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.