Note from the Author

Hi everybody,

some of you may already know that I'm rather busy right now and won't be able to post on a regular basis in the next couple weeks. Hopefully I'll be able to give you a chapter or two, but just in case I won't...don't worry, the story isn't over yet, there are tons of more chapters to come and as soon as my life is back to normal I'll post again. ;)

~ Kris~

Chapter 32

While Kim was driving to the Cemetery her thoughts travelled back to the day Michael died, to the day of his funeral and the long nights she spent with Fran crying in her sleep. She shook her head. If she was already having this memories coming back so strongly, she could only imagine what her best friend was going through right now.

As soon as she reached the parcel of the cemetery where Michael was buried she got out of the car and hurried down the long line of gravestones. After a couple of meters she saw her.

Fran was kneeling in the grass in front of one of the gravestones. Her head was bent and her hands were touching the white stone.

‘Found her. Will take some time.’ She typed in her mobile and sent it to Richie. Hopefully he wouldn’t worry that much anymore.

Slowly she walked closer to her friend and sank down in the grass next to her. Without saying a word she put her right arm around Fran’s shoulder and pulled her into her embrace.

“Kim…” Fran sobbed incontrollable.

“Shhh…not now, sweetheart…let it go…we can talk later.” Kim pressed a trembling Fran closer to her body. Softly she stroked her back and cradled her. Her best friend had never been this bad in the last years. It was nearly as bad as in the first days after Michael’s death. She so prayed they would never have to go through this emotions again. But it seemed today their past was back again.

In the distance Kim could see other visitors passing by. Looking with a sympathetic smile into their direction. She sighed. God she wanted to cry herself. But today she needed to be strong for Fran.

“We did it.” Fran suddenly whispered.

Kim smiled down to her. “You did what?”

Fran sniffed and fiddled with her tissue. “Rich and I spent the night together.”

“I know…he told me.” Her friend looked at her surprised. “He’s worried that he rushed you into something.” Kim continued softly. Fran’s eye grew wide.

“No, no…he didn’t. He was all sweet and asked me more than once if I’m ready for it.”

“And were you really ready for it?” Kim asked carefully. A soft smile reached Fran’s face and was actually all Kim needed to know.

“Yeah, I didn’t want to be alone anymore…I wanted to feel like a woman again. I’m more than just the Mom, the nurse and the best friend.” Tears were shining again in her eyes. “I can’t tell when the last time I felt beautiful and desirable was…I didn’t know how much I missed having sex until last night.” Kim squeezed her shoulders softly.

“Rich made me feel things again I thought I would never feel again.” Fran added and stared at the gravestone and became silent. Kim watched her carefully and didn’t say a word. She knew Fran wasn’t done yet.

“But I cheated on him.” She finally whispered and pressed her trembling hand against the cold stone. Kim shook her head.

“Fran, you didn’t.” She made Fran looked up at her. “Fran, you did not cheat on Michael.” She stressed every single word.

“And why does it feel as if I did?” her friend asked angry.

“Because a part of you still loves Michael. Because a part of you will always love Michael.” Kim said in a calm voice. Fran stared at her. “And now a part of you loves Richie as well. And that’s ok.”

Fran shook her head. “No, it isn’t.” Kim frowned and grabbed her arms.

“Dammit, Fran…it is ok to fall in love again. I know you and Michael talked about the possibility of not coming back…and don’t tell he doesn’t want you to be happy again and Jason having father figure in his life again.” How could Fran be so stubborn? She was telling her to follow her feeling and now she was blocking herself.

“Oh, God…” Fran threw herself back into Kim’s arms. “My little baby, he will never understand this.”

“Well, I think you are wrong…” Fran looked at her surprised. “Seems Jason asked Rich some very specific questions this morning and Rich assured him that he just wants to be his friend and won’t replace his dad.”

“Really?”

Kim nodded. “Yeah, that seemed the only thing he was worried about.” Fran stared at the gravestone again and sighed deeply.

“I give you some time alone. I wait at the car.” Kim said softly and got up to her feet.

“Thanks, Kim.” Fran whispered.

Walking back to the car Kim checked her mobile. She could feel it vibrate a couple times while she was talking to Fran. She wasn’t surprised to see several messages from Richie and a very frustrated one from Jon.

‘Would you please tell him something, doesn’t matter what…HE IS DRIVING ME CRAZY!
Hope Fran is ok - J’

Kim chuckled and dialed Richie’s number.

“Is she ok?” Rich asked after the first ring.

“A little bit confused, unsure… she’ll be fine Rich…but you need to be careful with her. She is really vulnerable.” Kim said softly.

“Sure…of course…Can I talk to her.” She could still hear the concern in his voice.

“Rich, she is still at the grave…I think you two should talk when we are back…that’s nothing you should talk about on the phone.”

“What do you mean…What does she wanna talk about? Does she want to break up?” Panic crept into his voice. Hecouldn’t lose her. He needed her.

“Rich...Richie calm down…I can tell you that’s definitly something she doesn’t want to do.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes I am…it’s not easy for her to accept that another man found his way into her heart.” There was silence for several seconds on the end of the line.

“I love her too.” Rich finally whispered.

Kim smiled. “Well, that’s a good start. Can I talk to Jon for a minute?”

“Sure…and thanks Kim.”

“You are welcome, Richie.”

“Kimi?”

“Yes, listen Jon I was thinking we could take Jason back to my place and maybe he can stay the night. Fran and Rich really need to talk and with Jason around it would be a little difficult.”

“Sure, no problem…as long as you rescue me from this mad man here, I’m fine with everything.” Jon said. Kim laughed.

“We should be back soon. Be nice to each other.”

“What do I get for it?” Jon asked in a husky voice.

“Well,…I could really use a long hot bath later.” Kim laughed lightly when she hurt him groan softly.

“You are mean…” he told her.

“Well, that’s your fault…I was a cute little innocent girl until I met a certain Rock Star.” She said in a tiny voice. Jon cursed and said something about payback before he hung up. Kim laughed out loud and put her phone away.

Chapter 31

Richie was slowly waking up. With closed eyes he reached out for Fran, but the bed was empty and cold. Surprised he opened his eyes and saw her standing by the window fully dressed.

“Fran?” he stepped up behind her and carefully put his arms around her waist. She didn’t say anything, but he could feel her tense in his arms.

“Fran are you ok?” Slowly she turned around and he saw her red eyes. She obliviously had been crying.

“Darling, what’s wrong?” he asked worried. Please don’t let her regret last night. Please don’t let her have second thoughts, he pleaded in his mind.

“Could you watch Jason for a while? I have to take care of something.” She asked silently.

“Sure…” she turned and left the room. Rich grabbed his jeans and followed her cursing. “Fran, wait…where are you going?” he caught up with her in the living room.

“I’ll be back soon.” She only answered and was gone. Rich stared at the closed door and wondered what went wrong.

“What’s going on? Where’s Mom? Why are you here?” Rich turned around and saw Jason standing behind him in his pajamas and rubbing his eyes.

“Heh, buddy…your Mom just needed to get something. I’m sure she’ll be back soon. How about we make some breakfast?” Rich said in a cheerful voice.

“Ok. But why are you still here?” Jason pressed. Rich sighed. Smart kid.

“Listen…” he said down on the couch and Jason sat down next to him. “…your Mom asked me to stay last night. Is that ok with you?” he was really worried. When Jason would freak out now, he had no idea what to do.

The boy watched him for a minute. “So, you stayed in Mom’s room?”

“Uhm…yeah.” What else should he say?

“In her bed like Daddy did?” Ouch.

“Yes, I did Jason.“ Rich answered calmly. He wouldn’t lie to him.

“So you gonna be here now forever?” was there a little aggravation in his voice?

“Jason, your mom and I only know each other for a couple weeks. I think I will stay here maybe from time to time and maybe you two will also stay at my place, but I will not move in here right now.”

The boy looked at him. “So, you wanna be my dad now?” There was clearly anger in his voice.

“No, Jason.” Richie hurried to answer. “You have a great Dad…unfortunately he can’t be here anymore, but that doesn’t mean I wanna replace him. Nobody can replace a Dad….I know that…my Dad passed away too…” he added silently. Jason looked at him surprised and then suddenly put his small had on his shoulder to comfort him.

Rich smiled and hugged him softly. “Maybe we can be friends, Jason. And when you have a question or a problem you can always come and talk to me.” The boy nodded.

“That’s good…there are some things I don’t wanna talk to Mom or Auntie Kim about.”

“Really? Like what?” Rich asked surprised.

“Girls.” Jason admitted freely. Richie blinked several times. How old was this kid again?

“Ok, I can understand that. But how about we have breakfast first.”

“Ok. I change and brush my teeth.”

Rich watched him leaving the room. As soon as he was sure Jason couldn’t hear him anymore. He called Jon and asked if Kim was with him. His friend wasn’t very happy to hear from this early in the morning, but there was something in his voice that had him worried immediately and he passed the phone to Kim without further questions.

Richie quickly filled Kim in what happened this morning and she promised they would be over in a few minutes.

Just when Rich and Jason had finished breakfast a tired Jon and a worried Kim arrived.

“Auntie Kim!” Jason greeted her happily.

“Morning, buddy. How are you?” she hugged him and ruffled his hair.

“I’m fine. Rich stayed here last night…in Mom’s room.” He whispered. Rich laughed.

“You can’t keep a secret, huh?” he got a stern look from Kim.

“How about you show Jon the tricks I showed you on guitar, he always needs to practice.” Rich suggested which got him a stern look from his best friend as well. Nevertheless he followed Jason to his room.

“Kim before you start…” he said when she prepared for a long speech. “…Jason and I talked this morning and he said he’s fine with me being here.” She looked at him sceptical.

“He was only worried that I wanna be his Dad, but I told him he has a great Dad that can’t be replaced and that I hope we two can become friends.” Kim’s expression softened and tears started to shine in her eyes.

“Rich, you are great.” She hugged him sniffing. He smiled.

“So, can you tell me where Fran is?” he asked worried.

She nodded “I have a rather good idea….the cemetery.” Rich looked at her shocked.

“But I thought she was fine with it…I…” stuttering he sank on the couch. Kim put her hand on his arm.

“Rich I’m sure she was fine with it last night…but something probably snapped in her this morning. I’ll check on her.”

“I come with you.”

“No, Rich.”

“But...”

“Look I know you are worried about her, but this is something she needs to do without you. She needs to let the past behind her and open a new chapter of her life…that’s rather painful for her, even though I know she sure wants it.” Rich nodded beaten.

“I’m sure you two have a lot to talk too when she is back. But right now you would only make her feel worse.” He nodded again.

“Ok, take care of the two kids.” She winked at him. He smiled shortly.

“I will.” He whispered.

Chapter 30

Richie sighed softly. Fran and he were snuggled up comfortably on the couch. Jason was already in bed. He was dead tired after skating nearly all day long. The last two blocks on their way home Rich and Fran had to pull him, because he didn’t want to skate anymore.

Just minutes after they entered the apartment he was asleep. Now Richie could feel Fran growing heavy against him. It seemed it was his time to leave, even though he didn’t want to. But he didn’t want to push either; he wanted to give her time to get used to the new situation. She may have teased him earlier today, but he never really expected her to spend the night with him.

“I think it’s time that I go. You are tired.” Richie said and let his fingers ran softly through her dark hair.

She looked up at him. “You don’t have to go. I told you, you can stay.”

He smiled. “I know darling, but I can stay another day when you want to…” Fran sat up and looked him directly in his chocolate brown eyes.

“Rich, I want you to stay.” He could swear his heartbeat set out for a second. Was she serious?

“Really?” he whispered.

“Really.” She replied before closing the small distance between them and kissing him deeply. Richie growled and pulled her closer to him. For several minutes none of them was able to talk. They were busy exploring each other. When Fran tugged at his shirt, he stopped her. She looked at him surprised.

“Maybe we should take this somewhere else?” he suggested still a bit breathless.

“Yeah, you are right…come with me.” She got to her feet and grabbed his hand. Silently she guided him past Jason’s door to her own bedroom. Fran hesitated shortly, but then opened the door and let Rich enter.

He looked around in the small room. It was dominated by the huge bed and a closet standing on the opposite wall. The warm colors of the wall and the covers made you feel welcome and comfortable.

“Nice colors…but it’s tiny.” He said smiling.

“Yeah, I know, but I wanted Jason to have the bigger room. He needs the space; I’m only sleeping in here.” Fran explained while nervously fiddling with the covers of the bed. Rich stepped closer to her and took the covers from her hands.

“I can still go Fran. That’s ok.” He said softly.

“No, please stay…” her green eyes were ushered with tears. “…I don’t wanna be alone anymore.” She pressed her body to his and he inhaled sharply. It was as if she had set him on fire.

He tossed the covers off the bed and laid her down gently. His mouth found hers again and he softly kissed her and started to explore her body with his hands.

She tugged at his shirt again and this time he let her pull it over his head. She sighed happily and let her small hands ran over his chest down to his belt. His eyes gleamed when she slowly undid it and opened his jeans.

Slowly Fran pushed it over his hips and was surprised to see that he wasn’t wearing any underwear. Her eyes grew wide when she spotted his already proud erection. Damn, he’s huge!!

Rich watched her carefully and even though she wasn’t saying anything he knew what she was thinking. He already was used to this reaction. He kicked off his shoes and got rid first of his jeans and then of hers.

“You are wearing too much.” He whispered and started to push at her shirt. Fran gulped.

“Maybe we should turn out the lights?” she suggested with a trembling voice.

“Nah, I’m fine. I like to see you.” He continued to push the fabric over her body and was surprised that she tensed as soon as he pulled it over her head. Maybe she wasn’t ready for it yet?

“Fran?” there was a question in his voice.

“Yeah?” she tried to keep her voice even. He looked at her confused.

“Are you really sure about this?”

“Yeah, I am.” She replied. Rich frowned and let his gaze travel over this beautiful, only half dressed woman in front of him. Suddenly he realized that she tried to cover her abdomen.

Carefully he reached out and touched her arms. “What is it, darling?”

Fran pressed her lips together and moved anxious on the bed. She didn’t really wanted to talk about it and she didn’t want him to see it.

“Hey…Franny…” he leaned down and kissed her softly. She blinked back some tears and sighed.

“It’s just that…that…well, after the pregnancy it doesn’t look really nice.” Richie smiled softly.

“I’m sure it’s not that bad…you are beautiful Fran…” his hands reached for her arms and gently pulled them away. Rich shook his head in disbelieve.

Yeah, you could see some stretch marks, but they were barely visible. If she wouldn’t have mentioned it, he’d probably never realized they were there. He would never understand women.

“Darling, you can barely see them…” he said, but Fran only smiled sadly.

“I know they are there…I know it’s ugly.”

“No, it’s not.” He replied forcefully and before she could say anything more, he kissed her passionate. Fran moaned and her body arched off the bed. She could feel his erection pressing against her thigh. His hands were moving constantly over her body and it seemed he knew exactly where to touch her to turn her into mush.

With skilled hands he removed her bra and panties and growled low in his throat when he found her already wet. He ran his hands through her dark curls and watched how she opened for him. She arched into his touch and moaned when he circled her clit with his fingers.

“Richie…please…” she begged him. Carefully he slid one finger into her and was surprised how tight she was.

“Oh, GOD!” her hips raised from the bed and she trembled involuntarily.

Richie cursed. “Fran...you ok?” he hoped he didn’t hurt her. She was so damn tight, he knew he couldn’t take her now.

“I’m fine…Richie please...I wanna feel you…” she reached out for him. He bent down and kissed her.

“Fran…I don’t wanna hurt you…but I would when I entered you now, you are very tight…” she groaned in frustration.

“Trust me darling…it will just take a bit longer…” She nodded breathless and watched his head vanish between her thighs.

“RICHIE!” she screamed when an orgasm rushed through her body as soon as his mouth found her clit. He smiled and pumped her in a slow rhythm. After a while he added a second and third finger and stroked her until he was sure she was ready for him.

Gently he removed his fingers and shielded himself with a condom. Fran watched him with dazed eyes. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt this way; she even wasn’t sure she ever did. And this gorgeous man hadn’t even entered her yet. She was sure she would die.

“Ready?” he whispered softly when he balanced himself on top of her. She nodded and kissed him hungrily. Rich groaned in her mouth and flexed his hips. Very slowly he pressed his rock hard cock into her.

Fran gasped when she felt him filling her. God she missed that feeling so much. She wanted him; she needed him deep inside of her.

“You’re ok, darling?” Rich asked through clenched teeth when he was buried in her to the hilt.

“Yes…” she wrapped her arms around his neck and started to move her hips.

“God, Franny…” Richie growled. Carefully he plugged in and out of her wet pussy.

“More...Rich...more...” she pleaded and he sped up. After several deep strokes her body tensed and her eyes rolled back, before a strong orgasm hit her.

“RICHIE!” she trembled forcefully and he hold her tight to his body and continued to pump her. He could feel his orgasm building up and knew he would loose his control any minute.

“FRAN….YES!” he shouted out before they were both holding each other trying to catch their breath.

Chapter 29

Kim exited the elevator and stopped in front of her apartment. She felt terrible. Fran was right, it wasn’t Jon’s fault that she couldn’t think clearly when he was kissing or touching her.

Never in a million years did she expect someone would ever make her feel that way. She was always in control of her emotions, well except when Jon was involved. Then she even couldn’t control her tears and she really hated that.

Sighing she shook her head and opened the door. Was he still there?

“Jon?” her voice trembled when she called for him. What should she do when he would be gone?

“I’m here.” He said in a soft voice and entered the living room, leaving the dogs on the patio. Jon watched her carefully. She looked a bit lost, As if she had no idea what to do.

I’ve never been in a relationship before.

Her words from their first lunch echoed in his head. She never had an argument with a partner before either. Though from his point of view, it was not really an argument. A little misunderstanding…nothing dramatic. She simply needed to learn that she could survive without any major planning, at least in their relationship.

Just stay calm, he reminded himself.

“I thought you went down to the gym?” By now he knew that there was a complete gym in the basement of the building including an in door swimming pool. “You don’t look sweaty.”

She looked down at her outfit and smiled gently. “Yeah, I know…I talked to Fran.” She placed her mobile on the couch table.

He chuckled softly. “I called Richie.”

“Oh, God! They will think we are complete idiots.” Hiding her face in her hands she sat down on the couch.

“Rich already knew that from me before.” He admitted while sitting down next to her. She looked at him.

“Jon, I didn’t wanna snap at you. I’m sorry.” He took her hands in his.

“I’m sorry too, Kimi. I could have thought about the dogs.”

“No, it’s not your fault…I have to think of them, they are MY dogs…I just…” she stopped, not willing to admit her feelings yet.

Jon watched her lightly flushed face; she was chewing nervously on her bottom lip again. Carefully he reached out and touched her lips.

“Stop that. You will hurt yourself again.” He whispered. She pulled back from him and he could see some tears shining in her eyes.

“Oh, honey…no, don’t cry.” He pulled her into his arms and pressed a kiss to her temple.

“I feel so stupid.” She whispered and hid her face in his shoulders not wanting to let him see her tears.

“Kimi, you ain’t stupid. You have been on your own all your life. You didn’t have to worry about a partner…and now I cross your way and mess everything up.” He joked. She laughed through her tears.

“Yeah, it’s not fair that my brain sets out when I’m with you.” She agreed. He laughed softly.

“I tell you a little secret…” she looked up at him curious. Softly he whipped away the tears. “You have the same effect on me.” She stared at him surprised.

“You think I can think straight when you stand in front of me?….with your beautiful smile and that gorgeous hair. My blood rushes to other parts of my body immediately.” She laughed out loud and leant her head against his shoulders. Jon smiled and just held her for a while.

“I’ll try not to plan anything anymore….” She told him. “… But it won’t be easy. I did that all my live, I only got where I am today, because I was very well organized and focused.” She looked up at him.

“A boyfriend actually was never in my plan, and there was no need to be spontaneous….and honestly I‘m not sure it will work. My job doesn’t leave much room for spontaneity …”

Jon smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m sure you can make it work…we can make it work together.” He paused shortly and looked into her blue eyes. Maybe when he would tell her now…? But he couldn’t bring the words out. Jon shook his head softly about his nerves and continued.

“How about you start by not being totally surprised when I asked you to go out with me without a 2-day-warning.?”

She laughed. “Yeah, I’ll try…be patient with me.” He sighed dramatically.

“Well, that’s actually not really one of my habits.” He said smiling.

“So, something new for you to learn as well.” She grinned lightly. Jon groaned.

“That didn’t work in the last twenty plus years…I don’t think it will work now.” He tried to explain.

“I’m sure you can be pretty patient with your kids.” She replied.

“Well,…yeah, most of the time…especially with the little ones.” He admitted and had a small smile on his face. Romeo was really bringing him to the edge sometimes. That kid could forget anything around him when he was playing.

“So?” Kim said.

“So what?” Jon asked confused. Kim smiled and batted her eyelashes. He groaned.

“Oh, no…forget it…I will not think of you as a kid…uh uh…won’t happen…nope…never….I would feel like a perv when I kiss and touch you…nope! I’m not patient and you ain’t a kid!”

Kim laughed about his shocked babbling. “Ok, ok …wasn’t a good idea…but I‘ll remind you from time to time though.” She said grinning.

“No problem with that little girl.” He said giving her a naughty smile and gently guiding her to lie down on the couch.

“You are crazy.” She told him laughing before his lips found hers in a deep kiss. Kim moaned happily.

“Crazy for you.” Jon whispered in her ear before kissing her again.

Chapter 28

When Jon and Kim entered the apartment, they were greeted immediately by barking dogs. Jon had never seen them so anxious before. They were standing in front off the huge patio doors…not willing to move an inch from them.

“Oh, babies….I’m sorry.” Kim hurried over to the doors and opened them. In the next second the dogs were outside, but they didn’t start to run around as Jon expect but lifted their legs and watered the small bushes at the patio.

“I should have called Ed after work and asked him to let them out.” Kim felt terrible she forgot them.

“Kim, they are fine.” He tried to calm her, while stepping out on the patio as well.

“I asked you the next time when you had to hold it for nearly 20 hours!!” Kim replied a little pissed.

Jon turned and looked at her surprised. “Why are you mad at me now?”

“Because you were the one who distracted me!” She answered and walked over to the kitchen to refill the bowls of her dogs with fresh water.

“I asked you whether you can stay! I didn’t drag up to my bedroom without permission!” his voice raised a bit. Why was she mad at him?

“And you think a woman can think clearly when you kiss her stupid, huh?” her voice was also gaining on volume.

The dogs came back in and watched the scene confused. When Jon saw them he was sure they would growl at him, but to his surprise they just watched him. It seemed they didn’t see him as a potential danger for their mistress anymore.

He turned back to Kim. “Are you saying you regret what happened last night?” God, this could turn into a real nightmare now.

“I didn’t say that, Jon.”

“Then what the fuck do you mean?” he was clearly frustrated now.

She sighed and crossed her arms in front of her breast.

“I don’t know…maybe that I’m always very organized and aware what I will do next. I’ve never been really spontaneous, Jon….I plan anything and everything. Me... staying with you last night was definitely not planned.”

Jon watched her for a second. “Kim, I like to be in control of my life either, but with us being so damn busy in the last couple weeks, I think we need to take it as it comes. If we try to plan everything, it will not work.”

He took a step forward and tried to take her hand, but she didn’t let him. She wouldn’t be able to resist him let alone think clearly when he would touch her.

“Kimi, please believe me, I know what kinda schedule is waiting for me in the next few months. If you expect me to tell you a day or two prior that I wanna spend time with you… it will not work.”

He watched her a little worried. If he couldn’t make her see it, he was pretty sure they could end whatever they had right here and now. And that idea made him feel sick. He didn’t wanna loose her.

Kim bit her bottom lip nervously. Was he right? Fran always told her to be more spontaneous. But could she do it? Dammit, I can’t think with him staring at me!

Without saying a word she turned and walked upstairs.

“Kim? …Kimi, what are you…?” he asked irritated. She couldn’t just end it like this, right?

“Just a second, Jon.”

He had no idea what to think about it. He turned to the dogs. “She is worse than me. Do you know that?”

Kidd came closer and rubbed his head against his hand. Jon smiled. Those dogs really have a sense for bad moods. Sambo just watched him with his dark brown eyes.

A few minutes later Kim came back, wearing a sports outfit. “I’m going down to the gym. Make yourself a home, play with the dogs when you want. I’m back in a bit.”

And with that she was gone.

“Uhm…” dumbfolded he watched her closing the door behind her. Something like that never happened before. What should he do now?

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

Fran and Richie had spent the better part of the day with Jason skating in Central Park, when both their mobiles rang.

“It’s Kim.”

“It’s Jon.”

They looked at each other for a second. “Oh, Oh.” Richie said and answered his phone.

“Hey man, what’s up?”

Fran walked a couple meters to a bench from which she could watch Jason still skating around close to her and answered her phone as well. “Hi Kim. How are you?”

“I think I fucked it up, Fran.” Her best friend answered completely down.

“What happened?” Fran asked concerned.

“So, you two had a fight?” Rich asked Jon.

“Yeah, I think you could say that…I’m not sure though. She’s down at the gym now.” Yeah, right, Richie thought. He could see Fran talking on the phone.

“What happened, man?”

“Kim, you know I already told you that you should be more spontaneous. Jon sure didn’t want you to neglect the dogs. He had no idea that they were alone.”

“You know Rich, I had no idea that the dogs couldn’t get outside. They mean everything to her, are like her babies…I sure don’t want her to neglect or forget them.”

“I had the feeling he wasn’t really getting, it, Fran…”

“Maybe she thinks you weren’t concerned enough about her dogs, Jon?”

“Is this really about the dogs, Kim? Or more about you no longer being in control of everything in your life?”

“I think she is used to being in control of everything in her life…even more than me…and that it freaks her out that I could get her to stay last night.”

“I AM in control of my life, Fran!”

“Well, you were probably worse than her at her age…you drove us really crazy, I remember that.”

“Kim, if you are in a relationship you are emotionally bound to the other person. These emotions can make it very difficult sometimes…you wanted to stay with Jon last night, but this morning you feel guilty, because over your emotions you forgot your babies…you wanted to stay with him, right sweetheart?”

“Yeah, but I never regretted following my emotions…shit, man. What should I do? I tried to explain to her that we have to take it how it comes with our busy schedules? Do you think I scared her with that?”

“Of course I wanted to stay with him, Fran. And it was great. He was really sweet. And he didn’t seem to mind that we didn’t go all the way…you know what I mean…”

“Yes, I know…sweetheart.”

“I think it takes a lot more to scare her away than telling her about your business, Jon.”

“I’m not sure I like the idea of being…dependent on someone…even emotionally….”

“What should I do now, man. Give her more time?”

“Kim, if you can’t handle depending on someone, you will never be able to be in a relationship! I thought you like Jon?”

“Give her time to get used to it. I know it’s not easy for you, Jon, but if you don’t wanna loose her, you should not push. And don’t plan things without telling her. You know how much it freaks you out when someone else id doing it!”

“I think I love him Fran.”

“Does that include my birthday surprise?”

“Oh, sweetheart…do yourself a favor and follow your heart.”

“In this stadium of your relationship it also includes birthday surprise I would say. When you are still together in a couple years and she got used to the control freak in you, you can do it without asking.”

“You think I should?”

“Hmpf…we will be still together in a couple years…I love her.”

“Yes, sweetheart I think you should. He’s a great guy and nothing but sweet with you…You should really try this.”

“Wow! Did you already tell her?”

“Nah.”

“Ok, thanks Fran and sorry I interrupted your day with Richie.”

“Maybe you should.”

“I will think about it. Thanks for listening to my shit, man.”

“No problem, sweetheart. You can always call me. Love you. Bye.”

“No, problem brother. See you later.”

After he ended the call with Jon, Rich walked over to Fran. When he saw her finishing her call as well, he sat down next to her, grimacing lightly. He would have a hell of muscle soreness tomorrow, because of the skating. But he had to admit he liked it.

“She ok?” he asked worried.

“Yeah, she’s simply not used to being in a relationship. She needs time.” Fran moved closer to him. Rich nodded agreeing and put his arm around her shoulder.

“You think they will tell each other how much they love the other one soon?” Fran looked at him surprised.

“He does?”

“Yeah, head over heels for her.” Rich said. Fran chuckled.

“Kim as well…I really hope they get this worked out.”

“I hope that too…where is Jason?” Richie scanned the area. “Ah, there he is.” He got up from the bench.

“JASON! Come on over. Let’s get some ice cream.”

The boy turned immediately and rushed over to them. Fran shook her head laughing. Rich opened his arms and her son skated right into his embrace. She nearly started to cry. Richie really liked her baby and Jason couldn’t be happier either. Maybe we can be a real family…