Chapter 27

 “What are we doing today?” Jason asked after they had breakfast.

“Well, I thought we could go to the zoo.” Richie said, waiting for enthusiastic cheers, but they weren’t coming. A little worried he looked at Fran, who was watching her son waiting for his reaction and hoped he wouldn’t be too blunt.

“The zoo?” Jason grimaced. “That’s something for babies.” Richie looked at Fran again and saw her hiding a grin.

“My daughter always loved the zoo at your age.” Richie said a bit beaten. He really thought Jason would jump on the idea.

“That’s probably because she’s a girl.” Jason explained with a serious look on his face. Fran chuckled.

“Well, maybe…” Richie nodded.

“What would you like to do, baby?” Fran asked her son.

“Could we go to the Rink skating?” Jason asked excited. Fran glanced at Richie.

“Sounds good.” He said at her questioning look.

“Yes!” Jason yelled. “I go and get my skates.” He ran off to his room.

“I’m sorry, Richie…he let the zoo-era behind him two years ago….” Fran said with an apologetic look at her face. She felt a bit sorry for him; it seemed that he really liked the idea of taking Jason to the zoo.

“That’s ok, Fran. I was just so sure he would like it. Ava still drags me to the zoo from time to time.” He sighed. “It seems there is a difference in raising a boy or a girl.”

She smiled. “I would say that’s very true….. and maybe we can have lunch at the zoo, so you can watch some animals.” She added grinning.

“Ha, ha…very funny.” She giggled when he grabbed her and pulled her close for a kiss.

“Ick! Do you have to do that?” Jason asked when he saw them kissing. Fran tried to get away from Richie immediately, but he held her tight.

“Yeah. Do you have a problem with it, buddy?” Richie asked half joking, half serious.

“Nah, as long as mom is fine with it.” The boy answered and was already focused on his inline skates again. Fran looked at Richie relieved. He winked at her and let her go reluctantly.

“Ok, everybody ready?” Richie asked. “How do we get there? Walk or take the car?” he asked.

“Are you here with a car?” Fran wondered.

“Uhm…no. I thought we take yours.”

“I don’t have a car, Richie.” Fran laughed at his surprised face.

“But, you said you take Jason over to Brooklyn for guitar lessons?”

“Yeah, we take the public transportation. That’s much faster than a car in New York traffic jam.”

“So, we walk?” Richie followed Jason and Fran out of the apartment.

“Yeah, we walk…probably a good idea after that breakfast.” Fran tapped his belly softly. Richie frowned.

“It was…yummy!” He explained.

She laughed. “Sure, it was and now we train it off again, Mr. Rock Star.” He shook his head, but started to walk down the street with her. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and wouldn’t be a burden to walk for a couple blocks.

Jason was ahead of them on his inline skates and with his deep blue helmet and knee and elbow pads.

“Jason, remember to stop at every street and wait for us.” Fran yelled after him.

“Ok, but hurry Mom.” He yelled back and stopped at the next crossing street.

“I will be beat tonight, right?” Richie asked while walking closer to Jason.

“Probably.” Fran laughed. “How good do you skate?”

“Me? It’s been years since I did it. It’s probably not a good idea.” He tried to escape.

“Well, Jason sure wants you to skate with us later.”

“You skate too?” He looked at her surprised.

“Do you think I let him take off at the Rink? Only one way to follow him.” She said with a grin. “Come on, it’ll be fun. I promise, I won’t let you fall.” He looked at her not really convinced.

“If I get injured Jon will freak…we have a Tour coming up, you know.” Richie still tried to find an excuse.

“Don’t worry; you won’t break your precious fingers.” She teased him. He pouted lightly.

“And if you get hurt…remember I’m a nurse.” Her eyes gleamed softly. Rich smirked and pulled her close.

“Don’t promise me things, you can’t keep, darling.“ he whispered low into her ear.

“Who said, I wouldn’t keep them?” she replied and kissed him softly before walking over to Jason and taking his hand to cross the street.

He watched her stunned for a second and then hurried to follow them. Seems the day could still get better.