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.

Chapter Four

 

“Where are we?” Richie asked and tried to look out of the window.

“Don’t know exactly. But that’s the Central Park.” Tico answered and point at the huge dark trees outside the car.

“So are we at 5^th Avenue?” Richie frowned lightly.

“Nope. Opposite side. It’s 8^th Avenue.” Jon said after he recognized the street.

“Ok, and why are we here?” David wondered.

“We are following Kimberly, you dumbass.” Jon replied still slightly pissed.

“Yeah, but that doesn’t answer the question, pretty boy.” David countered.

“Uhm, boys…we stopped.” Richie interrupted the fight.

They all tried to get a look out of the window and saw Kimberly getting out of her car. She stopped shortly and waved to follow her before she entered the building.

“Well, let’s go.” Jon said and jumped out of the car. There was no chance he would let her disappear. When he walked towards the entrance of the building he gulped. It was The San Remo. Located directly at Central Park and only occupied by New York’s high society. Bono had a small apartment here for a while, but sold it again. How can she afford such a place? He wondered.

“I already thought you wanted to stay in the car.” She greeted them when they entered the huge lobby.

“No, no. We just weren’t sure you really live here.” Jon said.

She smiled lightly. “Well, I do. Come let’s go.” She walked towards the elevators.

“Good evening Miss Anderson.” The concierge said when she walked pass him.

“Good evening Ed.” She gave him a warm smile. “How’s the family? Did your wife recover from giving birth to the twins?” The men stopped and found out that Ed’s wife was feeling much better now and was finally home with the twins.

“Thanks again for the nice presents, Miss Anderson.” Ed said before Kimberly could walk away.

“You are welcome Ed. Gave me another opportunity to go shopping.” She winked at him and eased his tension before she turned to the elevator.

Richie and David wanted to enter one of the elevators when the doors opened, but Kimberly stopped them. “That’s the one for the North Tower, but we need to go up into the South Tower.”

They looked at her surprised. “You are living in one of the towers?” Jon asked stunned. She nodded and entered the elevator.

“So, you went shopping for Ed?” David asked. He wasn’t only curious, but also tried to do something against the uncomfortable silence that appeared as soon as they were in the elevator. Jon wasn’t a help in here, he needed to focus on staying calm and not screaming.

“Yeah, he and his wife were shocked when the doctor told them they were having twins. They don’t have much money and already one child would bring them to their limits. So, I thought I do a little shopping, you know….clothes, stuffed animals, baby bottles, a baby buggy for twins, and such stuff you know… and shortly after the babies were born I sent it all over.” She explained while searching for the keys in her handbag. “I need to think about something for their baptism next month.” She mumbled to herself when the elevator doors opened and she entered the hallway.

The men were looking at each other impressed. She really seemed to care about this family and wanted to help them.

“Are you afraid of dogs?” Kimberly asked before she opened the door.

“Nah, not of those small ones.” David said snidely.

Her right eyebrow rose. “I was talking about dogs not about a foot-horn.”

“A foot-horn?” David watched her confused.

“Yeah, a dog that’s so little it makes a noise when you step on it…accidentally.” She said with a dead serious face.

“You are kidding, right.” Richie asked.

“Nope. So are you afraid of dogs?” She asked again.

They shook their heads and followed her carefully into her apartment. Who knew how huge these dogs would be?

Jon was stunned when he entered the apartment. He’d been in the best hotels around the world and his own apartment wasn’t bad either, but this one was amazing.

The small hallway they entered opened to a big living room with huge windows and a patio that gave a great view over Central Park. Walking over to the comfortable looking couches and armchairs, which were placed tragically in front of the TV and the windows, he could see a huge dinning table for at least ten people to his right and behind it the kitchen which was separated from the dinning area by the kitchen counter.

As he got closer to the patio he could see another room to his right, which had doors to the terrace as well and contained a billiard table. In the dim light of that room he could see another one behind the billiard table, maybe her office, Jon thought.

“You have a grand piano? A Steinway?” David suddenly screamed happily.

Jon turned around. He was so focused on the view that he missed the grand piano, drum set and several guitars and other instruments placed next to the stairs, which lead to the second level.

“Yeah. Would you like to play?” Kimberly asked laughing. David looked as excited as a little boy at Christmas morning. Carefully he sat down and started to run his finger over the keys. A loud and deep “Woof” could be heard and David stopped dead in this play.

Kimberly laughed. “They don’t like it when the instruments are used. Sensitive ears, you know. Normally I let them outside before I play.”

The men looked around and saw two big dogs lying on a cover in the dinning area. One with mainly dark fur and the other one in light colors.

“Come boys, I let you out.” She said and the dogs jumped up immediately and followed her to the patio doors. As soon as she opened them the dogs raced outside. Now Jon could see that there was also a small garden and not only the patio with its great view.

“What kind of breed are they?” Tico asked curious. The dogs looked different, but somehow very much a like. It was a strange thing.

“Akita.” Kimberly said. “One is a Japanese Akita, the other one an American Akita.” Tico nodded. That explained the similarities.

“The dark one with those deep brown eyes is an American Akita, right?” he said after watching them run around for a minute.

“Yeah, and this little buddy here…” she pet the head of the dog with a honey colored fur and nice blue eyes. “…is a Japanese Akita.”

“What are their names?” Jon asked.

“Uhm…” Kimberly blushed furiously. Ok, that’s the moment I want to kill Fran. She said it would never happen.

“Are you ok?” Jon asked surprised when he saw her blushing.

“Uhm…yeah…” she watched the dogs another second, then took a deep breath and then called. “Kidd, Sambo come here.” The dogs turned immediately and walked over to her.

The men looked at her stunned. Then David had to laugh and the rest couldn’t resist joining in.

Kimberly looked at them grinning. Good thing they have humor.

“So which one is Kidd. The light one?” Jon asked still chuckling. Kimberly nodded. When Jon tried to pet the dogs head, he was greeted by a low growl.

“Kidd off!” Kimberly said in a strict voice. The dog stopped instantly. “I’m sorry, they are very protective of me and right now they just ain’t sure you will treat me right. When you come over more often, they’ll get used to you.” She added after a small break. Jon’s face lit up. She wants to see me again.

“Ok, I have to ask…what do you do for living? How can you effort all this?” Jon asked softly.

Tico shook his head. Damn Jon, do you always have to know everything? Can’t you be more diplomatic? To his surprise Kimberly smiled and didn’t freak out after Jon’s bold question. Tico had the feeling she knew the question would come.

 “Curious again, huh?” she asked with a small smile. Jon grimaced. “I will tell you, but before I would like to change when you guys don’t mind.” They didn’t. “Drinks are in the fridge. Feel like home, but you better try not to pet the dogs.” They all nodded when she walked upstairs to her bedroom.

Chapter Three

“Hi.” Her warm voice sent shivers through his body and let him relax immediately. He turned around.

“Hi, Kimberly.” He smiled.

“I’m sorry, but I needed to take Jason home first. And it’s not easy to get rid of such an excited kid. Now his mother has to suffer, I think.” She laughed.

“So, he isn’t your…” Jon let the sentence hang in the air.

Her eyes grew wide. “No, no…he’s a nephew… somehow. It’s complicated.” She said and smiled.

“Oh, ok…you look great…again. That blue suits you.” He said and his eyes lingered over the strapless blue dress that stopped shortly above her knees.

She smiled. “Well, thanks.” She looked him up and down. “Black and white again…tsk, tsk…” she laughed when he grimaced. “You look great, Jon. Some color would be nice that’s all.”

“Well, then you might want to meet David.” Jon said and introduced his friend, who just came back from the bar with some drinks.

“Not too much color and patterns, please.” She said after her eyes got blinded by David’s outfit.

Jon laughed and David pouted lightly. “That’s not fair.”

“What’s not fair?” Richie asked and joined the group together with Tico.

“She criticized my outfit.” David said still pouting.

Tico looked at him with raised eyebrows. “So, that means she has taste.” All laughed and David played the offend school boy.

“Kimberly…these are Richie and Tico.” Jon introduced her to his friends.

“Nice to meet you.” Richie said and fought for control not to check her out too obvious. She looked amazing in that blue dress.

“¿Cómo está usted?” Tico asked and kissed her hand softly. She smiled.

“Bien gracias, ¿y usted?” was her reply. They looked at her surprised. Tico was impressed, she even answered in the correct formal form. She laughed. “My mother made sure I can speak at least one foreign language flute. My French is a nightmare though.”

Jon watched her with a smile. She didn’t seem to be intimidated by his friends, but acted as normal and natural as the first time he met her. He really hoped he would have a chance to get to know her better. And he really hoped she just wasn’t playing a role like so many others he met.

Kimberly was simmering with excitement. They were huge, she knew that. Even though she never really paid attention to their career. They simply were there all her life. She knew it seemed like she was totally relaxed, somehow she was able always to appear that way, but she wasn’t relaxed…in fact she was nervous like hell! Why can’t I be as relaxed as I am at work? I need a drink.

“So what would you like to drink?” Jon asked. Oh, thank God. “Wait. Don’t say it. Sex on the beach?” she laughed and nodded. He remembered. That’s cute.

When he handed her the drink he could see her grimacing lightly.

“Everything ok?”

“Yeah. Those heels are simply killing me. Is there a chance we can sit down somewhere?” she tried to relieve her right foot by shifting her full weight to her left leg.

“Well, let’s take a look around. I’m sure we find something.” Jon said and put his left hand protectively at the small of her back when he started looking for a place to sit down.

“I think you should look around. All I see are shoulders and backs. I’m too small for this world.” She sighed.

“You ain’t too small. You are perfect.” Jon said, before he knew it.

Kimberly looked at him surprised and blushed lightly. “Thank you.” She mumbled and didn’t know what else to say. Flirting was already not her element, but compliments were even worse. She wasn’t used getting them…. Oh, God what did I get myself into?

His band mates watched the interaction between Jon and Kimberly fascinated. A blind man could see that Jon was attracted to her and she didn’t seem to be disaffected either. Hopefully she’s really as normal as she acts, David thought, while he followed Jon to a small lounge area.

The moment they all sat down loud techno music came from the speakers. In the first second they all stopped in their motion…. frozen, then they grimaced and finally had to laugh when they realized that they were all doing the same.

“So not my style of music.” Kimberly screamed into Jon’s left ear.

“Mine neither. Let’s get out of here.” He motioned his band mates to follow him and soon they were standing in the entrance area again.

“So, what are we doing now?” Richie asked his gaze glued to Kim’s bare shoulders. Jon gave him a stern look and his eyes snapped up. Well, that was clear, Richie thought.

“How about we go over to my place? It’s not far from here and I promise no techno music there.” She suggested. Please! She pleaded in her mind. She knew she would be more relaxed when she was at home, at her own place with her two protective friends by her side.

“Yeah, sounds great.” Jon replied and the rest nodded.

“Good. Are you here with a car?” she asked and was already walking to the backdoor. No way, she would walk down the carpet again with all those photographers still present. Some of them probably had no idea who she was and why she was invited and she wanted to keep it that way. It was already disturbing enough when she had to deal with them at the beginning of an event like this.

“Well, we didn’t walk.” David replied grinning.

“Not really New Yorky, huh?” she grinned back. David rolled his eyes and laughed. She was good. They stepped outside and the men were surprised when not only their own car was in the small street, but also her black limo. The driver got out immediately when he saw her.

“So, how about your car follows my mine?” She turned to her driver not waiting for an answer. “Lloyd, would you please make sure the other car can follow us.”

Tico hid his grin. Seems she was as much organized and in control of her life as Jon. That could get really interesting when these both control freaks collide.

“Yes, Miss Anderson.” He said and nodded to the driver of the band’s car.

Anderson. Her last name is Anderson. Jon wanted to jump around and scream in happiness. Richie tried to hide his grin about Jon’s happy face when they got into the car.

“Oh, and David…” Kimberly said while getting into her limo. He turned back to her with a questioning look on his face. How would she try to get him now? “I watched Toxie and I loved it.” The driver closed the door before he could reply anything.

A huge smile spread across David’s face. “She loved it. Did you hear it? She loved it.” He said happy.

“Yeah, we got it. Now get in the car, Lema.” Jon growled, maybe it wasn’t a good idea to take them with him to her apartment.

Chapter Two

“And you don’t have her phone number or a last name?” Richie asked confused.

They were on their way to an award show. The band would perform and present an award. But all together they were already bored, before they reached the venue.

“No, I don’t.” Jon replied for the 50th time. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to tell them about her.

David shook his head. “You are losing it, man. You are losing it.”

Jon rolled his eyes. “Nothing from you Tico?” he asked.

The drummer shrugged his broad shoulders. “How does she know you will see each other again? She doesn’t have your number either.”

They looked at him surprised. “You are right.” Jon said perplexe.

Tico smiled. “Sure I am. My mind is still working; I’m not in the aftershock of a divorce right now.” They all nodded. Somehow logical thinking wasn’t working after a divorce was finalized. They all had been in this state of ‘stupidity’. Tico more than once.

“But she knows who you are. So she can find you.” David said gazing out of the window at the waiting fans along the red carpet.

“Well, she didn’t freak or showed in any way that she recognized me…and she’s a bit younger, so it could be possible…” Jon started.

“Whoa, whoa…younger? How old is she?” Richie asked. “Why are you leaving the best details ‘til the end?”

Jon laughed. “I would say she’s maybe 25 or so. I didn’t ask.” He ran his hands through his hair and put his sunglasses on.

“Ready?” he asked his friends. The guys nodded and he opened the door.

“Joooooooooooooooonnnn. Riiiiiiccchii. Daviiiid. Ticooo.” The screaming was ear-deafening. They posed. They smiled. They walked their way down the carpet. Simply they worked.

“I don’t understand it.” David said when they were seated.

“The screaming?” Jon asked confused.

David rolled his eyes. “No! Your little friend. The screaming is because I’m such a good looking guy!” They all laughed and shook their heads while taking their seats.

The show started and they were bored once again. When someone directed them backstage to get ready for their performance, they nearly raced each other to get out of the public eye.

When they took the stage and the crowd went wild to their music, Jon’s eyes were travelling over the screaming fans. In the right block a woman was sitting motionless, watching the band with awe. He stopped dead and nearly missed the beat. That was her!

Richie looked at him surprised. There weren’t many things that could make him screw up a performance. He searched for his friends eyes and when he found them Jon indicated to watch into the audience.

Richie let his gaze wander and stopped at a young beautiful blond woman sitting in the third row. That was the woman? Wow! No wonder Jon acted like being sixteen again. She looked really hot. Hopefully she wasn’t one of those girls who only wanted to be famous.

Jon couldn’t take his eyes of her. He was completely in his automatic-performance-mode. This would be one of the performances he wouldn’t remember. When they were backstage again, Jon told his bodyguard to go to Kimberly and asked her to come backstage.

Kimberly had seen Jon and the rest of the band arrive. She had to admit he looked really good, even though it was again a black suit and a white dress shirt. You could think he was in mourning.

When he and the band took the stage she was stunned. She’d never seen them live before and even though this was not their own audience they rocked the house. I really need to go to a concert with Fran when they tour again, she thought.

Jon watched her from backstage when his bodyguard delivered his message and was disappointed when she didn’t get up and came with him.

“Why isn’t she coming?” Jon asked slightly pissed when his bodyguard returned.

“She said she’ll meet you at the after show party. She’s not alone…she’s there with that little boy and he wants to see the show.” Jon looked over to her again and saw a maybe seven year old boy sitting next to her and looking with huge eyes at the stage.

Was that her son? Was she married? He didn’t check for a ring when he met her! FUCK!

His band mates could see the panic in his eyes.

“You didn’t check for a ring, buddy.” Richie said. It wasn’t a question but more a statement. Jon shook his head no and ran his fingers frustrated through his hair. He was close to freak out. How could he be so stupid?

“Johnny, calm down. She said she’ll meet you. Now you can only wait.” Tico tried to calm him.

Jon gave him a long look. “How long do you know me, T?”

The drummer rolled his eyes and pushed him towards the exit.

Chapter One

“Jon! Over here…” The photographers were going crazy as soon as the car stopped and Jon stepped out of it onto the red carpet.

“How is it to be single again?”

“How do your kids feel about it?”

“What about Dorothea? How does she feel?”

They were firing all those questions at him. He smiled; his press smile. The sunglasses firmly in place. This all made him so sick. Why couldn’t they leave him alone? This was a charity event for God’s sake. Actually the only reason why he was here. He avoided red carpets in the last months. He wasn’t in the mood to answer any of these stupid questions.

For six months now he was single again and it still hurt that his marriage couldn’t last. After the last tour Dot and he realized that they were somehow living separate lives…or maybe they finally admitted it. Nobody cheated; nobody screamed…they simply decided it was the best to file for divorce. Maybe it was a good thing that they still could be friends.

The kids handled it extremely well. He bought an apartment only one block down the street and they could come over anytime. Steph showed up very often and just sat with him to watch a movie. He relished those moments, knowing very well that they would be over soon. She was sixteen now and growing up so terribly fast. With the boys he would have those moments a bit longer, but not with his baby girl.

“Jon here…” This screaming and yelling started to annoy him.

“Excuse me?” a female voice said behind him. Frowning he turned around. Don’t tell me those pap-rats are already on the red carpet. But he wasn’t blinded by a flashlight or a microphone was shoved in his face, instead he looked into the most beautiful eyes he’d ever seen.

“You are blocking the way. Could you let me through please, I’m not very eager to pose for those…people.” She asked with a beautiful smile. He didn’t miss the small hesitation in her words. Seems she didn’t like photographers very much either.

Completely captured by those eyes he stepped aside and watched fascinated how she walked down the carpet, not reacting at all to the people screaming at her and vanished in the building. Who was she?

He shook his head when he felt a familiar tingle in his belly. Unbelievable…she wasn’t even his type! She was blond. But these blues eyes looked beautiful, soft and inviting. He shook his head lightly and focused on the photographers again.

Finally he reached the end of the red carpet and entered the building. I wonder whether I find her in here, he asked himself. His gaze roamed over the hundred of people in the room and finally he saw her. He grinned. That was easy. She was wearing this deep pink dress, Steph would probably tell him it’s not pink but magenta, and was easily to detect beyond all those black dresses and suits.

He cleaved his way towards her through the crowd, nodded with a fake smile to completely strangers who seemed to know him. Coming closer to her he realized that he was nervous. What should I say? He wondered.

“Did you escape?” she asked when he stopped next to her at the bar. Oh, thank God, she said something first!

“Yeah. Finally.” He answered. “Can I get you something to drink?” he asked with a smile.

“Sex on the beach, please.” She said.

“What?” he looked at her surprised and a bit shocked.

She laughed. “The cocktail…Sex on the beach. For everything else we don’t know each other well enough.” She added after a small break.

Jon bit his bottom lip. “Sure.” And ordered her cocktail and a wine for him.

“Thank you.” She said when he handed her the cocktail and took the straw between her full lips to take a long sip of the colorful liquid. Jon gulped and tried not to stare at her. Damn, she’s sexy.

Despite his efforts he found himself checking her out. She wasn’t tall, maybe 5’7’’, well, ok she was wearing heels. Her legs looked great in them, her complete body was great. Well, that was probably the understatement of the year. She looked fantastic in his eyes with her long blond hair fallen in thick curls down her back.

He knew some people, who would say she had too much weight on her hips, but he liked it. Her curves were all in the right place. No skinny girl, but a woman’s body. Even so she wasn’t that old, maybe 25, he guessed. The dress fit her like a glove and dipped low at the front. She wore a simple necklace with it, no big jewelry. The dress was awesome enough on her.

“Don’t you think you checked me out long enough now?” She suddenly said and faced him with a little flush on her face. Shit, he was so nice to buy you a drink and you’ll scare him away right after it! She mentally kicked herself.

“I’m sorry…” he stumbled and could feel the heat creeping into his face as well. Oh, great! Flushing like a schoolboy.

Her beautiful blues twinkled and the full lips revealed perfect white teeth when she laughed. “Well, I’m not. That’s why I’m wearing this dress. It’s good for my ego.” Wow, where did that come from? Normally she wasn’t that direct.

Jon breathed out relieved and smiled. She wasn’t mad. Thank God.

She watched him a moment. Somehow it was cute how he reacted and she was glad he didn’t turn and ran after her comment. She never expected him to blush though. “I’m Kimberly.” She said and extended her hand.

“I’m Jon.” He smiled when he shook her hand and was surprised to feel rough fingers tips.

“Are you playing guitar?” he asked surprised and turned their joined hands to have a closer look at her fingers.

“Among others.” She replied and had to laugh again when he leaned forward to check her fingertips exacting.

“Uhm, I’m sorry…” he said when he realized what he was doing.

“Again?” she said still smiling. “You shouldn’t apologize so often. It’s ok. You are a curious person.”

He only nodded and looked at the crowd for a while. He had no idea what to say. It was over 30 years ago that he had to flirt, well except on stage, but that was so much easier, the girls were crazy for him. Here he was completely out of his element. She didn’t seem to recognize him or be impressed with who he was; all he knew was that he had to say something. Come on! It’s not so difficult! Say something!

Kimberly sipped at her cocktail and watched him from the corner of her eye. She could tell he was nervous and had no idea what to say. Somehow she had pity on him. Didn’t she read a while ago that he got divorced after 20 years of marriage? Seemed he was out of training when it came down to flirting. Well, it wasn’t her favorite element either. She was nervous as hell, even though she didn’t show it as obvious as he did. I need to say something, she thought desperate and fiddled with the straw of her cocktail

“You look great in that dress. I like the color.” He said abruptly. She turned and gave him a small smile.

“Thank you. You know we are here to raise money for children, so why do we all have to wear black…as far as I remember it’s a cheerful event and not a funeral.”

Jon looked down at his black suit and white dress shirt. “Someone told me I look good in it.” He said with a small smirk. Great, criticized him the second time since you met. Damn Kim!

“And that someone was damn right. You do.” Kimberly hurried to answer and touched his shoulder softly. It was getting hot in here, right? Jon had the feeling she’d set his whole body on fire

But before he could say anything else an older woman from the charity organization approached them and asked Kimberly to come with her to meet someone very important. He wondered again whether he should know her.

“It was a pleasure Jon.” She said and shook his hand again. God, so strong and soft at the same time.

“Will we see each other again?” Jon asked a bit nervous.

“I’m certain about it.” Kimberly said and vanished between those other people wearing black.