Chapter 103

Kim sighed and wrapped the light cardigan she was wearing closer around her body.  It was June and yet she couldn’t get herself to walk around in just a T-shirt, not even at home. It was as if the extra layer of fabric was protecting her.

She took another sip of her coffee and stared out of the window. Last night she had to use all her self-control and go out for a business dinner. And she hated every minute of it.

Her boss asked to talk to a potential sponsor for a new unit at the hospital. It wasn’t the first time she was doing such talks, but that guy last night really got on her nerves. He was constantly hitting on her, trying to touch her hand and making rather inappropriate comments and she was pretty sure it wouldn’t have been so easy to leave after their talk at the restaurant when Lloyd wouldn’t have been there.

That guy really had the nerves and tried to get into the car with her. She couldn’t believe it. He was old enough to be her grandfather. Kim wished she would have been able to get a hold of Jon yesterday, but by the time she made it home he was already on stage in Europe.

She had just sit down on the couch with Kidd and Sambo by her feet when her mobile rang. She smiled and picked it up.

“Hi Jon.”

“Hi. How are you?” He sounded aggravated.

“I’m ok, …” she waited for him to ask why, but the line stayed silent. She could only hear his breathing.

“…how was the show last night?”

“Great.”

Kim started to get irritated. Why was he acting so strangely?

“Jon, is something wrong?”

“Well, I don’t know…you tell me!” His voice was harsh.

“Jon, I have no idea what you are talking about? Went something wrong at the show last night? Or did one of the kids steal your drops again?”

Dorothea and kids finally made it London with a huge delay. While Dot was beat, her children were totally excited, especially Stephanie. Kim was really looking forward to see the kids in two days as well.

“No, nothing is wrong on this side of the pond…” he paused shortly.

“How was your DATE last night?” he spat the words out. Kim frowned.

“Date? I didn’t have a date, Jon. It was a business meeting. You know that. I told you the hospital is trying to get a new sponsor.”

“Well, it seems you had a pretty good time…pretty hot dress for a business meeting.” He was stressing the last two words.

“What? I was wearing my black dress. There’s nothing hot about it.” She stopped.

“How do you know what I was wearing?” she suddenly wondered.

“Well, what do you think…your pics with that old senile guy are all over the papers and internet. You sure had a good time, all smiles for him!”

“Pics? What kinda pics?” She rushed to her lap top and started to search. Easier than she thought she found them. Somehow this vultures were able to get pretty good shots of her. How she had no idea, because the restaurant was on the 25^th floor.

She nearly vomit when she read the text next to the pictures.

“Jon Bon Jovi’s girlfriend is having a good time while he is touring in Europe. Seems she got over the attempted rape rather fast…if there ever was one.”

She stopped herself from continuing to read that crap. But what worried her was the fact that Jon seemed to believe those words.

“Oh, come on Kim. You should know by now that the pap-rats will follow you. You are MY girlfriend after all.”

“I’m Dr. Kimberly Anderson! I don’t define myself over being Jon Bon Jovi’s girlfriend. You better be careful saying such things, Jon.” She couldn’t believe he really said that.

“Well, Doctor Anderson…did you have fun last night? Did he give you all his money…and maybe more?” the sarcasm was dripping heavily from Jon’s voice. Tears started to swell up in her eyes.

“For your information, the evening was terrible. That bastard had nothing better to do than hit on me all night and if Lloyd wouldn’t have been there, I would have probably knock him out to get home.”

“Ah, don’t be so dramatic.” She shook her head in disbelieve.

“Jon, why are you doing this? Why do you think I would go home with somebody else? I had to really pull it together to go to this meeting at all. You know I’m not able to let anybody come close to me…even we didn’t…”

“You know what, save it. I don’t wanna hear it. Are you still coming to London?” he interrupted her

“Do you still want me to come?” she could barely get the words out.

“Sure. The kids can’t wait to see you.”

“Well, we don’t wanna disappoint them, right?” she was shaking from anger, frustration and sadness.

“See you then. Bye.” Before she could say anything the line was dead.

“Bye, Jon.” She whispered before erupting in tears. Sobbing she lay on her couch. She could feel Sambo nudging her nervously. When she turned to face him he carefully licked the salty tears from her cheeks. She smiled sadly and wrapped her arms around him.

Should she really fly to London? Should she really deal with him? What if they had a huge fight there? What if he wouldn’t wanna see her?

Suddenly she sat up and shook her head about her own stupidness. She sure could take care of herself in London. She didn’t need him. Kim decided she would go to London, but there were certain pre-cautions she would take.

Chapter 102

“Fuck, dammit!” Jon threw his towel on the couch in his suite in London as soon as he was back from the gym.

“And here are the latest pictures of Jon Bon Jovi’s girlfriend. I have to say she looks pretty damn good for just grocery shopping, don’t you think?!? I certainly wouldn’t leave her alone and stay at a different continent for months….”

Jon followed the voice and entered the living room where Richie was sitting in front of the TV. He stared at pictures of his girlfriend, dressing in lose fitting trousers and a light long sleeved shirt. Kim was trying to leave a store and Jon could tell just from her body language how uncomfortable she felt with the photographers around.

“…and here we have her bodyguard that apparently saved her from the attack a couple weeks ago. He sure looks pissed, doesn’t he…sorry man…that’s our job.”

“Can’t you turn that shit off?” Jon asked frustrated when the pictures showed a mad Lloyd.

“Sorry, man. I was just sapping, when her pic came up. They ain’t really leaving her alone, right?”

“Nope.”

“The comments and hints are just stupid.” Richie continued, but only got a slow nod from his friend.

“What’s wrong man?” Richie asked a little worried. They wanted to have lunch together, before an interview marathon would start, but with Jon in this kinda mood it would turn into a really difficult day.

“The plane with Dot and the kids is delayed, she just texted me, I wanted to pick them up at the fucking airport.” His best friend grumbled.

“Ah, sorry man. But it’s not the end of the world. Just send them a car or two.”

“It’s not the same. I’m already missing enough. And it will take four more days until Kim will arrive.

“So, I take that’s the real problem.” Rich said calmly. Jon only gave him the finger. Rich chuckled.

Jon was in a terrible mood ever since they arrived in London. Actually Kim wanted to come with him, but she had to take care of one last thing for the hospital before she would finally drop out. Rich thought his friend was only worried about leaving her alone after the incident in the parking lot and the pap-rats following her around, but he got the feeling something else was playing a role. He just couldn’t put his finger on it yet.

“So, will you pick Kim up at the airport?” Rich tried to keep the conversation going. Maybe that would help.

“Dunno. Not sure she wants me there.”

“Excuse me? What are you talking about?” Richie asked irritated.

“Oh, I don’t know.” Jon sighed and started pacing around in the suite.

“Do you…Ah, forget it…” Jon rubbed his eyes.

“No, I won’t!....Come on, tell me what’s going through your crazy mind?” Rich said sternly.

“Do you ever wonder what our girls are doing at home when we are gone?” he asked.

“No, I do not wonder what my WIFE is doing. I talk to her on the phone and know very well what she did during her day. What are you implying?”

“Nothing…I shouldn’t have started…” Jon stopped at the bar and poured himself a whiskey. Richie looked at him sceptical. It was shortly after noon.

“I just wonder….she knows so many people in New York….you know…” he sighed. Rich frowned.

“Ok, listen man, I have no idea what got you doubting about your relationship, but let me make one thing very clear for you…MY WIFE isn’t cheating on me and her best friend isn’t cheating on you. She has bigger problems to deal with right now. Clear?”

“Yeah, you are right.” Jon sat down on the couch and closed his eyes for a minute.

“You didn’t sleep very well.” Rich observed.

“No, I didn’t. My mind wouldn’t shut up.”

“Ah, that’s were those crazy thoughts come from.”

“Maybe.” Jon admitted. Richie frowned. He didn’t like the sound in his voice. Jon was still thinking about this stupid stuff.

“Jon, you miss her. You wanna be there for her. That’s totally understandable, especially after what she went through. You are worried. That’s normal.”

His best friend only nodded.

“But you gotta wrapped your head around. We have tons of interviews in two hours. And those vultures are only waiting that you lose your composure. You need to get it together. Call her. I meet you downstairs later. Ok?”

“Ok, thanks bro.”

“No, problem.” Richie said when he left the suite. But there was a huge problem. He could feel it. And they needed to join forces to deal with it. He knocked at Tico’s and David’s doors. Ten minutes later they were sitting in his suite with a light lunch.

“What the hell is causing this?” David wondered after Richie told them about his conversation with Jon earlier.

“Did they have a fight before we left the States?” Tico asked.

“Nah, everyone was focused on Kim after the attempted rape. They didn’t fight.” Richie shook his head.

“But their life wasn’t really ‘normal’ anymore. I’m pretty sure she is scared again about intimacy. And we all know that Jon is the best to deal with when he gets laid on a regular basis.” David pointed out. Tico and Rich only nodded agreeing.

“I think there is more to it…he nearly said that Kim would cheat on him. That’s complete bullshit.” Rich stated between bites of his lunch.

“Maybe he has a mid-life crisis?” David suggested.

“Maybe…No idea. All I know is, if he implies one more time that my wife is cheating, I’m gonna knock him out.” Rich grumbled.

Chapter 101

“Kim…. look!” Romeo yelled just seconds before he cannonballed into the pool.

“That was great Romeo.” Kim smiled at him from her place at the lounge chair when he emerged from the water.

“Dad, I wanna go to the beach!” Jake whined and pulled at his dad’s shirt.

“Jake, we have been at the beach all morning. Now we are having a BBQ to celebrate your sister’s birthday. Maybe we can go back to the beach after lunch, but you gotto stop whining and getting on my nerves, buddy.” His voice carried a hint of annoyance when he flipped the burgers.

Kim heard a little chuckle behind her and turned around to find a grinning Dorothea. Her second son was in this unnerving phase right now and was driving Jon crazy all morning.

“You know, you could help him, right?” Kim said softly and helped her set the heavy tray with the last ingredients for the BBQ on the huge table on the terrace at the Hampton Beach House.

“Me? Help him?...uh, uh…this is his weekend…that kid was giving me a hard time all week long. It’s my time off!” Dorothea answered way too happy. Kim laughed when Jon shot both of them a pissed look.

“Daaaaadddd!” Jake tried to squeeze in between his father and the hot BBQ.

“JACOB!” Jon’s voice echoed over the terrace while he pulled his son back from the red-hot metal.

“God dammit, that’s dangerous. You could have hurt yourself really bad!” He yelled at his son still having a tied grip on his son’s upper arm.

Kim watched Dorothea from the corner of her eye. You could see it took all her strength not to rush forward and check on her baby. But all their worries were wiped aside when her son started to grouch again. He didn’t seem to get the danger he was in just seconds ago. Jon finally had enough.

“Ok, that’s it. You go up to your room until we have lunch and after that you can return there right away. No beach. No ice cream. No TV. Forget it!”

Jake looked at his father stunned. You could see the wheels in his little head turning eagerly. And just a minute later he turned to his mother.

“Mooooommm….” He begged. His mother turned to him totally composed. Nothing showed her emotions.

“Your dad is right, Jake. Go to your room.” She stated calmly. Jon’s mouth twitched lightly, but he hurried to get his stern expression back before his son would see it. He could always count on Dorothea to back him up, even after all they had been through. The next move of his son surprised him though.

“Kiiiiiimmmmm!”

She looked at him surprised. Never in a million years did she expect him to beg her for help. Dot turned to her with an expecting smile on her face.

“I think your parents are right, Jake. You crossed the line.” She hoped her voice didn’t show her emotions. The boy bristled with anger and stomped into the house.

“You ok, honey?” Jon asked after his son left and Kim only stared at the spot where he had just been seconds ago. She swallowed hard.

“Yeah…I just didn’t see that coming.” She whispered a little overwhelmed. Jon grinned and pulled her close for a short kiss.

“Welcome to the family.” He told her before hurrying back to the burgers and the BBQ.

“He’s right. Jake really thought you could help him out.” Dot said and sat down with a glass of ice tea.

“Do you mind?” Kim asked unsure. Dot nearly chocked at her drink.

“Mind? Me?...Oh, Kim…I thought we were past that part…” Kim blushed lightly.

“Yeah, you right. Sorry. Everything is a little messed up in my head…you know.” Kim sighed and rubbed her forehead.

“It’s ok. Don’t worry.” Dot said softly and didn’t press to get to know how Kim was feeling now nearly two weeks after the incident with Nigel.

“What’s with Mr.-Our-three-parents-are-unfair?” Steph asked entering the terrace together with Jesse, who immediately walked over to his father to check on the burgers. Kim blinked confused.

“What? Who?” her mother asked irritated.

“Jake. He was all mad when he came upstairs.” Steph said and sank down into one of the chairs only to lift her left leg up to another chair.

“He crossed the line.” Her father told her and leaned forward to kiss her head. She smiled softly.

“How is your ankle baby-girl?” He looked at her bandaged foot worried.

“It’s fine dad.” Steph nearly rolled her eyes.

“You sure? Maybe you shouldn’t go dancing tonight.” The words had just left his mouth when three women stared at him with anger.

“I just mean…” he stuttered.

“We all know what you mean, Jon.” Dorothea said calmly. It was no secret that Jon didn’t like the idea that his daughter would celebrate her 17^th birthday with her friends in a club in New York tonight.

“I just thought when it still hurts and is swollen she shouldn’t dance in heels all night, right?” he looked at Kim for reassurance. She smiled.

“Yes, Jon ….if her ankle would be still swollen and would hurt, I wouldn’t recommend to dance all night…”

His face lit up with a smile.

“…but it doesn’t. I checked her this morning. It’s fine. She overstretched it six days ago. Dancing won’t be a problem.” She could see the hope of keeping his little girl here tonight vanish from his face.

“Fine!” he grumbled and stomped back to the BBQ.

“Where is his problem? Mom is coming with us...she’ll make sure no boy will come close to me.” Steph said pissed and crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“Don’t give me that attitude Missy. I told you, I’ll not let you lose in a New York City night club. You are 17…not 30. So, deal with it or we stay home.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Steph hurried to answer. She knew her mother. She wouldn’t have a problem with keeping her home. Birthday or not.

“You are sure…you really want this?” Dot asked Kim with a conspiratorial smile. Her daughter watched her confused. Kim grinned.

“Yep. I love it.” Dot nodded.

“I know what you mean. But it can be tiring.”

“I don’t doubt that.”

“You two are crazy.” Steph told them and got up to get back into the house. Kim and Dot erupted in laughter.