Chapter Eight

Later in the evening Kim was sitting in her office in the hospital and stared at the papers in front of her. First thing she did when she arrived at work was checking on Tyson, her patient that had the stroke in the morning. He was feeling much better now and encouraged her that everything would be fine again and he would be playing football again soon. Unbelievable. HE encouraged her. She had to admit she admired him for his optimism.

But she knew better. She knew that they reached the limits of medical treatment. This new medication was his last chance and his body wasn’t reacting at all to it. Far from it! It only made him feel worse. She sighed and leaned back into her chair. Fuck dammit, he was nine years old and she couldn’t help him.

A soft knock came from her always wait open door. She never closed it. She never knew when she needed to sprint down the hall to one of her patients or further on to the ER.

“Hi Fran.” She greeted her best friend. They knew each other for more then ten years now. First they hated each other at high school then they became best friends. while Kim was studying, Fran became a nurse. They even learned together for tests. It was amazing how much stuff the other one knew better. Kim was still sure without Fran she wouldn’t be so human with her patients. The nurses had a much closer contact to the patients; they didn’t see only the cases in them. Something really important Kim learned right in the beginning.

She was even there when Fran gave birth to Jason being just 21 years old, seven years ago and she was there for her friend when she had to deal with the lost of her husband Michael with only 25 and raise her child alone.

“Hi sweetheart. How are you doing?” She knew her friend very well. Something was just not right.

“Well, I’m fine, but he isn’t.” Kim pointed at her papers.

“Tyson?” Fran asked and moved closer to the desk.

“Yeah.” Kim sighed. “We reached the limits.”

“Shit.” Fran said and put her hand on Kim’s shoulder. “It’s not your fault.” She knew her best friend very well. Kim took it personally when she lost a patient.

“Yeah, I know. But it doesn’t make it right. He’s nine for god’s sake. He has all his life ahead.” She pinched the bridge of her nose, tried to calm down and keep her control. She would not burst into tears because of this unfairness.

“How is Jason doing?” she changed the subject.

Fran shook her head. She would never understand Kim and her self control. “He’s still talking about the music awards. By the way he said someone wanted to see you Backstage. Did you go?”

“Uhm...well…yeah, shortly.” Kim stuttered and started to look through a pile of files on her desk.

“Kim?” Fran watched her surprised that wasn’t a typical reaction for her best friend. Normally she would tell her who she met and how it was. “Who did you meet?” Kim straightened and looked at Fran for a second.

“Could you close the door?” she said and Fran hurried to shut the world out.

“Who was it?” she whispered. Kim closed her eyes briefly and sighed. She knew Fran would freak out in the next minute. She was the Bon Jovi Fan after all. Oh, dammit and I was so stupid and didn’t get an autograph from Richie.

“I met Bon Jovi.”

Fran stared at her open-mouthed. “OMG!” she screamed and jumped up and down like the mad woman she was….well, when it came down to Bon Jovi.

“Tell me everything.” She pulled the chair closer.

“Well, Jon and I already met at the charity fundraiser two days before.” Kim started.

“Wait! You met him and didn’t tell me?”

“Uhm, yeah…I’m sorry…” Kim looked at her friend apologetic.

“We didn’t stay long at the after show party. The music wasn’t just our taste, so I invited them to my place and…”

“OMG! They were in your apartment. What did you do? Where did Richie sit? Can I get the couch?” Kim stared at her in disbelieve.

“Franny calm down…ok.” Fran frowned. Kim never understood how she could freak out about a band so much. “We talked and they got to know the dogs.”

“Oh, shit!” Fran put her hand over her mouth. Kim nodded.

“Yeah, I told them it was your idea to name them like that.” She said with an evil smile.

“You did what? How could you?” she slapped Kim’s left arm.

“Ouch, dammit.” Kim rubbed the spot frowning. “Stop it or I won’t tell you the rest.”

Fran leaned back, crossed her arms and watched her best friend walk around in her office nervously.

“I had lunch with Jon today.” Kim finally said.

Fran blinked her eyes several times. “You had lunch with him?” she whispered breathless.

“Uh, uh…” Kim nodded. “Fran…” she looked at her.”…he kissed me.” Kim whispered.

Fran stared at her for a second. Then opened her mouth, but no word came out. She gestured at her cheek, but Kim shook her head and put her hands on her lips. Fran’s eyes grew wide.

“You got your first kiss from Jon Bon Jovi. Kim, that’s great.” She hugged her girlfriend.

Kim laughed lightly. “Yeah, right? Fran what should I do?”

“What do you mean what should you do?”

“We have dinner tomorrow evening.” Kim barely whispered.

“Wow! So are you an item then?” Fran asked curious.

“I don’t know!” Kim sounded desperate. “You know I’ve never been in a relationship. I have no fucking idea how that feels. All I know is that he brought me roses, we had lunch, he kissed me, I told him about my parents, he said I’m beautiful, and he knows I’ve never been with someone before.”

Fran’s eyes grew wide. “Wow! You didn’t waste any time, huh?”

Kim shrugged her shoulders. “I told him too much, right?” Fran grimaced.

“Well, you could have at least waited till tomorrow to tell him you are a virgin.” Kim groaned and sat down behind her desk and put her head on the table. Fran patted her shoulders sympathetically.

“Where do you have dinner tomorrow?” she asked.

“Don’t know. We didn’t decide yet. He’ll call me.” Kim mumbled into the table.

“Kim! Kim, look at me.” Fran said softly. She raised her head. “Would you like to be together with him?” Fran asked her carefully. Kim thought about it for a minute.

“I think so.” She sat up. “It was fun talking with him, I felt very comfortable and he didn’t laugh or something when I told him…you know…” Fran nodded. “…and the kiss was wonderful.” Fran could see a shining in her best friend’s eyes and a smile lit up her face. She likes him!

“Then you should relax and be yourself like you’ve been the last times you met him. He seemed to like you when he wants to see you again.” Fran advised.

“Yeah, you’re right.” Kim grinned. “What would I do without you, my old lady.” She hugged Fran and laughed.

“Hey, it’s only two years. You brat!” Fran laughed too and hugged her back.

***************************************

Across town Jon and Richie were sitting in Jon’s apartment and tried to get down some new songs. Well, Richie tried; Jon was miles away with his thoughts.

“Jon, for God’s sake would you please listen to me.” Richie cursed. For the last three hours his band mate hardly said a word, but only had a dreamy smile on his face.

“Uh? What’s wrong?” Jon asked and looked at Richie confused.

“What’s wrong? I thought we wanna work, but you are obliviously still thinking about your lunch date. What did she do to deserve that dreamy look? Did you wet the sheets before she went to work?”

Jon jumped up and looked at him angry. “Don’t you dare to talk about her like that, you bastard!” he hissed. Richie looked at him surprised. This wasn’t the reaction he expected.

“Ok, ok. I get it. She means more to you than just a nice fuck.” Jon eyed him with clenched fists “Wanna tell me about lunch?” he asked calmly. Jon sighed and sat down.

“Well, nothing special happened. I picked her up, calmed the dogs, bought her roses and figured out that her favorite restaurant is also mine….”

“Whoa, whoa…you bought her roses?” Richie couldn’t believe it. Maybe he has a bigger thing for her than I thought.

“Yeah, and biscuits for the dogs.” Jon said a small smile around his lips. Richie shook his head.

“You got it bad, man!” Jon looked at him and nodded. “So, what else did happen after you calmed the dogs?”

“We talked. She told me about her parents and her work, she has a complicated case right now, you know…” Richie shook his head no, but Jon didn’t pay attention. “…it just felt so good to talk with someone…normal.”

Richie watched his friend. He really seemed to enjoy the time with her and he was much more relaxed today…absent too, but in a relaxed way. She seemed to be good for him.

“…so…uhm...you two didn’t…” Richie didn’t end the sentence.

“NO!...I didn’t wanna scare her away.” Jon explained.

“Scare her away? Do you think you forgot how it works or what?” Richie laughed.

“No, but she never…” Jon stopped in the middle of the sentence. He was so deep in thoughts that he nearly spilled her sweet little secret. He was sure she would kill him when he would tell someone else, especially one of the guys. Maybe he didn’t realize it.

Richie looked at him confused and then the lights came on. “She’s a virgin?” he shouted surprised. Shit!

“Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…!” Jon looked around nervously.

“Uhm, Jon we are alone here!” Richie pointed out.

“Oh, yeah right. But dammit keep it to yourself. She’ll kill me when she finds out you know it.”

“Ok, ok…my mouth is zipped….Wow.” he added.

“Yeah. She was always focused on school and work, never dated…” Richie shook his head in disbelieve. How did she survive that? “….never kissed…and she is awesome in it.” Jon smiled with again the dreamy look on his face.

“Ok, so you kissed her.” Richie said a bit relieved.

“Yeah, she has such soft lips, Rich and…”

“Ok, ok, I got it. No details please. I have to see her again, you know.” Richie interrupted him and covered his ears. Jon laughed.

“So, when will you see her again?” Richie asked after a while.

Jon smiled. “Tomorrow evening…finally.” Richie shook his head about the love sick face of his friend.

Chapter Seven

Just in time they entered the restaurant.

“Miss Anderson, your regular table.” A waiter greeted her. She bit on her bottom lip and smiled apologetic at Jon. He laughed.

“You didn’t tell that this is your second home. We can take the regular table of Miss Anderson, but then you better cancel my reservation.” He told the waiter.

“Of course Mr. Bon Jovi.” Well, at least he recognized me.

“Jon, I’m sorry…” Kimberly started when they sat down at the table.

“Kimi stop it. It’s ok. We all have our favorite spots here in the city. It’s just a good thing that we like the same restaurant.” She stared at him. Kimi. He called me Kimi.

“Are you ok?” He waved his hand in front of her face.

“What? Oh, yeah…” she grabbed the menu and pretended to look at it closely.

“Did I say something wrong?” he asked worried. The lunch hadn’t started yet; he’d already pissed her off. Great!

“No, no you didn’t.“ She looked at him unsure and sighed. “It’s just…you called me Kimi.”

“Don’t you like it? I can call you by your full name if…” she raised her hand and stopped him. He looked at her confused.

“The only persons ever called me Kimi…were my parents. Nobody else was allowed to use the nickname.” She explained and kneaded her hands nervously.

Jon’s expression softened. He reached over the table and softly touched her left hand. She looked up and he could see the tears in her eyes. Even though she was pretending that she was no longer grieving, it still seemed to hurt her to talk about them. Was she all alone when her parents passed away? Were there no other family members?

She smiled softly. “Maybe it’s time to let some else call me Kimi.”

“Thank you.” He said equally soft.

They were interrupted by the waiter. “Did you already choose?”

“Uhm… no, give us another minute, ok?” Jon said and had a look at the menu himself.

“Sure, sir.” The waiter replied and left again.

“So, what will you take?” Jon asked while he scanned the menu with his eyes.

“Well, I think I will take a whole three-course meal. If that’s ok with you.”

“Sure. No problem.” Jon replied a bit surprised. It wasn’t common that he met a woman who really enjoyed eating. He expected her to take a salad maybe some chicken, but not a three-course meal.

“I have to make sure I won’t get hungry tonight. It’s hard to tell when you have time to eat when you are in a night shift.”

“I see…” Jon said and had a quick glance at the wine card. “You won’t have a glass of wine with me, right?”

She shook her head. “Nope. Sorry. Wouldn’t be professional to go to work after I drunk something. But you can have some wine. It’s perfect for this great food.” Kimberly encouraged him. He smiled and ordered a glass of red wine and some water for Kimberly when the waiter came back.

“So, are you often eating here?” Jon asked when they both had their Fresh Spring salad of asparagus, favas, peas & Spring onions tossed in a Chardonnay vinegar and hard-boiled eggs, finished with young Pecorino Sardo. It already sounded delicious.

“Well, maybe once a week. They also have great take away.” She said and spread the vinegar over the asparagus.

“They have take away here?” Jon asked surprised.

She smirked. “Well, when you ask nicely…” she baited her eye lashes. “…they also have take away.” He laughed and thanked god that there was a table between them.

“You know very well what to do to get what you want, right?” he said grinning.

“Nah, I’m just a normal girl.” She declined. His eyebrows rose. “What?” she asked.

“Kimi. You are anything but definitely not a normal girl.” Jon said. She stared at him for a second.

“You mean because of the money.” She followed up. They had finished the salads and the waiter came to take the empty dishes away. Jon waited til he couldn’t hear their conversation anymore.

“No, not only because of the money. You are a beautiful, intelligent, self-confident and very independent young woman. I haven’t met a lot other women who are like you…honestly I’m not sure I ever met someone who was like you.”

She blushed deeply and wanted to reply something, but Jon stopped her. “You have really no idea what you do to men, right?” He asked with a small smile.

Kimberly bowed her head and played with her napkin. “You know…” She stopped, because the waiter returned with their antipasti.

Jon watched her carefully and hardly paid attention to his assortment of marinated & grilled seasonal vegetables with assorted seafood preparations.

Kimberly picked at her crispy baked shrimp with spicy tomato sauce. “Jon, I may be intelligent and independent…”

“And beautiful.” He added. She smiled. “Yeah, maybe even that.”

“You are. We can ask the men here, you’ll see.” Jon only half joked. She smiled lightly.

“But I’m not as self-confident as you think. At work, yeah of course. Doesn’t come good when the doc shows insecurity, I know what I can and what to do when there are complicated cases, but I never…” She stopped briefly and took a deep breath before she continued.

“…I never was in a relationship before or on a date. I was always focused on school, college, work…I have absolutely no idea what to do or to say to you. I feel completely out of place. I…” Jon could see panic creeping in her eyes; maybe because she told him, maybe because she was realizing that she was spilling out her secrets and didn’t even know whether he wanted to be together with. He slowly got up and slid down on the place next to her.

“Kimi.” She looked at him reluctant and was surprised by his smile. “I can tell you so far you did really well.” She smiled sadly. “And in case you don’t know I have been married for the last 20 years, I have no idea what to do on a date either.” She laughed shortly.

“But you know how to act in a relationship. I don’t even now whether I can live in one. I never had one. You have kids. So, you had intercourse…” she became silent. Jon looked at her curious and suddenly it hit him. Never in a relationship…never been together with…never on a date…oh, shit. She’s a virgin. Now it made sense. This whole innocence that was surrounding her and was driving him crazy and the other men as well. She simply didn’t know it.

Kimberly saw the realisation sinking in and nodded at his questing look. “I even have to say I have never been kissed before.”

“What the hell is wrong with those guys around here?” Jon asked angry. This lack of interest in her seemed completely take away her self-confidence. She seemed to think she wasn’t good enough for a man and probably focused on work even more.

“Maybe it’s me and not the men.” Kim said sadly.

“No, it’s not.” Jon replied and slowly leaned forward. He searched her eyes and he could see a mixture of hope, fear and curiosity there. Softly his lips touched hers. She pulled back slightly for a second and looked at him unsure. He gave her the time; let her decide whether to continue or to stop. And he prayed she wouldn’t run away screaming.

Carefully she leaned forward again and her lips found his. This time he deepened the kiss softly. He could feel her pressing to closer to him and put his arms loosely around her waist. When the tip of his tongue touched her bottom lip she hesitant shortly, but then invited him into her mouth. His tongue softly touched hers, showed her how to dance.

After a while they both separated breathless. Kim ran her tongue over her lips and tried to get herself under control. He smiled and pulled her closer to his body. For her first kiss that was awesome. She would turn him into a puddle of mush when she would gain more self-confidence in it.

“I think we should continue our lunch.” Jon said and took his plate from his old place over to sit next to her. She smiled.

“Can I try some of the grilled vegetables?” she asked.

“When I get some shrimps?” he smiled and they both picked at the other one’s plate and shared their food.

The waiter cleared his throat. “Are you ready for your next course?”

“Yes, we are.” Jon smiled and squeezed Kim’s hand when she flushed imagining what kind of show they gave the other people at the restaurant earlier.

“Sautéed boneless chicken breast with lemon, Cerignola olives, Selina caper berries & sautéed Mesa greens for the lady.” the waiter placed the plate in front of her. “…and Grilled Black Angus rib eye, dry-aged & rubbed with porcini mushrooms with garlic mashed potatoes & seasonal vegetables for the gentleman.”

“Thank you.” Jon said and stole an olive from her plate.

“Hey. That’s mine.” She laughed and tried some of the garlic mashed potatoes. “Oh, that’s good. If I wouldn’t have to talk to people later…”

“Well, you should try some more.” She looked at him questing. “I plane to kiss you goodbye and I will taste like garlic.” He grinned when she flushed and placed a quick kiss on her lips.

Chapter Six

Jon tossed and turned in bed all night. He sighed and finally checked the alarm clock. 8 AM. God, he slept less then six hours. He’d hoped he would sleep longer and didn’t have to kill time till he could pick up Kimberly.

After a long shower and with his third cup of coffee, he stood in front of his closet and wondered what he should wear. No black and white that’s for sure. He grabbed a pair of jeans and a grey-greenish button down shirt. A jacket wasn’t necessary it was way to warm outside for that.

With more then three hours spare he headed outside, but he wanted to buy something. He smiled when he imagined her reaction.

At 12:30 pm Jon entered The San Remo. He just couldn’t wait any longer. He wanted to see her now. Unbelievable that she had that effect on him after this short period of time.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Bon Jovi. You want to visit Miss Anderson?” Ed greeted him.

“Uhm, yes. Hi Ed.” The concierge smiled when he remembered his name and grabbed the phone to call Kimberly.

“She’s awaiting you.” He walked around his counter. “I will unlock the elevator for you.”

Jon followed him curious and when the elevator arrived Ed put a key into a lock and pressed the button for the penthouse level. He didn’t realize Kimberly did that last night. “Thanks, Ed.”

“You are welcome, sir.” The concierge replied when the doors closed. Jon took a deep breathe. I hate elevators. Dammit focus on something else. Her smile. Her eyes. Her perfect body. Her…oh, shit not a good idea either. Jon cursed. He couldn’t meet her with a hard one. Ice! It’s ice cold. Penguins. In the ice.

When Jon left the elevator he had his control barely back. He straightened his back and exhaled deeply, before he walked to her door. To his surprised it wasn’t closed, but ajar.

“Kimberly? It’s Jon.” He said loudly. He could hear her talking in the distance.

“Come on in, Jon.” She replied equally loud.

Hesitant he pushed the door open and entered her apartment. He didn’t want to risk an attack by Kidd and Sambo. When he walked into the living room he could see her standing next to the couch, the phone at her ear. She waved at him and indicated to wait for a second.

“So, you got him stable now.” She asked the caller. “Ok, keep an eye on him. We don’t know whether he’ll react again. The medication needs some time to get out of his system. I check on him first when I come in. I have a lunch date now, but I have my pager with me…ok, great. Bye Donald.” She hung up.

“Hi Jon. I’m sorry. We have some problems with a patient.” She put the phone away and walked over to him, running her hands through her blond hair. He tried not to stare at her, but she looked absolutely gorgeous with her hair falling free over her shoulders.

“Everything ok? Do you need to go? We could also have lunch another time.” He said concerned.

“No, no. Everything is fine now.” She tried to assure him, but he didn’t seem to believe it. She sighed. “One of my patients has cancer. We changed the medication two days ago, but he didn’t react very well. Today he had some kind of a seizure.” His eyes grew wide in shock. “But my colleagues have him stable now. They just called because he’s my patient.”

“Oh, ok. You are the doctor.” He smirked. She laughed.

“Yes, I am…So, are those for me?” she asked and pointed at the bouquet of yellow roses in his hands.

“Oh,…uhm yeah.” He flushed lightly and handed her the flowers.

“Thank you. They are beautiful.” Her eyes gleamed. No one ever brought her flowers.

“Just like you.” Jon said. She swatted his arm lightly. “Stop making me blush, Jon.”

“I’m only telling the truth.” Jon said laughing. She shook her head and walked over to the kitchen to put the roses into a vase.

“I see you ain’t wearing black and white again.”

“Well, I have other colors in my closet.” Jon said grinning while following her in to the kitchen.

“I can see that. So, you didn’t tell me where we are going. I hope this outfit is ok. Otherwise I can change…” she said smoothing the pink blouse with short puff sleeves and wristbands ending at her upper arms, over her jeans.

Jon shook his head no. “You look great. Please don’t change. I like this white collar.” He softly touched the blouse and let his fingers run up to her face. Their eyes locked and he should hear her breathing sped up. She looked at him with gleaming eyes.

But before she could say anything deep growls could be heard behind Jon. His fingers snapped back and he turned around slowly. Kidd and Sambo were eyeing him dangerously.

“Stop it.” Kimberly said. Even though her voice wasn’t as steady as normal. “I’m sorry; they just thought you scared me when…”

Jon raised his hands. “It’s ok. Maybe I have something to make them see that I won’t hurt you.” He dug his hands into his jeans pockets and held out some dog biscuits. She smiled.

“I’m sure that’ll help. Come on, the best thing is we sat down on the couch. Then you are less tall and dangerous for them.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him over to the couch. This time it was his breathing that sped up when she touched his hand. Calm down, he told himself.

“Kidd, Sambo come here boys.” She called the dogs over. “You don’t have to worry, they won’t bite you. They are only doing it by command, but it can be that they simply won’t take the biscuit from you.” Jon nodded and turned his attention to the dogs who were sitting in front of him…waiting.

“Look what I’ve got for you. Would you like one Sambo? Kidd?” he held a biscuit out to each of the dogs. Kidd didn’t react at all, but watched his dark friend. Sambo carefully leaned forward and sniffed his fingers. He looked at Kimberly questioning.

“It’s ok, baby. He’s a friend.” She assured the dog and placed her left hand in evidence on Jon’s right arm. He smiled at her and could feel Sambo carefully taking the biscuit out of his hand. Now also Kidd showed interest in the biscuit and took it after licking Jon’s finger tips testing.

“See, they like you.” Kimberly said happily.

“Well, at least they don’t hate me anymore, I would say.” Jon laughed lightly and gave Sambo another biscuit. After the dog took it Jon slowly reached his hand out and softly petted the dogs head. The fur was very thick and soft. “Good, boy.” He mumbled. Kidd watched that for a second, then seemed to decide that the guy with the biscuits was ok and put his head into Jon’s lap.

Kimberly laughed at Jon’s surprised face. “Most of the time he waits what Sambo is doing, but sometimes he wants to be the first with something too. Seems you gained a friend.”

Jon laughed and petted the dog’s head. “Seems so.” He checked his watch. “Are you ready? We have a reservation in 45 minutes at Becco’s.”

“Oh, I love Becco’s. I love Italian food. 45 minutes? Then we better hurry, who knows what kind of traffic we have close to Time Square.” She said and hurried upstairs. “When you wanna wash your hands, the bathroom is on the right in the hallway.” Jon nodded and was just out of it again when Kimberly walked to the door checking her handbag.

“Do you have your pager?” Jon asked when she locked the door.

“Yes. Let’s go.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the elevator. He smiled when she didn’t let go of it again.

Chapter Five

“So, what do you think of her?” Jon asked after Kimberly walked upstairs.

“I like her. Hot woman, man.” Richie said and eyed the dogs carefully while handing each of his friends a bottle of beer from the fridge and taking a coke for himself. These dogs were looking at them as if they knew they were talking about their mistress.

“She knows how to hand out. I like it. Could probably joke around for hours with her.” David added smiling still sitting at the grand piano.

Jon shook his head. These two guys were so easy to read. “Tico?”

The drummer looked at him with his dark brown eyes. “Heart of gold, treats you normal, doesn’t seem to be affected by us, if she’s real and doesn’t make her money in an illegal way, you should try to keep her.”

Jon smiled. Tico always summed it up and he was right when she was real, he had to grab her with both hands and never let her go again. Wow! You only know her for a couple hours and already think like that. Better slow down!

“Why are you guys so silent? I was sure you would talk about me?” Kimberly walked downstairs again. Jon looked up and wasn’t able to bring out a word. She was wearing a pair of washed out jeans, black top and wore her hair in a high ponytail. Most of the make up was gone. She wore nothing special, but for him simply looked amazing.

“We did.” David answered her question and tried not to stare at her. She looked damn sexy in this casual outfit and Jon was already pissed at him.

“Good.” She poured herself some vodka with lemon before she sat down in one of the armchairs. “Where were we?...Oh, yeah…What do I do for living? I’m a doctor.” She said and sipped at her drink.

“A doctor?” Richie looked at her surprised. He sure thought she would do something with music with all those instruments in the apartment. “I didn’t know that you could do that much money with it.”

“Well, you can’t. Maybe except you do esthetic surgery. This here…” she gestured around. “…has nothing to do with my job. My parents were rather rich.”

They all looked at her stunned for a moment. “Were?” Jon asked.

“Yeah, they died three years ago when their private plane crashed in South America.” She said and stared in her glass.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to…” Jon started but Kimberly stopped him.

“It’s ok Jon. It doesn’t hurt that much anymore, but I’m sad that they aren’t here to see what I achieved so far. We had a real good relationship. I always thought they would be there when I finish my education and start working… when I marry, when I have kids… Those things you know.” Her eyes watered, but no tear felt down. She has a huge self control, Tico thought.

“Matthew Anderson” Jon whispered. He remembered reading an article about him and his wife were missing. He was a self-made millionaire or better billionaire when he remembered correctly. No wonder she can live in this apartment.

Kimberly nodded. “Yeah, Matthew and Diane Anderson were my parents. It took more then two weeks to find their crashed plane in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil.” The men looked at her in shock. These two weeks must have been a nightmare for her…between hope and black despair.

Kim smiled sadly. “I can hardly remember those two weeks…I’m just glad Fran was with me.”

“Fran?” Richie asked.

“My best friend. Jason, the boy who was with me at the show tonight, is her son.”

Richie nodded and watched her carefully. Even though she said it doesn’t hurt anymore he could feel her sadness and he knew it still hurt. He knew it would take a long time until it wouldn’t hurt anymore.

Somehow the dogs seemed to sense her sadness and showed up next to her. Sambo softly put his big head in her lap. She smiled. “I’m ok, buddy. Don’t worry.” She ran her fingers through the dark fur.

“I bought them after my parent’s death. They have been my family for the last three years.” She looked up again and the men could see that she had her control back. She pet the dog’s back. “Come on go outside again…You too, baby.” She gave Kidd a soft pet as well and the dogs walked outside again.

“So, you are a doctor. You know my shoulder still hurts from time to time…” Richie started and tried to ease the sad atmosphere. Jon gave him a thankful look. He was way too shocked about her story to lighten up the mood. He wished he could have been there for her. Kimberly laughed at Richie’s comment.

“I’m sorry Richie…I’m a pediatrician…but I could recommend some really good colleagues if you want to.” They all laughed about Richie’s surprised face and the dark clouds that hung in the air vanished slowly.

“So, you are already finished with your studies and this all…” Jon thought loudly. Kimberly nodded and knew what question would come next. “…how old are you?” he asked confused.

Tico wanted to slap him. Sometimes Jon was like a bull in a china shop, but Kimberly seemed to have humor. A good thing. She may need it when she would be together with him.

“I’ll be 26 in a couple weeks.” They looked at her surprised. Kimberly sighed.

“Ok, ok…here comes my CV in short: I graduated from High school when I was sixteen; did Yale medical school in two years instead of three; then one year of internship and after that six years of Residency. I finished about nine month ago. Does that answer everything?”

“Where did you do your residency?” David asked from the piano bench. He wasn’t able to leave the Steinway alone…not yet.

“CHOP.” She answered and took another sip of her drink.

Jon whistled appreciative through his teeth, while the rest couldn’t put the short term into the right place.

“Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.” She explained.

Now the rest saw daylight. “Isn’t it ranked #1 in the nation for pediatrics?” Tico asked. He knew where to bring his son if there should ever be a problem.

She nodded and put her glass down. “Yeah, for the last five consecutive years.”

“Wow, and you are still working there?” Richie asked impressed

“No, not on a regular basis. When I have a complicated case I take the kid there. My mentor is more than happy with it. He still hopes I will come back someday. But now I’m working at Harlem Hospital Center.”

They looked at her in disbelieve. “Why?” Jon asked for all of them

“Because I wanted to be a doctor to help people, to help children. I’m not doing this because of money. It’s more than obvious that I don’t need it. They have a lots of good pediatricians in Philly, but at Harlem Hospital Center they don’t have so many doctors who are specialised on pediatrics and believe me there are a lots of kids in that area, especially with asthma. The hospital gives the families the opportunity to bring the kids there even though they can’t effort the treatment right now and with the Asthma Prevention Project we try to research the causes and solutions for this health problem…I can really help there and deep down inside my mentor understood that.”

Kimberly’s voice was strong when she talked about the Hospital and the advantages it had, you could see that her work meant everything to her and that she would do anything possible to promote the research to find help for her small patients.

Jon looked at her with a warm smile. “You are great!” He said softly.

“Thank you.” She whispered and blushed deeply. The men grinned at each other. She really wasn’t used to get compliments. It seemed natural for her to help others who weren’t as lucky as she was. Great attitude, Jon thought.

“Uhm, Kimberly…” Richie said staring over her left shoulder.

“Yeah?”

“What does it mean when one of your dogs has a paper plate in his mouth?”

She turned around and saw Sambo standing behind her armchair with a plate in his mouth and a pleading look in his eyes. She laughed. “That’s his way of telling me that it is time for food. He’s doing it a couple times a day, but this time he’s actually right. It’s time for their dinner.” She got up and walked over to the kitchen. “Come here, you greedy pig.“ The Dog let the plate fall and ran into the kitchen.

They watched him laughing. “What about Kidd?” Jon asked curious and tried to espy his namesake.

“He will come in a minute, eat and ran around afterwards to train it off again while Sambo will lie on his cover and sleep.” Kimberly explained with a grin on her face.

David erupted in laughter. “So, it’s not accidentally that you named them like that!“ Tico had to laugh too. Jon and Richie looked at each other and frowned.

“Fran suggested the names and after a few weeks I knew they were a perfect match.” Kimberly said and watched Kidd walking to his bowl.

They continued to talk for a while and watched Kidd ran around inside and outside of the apartment, while Sambo peacefully snoozed on his cover. Jon shook his head in disbelieve.

A little bit after 1 am, Kimberly wasn’t able to hide her yawning anymore.

“I’m sorry. We sit here and talk and you probably have to work tomorrow.” Jon stood up. “Come guys, let’s go.” Even though he hated it to leave her now. He felt really comfortable with her around and she looked sweet with those sleep eyes.

“No, you can stay…” she assured them, but Jon stopped her.

“No, you need your sleep.” He paused and waited till the guys said their goodbyes to her. “Can I see you again? How about dinner tomorrow?” He asked nervously.

She smiled. “I have to work tomorrow night…”

“Oh…” she could see he was disappointed.

“…but lunch would be ok? Do you have time?” she asked smiling.

“Yeah! I pick you up at one, ok?” His eyes sparkled excited. She nodded.

“Ok, see you tomorrow.” He pressed a soft kiss on her cheek and vanished through the door. Kimberly looked at him surprised and touched her cheek. He kissed me. Smiling she closed the door.