FLA 23

Ch 69

"Did you two use to hang out with my mom and dad when they were cool?" Jesse snickered.

"Are you sure you don't want a son, he's ok most of the time, especially when he's locked in his room." Dot laughed reaching over and tickling Jesse.

"I actually used to date your mom Jesse." Bobby told him.

"Really?" Jesses' eyes widened as did Stephs. "You mean my mom dated somebody other than dad?" he asked.

"Yes back when we had to walk uphill both ways to school." Bobby told him.

"Seriously Dad how many years ago - you've been with mom forever." Lisa asked her father.

"We were what 16 Dorothea?" Bobby asked.

"Yes about that." Dot smiled.

"And I used to date Sarah." Jon smiled. "Kind of funny that we ended up marrying the each others ex's"

"I didn't even think you two had ex's. I thought you've always been together." Stephanie said.

"We have been for most of our life Steph but we did date before."
Jon replied putting his other arm around his daughters shoulders.

"Wow. Lisa do your parents constantly tell you stories of what they did 15 yrs ago, 20 yrs ago?"

"Yes they do I'm like give me a break I wasn't even born yet." Lisa laughed.

"All teenagers are the same." Jon laughed. "The don't wanna listen!"'
Romeo tugged on Jon's shorts again trying to get his attention then pointed toward Sarah. "Is her your girlfriend?"

"No buddy." he smiled looking toward Sarah and Bobby."Mommy is still daddy's girl."

"Am I really?" Dot smiled.

He smiled leaning over to kiss her cheek. "You know it."
Sarah stood there watching the couple interact and even though her break up with Jon was tough she couldnt' deny the fact that they were perfect together.

"So Sarah, Bobby filled us in on what he had been up to, what have you been up to?"

"I've been a nurse for about 15 years now." she replied wrapping her arm around Bobby. "And of course being a mom."

Bobby hugged her tight. "An amazing one at that."

"Mom or nurse?" she joked.

"Mom of course, I don't break myself often so you don't have fix me often." Bobby laughed. "Well its been great seeing you two but we told Lisa we'd drive up to Coney Island today so we should get going."

"It was really good seeing you guys today. Maybe you could come by the house some time." Jon leaned over and hugged Sarah then shook Bobby's hand.

"Yeah give us a call. We're actually listed." Bobby laughed shaking Jon's hand and kissing Dorothea on the cheek.

"We'll definately do that one day, won't we baby?"

"Sure. I've stolen him from his fans for a year now so we can have a life."

His smile grew wider at just the thought of being with his family for that long of a time. "You guys take care alright. And you take good care of her Bobby." Jon winked with a slight smile.

"OH I will, she's my sweetie, she's my everything." Bobby pulled Sara closer. "You take care of the woman you stole from me."

"I have for 30 years man." he said softly wrapping both arms around her. "And I will for the next 30."

"Only 30?" Dot laughed.

"Maybe 31." he teased.

"You know you wanna be like that I'll only give you 29."

"you two haven't changed. We'll talk to you soon." Boby laughed as he walked off with his family.

Jon put his hand up in the air waving as they walked "See you guys."
After they had gotten far enough away he continued to hold his wife.

"It was good seeing those two."

"Yeah I'm glad he found someone to love, I kinda felt guilty for a bit."

"You did?"

"Yeah he went in the military to serve our country and I ditched him for the likes of you. My rockstar."

"And he also told me to watch his girl." he kissed her. "He didn't say how closely."

"So you just took it apon yourself to watch me from the otherside of the bed right?"

"It took two of us baby." he smiled.

"All you had to do was no."

"Why the hell would I say no, you're really good." She smiled.

"EWWWW TMI!" Steph ran off into the water.

"Why does that bother kids? Do they not realize if it wasn't for sex they wouldn't be here?" he laughed.

Dot wrapped her arms around Jon's waist. "For the same reason you don't want to know that your parents have sex."

His body shuttered at the thought. "Guess your right."

"I don't get it though, we're hot and sexy we arent like real parents are we?" Dot asked.

"What do you mean?" Jon motioned for her to walk over towards the blanket where they sat down and watched their kids.

"Well I was just saying we don't look like our parents so we wouldn't be that bad of an image.' Dot laughed. She then saw Romeo come up.

"Mommy lotion pees"

Jon leaned back and grab the lotion out of her bag then sat back up.
"You want me or mommy to put it on?"

"Mommy - she cuter" Rome told his dad.

"Fine then." Jon chuckled handing the lotion to her.

"Would you rather he liked boys."

"Hell no!"

"Well then." Dot laughed and put the lotion on Romeo. "Honey will you tell your bothers to come up here to get lotion?"

"Okay mommy." he turned around running back to the water screaming. "JESSE, JAKEY, MOMMY WANTS YOU!"

"He's not exactly quiet is he?" Jon laughed.

"No he's got lungs, kind of like you."

"What are saying Dot?"

"What do you think sexy?" She smiled laying back in the sun.

"That I moan to loud?" he smirked.

"nope has to do with you onstage."

"Singing?"

"More like strutting around and kissing girls and being an overall smartass on stage."

"Smartass? When am I a smartass onstage?"

"When aren't you and my I get paid to shake my ass so I'm gonna shake it." She smiled.

"Excuse me? I'm not a smartass." he told her then kicked sand on her leg being playful.

"Sure honey. You also don't like spankings." She laughed not believing a damn thing he said but knowing why he's saying it.

"I do like those." he smiled.

"I know baby, your my man." She then sat up to put lotion on her other boys before they ran off. Once they did she layed down on her stomach and let the sun cook her back. "You know you really turned me on today."

"What's that?"

"When Romeo asked you if Sara was your girlfriend - what you told him made me want to jump you right then and there."

He layed down on his back beside her with his head propped up by the extra clothes near them. "Saying that you were my girl?"

"Yep." She smiled letting her body relax more.

Wanting to have an excuse to touch any part of her right now he sat up and grabbed the bottle of lotion putting a little on the small of her back then rubbing it over her.

"You trying to take my tan away?"

"Nope just don't want ya to get burnt."

"Will you give me a massage later?"

"Anything you want babe." he told her. His hands slid over her back and around sides then back up to her shoulders.

"your touch is so soothing baby."

"You know if the kids weren't here I would take you right now." he almost whispered. Being there with her doing a simple thing like helping her with the lotion made him happy. He missed the things like this when he was on the road and almost hated the thought of going back.

"Take me where?" She flipped her head to face him and smiled.

"To heaven and back baby." he grinned.

"oH I love that." She smiled and kept absorbing the sun. About an
hour later she felt Jon touch her back again, "what baby?"

"You gonna sleep all day?"

"I'm just relaxed, I have my family with me."

She smiled at him softly.

"Well your family is hungry." he teased. "The kids are ready to go the Pony."

"Ok." Dot smiled and did a push up and used that momentum to get to her feet.

Jon grabbed Romeo's shirt and put it on him while the two other boys got there own. "You guy's ready?" he asked slipping his shirt on.
"We gonna see the horsies?" Romeo asked all excited.

"Yeah dad." Steph smiled.

"Buddy there aren't any horses." Jon told him as he grabbed his hand.

"If you says so"

"Dad do the waitresses wear clothes?" Jesse asked.
Jon laughed then reached for Jakes' hand while going down the beach.

"Yes son they wear clothes. Didn't I tell you that woman aren't just toys?"

"Yeah but they are great eye candy."

"That still doesn't mean you have the right to sit there and stare."

"Dad again with the lies. Like you never did it."

"I never said I didn't do it. But I now know that I shouldnt' have."

"And maybe when I'm as old and you I'll know that too."

Jon released his hand from Jakes just long enough to playfully smack the back of Jesses' head. "Respect son."

"Ok gramps." Jesse laughed.

"Dot do you hear how your son is talking to me?" he laughed.

"Yes I do but I'm confident that you can handle it." She smiled.
Jon turned back towards Jesse and laughed. "You heard your mom lay off."

"Ok pops." Jesse laughed again as they got up to the Stone Pony.

"DADDY!" Romeo exclaimed pointing to the sign. "Horsie!"

Jon picked him up and walked over toward Dot with Jake holding his hand. "You know this kid is going to be so disappointed."

"you might have to take him horseback riding when we get home." Dot laughed "Come on kids lets go inside and get some food."

"Can we do that daddy?!"

"Sure buddy." He gave him a quick kiss on the cheek as they walked inside. Jon couldn't help but smile being back in the place that helped him get his start.

"HI, I'm Tina welcome to the Stone Pony. Six for Lunch?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am" Jon told her still looking around.

She brought them over to a corner booth and left some menus before walking into the back. "Hey Michael, I think you should go out into the dining room - table 10."

"Something wrong?"

"No but I think you might want to say hi."

He looked at her strangely then stood up from his desk where he had papers scattered all over. "I'm kind of busy right now Tina so this better be important."

"Fine don't say I didn't tell you." She smiled and walked back to the door. She personally wasn't a Bon Jovi fan but his pictures were on the tables and a platnium album on the wall here that was given to Michael as a thank you.

He walked over toward the door the door that lead into the small dining area and looked back toward the table. It can't be... The closer he got the more noticeable the guy became and when he smiled it was evident. "Johnny Bongiovi!" He smiled reaching out his arms.

Jon's eyes widened when he saw the man that was there in the beginning of his career. "Michael! How the hell are ya?" He stood up giving him a hand shake then a hug. "You still own this place?"

"Yeah I'm gonna die hear you know that." he laughed.

"What brings you back here?"

"My kids wanted to see where their old man started." he smiled introducing each one of his kids. "And I know you remember Dorothea."

"Hi Michael." Dorothea stood up giving the old man a hug.

"Dorothea you are still as pretty as you always were." He released her from his grip then stepped back to look at her. "I'm glad to see you kept this guy in line."

"Thats been easy, he loves me." Dorothea smiled. "This place hasn't changed. I love it."

"Not as busy as it used to be but since they built up down here business is slowly growin' again."

Romeo stood up on the bench to make sure he was noticed. "S'cuse me sir.....were da horsie's are at?"

Michael was a little confused so he looked to Jon and Dot for a little help.

"The name has Pony and there is a horse on the sign, he thinks there should be horses here." Dot enlightened him.

"Oh makes sense." he laughed softly looking at the the little boy.

"There aren't any horses here little man."

"But why?" he pouted crossing his arms. "I wanna see a horsey."

"Romeo, I promise you when we get back home one day we will go ride horses okay?" Jon told him.

"K'ay but you no forgot!"

"How about you remind him buddy?" Dot tells Romeo.

"I won't forget little man." Jon laughed sitting back down beside him.

"Why don't you grab a bite with us Michael."

"I've got a stack of papers on my desk taller than your little one there." he joked.

"Taller dan me?" Romeo asked. "That big!"

"Yeah it is." Jon smiled proudly watching his kids.

"I hope you kids know what your dad did to get to where he is today. Everytime he took that stage back there he made me proud."

"He's amazing." Steph told Michael. Speaking up for the first time.

"Yes he certainly is." He looked at Stephanie for a moment then smiled.

"You have that same look in your eye that your dad did."

"What look?" She asked.

"The look of excitement the first time he stepped up on stage here."
He looked back toward Jon and smiled. "She's got that gift doesn't she?"

He barely nodded then smiled.

"Would you like to grace the stage your daddy did?"
Steph looked at Michael, "I don't think so, we're here on family time."

"You sure?" Jon asked smiling back toward her.

"Dad." Steph whispered, "I thought you wanted this place to be special for you."

"This could mine and your place." he whispere looking towards Dot hoping that was okay. Afterall they had the entire shore that was special to them.

"After lunch, incase people recognize you and we need to run, I'm hungry." She smiled.

"You heard the lady Michael." Jon smiled proudly just thinking about her taking that stage.

"Well I'll let you guys enjoy your lunch together. Just tell Tina to come get me when you finish up okay." he smiled as he walked back towards his office.

After he left, Jesse started picking on his sister about singing. "Why do you want to humiliate yourself for Steph?" he snickered while taking a drink of his soda.

"Would you like me to kick your ass Jesse, that will really humiliate you.

"Yeah right!"

"You couldn't kick my ass if you tried." he smirked.

"Daddy they say bad words." Romeo spoke softly.

"Guys behave." Jon told them.

"Tell him to knock it off." Steph got up and ran to the bathroom.

"Dot I can't fix the one baby."

"Hold on I'll go calm her down. Jesse James you better check that attitude towards your sister." Dot warned as she got up.

"Yes ma'am"

Once Dot had went into the bathroom Jon turned back towards his eldest son. "Cut your sister some slack will ya?"

"Why she can take it?" Jesse told him.

"I know she can but she's at that age where she's a little self concious and you picking on her doesn't help."

"Well thats lame."

"Be nice to Stephy I love her." Jake tells Jesse.

"Maybe you should take a lesson from your little brother." Jon told him
not pleased the way he had acted.

"Yeah Stephy nice! You mean." Romeo told him and smacked him on the arm.

"Come on dad if she wants to be in the music business she's gonna have to get a tougher skin." Jesse still thinks he's right.

"That girl is tougher than you know Jess, she's just scared thats all."
Just then Dot and Stephanie return to the table and Steph gives Jesse a look that says you're dead later without words.

Jon was pleased to see his daughter come back but she still wasn't completely herself. "You alright Steph?"

"Yep but I'm gonna get even."

"Go for it baby girl."

He never wanted to see his kids argue but Jesse had crossed the line
earlier and if anybody could put him in his place it was his older sister.

"OH I will."

"Dad tell her she can't do that!"

"You started it son. If you can't take it don't dish it out."
Before anybody had a chance to respond the waitress bought out everyones food. "I hope you guys enjoy you meal." she smiled giving the two younger boys a refill. "If ya need anything I'll be over there at the bar setting up."

"Thank you." Jake said with a smile.

"You're very welcome cutie." she smiled.

"I cute daddy." Jake advised.

That was definately Jon's son there was no way to deny it. His son
definately had good taste when it came to women even if he was five.

"Jakey the heartbreaker." he smiled taking a sip of his drink.

"He's to cute." Tina replied before walking into the next room.
Jakey smiled and dug into his french fries.

Jon ruffled his hair while he ate. "My little ladies man." he laughed.

"Just like you daddy." Jake reminded him.

"Yeah but there is only one lady that daddy is interested in." He took a bite of his burger as he looked toward his wife then winked.

"That's so sexy baby." Dot laughed.

"What is?" He took another bite of the burger then grabbed a couple of fries. It had been way to long since he had a decent burger from there.

"You love your pony burgers. I forgot how much you dig in." Dot laughed handing him a napkin to get the ketchup off his lip.

"They are so damn greasy, it's great." He laughed taking the napkin from her and wiping off his mouth.

Dot smiled loving the grin on his face.

"How do you guy's like 'em?"

"I think they're good." Steph says and Jake agrees with a "yummy"

Romeo pushed back the plate with half a burger left and rubbed his stomach. "They to big I full."

"Its ok buddy Daddy will eat it." Dot smiled.

He grabbed the plate and gave it to Jon. "Here you eat it I full."

"You sure you don't want it buddy?"

Romeo assured him he was finished so Jon grabbed the rest of it and put it onto his plate. "No use in wasting it."

"Geez dad why don't you just eat mine to." Jesse replied being himself.

"Why don't you fill your big mouth with it Jess, it'll definitely fit." Steph cracked.

"Why don't you mind your own business Steph." He sit back in his seat and flipped her off making sure that his mom and dad didn't see.
Steph didn't even care if her parents knew she did this, she kicked him in the shin under the table.

"SHIT! Mom she just kicked me!"

He reached under the table rubbing his leg.

"I didn't see it." She told him allowing Steph to get a little revenge against Jesse's bad attitude.

"Dad!"

"I agree with your mom on that one."

After finishing up with the additional burger he leaned back with a smile on his face. "We definitely need to come here more often."

"Dad I figured it out

"Figured what out?

"What song I want to do."

"Oh yeah? What is it?"

"Who says you can't go home." She smiled and then looked around, "I think its appropriate."

A huge smile spread across his face and with that look he didn't even have to say how proud he was of her.

Chapter 70

Just after she had said that Tina was walking by and Jon asked her to go back and Michael because they were ready. Before letting her go though Jon asked Steph one more time if she's ready and she agreed.

Tina disappeared into the back for about a minute then she followed her boss back out toward the table.

Jon looked back towards the small stage then over to the sound board. "Mike do you have an extra guitar lying around here?"

"Actually the band that's playing here tonight just brought their things in a few hours ago, I think they would be honored if you played the guitar."

"You think?" Jon smiled standing up from the seat. While Dot and the boys stayed there he took Steph over to the stage to let her get her feel of it before he had the family come in. He knew better than anyone how scary it was stepping on a stage for the first time even if was just an empty room.

"Dad what if people think like Jesse does, what if they think I suck." Steph asked.

"Do you think you're good?"

"I know I am, I'm your daughter."

"Well then don't worry about what other people think. If I had done that I wouldn't be where I'm at
today." he told her trying to calm her nerves.

"But Jesse knows me, he thinks I'm horrible. Are you just being nice."

"He's also never heard you right?"

"no but he says"

"Steph he's your brother, his main goal in life is to make your life miserable." he smiled hugging his daughter.

"How are we going to break the song up."

"What do you mean? The same way I did with Jennifer."

"I'm so nervous I can't remember

"You know you don't have to do this right?"

"Yeah I know but I'm going to to shut Jess up."

Jon walked across the stage just as she said that and picked up the acoustic guitar. "That's my girl."

"I need you to motion to me when I'm supposed to sing."

He started strumming the song seeing if it would come to her the started singing . "I spent 20 years tryin' to get out this place I was looking for something I couldn't replace. I was running away from the only thing I've ever known."

Stephanie inhaled deeply and sang, "Like a blind dog without a bone, I was a gypsy lost in the twilight zone , I hijacked a rainbow and crashed into a pot of gold"

"There ya go baby girl." he smiled strumming away going through the next couple of parts with her.

"You ready to show these people what you’re made of?"

"Sure daddy." She smiled knowing that if she concurred this at his Stone Pony she'll always have something huge with him.

"I'll go get 'em." he smiled happily jumping down off the stage and going to get the family. A few short minutes later everyone was in there including Michael, Tina and the bartender that had just came in.

Jon looked up on the stage and his daughter looked like she would lose her lunch any second so he went up on stage with her. "You alright Steph?"

"Yeah."

He leaned over and whispered into her ear. "Just imagine all of them in their underwear." he joked picking the guitar back up and sitting on the stool beside her.

"I don't wanna think of Jesse in his underwear." She told him.

"Don't blame ya." he laughed. "So are you ready?"

"Yes dad lets do it."

"If you get nervous just close your eyes okay. That always helps for me."

"Ok."

Jon started playing the daughter and keeping an eye on his daughter to make sure she was okay. Singing in front of people for the first time can get to you and he wanted her to be comfortable. He started singing the first few lines of the song then nodded when she was to come in. "I spent 20 years tryin' to get out this place I was looking for something I couldn't replace. I was running away from the only thing I've ever known."

Stephanie inhaled deeply and sang, "Like a blind dog without a bone I was a gypsy lost in the twilight zone

I hijacked a rainbow and crashed into a pot of gold" Finishing with a confidence and looked at Jesse like bite me. She then smiled over to her dad knowing this was gonna be fine.

He smiled right back amazed at how calm she seemed to be, but afterall she was his daughter. They went through a few more lyrics then harmonized even better than he would have thought when they sang "Who says you can't go home there’s only one place they call me one of their own."

By this point Steph had loosened up and was swinging her hips and singing with her dad. She sang along with him and looked at Jesse with a grin that said so much without saying a word directly to him.

He was definitely being the proud dad when he backed off the singing letting her be the star of the show but he would sing a word or two through the song.

When the song ended Steph immediately hugged her dad careful not to squish the guitar.

"So how did you like it?" he whispered removing the guitar so that he could hug her more comfortably.

"What a rush." She smiled hugging him tight.

Dot stood up clapping hesitantly. Not enough that Steph could read into it but Jon could if he tried. She was scared for another member of her family to be in this business.

Jesse walked up on the stage and over to his older sister with a smile on his face. "Hey Steph."

"Yeah." She looked at him like come on I dare you.

"You actually made me proud to be your brother."

"Yeah well you have a lot to do to make me proud to be your sister." She told him honestly and hugged her dad again.

"Geez you try to be nice!" he mumbled walking back down to his mom.

"You deserve that you've been a shithead." Dot told him

Meanwhile Jon looked over his daughters shoulder and saw Dot. His smile was huge when he looked up but it slowly faded when he saw the look on her face. It was the same one he had seen when he first told Dot about what actually happened out on the road.

"But she is pretty good mom you gotta admit it."

"OH I can admit it, I've heard her before. She's amazing."

"Aren't you proud of her?" Jesse asked a little confused about his mom's actions.

"Of course I am Jesse. I've just got you and your brothers to take care of too." She smiled at him and then walked up to Steph to give her a hug. "Great job honey."

Steph smiled and hugged her mom back.

Jon stood back watching his wife and daughter interact but he knew that something was bothering her.
But now wasn't the time to discuss it, he wanted his daughter to enjoy this moment not be somethiing that she had regretted.

"Dad can we get out of here I wanna call Chris."

"Sure honey, if everybody else is ready."

"Sure - Stephy you cool like daddy now." Jake told her.

"Yeah Stephy you cool!" Romeo repeated.

Jon walked back over to Michael thanking him for letting his daughter sing there.

"She's got a lot of talent Jon." Michael told him.

"Yeah I know." he smiled. "But I'm not gonna push her to do it. I want her to do it because she enjoys it not because it would make me proud."

"I understand that completely." he smiled watching the kids head for the doors. "Looks like they are gonna leave you if you don't hurry."

"Probably." Jon laughed then hugged Michael. "You may see me back down here more often now man."

"I hope so. You take care Jon.....you to Dorothea." He walked over to Steph and put his arm around her shoulder. "You have a gift sweetheart I hope you know that."

"Thank you for letting me sing." She hugged Michael.

"You're welcome. Anytime you want to come down here just have your dad give me a call."

"Thank you." Steph then ran out to hang out with her brothers.

"Jon what do you say we bring the kids home, I miss our bed." Dot asked him as they walked out hand in hand after Jon gave Tina a two hundred dollars for their food. "Thanks for keeping it low key." He smiled at her softly before taking Dot's hand again and walking out to their kids.

"I think that’s a very good idea because I miss our bed to."

Since the kids were walking ahead of them Jon took the opportunity to ask his wife about their daughter. "She did good in there didn't she."

"She did amazing, her voice is strong for her age."

"You know I wouldn't let her do this if I thought she would get hurt right?" he asked only because of the look she gave inside.
"Yeah I know I still don't want her in the business, let her hit 17 before she goes down that road if she wants it. I want her to be a kid Jon."

"Me to baby. We actually talked about it earlier when we were out in the ocean. She asked if I would be disappointed if she decided not to sing."

"What did you tell her?"

"I told her that I supported whatever she decided......her happiness is more important then her singing just to make me happy."

"So did she tell you what she wants to be when she grows up yet?" Dot smiled.

"Still deciding." he laughed.

"She'll succeed in whatever she does I know that much."

"This whole kids growing up thing, I'm not so sure I agree with it."

"Me either but a wise woman told me that we had to let them because it's a part of life." Jon sighed pulling his wife closer as they watched the kids in front of them.

"That must of been your wife." She laughed.

"I was talking about mom." he replied jokingly.

She let go of him and slapped his ass.

"What?" he smiled wrapping his arm around her. "You know I love ya."

"Yeah I know. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt." Dot kissed him. "Hey Kids."

Romeo stopped and turned around while everybody else kept walking towards the hotel. "What mommy?"

"Thank you little man for listening to mommy you get ice cream tonight. Do you think it’s time we go home to our house?"

"Yeah I miss doggie."

"Ok buddy run up and tell your brothers and sister to start packing."

"K'ay I will" He turned around and ran to catch up with his brothers and sister telling them they needed to pack.

"So Jon do you think we're gonna be better now."

"You mean get along and understand each other?"

"Yes, appreciate each other better." Dot asked letting him take her hand the way he normally does.

"I think that will happen now that both of us has been in the other person's shoes." He told her while placing his hand into hers. "I just wish we would have done is sooner."

"So what happened with Jesse and Melissa while I was gone- why's he so angry and lashing out."

"Nothing did, he didn't even ask to see her but he talked to her a few times."

"I wonder if they are fighting." Dot said trying to put two and two together.

"He hasn't said anything to me about it and when we talked I told him that he could come to me about anything."

"How did the condom talk go?" Dot asked, she was too busy making love to him last night and this morning to talk with him.

"I'm sorry Jon."

"About what?"

"After our time apart I realized that before I automatically assumed you wouldn't be interested in the day to day parenting stuff. I'm determined to take the time and actually co parent with you now."

"Dot why would you even think that? We made them together."

"I know but you left the parenting up to me, we never talked about if we'd spank them for example, many conversations were never had so I just never thought to bring stuff up to you. I'd tell you what they were doing and what they newest toy they wanted was but never -how do I deal with explaining a period to Steph, I just did it."

"Yeah but with that you kind of had to. I wouldn't even know where to start with that one."

"As far as the other things go there's no need in worrying about in now okay. It's over and done with but from here on out I'm gonna help."

"Good, I like it better this way. Having someone to talk to about these things makes it so much easier."

"And back to your question about the condom talk I think it went pretty well considering."

"Considering what?

"It was just awkward that's all but once he actually started to open up it was a lot easier."

"I'm just happy they are talking to us but its gotta be hard I don't remember my mom talking to me or my dad for that matter.

"Mine didn't either which is exactly why I did what I did when I did it. I don't want my kids to have to learn that way."

"God I hope not I can't imagine being 13 and trying to figure out sex.”

"Believe me it wasn't fun."

Chapter 71

While Jon was at the beach with his family, Richie had other things on his mind in the name of Hannah.

He pulled her into his bedroom and closed the door, his lips were on hers instantly. "Oh baby, I wanna feel you." He whispered as his hands circled her waist. It had been days even since he'd licked her nipples. With Ava there she had been more leery but tonight, he needed some attention.

"Easy cowboy." she smiled enjoying his touch.

"Oh no way, woman I need your hands on me." He locked the door then picked Hannah up and playfully dropped her on the king size bed. "Touch me, tease me, do it all night." Richie started nibbling on her neck. The scary part about all this is they were just watching a movie that had a sex scene in it that wasn't even showed, but the innuendo was there and Richie wanted what was described.

"So what exactly would you like?"

"What I'd like and what we're ok with doing are two different things, I want my tongue in you, along with my fingers, what do you say to me stretching you a little more tonight, get you super horny, let you cum all over my tongue." Richie teased as he nibbled on her neck bringing his hand up to squeeze her breast.

"If you do that I'll make sure you get rewarded Sambora."

"OH you're on." Richie then started kissing her in full passion mode. He had been holding back because of her fear of his size but right now, with what she just said he assumed she was over that so his kisses became more intense and his hands more daring, touching and then removing clothing.

"Take your time we have all night ya know." Watching him made her want him even more than she had earlier.

"Screw that I want you naked. Your flesh against mine, oh hell yeah." Richie's silly grin took over his face again as he started to pull her pants off.

"I can't wait to feel you against me either." She told him while moving her hands over his back and down his arms.

Richie smiled at her, he had to know she wanted him, they haven't' had sex yet so he was doubting it in the recesses of his mind. "Show me you want me, take my shirt off." He had been working out it started when he was in treatment in California and continued, he figured he had a pretty decent body now for a almost 50 yr old. He wasn't Jon but the alcohol look was gone.

She raised her hands toward the top button on his shirt and worked her way down until she reached the last one. Her hands slid down his stomach and around to his mid back. "Have you been working out?"
"That and not drinking, it'll do wonders." Richie smiled and then started n her shirt "Fair's fair."

"Really now?" she smiled running her hands through his hair.

"OH hell yeah, I need to have your nipple in my mouth, I love your breasts." He smiled and moved her bra up and over her breast and started kissing and sucking on her left nipple.

"Fuck me." she moaned biting on her bottom lip.

"Oh trust me Hannah I'd love to." He told her secretly wishing she was wearing his ring right now he'd be playing with it

"And you will baby believe me."

"I can't' wait." Richie sucked just a little harder, his other hand kneading her right breast. Richie moved his head up off of her breast for a few moments. "Roll over."

"Okay" She did as requested unsure of what he was going to do.
Richie got himself to his knees and straddled her hips, he leaned down and kissed up her spine while rubbing her back softly, he needed her to relax, he needed her to just want him with all her heart.

She smiled to herself feeling his hands move over her naked body. "I think a girl could get used to this." she told him softly.

"Oh baby I love touching you, anytime you want a massage just let me know." He smiled as he nibbled and licked at the skin on her back.

Chills filled her body when his lips and tongue touched her bare she skin. "Oh god." she moaned lifting her head slightly wanting nothing more than feeling him inside of her.

Richie kept his left hand roaming over her back, his lips sucking skin into his mouth, his right hand slid down her body and his fingers began teasing where his body longed to enter.

Her body instantly reacted when she felt him and pushed herself down over his fingers. She whimpered feeling the slight stokes he was making and squeezed her inner muscles letting him know how much she was enjoying this time with him.

"Oh baby I wanna stretch you, mold you, take you to heaven." Richie nibbled on her back more, carefully caressing both inside her body with his long fingers and moving her long flowing hair to the side so he could nibble on her neck. "you're so beautiful."

"I want to feel you honey." she whispered still letting her natural senses take over.

Richie pushed a 3rd finger inside her dripping core. He knew this would stretch her but she was so willing right now hopefully she'd accept it. His mouth went back to licking and kissing her back.

"Oh damn." Feeling the fingers inside her body made her back arch pushing her hips down toward the bed. She welcomed him with a soft moan while her head was now buried in the pillow wanting to just scream of pure pleasure.

"Turn over baby I'm not done with you yet." Richie moaned taking his fingers from her as he watched her turn over.

"Do what you want." she smiled sexily moving her hands down his chest.

"OH I plan on it, now open those thighs." Richie leaned back on his heals to wait for her to obey.

"Yes sir." A smirk came across her face doing as he had requested. "Please don't torture me to much." she teased.

Richie grinned larger than life. "NO just the right amount." He then bent at the waist and let his tongue tease her reckless. Her taste, her desire so evident, his fingers dove home again, this time he opened them while inside of her to stretch her more.

As he moved his finger her hips started moving with him and soon after she couldn't take anymore. She sat up just enough to push his hand away. "I want you inside of me not your fingers." she told him with her eyes filled with desire. "I'm ready."

"Ok baby but it feels so good in there." Richie smiled reaching for a condom and putting it on. "Are you sure you don't want my tongue to tease you more?" He smiled pushing her back on the bed, "My finger likes your body." He smiled playing with her clit again and then sliding his finger in completely, moving her lined up so just as his finger slid out of her wetness his cock slid in. It wasn't an easy fit, she still needed to be stretched more but he fit. A soon as his body was encased by hers he stopped moving. "OH baby."

A moan escaped her lips as her eyes closed taking in the feeling of him. She had never been with anyone as big as him and while it was a little uncomfortable she was still enjoying it. "You can move just a little Richie." she smiled softly.

"As long as your sure baby." Richie moved his body slowly, still wanting her to relax and accept him but damn this felt good, its been to long.

"Oh god yes I'm sure." she moaned.

Richie took that as free reign. From that point forward his lower body had a mind of its own, he pushed in and withdrew in a rhythm that only rang true in his head.

Hannah's nails dug into his back as she screamed from pleasure while her hips began moving with his.

He closed his eyes as he felt that, damn it felt so good, he then realized Ava was in the house so he bent down and kissed her deeply as he pushed into her with an unrelenting pace. If she's gonna be his woman long term, she needs to be able to really handle sex with him. Sometimes pretty demanding sex.
After their lips parted she looked directly into his eyes. "You feel so damn good Sambora."

"Glad you like it baby. Come to paradise with me." He smiled taking her mouth with his again and bringing his fingers down to tease his clit as he moved inside her deep and fast enough to send her over the edge, when he felt her muscles contract around him he allowed himself to release. Slowly he stopped the kiss and pulled out disposing of the condom. He took her in his arms afterwords and smiled. "Damn baby."

"Damn is right." she smiled moving closer to him. There had never been a guy that made her feel anywhere near as good as what he had done except for her husband.

Richie let his hand rest on the small of her back as he pulled her to him.

For the first time she felt content in his arms, that was what she was waiting on before giving him a definite answer to marriage. And after that she would surely wear his ring, hopefully for the rest of her life. She lay there with her head resting on his chest recovering from the love making and her eyes closed but she had a smile on her face. "I love you." she whispered slowly drifting off to sleep.

Richie's eyes opened as she said that but he could tell by her breathing she had already drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 72

After getting back to the hotel and getting everything packed up the younger kids along with Jesse decided that they wanted to ride back with their mom while Stephanie opted to ride with her dad. He helped Dot get the two younger ones buckled in then walked her around to her side of the car. "If they bug ya to much just pull over and I'll get 'em." he smiled looking into the backseat watching their sons.

"You're sweet honey but I'll be fine. Are you gonna have Steph drive home or are you going to?" She asked right before she saw Steph get in the passenger seat. "Ok I guess you're driving." She then kissed him.

"Looks that way." he laughed. He opened up the car door and helped her into the seat then shut the door. "I'll see you in a few baby." he smiled as he stuck his head through the window giving her a kiss. "I love ya....be careful."

"Will do, I love you honey."

"Get a room" Jake laughed.

"You've been hanging around with Jesse to to long young man." Jon told him.

"Be good for mommy alright."

"Otay. Lets go." Jake smiled.

Jon kissed his wife one more time before walking back to his vehicle and sliding into the driver's seat. "You wanna drive?"

"No I'm good." Steph relaxed in the seat. "Can't text and drive." She smiled at her dad.

"And I don't want to catch you even trying that." he told her backing up the car then pulling out on the road right behind Dot.

"Dad remember I'm not the dumb kid, I'm the straight A student."

"Yeah I know that and I'm very proud of you. I don't tell you that enough."

"No you don't' and you really should kids like hearing that from their parents."

"What? You mean you don't consider that annoying you?" he joked.

"Dad your not annoying when you tell me how great I am."

"Well then you were really great today." he smiled proudly.

"We're you worried than none of us would be musical?

"That was the least of my worries Steph."

"Why else would you be proud of me today dad?" Steph asked texting her friend Brandy back and then closing her phone.

"Because you got up the courage to sing in front of somebody other than me and mom."

"Singing in front of you was harder."

"Really?"

"Yeah you know when somethings flat or not on key, most people don't they just know if they like something or not." Steph's phone beeps again and under her breath she says, 'Brandy fix it yourself.' She then puts the phone in her purse.

"Chris getting a little over anxious?"

"Its not Chris he's at football practice, its Brandy she's fighting with Jeremy and she's all help me- well she's the dummy who kissed Michael so why should Jeremy forgive her."

Jon laughed softly listening to his daughter that was definitely wise to be her age. "So are you the love helper now?"

"I have been for a while but since Chris and I are happy they come to me, I just don't understand why people say that want to be with one person and then go screw around with others.

"Sometimes it just happens Steph, you don't mean for it to but the opportunity presents itself." he told her honestly.

"But why? I mean I know you kissed someone else when you were married to mom but she knows that too you do it every night on stage, have you ever done something stupid?" She asked.

Jon moved over into the other lane trying to keep up with his wife. "I've done a few stupid things in my life baby girl."

"Against mom?"

"Unfortunately yes, but she does know about it."

"What'd you do? How'd she forgive you?"

"It's something that I want to keep between me and your mom okay. I don't want anyone else to know but us." he turned to look at her briefly. "You understand that right?

"Yeah, kind of why Asbury Park is so special is just for you two to know?"

"Yeah like that."

"I'm glad she forgave you but if Chris so much as kissed another girl I'd never get over it."

"If you loved him you would."

"How is me forgiving him for cheating proof of loving him? Thats almost as dumb as saying having sex is proof of love - its not. Love means love dad thats it"

"I'm just saying that you said you wouldn't forgive him for doing that but if in your heart you really cared about him you would. If your mom wouldn't have forgiven me you wouldn't even be here right now."

"But I don't like the correlation that you forgive cheating if you love someone, maybe mom forgave you because she saw a bigger picture that I can get behind but not the if you love him you would bullshit."

"With me and your mom I guess it was different because we had known each other for a long time and she knew deep down that I truly was sorry for what I did."

"Ok."

"You were right about what you said earlier though love means love end of story. And I hope you can find that one day, whether it be with Chris or somebody else."

"I think I already found it with Chris." She said softly.

"I think you have to because your mom had that same look when we started going out."

"What look?" She looked at her dad trying to show innocence.

Jon looked over and smiled. "Don't try to hide it Steph I see the way your eyes light up when you talk about him."

"He treats me right." She smiled again Jon was right she couldn't stop smiling thinking of him.

"That's what I'm talking about."

"Hey no teasing me." She smiled. "So are you and mom all better now?"

"Yeah I think so." he smiled. "Until I do something stupid anyway."

"Don't' say that dad, mom doesn't like it when you always blame
yourself."

"But most of the time it is me. In my eyes your mom is perfect."

"Well women are." She smiled. Her phone beeped again but this time with a different tone and she looked and then jumped a bit in her seat with a squeal.

Jon laughed. "Let me guess - Chris?"

"Yes, he just got bumped to 1st string Varsity." She told her dad while texting back how happy she was for him.

"Might have to recruit him to the Soul" Jon smirked.

"If you pay him enough I might help you."

"Are you his manager?

"No but I told you I might go into entertainment law, sports law can't be that different."

"Probably not." He told her while switching lanes. "Damn this traffic is bad today."

"And you wanted me to drive?" She laughed.

"Good thing you didn't because I would be pullin' my hair out!"

"Yeah you can't afford that."

"Not if you enjoy living your nice life anyway." he joked.

"Such a fruitcake dad. Hey Chris wanted to know if Money was sticking around this year - I told him I thought so but need the inside scoop? And are we having a party at the house for them? Chris would die if I could bring him."

"Money will be around for a long time! And as far as a party goes - thats not a bad idea. Maybe we should ask your mom."

"Maybe I should go into to marketing." Steph smiles.

"Whatever you want Steph."

He came to a slow stop when the traffic in front of him had came to halt. "So what exactly do you want to do?"

"I don't' know yet. We had a career day at school the end of the year and about 20 things sounded really interesting. Nothing - parden the pun - has ROCKED my world yet."

"I'm glad to hear that NOTHING has rocked your world yet." he laughed.

"You mean besides Chris?" She smirked.

An eyebrow arched when he looked at his daughter but he didn't say anything. He had hoped she didn't mean what he thought she did.

"Boy I got you quiet." She laughed seeing the sign that Red Bank was only 15 more miles.

Chapter 73

"Well now that I have you in a car and can’t get away I wanted to talk to you and make you a deal."

"I'm not cleaning Jesse's room for all the money you have in the bank." She cracked.

"I wouldn't ask anyone to do that." he replied jokingly. "It's about sex - if I get you a promise ring will you promise not to to be with anybody until you're at least 17."

"No."

"What if I throw in a car on your 16th birthday?"

"Why are you trying to bribe me? Dad I'm not an employee you can sweeten the pot to to make sure they stick around." Steph told him pretty offended.

"I know that I just don't want you stepping into something before you are ready for it."

"You mean before you are ready for it?" She challenged.

"No before you are ready. I've accepted the fact that whether I like it or not you're gonna do it."

"How about we compromise, I can promise 16."

"16?" he sighed realizing that wasn't really that far away.

"Dad you were 13,"

"Yeah I've heard."

"I take it Jesse busted you on that too?" She asked.

"Yeah he did and I'll tell you the same thing I told him. I was nowhere near ready for it like I thought I was."

"And that’s why I haven't done it with Chris but I know its gonna happen before I'm 17 that’s a year and 8 months away. I wont' promise you something i can't and honestly don't want to do."

"You are positive it will be before your 17? How do you know that?"

"Because I want more and more of him every time I see him. Every kiss we share makes me want to share more."

He hated hearing his daughter talking like this but he knew deep down that he wouldn't be able to stop her as bad as he wanted to. This was a decision that was up to her and if it turned out to be a mistake she's the one that has to deal with it. "Alright well promise me this then. I'll get you a promise until you turn 16 but I want you to do something okay."

"What?" She asked not willing to be tricked. Mike her ex had tried to trick her into doing stuff she wasn't ready for no one would ever do that again, no matter how severe or mild the promise was she'd always know what she was promising before she agreed to it. Even with her daddy.

"Just whenever you do feel that your ready you give the ring back to either me or your mom and that will let us know it's time to get you some kind of birth control with no questions asked."

"Can I go on birth control before then? I know from what you and mom said sometimes things get out of control I don't want to make a beautiful time turn into a mistake." Steph asked him, hoping that he saw the question for what it was, a mature question from a girl that was far beyond 15 yrs old mentally.

"I really don't want you to because if you do it now then you won't be as cautious. I know that right now you aren't really going that far with him but if you know that you are protected I'm just afraid you will have sex way before your ready."

"Then you're going to be getting this ring back sooner than you want because he already knows wearing a condom every time is mandatory and his dad is bringing him to buy them. We're trying to be as smart about this as possible and you're fighting me on it. Not cool dad." She moved and sat farther away from him a little pissed off that he was trying to control her future sex life.

"I'm not fighting you, I'm trying to get it through that thick Bongiovi head of yours that if you know you're protected then it's going to be more tempting that's all I'm saying."

"But as my dad would you rather I make that choice fully protected so that choice doesn't lead to a child or do you want to be a grandpa when your daughter is only 15. Get that through that thick Bongiovi head of YOURS." She challenged reaching into her purse pulling out her ipod, if he was going to be like this she didn't want to waste her time talking to him.

Jon glanced out the corner of his eye and saw what she was doing so he reached over and took it from her. "You can listen to that after we talk."

"Well dad you aren't listening to me so whats the point. Isn't the decision of when I have sex, when I give that part of myself to another person, isn't that my decision?"

"Yes it is but as a parent I get worried about you. Is that a bad thing?"

"No but if you want me to talk to you then you have to stop trying to get your own way with me. Its my life to coin you perfectly." She really wanted to have the relationship with him that allowed her to come to him first when things bothered her. Mom was great but she has always been a daddy's girl. She found more of herself in dad.

"I'm not trying to Steph I want that perfect father daughter relationship with you. I know that I wasn't always there when you needed me but it's almost like that now I"m here you keep trying to fight me rather than listen. I've done a hell of alot more in my life than you probably ever will, most of it bad choices. I just don't want you to make those mistakes."

"I think I understand what your trying to do dad but its not coming off like that. Its coming off as you trying to control when things happen and you know damn well you can't control me, you can guide me and help me but I'm going to make the decision when I'm ready not when you are."

"Honey if I could control things you would still be my five year old little girl that ran around barefoot even during the winter and my girl that always laid on the couch with me on my time off while we watched cartoons together. I know you're growing up and it's hard to accept but I'm doing it." he told her honestly hoping that she would understand where he was coming from . It wasn't his intention to stop her from growing up he just wanted to help her make the right decisions.

"Does mom know you're trying to blackmail me with a car?"

"I'm not blackmailing you." He smiled. "I like to call it negotiating."

"Bribery."

"Negotiations.'

"No negotiation is when both parties have something of value to offer to the other person. This is bribery for me to keep my legs closed." She called him on his action. "And since you didn't say so I'm thinking mom doesn't' know."

"Actually she does smarty." he laughed. "We talked about it and she agreed that it was a good idea. And as far as both parties are concerned, you get a car and I get piece of mind when you're out with Chris. It's a win win situation."

"Ok do I pick out my ring or are you going to?"

"So does that mean you agree?"

"Till 16 not 17."

"You drive a hard bargain you know that?" he smiled.

"I'm your daughter so Yes I do know that."

"I guess you do listen occasionally." he joked moving to another lane because their exit was getting closer. "And if for some reason you still aren't ready when you're 16 just hang onto the ring until you are then let your mom and I have it."

"Do I ever get it back after I give it to you? Like for memories?" She asked wondering about the technicalities.

"How about you get it back on your wedding day? I can give it to the guy you marry only if he promises never to break your heart or hurt you in any way, then he gives it back to you with that same promise."

"OH I like that idea" Steph's eyes lit up.

"So do we have a deal?"

"Tell me the contracted terms again." She smiled at him, showing him a look he's given a thousand times in negotiations for the band or the soul.

"No sex until you 16 or after whichever you prefer - hopefully the later." he smiled. "You give your mom and I the ring when your ready and you will get the car of your choice. However if you decide to be with him before then you won't get the ring back on your wedding day and I will buy you a mini van." he told her just to see if she was listening.

"A mini van? Are you kidding me? Awesome you realize you can take the seats out of them and put a mattress in, perfect place for us to be alone." She cracked and then started a huge belly laugh.

"Your mini van will have the seats bolted in." he laughed just as hard as he took their exit.

"So its not a purity ring though right?"

"Steph don't push it or I'll buy a damn chastity belt." he laughed jokingly.

"I'm not there are 2 different rings dads give their kids I want to know which one I'm agreeing to if I agree."

"Would you like to explain to me what that would be? Wouldn't it be the same thing?"

"A purity ring normally looks like a wedding ring and the kid wears it on their left ring finger and its taken off on their wedding day and the wedding ring is put in its place, its purity until marriage. A promise ring is something that can be worn on any finger normally the left ring finger though but it looks like anything we want it to and its private, a promise made between me and my parents."

"I think I like the promise ring better. What about you?"

"Me too. I only want to wear one wedding ring in my life."

"I hope you're that lucky baby girl."

"Me too but I figure I have great roll models for that."

"Just remember that when you fight all couples do it okay. Don't give up on a person just because you disagree with them and you should be fine."

"Thanks dad." She said honestly.

Now that he had finally gotten through to her and they came into agreement he handed the ipod back to her. "Do you feel like you can trust me now Steph?"

"I always knew I could trust you it was getting you to accept the fact that the stuff I come to you with now is gonna be harder for you to deal with than my distaste for shoes."

"Yeah I miss those days." he sighed then reached over to tousled her hair. "That's always gonna be the little girl I remember."

"Silly dad. So you never answered me do I pick out the ring or do you and mom and are you gonna give it to me cool like with some pomp and circumstance or just hand it to me."

"You get to pick it out and do you want a party?" he laughed.

"Not a party but something special not just here kid wear this." She told him.

"How about a dinner with just me and mom?"

"You decide." She told him. "Remember if you treat it special so will I, I kind of mimic you." She laughed. Seeing the Red Bank sign. "Yeah we're home."


"You are definitely a mini me that's for sure." Jon laughed pressing on the gas to catch up with his wife.

"I can't believe mom has more of a lead foot than you.”

"I know and that's exactly why she doesn't drive the Chevelle!"

"Now dad thats not nice." Steph laughed. "So when are we doing this?"

"I dunno. Let me talk to your mom tonight and I'll let you know."

"Ok, can I go to Chris' when we get home?"

"Are his parents gonna be there?"

"
Yes." She then stopped. "Well his mom will I think he said his dad has to go in at 8 tonight."

"Well as long as one of them are that's fine I guess." He told her just as the pulled into the driveway.

She reached over and kissed her dad on the cheek and bounced out of the car running to her mom's car. "Need help getting anything out?"

"Sure don't help me." he grumbled as he got out of the car and went to unload the suitcases from the back.

"She has munchkins you have suitcases, that's what Jesse's for." She called to her dad.

"Jesse get over here and help your dad out." Jon yelled across the driveway. He walked across the driveway and took his suitcase as well as his sister while Jon got his, Dot's and the boys. Before going into the house he double checked to make sure that everything was out then headed inside.