Veronica raised her brows at his tone, but remained silent. Jon paced the room, not sure where to start. He paused at the mini bar to pull out a couple Diet Coke’s and handed her one before lighting up a cigarette and taking a deep drag. He saw her look. “I suppose you’re going to bitch at me about smoking too.”

She shrugged. “It’s your life. If you want to end it early, who am I to stop you? I would have thought that seeing what Adam went through might have made you think twice about it though.”

He sighed, stubbed out the cigarette and raked a hand through his hair. “Why are you so pissed at me? Because I didn’t tell you about Dubai until today? I apologized for that.”

“You didn’t tell me at all! David did. Were you ever going to tell me?”

“It was just finalized today! I was going to tell you after sound check.”

“How long has this been in the works?”

“A couple months.” He admitted. The brief look of pain that crossed her face felt like a punch to his gut. “What?”

“So you don’t want me to do the promotion then. Why not? Don’t you think I can handle it?”

“Of course I think you can handle it! Why would you think that I didn’t?”

“Because you didn’t tell me about even the possibility of something like this!” At his blank look she blew out an exasperated breath. “This is a part of the world that no big name rock band has ever played. We don’t know anything about how their media works or where the people get their information or even how to approach them. This is going to take massive amounts of research! It can’t be done in a few days or even a couple weeks like it can in the western world.” The hand that lifted the coke to her mouth was trembling.

He knew there was something else, something more...personal. “What else? Come on Ronnie, I get that putting you on a short clock would piss you off, but it doesn’t explain the hurt I can see in your eyes. What else have I missed?”

One nail traced the pattern on the can for a long moment before she answered. “This is a record making event....a huge coup for the band and the label, and a huge opportunity – and challenge – for whoever gets the gig.” Her eyes met his. “Do you have any idea what it would mean to my career to be the head of promotion for a show like this – and do a good job of it? To be able to set everything up from scratch, with no blueprint....to really show what I can do, what I’m capable of! I’ve waited for an opportunity like this to come my way for twenty years! And when one finally comes close enough I can almost touch it, it gets yanked away by the man who twelve hours earlier was telling me how he’d changed and how he wanted me and I should trust him.” She snorted and took a drink. “I guess that only applies to the personal side. When you tracked me down in Nashville and brought me out here I thought that at least part of it was because you knew that I was good at my job. I told myself that the perfectionist in you would never let someone you thought was incompetent be put in a position that could hurt the band. More fool me. Obviously you have little faith in my abilities.”

“That’s not true!” Jon protested. “I have the utmost faith in your abilities! Your first assumption was right. I would never have brought you in to work with us if I didn’t trust you to do the job and do it well.”

“As long as it’s only in North America and Europe. When the difficult stuff comes up you want someone else.”

“NO! Fuck!” He raked a hand through his hair in frustration. “The thought of anyone else promoting the show never even crossed my mind. I swear it! Nica, you’ve got to believe me!”

“If that’s true, why didn’t you tell me about it? Do you have any idea the impression it gives my boss and the people I work with that they all knew about it before I did? And I’m the one out on the road and with you every day? Do you really think that they’ll believe that you think I can handle it? When you didn’t tell me that you were even thinking about the Middle East?” Veronica blinked rapidly, refusing to shed the tears anger, hurt and frustration brought to her eyes. She was more professional than that.

The sight of her pain – more caused by his stupidity – had him out of his chair and on his knees in front of her, his hands curling around her knee. “Fuck, Nica, I’m sorry. I never thought about any of that. Shit, you know what I’ve been like lately....I don’t even know what state I’m in half the time these days! I’d forgotten myself that talks were in the works until Paul told us it was a go.” At her disbelieving look he shook her knee. “Seriously! I did! Honey you’ve got to believe that I never meant to imply that I don’t have full confidence in your ability to do your job. You are the best, and that’s why I brought you out.” His lips twitched at her snort. “Okay, one of the reasons. Sugar, you are the only one I want promoting this show. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I should have. I know that.” He reached up to caress her cheek. “Can you forgive me?” He searched her eyes. “Would it help if you socked me one?”

In spite of herself Veronica snickered. “As much as that appeals to me right now, I think there’s a few thousand fans that would be more than a little upset if I damaged that face.”

He grinned, then sobered. “And will you do the promo for Dubai?”

She hesitated, unsure whether she wanted to take the chance of not being able to do her best work because of the time constraints and having her name on a half assed attempt. But ultimately, the challenge was just too good to pass up.

“Come on sugar, please? I know that it’s a lot to ask, especially at this late date, but I need you. My staff will be at your complete disposal. You can use them as much or as little as you want. It’ll be your show.”

One dark brow rose. “And you’ll do as I ask...without a fight?”

Giving anyone carte blanche went against the grain, but he knew he had to. Besides, he knew that she wouldn’t do anything to embarrass him. “Agreed.”

Her second brow rose to join the first. That concession, more than anything, convinced her how sorry he was. “Okay. I’ll do it.”

The grin that had women all over the world swooning spread across his face. “Thanks sugar.” He leaned up to kiss her.

“Jon, you need to stop doing that.” She leaned back, ignoring her lips still tingling from the contact with his.

“Why?”

“You know why. Plus, Matt says that the fans are starting to ask questions about me...about us.”

“So?”

“So, I don’t want people thinking that I got this job because of my....friendship.. with you.”

“You’re too well respected in the industry for that idea to get very far.” He pointed out.

“I also don’t want the fans – or the tabloids – thinking that we’re a couple.”

“Why? What’s it matter what anyone thinks? It’s nobody’s business except yours and mine.”

She snorted. “Come on Jon, you know better than that. I don’t need to have my every move watched and speculated over, rumours flying over everything from whether one of us is seen somewhere with or without the other, and the meaning behind any looks we give each other. I can’t do my job if the focus is on you and I instead of the band.”

Jon thought about it for a moment, then sighed. “Okay. I see your point. I’ll lay off the public displays of affection.” Public being the operative word. She might be prepared to let the past dictate the future as far as their relationship was concerned, but he wasn’t. He was determined to prove to her that he’d changed – or at least he was trying to. Now, if only he could stop doing stupid things like forgetting to tell her about upcoming shows and making her feel that he didn’t have faith in her abilities. Where the fuck was your head asshole? He needed to remind her how good they had been together once, before it all went to shit. He swore at himself on his timing. With Chicago up next it was going to be hard to think of happy times. The next few days were going to be rough....for both of them.

Chapter 49

It wasn’t surprising that the show that night wasn’t the best they’d ever done. Jon tried to cover it up, but the long time fans could tell that he was a little annoyed about something. If they’d noticed the dark looks he shot Veronica periodically, they’d have at least known who he was annoyed with. She, of course, ignored him. Afterwards, she climbed in a van with Matt and a couple other staffers and security to ride to the after party, following the spirit if not the letter of Jon’s decree. She was talking to a DJ from a local country station when the guys arrived.

Jon stepped into the room and swept it with a single glance. His gaze came back to Veronica and the man she was talking to. Dropping his coat onto a chair at a nearby table he waited for her to come and get him and guide him around to the people he needed to talk to like she usually did. It was several minutes before he realized that she wasn’t going to. He knew that she was aware that he was there – he’d seen her glance towards him. He blew out a heavy sigh.

“No tour guide tonight?” Richie asked as he set his coat over the back of another chair.

Jon glared at him. “You’re enjoying this aren’t you?”

“You have to admit, it’s not often that a woman has you knotted up and turning in circles. Gives me faith that you’re human after all.”

“Fuck you.”

Richie chuckled. “Are you going to stand here and jaw at me or are you going to go and try to get yourself out of the doghouse with your girlfriend?”

Jon glared at him again but stepped towards where Veronica was standing.

“Good luck!” Richie called after him. Jon flipped him off behind his back.

Veronica saw him approaching and pasted on a bright smile. After introducing the two men, she stepped a bit away from Jon so that he couldn’t play the touchy-feely game. Where she would normally help guide the conversation, this time she kept quiet unless she was specifically spoken to. Jon kept shooting her looks, but she just smiled pleasantly. When the men were finished, Veronica said goodbye to the D.J and headed towards the next person on her ‘must talk to’ list, not checking to see if Jon was with her.

Jon watched her walk off, sighed and followed, detouring briefly to the bar for drinks for both of them.

“Thank you sir.” Veronica accepted the drink he handed her and performed the introductions, ignoring the exasperated look in his eyes.



Across the room David and Richie were watching.

“She’s really leading him around by the nose.” David commented.

“And he’s letting her.” Tico added as he joined them. “I’m surprised he’s hasn’t blown up at her yet.”

“He’s too busy trying to figure out how to diffuse her anger. I don’t think he gets that it’s more than anger.” Richie responded.

“So...how long do you think this is going to go on for?” David questioned. “I say he explodes before we leave here tonight.”

Richie shook his head. “Nope. Tomorrow....some time after dinner.” The next day was an off day for them.

Tico disagreed with both of them. “Uh uh. Tonight, but not here. He won’t want to make a scene in front of outsiders. It’ll be at the hotel.” That it would be Jon that broke first didn’t seem to be in dispute.



Jon watched Veronica walk away from him yet again, sighed, and followed. He got that she was pissed that he hadn’t told her about Dubai sooner, but he’d apologized for that even though he didn’t really understand why she was so upset about it, there was still lots of time for her to do her thing, but apparently she wasn’t ready to forgive him yet. Women! Did any man ever really understand them? He also didn’t understand what it was about this particular woman that made him willing to jump through whatever hoops she wanted him to and cut out his tongue rather than have her angry at him. Even Dorothea had never had that strong of a hold on him. Oh he hadn’t liked it when she was upset with him either, but he would only go so far to appease her. With Veronica, he would do whatever it took to have her smile at him again. It had always been that way with her. If he was being completely honest, it was part of the reason that he had let his mother and Doc succeed in separating them all those years ago - he hadn’t been comfortable with anyone having that much control over his feelings and actions. He wasn’t sure he was any more comfortable with it now, but the years had taught him that there were benefits to compromise – at least in this area.

He watched her walk up to the bar, and racked his brain for a way around her anger, but came up empty. Experience told him that she wouldn’t make it easy for him, she never had. Buying gifts had never worked, writing songs for her worked to a point, if the emotion behind them was right, but he didn’t have time and he wasn’t in the right mind set for that. He needed something more immediate, which meant.....he was going to have to sit her down and talk to her.....from the heart. Just the thought had him sighing again. No, there was no doubt about it, she was going to make him work for it. Maybe that’s why he was attracted to her....she didn’t take one look at his smile or his ass and fall at his feet. She wasn’t afraid to stand up to him and tell him what she thought – even if it wasn’t what he wanted to hear. The fact that he was the boss didn’t appear to faze her at all since she tended to ignore his decrees whenever it suited her. The thought made him frown. He sidled up next to her. “How did you get here from the arena?”

“I came with Matt and a few others – including security. I wasn’t alone.” She assured him. “Sir.”

Jon grunted. “Knock it off Ronnie. And don’t begrudge me my concern for your safety.”

She shrugged and sipped the margarita the bartender set in front of her. “Whatever you say...boss.”

“Dammit Ronnie!” But he was talking to the air. She’d already walked away. He growled low in his throat and followed.




“How come you didn’t eat with us tonight nina?” Tico asked. They were in the elevator on the way up to their floor.

Jon had made sure that Veronica had travelled back with them and since she’d been playing the dutiful employee all evening, she had to humour him. Right now she ignored him to answer Tico. “I ate with some other staff members.” The doors pinged, opened and she stepped out. “Where I belong.”

“GOD DAMMIT! THAT DOES IT!” Jon exploded. He stalked out of the elevator and down the hall after her. When he reached his room, he grabbed her wrist in a firm, but not painful grip, savagely swiped the keycard through the lock, threw open the door, pushed her inside and gave the door a kick to help it close.

Tico looked at his bandmates, grinned and held his hand out, palm up. “Pay up boys.”

“No fair! You pushed!” David complained.

Tico shrugged. “No one said we couldn’t help things along. Besides, the sooner they make up the more pleasant it will be for all of us.”

Chapter 48

Veronica stalked into the “office”, threw her briefcase on her desk, dropped into her chair and debated about whether to scream in frustration or cry. How could I be so stupid and gullible to even consider believing that he’d changed?! She rubbed her temples for a few seconds, then blew out a breath and picked up the phone to call the office.

“Hi Brent, it’s Veronica. Who’s looking after Bon Jovi’s Dubai show?”

“Uhh...I thought you were since you’re out on the road with them.”

“Yeah, you’d think so wouldn’t you? But seeing as how I just found out about the show five minutes ago, no I’m not working on it. If none of us are on it, they must be doing it in house. If that’s what Jon wants, I’ll let them.”

“Sorry no one told you Veronica, we just assumed Jon would. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. You know rockstars.”

“Yeah. Looking forward to getting back to the country side?” Brent chuckled.

“You have no idea! It’ll be so nice to work with someone who doesn’t fight me on everything and trusts my judgement.”

“I hear ya. Well, good luck Veronica. I’ll let you know if I hear anything about Dubai.”

“Okay. Thanks Brent. I’ll talk to you later. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Veronica’s radio squawked in her ear. “Matt for Ronnie.”

“Ronnie here, go ahead Matt.”

“The contest winners are here.”

“10-4. I’ll be right out. I’ll meet you in front of the stage.”

“10-4. Oh, if you see Jon, Obie’s ready for sound check.”

“10-4. Ronnie out.” She stood and rummaged through her briefcase for a notebook and pen.

“Ronnie, can we talk for a minute?” Jon asked from just inside the door.

She pasted on an obviously insincere smile. “Sorry sir, the contest winners are waiting for me.”

He frowned. “They can wait a few minutes.”

“Certainly, if you insist sir, but it’s been my experience that if you push the fans to the side like you don’t think they’re important it tends to come back to bite you in the form of decreased record and ticket sales. Of course though, it’s whatever you think is best.....sir.” She waited expectantly.

Jon sighed and waved her towards the door. “Go.”

“Thank you sir. Oh, I was asked to let you know that Obie’s ready for sound check....at your convenience of course, sir.” Once she gained the hallway Veronica let a satisfied smirk curve her lips at the disgruntled look on his face.



“Hey Ronnie, have you seen Jon?” Obie called to her as she appeared around the end of the stage.

She glanced up at Richie, David, Tico and Hugh who were already on the stage. “Yes. I told him you were ready for sound check. I’m sure he’ll do what’s best.”

Richie and David exchanged a look.

Veronica walked over to greet the contest winners, her back to the stage. She knew the instant that Jon appeared by the reaction of the fans, but she didn’t turn around. After several minutes of silence the fan closest to her leaned over. “I think he wants you to look at him.”

“Oh? What makes you think so?”

“Because he’s just staring at you.”

Veronica bit her lip and caught Matt’s eye. “Then I guess I should see what he wants.” Matt rolled his eyes.

Veronica turned to see Jon’s narrowed gaze was indeed pinned on her. She raised a brow.

He pointed a finger at her. “You and I will talk later.”

She smiled brightly – and fraudulently. “Of course sir. Whatever you think is best.”

Four men exchanged glances, eyebrows raised. Jon just grunted. “Cut it out Ronnie.”

“Yes sir.” She turned back to the fans who were watching the exchange wide eyed and winked. “Okay folks. Steve here is going to explain what Obie and the band are doing and answer any questions that you have.”




After sound check finished Veronica left the stage area before Jon could stop her and returned to the office. Booting up her laptop, she pulled up the schedule for Chicago and sent it to Jon before heading down to catering to grab some dinner.

She’d just sat down with her plate when her radio crackled. “Matt for Ronnie. Where are you?”

She had to finish chewing and swallow before she could answer. “In catering having dinner.”

“What’s going on?” Paul’s voice came from behind her.

Veronica looked up at him and smiled. “Nothing. I’m just showing Jon that I understand now my place when it comes to my job and this organization.”

“Oh fuck.” He started patting his pockets. “Where did I put those Tums? And things had been going so smoothly too.”

The sound of stomping boots in the hallway had everyone in the room except Veronica bracing themselves and looking for a place to hide. She kept eating even when Jon came around the table to stand in front of her, arms folded across his chest. The rest of the band had come to watch the show.

“What are you doing?” Jon managed to keep his voice calm.

“Having dinner with the other staff and crew.” She answered as though it was something that she did every day. It wasn’t like she’d never eaten there, but she usually ate in her office or with the guys. “Is that a problem sir?”

“Knock it off.” He sighed. “Look...I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Dubai sooner.”

Veronica shrugged. “It’s your show. Oh, I sent you the schedule for Chicago. Maybe if you have some time tomorrow you could look it over and make sure that I’ve got the right people booked in, or have one of your PR people look at it.” She pushed her chair back and stood up. “You know....some one that you trust to do the job.” With that she turned on her heel and walked out of the room.

The only sounds in the room were the ticking of the clock and the echo of her heels on the hallway floor. Suddenly Jon picked up her half eaten tray and threw it against the wall. “FUCK!!” It was his turn to storm out of the room.

Paul looked at Richie and David. “What the hell is going on?”

Richie sighed. “He didn’t tell her about Dubai. She just found out this afternoon.”

Paul frowned. “Does he not want her to do the prep and promotion then?”

“I think that’s exactly what she thinks.”

“But there’s still over three months before the show.” David reminded them.

Paul shook his head. “This isn’t North America or Europe or even Africa. We’re talking about a part of the world that is largely unknown...a big question mark. It’s going to take a lot of research to figure out who to talk to over there, their customs and traditions, and laws and how to promote an American band. It should have been started as soon as we started talks with them.”

Tico winced. “Then why didn’t you say anything to Ronnie?”

“Because I thought Jon would have. He knows the situation as well as I do. I don’t understand why he didn’t, unless he doesn’t want her to do it. If that’s the case then we need to get somebody on it yesterday.”

“I think you should hold off on that at least until tomorrow.” Richie advised. “I don’t think that’s what he has in mind at all. You know how...distracted... he’s been lately. I really don’t think it occurred to him.”

“Fine time for him to lose focus.” Paul sighed. “I just hope it’s Ronnie that he wants to do it. She’s about the only one who could pull it off in the time frame we’ve got.”

“I’d be more concerned about whether she’ll agree to do it at this point.” Was Richie’s comment. “He’s dug himself a pretty deep hole with her. I’m not sure how he’s going to get himself out of it.”

The others nodded their agreement.

Chapter 47

The next day Matt tracked Veronica down in the “office”. “Ronnie?”

“Hey Matt. What’s up?”

“I just thought I should warn you that the fans are starting to ask questions about you.”

“About me?” She frowned. “What about me?”

“Who you are, your connection to Jon.....that sort of thing.”

“Why would they want to know about me? And why would they think I have a connection to Jon?” The look of discomfort on Matt’s face had warning bells going off in her head.

“Well there were some pictures from the last few days of Jon and you holding hands.” When she frowned in confusion, he explained. “On the way to the van after the show.”

Veronica nodded in understanding. The up close bodyguard routine. I knew that was a bad idea. “What are you and Obie telling them?”

“That you work for the label and are a long time friend of the band’s. A few of the contest winners who’ve been at sound check and were introduced to you are backing up our story.”

Her brows rose. “Why shouldn’t they? It’s the truth.”

“Uh huh.” Matt replied with a wink. “Sure. We’ll stick to that for now if you want.”

“The truth is usually better than a lie....or a hopeful wish.” She gave him a warning look.

Matt chuckled, leaned over and kissed her cheek. “If you say so..... Sis.”

She swatted his arm. “Oh go away. Talking to you is like talking to Richie....an exercise in frustration!”

“That’s what brothers are for.” He assured her on his way to the door.

“Oh the joys of being an only child.” She shook her head, but couldn’t suppress a smile as his laughter echoed down the hallway.



When the last interview was done, the reporter asked for some information that Veronica had in her office, so she took him down to get it, then escorted him out of the building. When she got back to the interview room, she met Paul leaving and Jon was closing his phone as she entered. His face showed tension and frustration and his hand went immediately to his temple to rub at the ache there.

Veronica moved to stand behind his chair, tugged on his shoulders to urge him to lean back against her, nudged his hand away and placing her fingers on his temples, massaged in a circular pattern. “Problem?”

His eyes closed and he sighed in appreciation at her ministrations. “Just some bureaucratic red tape glitches with one of the Foundation’s projects.”

“Enough to jeopardize the project?”

He shook his head slightly – he didn’t want to disrupt her movements. “I doubt it. Just the usual crap.”

“Ow! Oooh...ow....ouch! I think I pulled a muscle in my arm. Ronnie, maybe you can help me out.” David rubbed his shoulder and bicep.

“Yeah, my back and shoulders are really aching. I don’t know if I can play with this pain. Can you bring those magic fingers over here little girl?” Richie moaned.

“Back off assholes, she’s mine.” Jon informed them without opening his eyes.

Veronica raised a brow and stared down at the top of his head at the possessive statement.

Richie caught her eye and winked. “Can we make sure we have some time in Dubai to go shopping?”

“What do you want to look for?” Tico asked.

“Persian rug. I’m still trying to decorate a few rooms in the house, and I bet they have some great stuff over there.”

“Who’s going to Dubai?” Veronica inquired.

The men exchanged glances. “We are.” David answered. “We’re doing a show there.”

Veronica’s fingers stilled. “When?”

“May 20th. The beginning of the European leg.”

Jon’s first clue that he was in trouble was when her hands lifted from his skin as if they’d been burned. The second was the cool professionalism that replaced the warm camaraderie in her voice.

Veronica stepped back from him and moved around the room, gathering up her notepads and briefcase. “Well, that will be exciting. That’ll be a first for that part of the world I think. Have a good time.”

David sat up. “What do you mean? You’re coming with us.”

She shook her head. “No, I’m not. I’m done at the end of this leg.” Protests came at her from three directions. Jon just stared at her. She held up a hand to silence them. “Come on, you know that you don’t need me out here. You have your own PR and promotion people to take care of you. The only thing you need from me is a little assistance with the country media and I can do that from Nashville.”

The men looked at Jon. He ignored everyone except her. “What about your promise?”

She met his gaze and he could see the hurt she tried to conceal...and the anger she didn’t. “Look. I love my job, and have worked very hard to get where I am. I’m proud of my accomplishments. This has been a nice little break, but I need to get back to where I’m needed....and my skills are recognized and appreciated.”

“I appreciate your skills!” Jon protested.

“Obviously you don’t. You just want me out here out of a sense of guilt to satisfy your need to make up for the past. Well, guess what Jon, you can’t make up for it, so just let it go!” She turned towards the door.

“Dammit Ronnie! That’s not what I’m doing! Will you listen to me?” Panic made his voice harsh.

She glanced at her watch. “Sound check in fifteen minutes.” The door shut quietly behind her, but it had the same effect as a slam in the quiet of the room.

Richie finally broke the silence. “Nice going Kidd.”

“What the fuck?” Jon growled in confusion and frustration.

“Why didn’t you tell her about Dubai?”

“Because it just got finalized! I was going to tell her after sound check.”

“Somehow I don’t think that’s going to cut any ice with her. She’s definitely pissed.” David noted.

“Arrrg! Women! Why do they have to get bent out of shape over every little thing?” Jon grumbled, standing.

“Yeah, like wanting to know about you taking a trip halfway around the world.” David agreed.

“Just because she’s supposed to be in charge of promoting said trip, why would she need to know ahead of time?” Richie added.

“Fuck!” Was Jon’s only comment aside from the slam of the door behind him.

Chapter 46

When it was time for her to head to the arena Veronica gathered her laptop bag and purse and started for the door, then stopped. She stood with her hand on the knob for several minutes, considering, then sighed and turned around. Opening her side of the door connecting their rooms, she knocked. “Jon? I’m heading to the venue.”

Less than five seconds later, the other door opened revealing a frowning Jon. “Now?”

She nodded. “Yes. I need to make sure everything’s set up.” She paused. “It’s my job.”

His frown deepened and he grunted. “Wait a minute.” Stalking back to the table, he picked up his phone and dialled. “Yeah. I need someone to come and escort Ronnie to the arena. Yeah. Thanks. She’ll meet him in the lobby.” He snapped the phone shut and walked back to her, lifting her chin with a finger until their eyes met. “Mike will meet you and go with you. Wait for him.” The muscle in his jaw twitched when her brow rose at his command. “Please.”

Veronica huffed at his tone, bit back her protest and gave in gracefully – sort of. “Fine. But I’m not a child.”

Jon’s lips slowly curled into a knowing smirk as his eyes licked over her. “Sugar, I’m well aware of that.”

She snorted, rolled her eyes and turned away. Halfway to the door his voice stopped her.

“Ronnie?” He hesitated. “Thank you.”

She locked gazes with him, nodded and continued out of the room.




Veronica learned very quickly that her movements outside the venue – or anywhere outside the sphere of BJM’s control – required an escort. While she appreciated Jon’s concern and understood where it was coming from, she knew she was only going to be able to tolerate it for so long before her temper exploded.

After the Omaha show, she had gathered her gear and was heading for the door and the waiting vans when Mike stopped her and asked her to wait. She watched staff leave – including Matt and Paul - and even a few crew members, and was just about to ask Mike what she was waiting for when the sound of David’s laughter told her that the band was on their way, and her unspoken question was answered. As Jon passed her, he grabbed her hand and tugged her along with him. She rolled her eyes, but followed.


This was the pattern for the next couple shows. And if the after party wasn’t at the hotel where they were staying she wasn’t allowed to leave on her own....or until Jon did for that matter. She had a feeling that she was going to find out just how strong the tether on her temper was.

He kept pushing on the personal front as well. Gentle nudges, but nudges never the less. He was back to the touchy feely tactic, frequently stealing brief kisses and sneaking in soft caresses. To her mental consternation and disgust, she couldn’t summon the will to berate him for it, or even tell him to stop. He still wasn’t his normal self, but he was talking more and brooding less – most of the time – and she didn’t want him to relapse.


Detroit made her wonder if that wasn’t a huge mistake on her part. She was sitting at a table at the after party, official business done, waiting for her escort back to the hotel and trying to stay awake. Leaning back against the wall, she yawned and closed her eyes, thinking about the next day’s schedule and dozing lightly. She was jerked back to awareness when soft lips touched hers and tasted gently. Her senses told her without opening her eyes who was kissing her. The familiar scent and taste – tinged only slightly tonight with wine – reached her on a subconscious level, and before she even realized what she was doing she was kissing him back. Her lips opened at the touch of his tongue allowing him to sweep the inside of her mouth and stroke her tongue. They didn’t touch anywhere else. After several minutes Jon retreated, sucking and nibbling lightly on her bottom lip as he did so.

When they were no longer touching Veronica opened her eyes. “What are you doing?” Her voice was husky.

“Waking you up the way you always used to like me to.”

“Jon....” The warning was clear in her voice.

He leaned in to press his lips to hers again briefly to stop her. “I want you Nica, and I know that you want me too. Don’t try to deny it. If you didn’t you’d have slapped me or pushed me away.”

There was too much truth in his statement for her to argue, whether she wanted to admit it or not. Still.... “You know it’s not a good idea.”

“No I don’t. I know why you think so, but I’m going to show you that I’m not that self-centred, inconsiderate kid anymore. I’m not the same man who walked away and abandoned you. I don’t expect you to take my word for it, but I will prove it to you. I want to be the one you depend on, the one you lean on when you need to, the one you come to for comfort and support.” When she opened her mouth to speak, he kissed her again. “I don’t want you to say anything, I just wanted you to know where my head is at. You can think about it and decide whether you want to fight me – and yourself – or whether you want to give me the chance to show you that I’m sincere and that you can trust me again. I promise you that I will never hurt you like that again.”

“Hey Kidd! Do you think that you could put the seduction attempt on hold long enough to get back to the hotel? Or at least into the van? I need my beauty sleep.” David called from near the door.

“Keep your shirt on Lemma, we’re coming. On second thought maybe you should take it off and burn it. That has got to be the ugliest shirt I’ve ever seen.” Jon shot back as he straightened.

“Then you haven’t seen his wardrobe lately.” Richie commented dryly. David flipped him off.

Jon chuckled, reached for Veronica’s hand and tugged. “Come on sugar. Let’s get you to bed.”

Wordlessly, she stood and allowed him to tow her with him out to the van. She was likewise silent all the way back to the hotel.

In their hallway, Richie held her back. “You okay little girl? You’re awfully quiet.”

She shrugged. “I think I know how deer feel in hunting season now.”

He studied her for a moment. “But deer generally want to avoid the hunters.”

“And you don’t think I don’t?”

It was his turn to shrug. “Do you? And don’t answer by impulse, think about it. You two had some pretty strong feelings once and like I told you before, those don’t just go away. Not completely. I know that you guys had some pretty heavy shit go down, and there’s a lot of pain involved, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t still some remnants of those softer emotions underneath all that hurt. Just think about it.”

She sighed. Suddenly she was surrounded my men who thought they knew what was in her mind and heart. “Go to bed Jughead. Analyze me some other time.”

He chuckled. “Afraid I’m right?” At her dark look he held up his hands defensively. “Okay, okay, I’ll leave you alone. For now. Nite little girl.”

“Nite Jughead.” Entering her room she was relieved to find that the maid had closed and locked the connecting door between her room and Jon’s. She needed some time by herself.

Chapter 45

By the time Veronica arrived at the hotel in Omaha, she was frustrated and very annoyed. First her plane was late, and now, because of that, she was facing crowds of fans blocking all the entrances to the hotel. Her driver pulled up to the back door – the same one where the band members would be arriving at and turned to look at her. “The band’s going to be arriving in a few minutes. Do you want to try to get in before they get here or wait until after they go in?”

She thought for a moment. “I’ll go in now. I can just mingle with the crowd.”

He nodded. “Leave your bags. I’ll bring them in.”

Veronica nodded and stepped out of the car and slowly threaded her way through the crowd towards the doors. Half way there, the vans turned into the driveway and came to a stop near the door. “Shit!”

The crowd pressed forward as security lined the route and formed a barricaded path, taking her with them. A quick survey of the situation showed her that her best bet was to try to make her way to the nearest security guard, but that was easier said than done when she felt like a sardine.



Richie was half a step behind Jon sauntering towards the door, glancing around and waving absently at the gathered fans until a familiar dark head caught his eye. “Whoa...uh...bro?”

“What?” Jon didn’t stop.

“Ronnie’s caught in the crowd.”

“What? Where?” He stopped dead and looked in the direction Richie indicated. “Fuck!”

The security guard’s eyes widened as Jon walked towards him and he braced himself against the surge of the crowd, muttering under his breath. “Shit!”

Veronica saw him coming, swore under her breath, and increased her struggle in his direction. She winced as someone stepped on her foot and she was shoved. Her glance caught Jon’s and she saw the blue eyes flare and his jaw tense.

His hand rose to wave her forward. “Come on. Let her through folks. Take it easy girls. She’s with us. Let her through please.” When Veronica got close enough he reached under the arms of the guards, grasped her hand and pulled her to him.

Without a word he turned and headed for the door, towing her behind him. In the lobby he barely slowed down long enough to take the two keys that Tiffany was holding out for him. When Veronica tried to pull her hand from his, he merely tightened his grip and continued on his path to the elevator. Once inside he pulled her into his arms, and held her tight. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

Jon eased back, smoothed his hands up her back and into her hair, slid his thumbs under her chin and raised her face to his. He searched her eyes for a long moment, then bent and kissed her rather fiercely. “Are you sure?”

Veronica had to swallow and lick her suddenly dry lips before she could respond. “Yes. Jon, I’m fine.”

He blew out a breath. “Alright, from now on you travel with us. No exceptions.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“Yes it is.”

The doors pinged and opened onto their floor. She pulled away from him angrily and stepped out. “No, it’s not.” She started down the hallway, then had to stop and wait for him since he had the keys.

“Yes, it is. You could have been hurt out there today. What happened to you getting here before us anyway?” He strode past her.

She followed him. “My plane was late. I thought I could get in before you guys got here. I should have waited until you were in.”

Jon grunted, stopped in front of a pair of doors and handed her a key. “You won’t have to worry about that anymore.”

She sighed. “Jon, I don’t need security! I’m perfectly fine travelling on my own.”

“I will decide what level of security you need.”

“But...”

“No. This isn’t PR. You don’t know what’s best in this area.” He shoved his key into the lock. “I saw you getting pushed and shoved around out there, and I saw your face. You were being hurt. You’re travelling with us. End of discussion.”

“ Dammit Jon...”

“NO!” He spun to face her. “I’m the boss here, remember? And this time you will listen to me!”

“But it’s not necessary!”

“It’s not up to you to decide that! “

Her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Don’t play the arrogant dictator with me Jon!”

“I’ll do whatever I have to, to keep you safe!”

“But it’s not...”

“Enough Ronnie!” He raked a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry, but I won’t back down on this. I....I can’t.”

“But...”

“Dammit Ronnie! Don’t you get it?” His hands clenched into fists. “I couldn’t save...” He swallowed. “I couldn’t protect you back then or the baby. I’ll be damned if I’ll let anything happen to you now!”

Veronica stared at him, wide eyed, stunned by both his words and the emotion in his eyes. She put a hand on his arm and squeezed, tears suddenly burning her own eyes. “Jon it wasn’t your fault. There was nothing you could have done, even if you had been there. There was nothing anyone could do.”

He met her eyes for a long moment, then shrugged, turned and entered his room.

Veronica stared at his closed door, her heart aching for his obvious pain.

“Don’t fight him on this little girl.” Richie spoke from behind her. A glance told her that they had all come out at the sound of their raised voices. “Let him protect you. Let him make amends in whatever way he can for his past failings.”

“But it wasn’t his fault.” She looked at him with brimming eyes.

“Intellectually he knows that, but emotionally......” He shrugged. “How long did it take you to get over the guilty feelings?”

She could only nod in understanding. He had a point. Inside her room she opened a bottle of water and sat for a long time staring out the window thinking about pain and the past and healing.

Chapter 44

“Veronica......Veronica.....VERONICA!” Lori raised her voice in exasperation.

“What? Oh, sorry.” Veronica shook her head to clear it and focussed on her friend. They were sitting in Veronica’s living room watching a movie. It was a cold, damp gloomy Sunday afternoon.

“Where were you?”

“Oh, just thinking.”

“About?” Lori had a pretty good idea, but she wanted to see if Veronica would admit it and talk about it.

Veronica sighed. “Jon.”

This was the opportunity Lori had been waiting for. “Why did he come looking for you after all these years?”

“He wanted to know the details around the baby’s death.”

Lori snorted. “Better late than never I guess.”

“Yeah. I guess.”

“How’s he taking it? That was some pretty heavy shit.”

Veronica grimaced slightly. “He seems to be struggling a little.”

“Grief? Or guilt riding him hard?”

“Maybe a little grief, but I think it’s mostly guilt.”

“So what are you doing to help him?”

Veronica stared at her friend. “You too? Why does everyone think that I have some magic wand to make him all better...or that I’d even want to try?”

“Because you’re a caretaker. If someone’s in pain, you need to help.” Lori searched Veronica’s face. “And you’ve been there, you know what he’s feeling – better than anyone, and you know what helped you. This is something that happened to BOTH of you – whether he was there at the time or not. It wasn’t until you finally talked to him about all of it that you started to heal completely – no don’t try to deny it. Ever since I’ve known you, I’ve always sensed that there was something that you were holding back. I never pushed because I figured you’d tell me if you wanted to. But now....I can see that you’re...lighter...more...at peace. And I know you well enough to know that you can’t – and won’t - stand by and watch him suffer. Whether you want to admit it or not you still have feelings for him. Personally I think that Gretchen has the right idea.”

Veronica snorted. “Seriously?”

Lori shrugged. “Why not? What’s the downside? You both get some pleasure out of the deal, and if you get to exorcise him out of your system or you find that there’s enough there for a real relationship, so much the better.”

Veronica just shook her head, but before she could answer her blackberry rang. She answered without looking at the display...it had to be someone from BJM. “Hello?” She could hear voices in the back ground. “Hello?”

“You make me cookies today? Prease?”

She pulled the phone away and looked at the number. “Romeo?”

“What?”

“Were you trying to call me?”

“Molly don’t know how to make your cookies.”

She bit her lip against a grin. “I’ll send her the recipe.”

“Okay!”

She heard a thunk as the phone was dropped.

“Hello?”

“Hello?” Veronica answered and hazarded a guess. “Stephanie?”

“Yeah. Who’s this?”

“It’s Ronnie. Apparently Romeo called me.”

“Sorry about that he was playing with Daddy’s phone.”

Veronica laughed. “That’s okay...but how did he find my number?”

“I think it was an accident. What did he say to you?”

“He asked me if I would him some cookies.”

Stephanie was stunned. “Wow. That’s....spooky. We were talking about the cookies you sent us at Christmas and how good they were, and he said he’d call and ask for some. I thought he was just playing. I can’t believe he actually hit the right button!” They both knew that he couldn’t read, so there was no way he could connect the name.

“Yeah.” Veronica shivered.

“Ronnie..”

“Yes?”

Stephanie hesitated, unsure how to word what she wanted to say. “Do you know what’s wrong with Daddy?”

“Is something wrong with him?”

“Yeah. He says that he’s fine, but I know he’s lying. He doesn’t talk much and he’s....sad.” Her voice suddenly change, telling Veronica that she’d turned away from the phone. “It’s true Dad.”

“Hello?”

Obviously the phone had changed hands again. “Hi Jon, it’s me.”

“Hey. How are you?” He sounded surprised to hear her voice on the other end of the line.

“I’m fine. Romeo called me.”

“Really? How did he do that?”

“I have no idea. Just a fluke I guess. Apparently he was on a hunt for cookies. Hiding them from him?”

He laughed. “No, the ones you sent are long gone and he’s looking for more.”

“I told him I would send Molly the recipe....who is she?

“My housekeeper. And she’s always on the lookout for new recipes, especially ones the kids like.” He hesitated. “So, are you enjoying the break?

“Yeah. Lori and I are just sitting here watching a movie. It’s cold and damp here today. How are you? Stephanie seems to be concerned.”

“I’m .....okay. Trying to focus on the happy thoughts, like you told me. The kids help.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet they do.”

His breath caught. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that as a slap in your face.”

“I know. Jon, it’s okay. I accepted that I’ll never have children a long time ago.” But it didn’t mean that she wanted to hear about his kids.

“I’m sorry about that too.” He cleared his throat. “Nica..”

“Everything’s set for the next leg.” She interrupted him. “You’ll be pleased to know that I’ve backed off of the photo ops. There’s still lots of print media though.”

Jon hesitated, wanting to fight the change of subject, but finally gave in. He’d pushed her enough lately – and every time he did it came back to bite him in the ass. “There always is. They’re like locusts.” He sighed. “Are you coming to Jersey or are you going to meet us in Omaha?”

“I’ll meet you in Omaha. I’ll have everything ready and waiting when you get there.”

“Okay, I’ll make sure....oh hang on a minute.” She could hear voices and crying in the background. “Ronnie, I’ve got to go settle an argument before World War 3 erupts here. I’ll make sure the people in Omaha know you’re coming ahead. Just a minute Jake! Jesse quit torturing him!”

Veronica closed her eyes and bit her lip. “Go deal with them Jon. I’ll see you in Omaha.”

“Okay. Romeo, come here buddy. Bye Ronnie.”

Lori watched her friends face as she set down the phone. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah. I think his kids are fighting.”

“And they called you?”

She smiled. “No, that was a freaky fluke. They were talking about the cookies I sent them at Christmas and his three year old wanted more and said he’d call me...and happened to hit the right button on Jon’s phone.”

“Really? Wow!” Lori was stunned. “So.....you’ve met his kids then.”

Veronica nodded. “Yeah. They came to Newark and then came to see him off when we left for Japan.”

“How...” Lori didn’t know how to ask the question. “How was that?”

“You mean what was it like meeting his kids when mine didn’t survive?” Her lips twisted wryly. “It’s okay Lori, you can say it.” She shrugged. “I won’t lie, it wasn’t the most pleasant experience of my life.” She looked down at her hand rubbing her thigh. “It was...painful. Especially the youngest. He looks like Jon,.....just like Drew.” Her breath caught and a few tears overflowed and ran down her cheeks. She impatiently brushed them away.

“Oh honey. I’m so sorry.” Lori reached out to grab her hand.

Veronica nodded. “I’ll be alright. It just hits me sometimes, and with telling Jon and everything, it’s all near the surface right now. It’ll get better. It just takes a little time.” She cleared her throat. “How about some popcorn?”