Chapter 3

Lizzy opened her mouth to greet the figure on the other side of the door, but words were lost as she realized just who had opened the penthouse door. The man looked at her hesitantly as he waited for her to speak. Feeling like an idiot, Lizzy finally managed to close her mouth and resorted to just looking dazed and confused.

The man spoke, breaking the awkward silence. Extending his hand in greeting, he said, “You must be the reporter here about the interview...”

Functioning purely on auto pilot, Lizzy extended her hand, feeling the same warm touch she had felt the previous night. Holding his gaze as she pumped his hand up and down, she tried to find words, but settled on nodding instead.

The man worked his hand free from her fingers and stepped back into the penthouse making the way for her to enter. “Alright, won’t you come in.....”

She gave him a slight nod as she looked down at the floor and proceeded to enter the penthouse. She felt a hand on her back as she was gently steered toward a table with two chairs in front of a large window overlooking the city.

“Would you like something to drink?” He offered, “Water, perhaps?”

Finding some semblance of a voice, Lizzy croaked, “Yyyess, umm, yes. Thank you, water is good.”

The man nodded and turned, leaving the sitting room.

Oh shit, Lizzy thought the self, is this a joke? If it was, he obviously didn’t realize. Did he? He showed no signs of recognizing her from the show last night. Oh hell, she thought, no way it could be a joke. No one as famous as he would engage in a joke played on someone like her. Ok, so no joke. Why was she interviewing HIM for an article on charities? She managed to look around the room just as he joined her again, carrying a bottle of sparking water and a glass of ice. He set it on the table, opened the bottle of fizzy liquid and poured it over the crackling ice, then handed it to her before sitting in the chair opposite of her. Realizing she was still grasping her bag, she set it down and took the water gratefully, sipping it slowly trying to regain her composure. Obviously used to having this affect on women, he waited for her to settle herself in.

After she set the glass back on the table, he proceeded, “Ok, so your here to conduct an interview....and you are...” He inquired, his eyes locking on to hers.

Swallowing hard, she managed, “Elizabeth...Lizzy...Donnell, and you are....?”

Oh my God, Lizzy. And you are? You know who he is, idiot! She scolded herself.

Slightly shaking his head in amusement, he answered, “Uh, Jon. I am Jon Bongiovi.”

“Of course you are.” She said in reply. “I know who you are.” she laughed just too loudly, feeling like a total loon.

Not able to help the smirk on his full lips, he replied, “OK, well you know, you look familiar to me. I see so many people in my line of work....”

“Ah, yes! I bet you do. I, uh, was at a concert last night...maybe you were there....” she laughed nervously.

Lizzy, get a grip, woman. How are you going to conduct an interview if you keep sounding like the biggest blubbering idiot on the planet? And why is he having this affect on me? She wasn’t usually one to get star stuck.

Studying her more closely, she could see the recognition taking hold. Nodding, he said, “Yes, ok. Now I remember you.” his eyes narrowed as looked right at her. “The hair is different.”

Unable to break his steadfast gaze, she just nodded.

“Did you enjoy the show?” he asked, his stare not wavering.

Nodding harder, she said, “Yes. Very much. Thank you.”

“So an interview brings you here.” he noted again, almost accusingly.

Realizing he was wondering if she was using this as an excuse, she quickly fumbled in her bag for a business card. She handed it to him, “Yes, I was sent here to interview someone...you....for an article I am writing on local charities. I have no idea why it is you, but this is where I was sent.” She hesitated a moment, “and it seems you were expecting me, as well.”

She waited while he eyed her card. He finally set it down on the table with a slight nod and met a serious stare. “My apologies. It wouldn’t be the first time someone has used that story on me.”

“Oh, no. Mr. Bon Jovi, ...er, Jon. No, I have never been interested in you, believe me.” She said, shaking her head.

His looked slightly taken aback, yet amused, “Really....” he said, as he waited to see how she might dig herself out of that hole.

A slight blush rising in her checks, she tried to back pedal. “I mean, Not that I am not interested in you, but I am not interested in you. Not like that. Well, not now, anyway. I mean, I was. Once. Way back a long time ago. You know, back in the....” she stammered, her face turning beat red. Finally giving up she closed her mouth for a minute as she watched him erupt in laughter.

“I am here to conduct an interview. I will admit I was a huge fan back in the day. I have since grown up, I have a family and a career. I am not here trying to hook up with a rock star.” She said sternly.

He wiped the grin off his face as he met her darkened gaze, not unlike the look she had give him the previous night as he had crooned to her. “Ok. I’m sorry. You obviously are here for an interview. So, lets get on with it, shall we?” He said.

Hearing a slight challenge in his voice, she looked away as she rummaged through her bag for her notebook and a pen. Arrogant rock star, she thought. She crossed her legs and opened her notebook, ready to put pen to paper. No trace of a smile remained on her lips as she studied her questions she had jotted on the train ride in.

She looked up into deep blue eyes, “Yes, lets get on with it.”

His baby blues turned an icier shade as he leaned back into the chair, putting his hands behind his head, “Ok, shoot.”

Willing herself to lose the nerves, she managed an almost business like demeanor as she went through each question. Realizing she was passionate about this article, Jon began to talk openly about his feelings on charitable work, his own foundation and his desire to visit as many local charities around the country as he could. She lost herself as she watched him explain the feeling of helping families that had lost homes in Hurricane Katrina, seeing their thankful reactions. She could tell how deeply touched he was, and how important it was to him to help others.

“I feel very fortunate to have the life I have been blessed with. The least I can do is share my good fortune with others and use any clout I do have to improve the lives of those less fortunate, and encourage everyone to do anything that they can do, as well. It doesn’t have to be monetary. It can be rolling up your sleeves and volunteering. Any amount someone can do, is one step closer to improving the lives so many in this country, and in turn, our own lives, as well.”

Not really knowing what else she could add to the already informative answers he had given, she nodded, “Well, I can see you are very passionate about your charitable work. I think this will be a very nice addition to my article series.” She said, putting the cap on her pen, and closing the notebook. “Thank you for your time.” She had to admit she had a new found admiration for him.

She started to put away the paper and pen, then close her bag, and proceeded to stand.
He followed suit as he rose from the chair, “No problem, I always welcome an opportunity to get the word out and encourage people to help each other. I look forward to reading the articles.”

“I am sure my editor will forward a copy to your office.” She informed him, “Unless you feel you want to read it before it goes to press...?” She asked.

He shook his head, “No need, but thank you. That will be fine.”

The silence that followed was a bit awkward, leaving her unsure of what to do next, so she proceeded toward the penthouse door, leaving him to follow her.

He lengthened his stride as he reached for the door ahead of her, “Allow me.” He said, as he opened it for her.

She stepped over the thresh hold into the hall and turned, offering her hand, “Well, it was nice meeting you, Jon. I hope it is ok to call you that.”

He took her hand in his, warm and firm, “Of course, Baby.” He said, his blue eyes almost electric as he looked her.

Her slightly peeved look at the term of endearment amused him, and a slight smirk forming on his lips.

Opening her mouth to respond, she was once again left searching for her voice at the disarming look he gave her. Damn man, she though, he was really good at ruffling feathers, and rendering one useless. On one hand it slightly infuriated her that he obviously felt he could get away calling her “baby”, and on the other hand it made her even more peeved that he so obviously enjoyed causing this very reaction in her. Arrogant.

“Good bye, Mr. Bon Jovi.” She said, shaking her head as she spun around on her heels and left with a wave. He might be a good person, and really enjoy helping others. But it was obvious to her that the rock star status had went to his head long ago. She left feeling rather dumb at her raw emotional response to his musical seduction from the previous night. Oh well, live and learn, Lizzy.

She gave a nod to the doorman as she left the swanky building, and headed down the street, back toward the train station. She was unaware of anyone watching her from the top floor of the hotel, the curtains slightly parted. Realizing she had a headache from the tight bun, she reached up and freed her hair as she walked, shaking our the long, chestnut strands. Thinking better of just leaving the city, she decided to grab a bite to eat first. She entered a small deli down the street from the hotel. The curtains fell back together in the penthouse window. He grabbed a baseball hat and sunglasses before exiting the penthouse, the door clicking closed behind him. He left the hotel without a notice to the doorman, his strong stride carrying him down the street as he eyed the signs on the buildings. Spotting the one he saw her enter, he stopped short. Why do I feel the need to follow this woman? He had no idea. Did he need the last word? She had said volumes in her icey retreat.

Adopting tunnel vision as she took her order from the counter and proceeded past the line of people waiting, she took no notice of him. She found a table in the back of the deli, away from the window. While it was busy, the customers seemed to be getting their orders to go. No one sat near her or bothered her as she took out her notepad, meaning to edit her notes while she ate. Lost in her own thoughts, the only notice she had of anyone approaching her was a sudden shadow being cast on her paper. Looking up as she chewed, she found herself staring back into the same blue eyes, this time shaded by a baseball cap, sunglasses hung over the neck of his snug t-shirt. He was holding a tray, a very similar smirk on his lips to when she had left him.

“Do you mind if I share your table?” He asked, the smirk remaining.

She looked past him at the rest of the deli, basically empty, then looked back at him.

Not really sure what to say, she said, “Sure? I guess, so. I was kind of busy.”

Seeming to completely miss her hint that she would rather be left alone, he took that as an invitation and sat down in the chair opposite of her. “Great, thanks. There really wasn’t anywhere else to sit.”

She closed the notebook, and wiped her mouth with her napkin, noticing the wedding ring on his finger as he unwrapped his sandwich. It was the first time she had noticed it. Last night she had been too busy getting lost in the seemingly romantic gaze of a rock star to notice.

“Your married?” She inquired. She remembered way back in the days of their youth, her and Slyvia had been devastated at the news that he had run off and married his high school sweetheart. Back when she could be easily swayed by the seemingly romantic gaze of a rock star. But that was not today, she told herself, as he lifted his eyes to meet hers.

“Yep, for better or for worse.” He answered, then took a bite into the thick sandwich. He smiled at her as he chewed. “Why, you trying to pick me up?”

She rolled her eyes, and shook her head. “Not hardly, Mr. Bon Jovi. I just noticed the ring.”

“Ah, your observant.” he answered, chewing.”I am, too.” he said, with a wink. “And I don’t see a wedding ring on your finger, yet you said you were married.”

She looked down at her hand, realizing she did indeed, forget to put her rings back on that morning after her shower. “I am. I just took them off this morning and guess I forgot to put them back on.” All of a sudden she felt very naked and exposed to his eye.

“Ah, ok. I take mine off sometimes, too. Usually at shows, so I don’t lose it.”

She nodded, “Good idea.” she said, rubbing her finger where her ring usually sat. She had stopped eating as he proceeded to devour his sandwich. “Why did you follow me here?”

He took a break in chewing at her question, looking thoughtful. After a moment he said, “I think you left with a bad impression of me and I didn’t want to leave you thinking ill toughts of me. The subject of your article is very near and dear to my heart.” He took a bite of his pickle and continued. “I am visiting a local charity in about an hour, and I thought maybe you might like to come along.”

She opened her mouth to assure him she did not, but he stopped her short, “I thought maybe you could get some good material for your article.” He said, staring her down with that electric blue gaze again.

She couldn’t deny that it was a good idea, for the article. She wanted to protest, but he was right. It could give some real clout to her article to shadow him on his visit.

Letting out a sigh, she shrugged her shoulders, “Yeah, ok. That could be very helpful.” she admitted.

Just then she heard a muffled cell phone ring. He put his sandwich down and reached into his back jean pocket. Being very snug it took him a second to pry it from the hold of the taunt fabric.

He looked at the number, “Excuse me for a moment.” he said and stood up, walking to the front of the deli.

Her own cell phone vibrated at that very moment in her computer bag pocket. She reached for it, and noted the number of her editor. He was checking in on how the interview had went. She told him about it and about the visit to the local charity with Jon. Sounding not so sure about it, he strongly encouraged her to go.

“Think about it, Lizzy. An article with Jon Bon Jovi touting the wonders of helping your local charity. Heck, we could do a whole article series just on his involvement. Yes! That is it. I want at least one article on just his charitable work, and the visit to the shelter this afternoon. A complete write up. Do you think he will go for it? Wine and dine him if you have to. This could be huge, Lizzy. Not just for the paper, but for you, too.”

She let out a sigh as she hung up, just as Jon came back. He slipped back into the chair, with a grin, “Sorry about that. Now where were we? Oh yes. And after the visit, how about we grab a bite to eat and go over the information?” His blue eyes holding hers as he waited for her to speak.

She let out another sigh, almost of defeat, and nodded, “Sure, Jon. I think that would be a great idea. I have something I would like to discuss with you, as well.”

He raised his eyebrows, “Really, now what might that be, baby?” He said as he eyed her rubbing her naked finger.

Chapter 4

Chapter 2

Lizzy and Sylvia fought their way through the maze of people leaving the arena. A few other women congratulated her on being that night’s ‘bed of roses” girl.

“That is quite an honor, you know.” Sylvia informed her.

“Apparently.” Lizzy nodded, looking rather amused by the whole thing.

“Oh, come on, Lizzy. You have to admit, he made you sweat.” Sylvia challenged.

“That he did. He seems very good at that.” Lizzy confirmed, nodding again.

Sylvia squeezed her arm affectionately, “I am SO happy for you. You really needed this night.”

Lizzy could not argue with her. It had felt so good to get out and have fun. Social occasions usually revolved around Brian’s work functions or neighborhood BBQs or kid centered activities. To let herself go and feel 16 again, even if for just a few hours, was priceless.

Back at the parking garage the two friends parted ways for the night.

“I will call you next week. I am at least getting you out for a nice lunch, ok?” Sylvia ordered.

Lizzy nodded in affirmation and kissed her friend goodbye. “You got it! And thank you, Sylvie, I really had a great time.”

“Don’t thank me, it was wonderful to see you let loose and have some of your own fun, for once.” She said and left with a wave.

Finding her car quickly, Lizzy unlocked the door and sank into the soft leather seat, letting out a sigh. After the exhaustion of the day, and excitement of the evening wear off, she had to admit she was spent. The notes from the CD left in the player drifted through the SUV as she started the engine. The tunes would keep her going until she got home and collapsed into bed. Humming to the now familiar tunes, she smiled as she sped along the highway towards home.

She let herself in the door leading from the garage to the kitchen. The light above the stove had been left on and a plate of cookies lay on the counter. Emma must have been baking again, she thought. She went to the fridge and poured herself a small glass of milk, took one cookie and sat at the granite island. She recounted the nights events while savoring the sweet treat. She had to admit she had a wonderful time. She vowed to take Sylvia up on her lunch date offer next week. Why should Brian be the only one that ever did anything for himself, she thought as she eyed his tennis racket and duffel back placed by the side door. Likely that meant he would be gone before she was even up, off to the club with his buddies. Being a Saturday, and Lizzy working despite that fact, he would have to be back in time to take the Emma to her morning soccer game. She jotted a quick note and laid it on top of the duffel bag as a reminder.

She climbed the stairs quietly to the master bedroom. Brian was softly snoring, not a care in the world. She went into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. After washing her face and brushing her teeth, she padded back into the bedroom, and changed into yoga pants and a tank top. She let out a deep sigh as she crawled under the cool sheets. Knowing morning would come bright and early, she closed her eyes, willing sleep to take her. But all she could see when she closed them was the deepest pair of blues eyes staring back at her.

Lizzy woke to the shrill sound of the alarm clock. She woke from a sleep that left her feeling drugged. It was the first night in a long time she could remember sleeping so deeply, not recalling a single dream. She did, however, remember the haunting pair of blue eyes that had watched her as she slumbered. She looked at the clock, mentally figuring her time. She had an hour to dress, eat and drive to the train station for her 10 a.m. meeting in Boston. Brian’s side of the bed was left messy and cold, as he had left an hour earlier for his tennis match. Taking a second to rub her eyes, she bounded for the bathroom, already feeling rushed. After a quick shower, she dressed in a simple pair of black cropped pants, ballet flats and a gray button down ¾ length sleeved blouse. She pulled her hair back in a simply sophisticated low bun, and slipped a pair of silver hoops in her lobes. Not feeling as awake as she appeared, she went to the kitchen for a quick cup of coffee and a bite to eat. She flipped the coffee pot on and spotted her note. Jotted below her late night penning was, Will do. She crumpled the note and tossed it in the trash under the sink and proceeded to the fridge where she grabbed blueberries and yogurt. The house was still quite, but she could hear the floor creaking slightly from above, signalling that David was up and about. Even at sixteen the teenage sleep patterns had not quite hit him yet. He was likely on his way out to play pick up basketball with friends at the park.

As she finished her quick breakfast, she heard footsteps coming down stairs and turned to see David, in sport shorts and a t-shirt, sneakers in hand. He greeted his mom with a quick kiss on the cheek as he bent over to her, despite the fact she was sitting on the tall bar stool. He had long ago surpassed his mom’s 5 feet 4 inches.

“Hey mom. How was your night?” He inquired, pretending to be interested.

Smiling at his efforts, she answered, “It was really nice. Did me a world of good, we had a really good time.”

“Awesome! I am going to the park, be back later. Guess I will see ya, you working?” He asked, eyeing her outfit as he put on his sneakers.

“Yep, I am heading into the city for an interview. I will be back early afternoon.” she told him, waving as he headed out the back door.

“Ok, later, mom!” David nodded as he jogged around the side of the yard and out of sight.

Emma would likely be asleep for another hour, and Brian would be back shortly. Putting her bowl in the sink, she grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and then her purse, heading out to the garage.

Not wanting to fight with the weekend traffic in the city, she decided to take the train in. She could spend the time working on interview questions. After parking the car, she caught the train just as it was leaving the station, glad she didn’t have to wait around long. She fished a notepad out of her computer bag and jotted some thoughts down as the train lurched toward the city. She had been hired to write a serious of articles on local charities in Boston. The editor of the Globe, Donald, was trying to raise awareness of the less fortunate and homeless in the city, and to inform people of ways they could help. He had worked with Lizzy on other projects, and thought her empathetic writing style would be just perfect for his vision. She had happily take on the job. This morning she was to meet with a well known figure that was very familiar with charities as he ran his own charitable foundation, so she had been told. Having no idea who she was meeting, Donald’s office manager had set up the meeting, forwarding the information to Lizzy. Not loving when she had to work on a Saturday, she had hesitated at first, but decided it might be nice to let Brian play house for one weekend day.

The trip had went quickly, she realized, as the train pulled into the station. The hotel she was meeting the gentleman at was just two blocks away. She gathered her things and exited the nearly empty car. Enjoying the feeling of the morning sun on her, she crossed the street with other pedestrians as they were honked at, paying no attention to the DON’T WALK signal. She arrived at the hotel, noting it’s impressive exterior. This guy must have bucks, she thought, as she checked in at the front desk. She was due to interview him in the penthouse he was staying in. The front desk attendant phoned the room and gestured to her to go up after giving her the room number, on the top floor of the hotel. The elevator attendant smiled at her as he held the door for her to exit once they reached the top floor. She nodded and went to find the penthouse. Following the signs, she came to a stop in front of Penthouse #5. Leaning her head toward the door as if to listen for anyone inside, she then gently knocked. Hearing a faint, “Be right with you.” she turned her head as she looked around the expansive hallway, the walls decorated in paintings that could have easily been original works of art of famous artists long gone. Hearing the door open behind her, she turned around and was greeted with the exact same pair of blue eyes that had stared her down as she had drifted off the night before.

Chapter 3

Thank you!

I am so flattered by all the page views and new followers! Thank you so much! I will be doing my very best (while running a business, being a mom and all that other good stuff) to update this at least once a week. Feel free to comment and yell at me if I don't. :) In the meantime, while I find some time to update the second chapter, feel free to check out my first attempt at writing, with the help of the other half of my brain, Pictures and Prose.



Pictures and Prose

Chapter 1

The door slammed soundly behind her as Lizzy left the house, on her way out for the evening. Girls night out. Man, did she need it, too. The kids were fed. Brian had left work early, after much complaint. She fished her keys out of her purse and slid into the smooth leather seat of her SUV. The house held her gaze for a moment. Such a pretty house, she thought, her family nestled in it’s confines. And it was. A pretty house. Sloping green lawn met a paved walkway that surrounded well organized planting beds. Thanks to the lawn service. Her eyes paused on the swing set that peeked out from the backyard. It looked lonely, sitting there all alone, no one paying it much mind anymore, now that the kids were older. Letting out a sigh, she eased the SUV out of the driveway, into the quiet street, that was a part of her quiet neighborhood, her pretty neighborhood. Putting her foot on the gas a little too firmly, rubber met pavement as the vehicle surged forward a bit too quickly, causing a neighbor to pause and wave hesitantly as Lizzy drove by, not paying any notice.

She was heading into the city, to meet her best friend for a night out. Sylvia had called her earlier in the week, pleading with her to go. Said she had tickets to a concert, and well, besides, Lizzy needed to get out for a night. Some time for herself, Sylvia had said. Not that Sylvia was wrong. Lizzy didn’t take a lot of time for herself these days. Between being a freelance writer, dealing with all the kid activities and a husband that didn’t get home until 8 every night, she was spread pretty thin. Knowing it would be like pulling teeth to get Brian home so he could do carpool duty for Emma’s soccer practice and pick David up from jazz band, she had at first turned down her friend. But Sylvia didn’t give up, and finally Lizzy agreed that a night out would do her some good. Not occurring to her until the end of the conversation, Lizzy asked who they were going to see.

Bon Jovi, Sylvia has reported enthusiastically. They were in town for only one night. It was a Greatest Hits tour, of sorts. And did Lizzy remember how much she used to love their music? Well, sure, she did. Years ago. Before kids, before a house, before.....before she lost herself to what was now her life. Agreeing it would be fun to see them again after, what was it? Fifteen years. Sylvia had dropped off the latest new album and Greatest Hits CDs so Lizzy could bring herself up to speed. Fiddling in the CD holder, she found one of the CDs and popped it in, might as well put herself in the right mindset. The Greatest Hits. Ahhh, yes, she remembered those songs. Maybe it would be a fun night, just good friends and good music. She was meeting Sylvia and a couple others at a bar across from the Boston Garden before the show.

She fumbled for her sunglasses, perching them on her slightly upturned nose, and turned the volume up, pushing the pedal to the floor as she urged the large vehicle in to the oncoming traffic. Solar glare putting a bit of a damper on her forward motion, she slowed with the surrounding cars. Once on the highway the sun was to her back as she headed into the city. The trip was easy and uneventful, but reminded Lizzy how much she used to enjoy driving into the city with Brian for an evening out when the kids were younger. These days life was just too hectic to find time for such luxuries. Too bad, since now the kids were old enough to stay home alone, she thought. But then it had been at least 5 years since they had bothered trying to carve out time to spend together, alone. The sad part, Lizzy thought, is that she didn’t really care. It seemed more of a hassle than anything else. Brian just worked too much, often at the office on more Saturdays than not.

Ah well, she thought, pushing those thoughts aside. The music blaring from the car speakers put her mind in a more relaxed state, as she looked forward to an evening away from everything. She was always the one responsible for everything around the house, the kids, the lawn, besides working for herself, often up late writing articles long after the kids had gone to bed. During their younger years, Lizzy had stayed home with the kids, wanting someone to be there with them after school, someone to help them with their homework. Brian had agreed, with his stressful job and long commute, it was a good idea for her to stay home until they were older. It had been tough the first few years, but they did ok. Eventually Lizzy got the itch to work again. After making a call to an old work acquaintance, she was put in touch with a local magazine that was looking for freelance writers to submit articles. It had been a small job to start, but quickly expanded as more papers and publications read her work. Loving the stimulating work, Lizzy had taken on more than she could chew at first. But as she got used to the workload and the kids got used to her having other priorities, they eased into a sort of workable schedule. The years went by, kids grew, became busier in their own activities, Brian got promoted to VP, and took on even more hours and responsibility. Lizzy continued to expand her writing audience by working with many publications, even out of state. Somewhere along the way, they forgot to stop and smell the roses, their life taking on a life of it’s own. Nowadays it felt like Brian was married to his career, while Lizzy juggled hers...and everything else. At first she had raised some of her concerns with Brian. But he just poo-pooed them, saying this is what life is about. Working, climbing the ladder, buying a bigger house, being more successful. He said he was happy, why wasn’t she? Didn’t she have everything she wanted, as he gestured around the expansive house. Eventually she convinced herself that yes, this is what everyone dreamed of. Right?

Even sex had taken a back burner in their marriage. Once or twice a month they found themselves in the same room alone, and awake enough, to actually accomplish the deed. It had been a very long time since anyone had really complimented Lizzy in any way, and she couldn’t remember the last time Brian had. Getting dressed for the evening out had been more of a pain then anything else. Not really caring what she wore, she had put on a pair of dark wash boot cut jeans, red sandals and a red, wrap style tank top, topped by a loose black cardigan. Deciding against her usual pony tail she had blown her chestnut waves out long, letting the tresses fall down her back and shoulders. Feeling satisfied with the results, despite the lack of effort, she had went downstairs to coordinate with Brian.

Emma, in her larger than life 13 year old way, had let out a low whistle as her mom had entered the kitchen. “Wow! Mom, you look smokin’!”

Lizzy gave her disapproving glance at the term “smokin’” but thought better of reprimanding her, and kissed her on the top of the head instead, “Thanks, sweetie.”

Brian was at the counter sifting through the mail, jacket still on from work. He glanced at her briefly, not taking any more notice of her than he had the cat, who stood patiently at his dish, hoping someone might realize it was time for noms.

“Hey,” He said.

“Hey.” She replied.

He sifted a second more before saying, “What time are you leaving? What do I have to do?” not raising his eyes from the pile of paper.

“Leaving in about 10. The kids had an early dinner. Pick up Sara on the way to Emma’s practice, drop her off after, then stop at the school to pick up David. Ryan gave him a ride to practice.” She informed him.

He nodded, finally turning around to face his wife. “I guess I can handle that.” His gaze finally meeting hers.

“Ok.” she said, not totally convinced due to his lack of affirmation. “I will feed the cat now, then I am going.”

He replied with a nod, leaving to hang up his jacket and put his briefcase on the desk on the opposite wall. He passed her again as he made his way to the fridge, as she found the cat food in the pantry.

He seemed to take notice of her for a second, looking at her and said, “Hey, have fun tonight.”

“I will,” she replied with a slight smile, then filled the cat bowl. “Sara, can you get Fred some fresh water, please? I have to get moving.”

Sara responded by getting up and turning on the faucet, “Sure, Mom.”

Giving her daughter another peck, she grabbed the small red purse off the counter, and made her way to the front door. “I will be home late, so don’t wait up.”

“Have fun, Mom! So jealous you get to go to a concert!” Sara said, excitedly.

“Drive carefully.” Brian responded, not bothering to look her way as his eyes scoured the fridge.

Lizzy nodded at the back of his head, and fled out the front door, a sense of escape following her.

Finally seeing the cityscape, she sped into Boston, making her way along the narrow streets, finally coming to a stop in the parking garage next to the lounge she was meeting the others at for dinner before the show. She entered the lounge, quickly spotting Sylvia and the other girls, already seated at a booth.

Sylvia stood as she met her, giving her a big hug, “YAY! I am so glad you made it. We are going to have so much FUN!”

Lizzy greeted her dear friend with a quick kiss on the check, saying, as she sat in the booth, “I believe you may be right!”

Greeting Janice and Elise, she breathlessly gave her order for a white wine to the waitress. Finally catching her breath, she joined in the excited chatter of her friends.

“So tell me, where are we all sitting? I don’t even have a clue about any of this anymore.” She asked, with a slight laugh.

Sylvia looked at her with a big smile, reached into her purse and pulled out two tickets, flashing them in front of Lizzy’s eyes as she nodded.

Lizzy tried to follow the tickets as she read the type, Section 2, Row 1. Her eyes widened a bit, as she nodded. “Huh, well those must be pretty good, huh?”

Sylvia sputtered as she took a drink, almost choking, “Pretty good? Lizzy, honey, these FRONT ROW!”

Lizzy nodded, studying the now still tickets, “Uh huh, well, wonderful. Yes, those are good, then, huh?” She nodded to the other girls.

Janice just shook her head, “Liz, you need to get out more, you really do.”

Lizzy, not disagreeing with her, said, “You could be right.” As she took a big long sip of her wine, feeling it go straight to her head. She lifted her glass to the table and said, “Cheers! To girls’ night out!”

Clinking their glasses together, the others agreed, enthusiastically downing their drinks.

After eating and one more drink, they headed across the street to the venue. Janice and Elise went their separate way, since they were sitting in the first level.

Totally relaxed and excited for the night by this point, Lizzy turned to Sylvia and asked, “So how did you manage to snag those tickets? I mean, I know you go a lot, but those must have cost a fortune.”

Sylvia just shrugged, “Nah, work perk. Someone at work knows someone that works in the higher ups at the Garden. My boss came in last week, saying she had a surprise for me. She knows what a nut I am, and tossed these on my desk.”

“Nice!” Lizzy answered. “Nice boss.”

Sylvia nodded in agreement as they made their way to the entrance of the floor. Lizzy looked around the arena, seeing others watch them as they walked all the way to the front.

“This is really kinda cool! I feel so special.” She told Sylvia, who laughed and nodded in reply.

“Yeah, it is fun!” Turning to her friend, Sylvia whispered, “And maybe you will even have a “moment.”

Lizzy gave her a confused look, “A “moment? A moment of what?”

Sylvia shook her head, “Jon, silly! He might come over, he might hold your hand, look at you, or OMG, sing to you! You never know, and being front row ups those odds!”

Lizzy laughed, “And how old are we?” enjoying her friend’s gaiety.

Sylvia gave her an all knowing look, “You will see, just wait.” Knowing full well that if Jon held her friend’s gaze for a mere second, that time would stand still for her, too.

Lizzy smiled to herself, thinking her friend was just a tad off her rocker. She loved Sylvia like a sister, had known her almost as long as a sister, but sometimes wondered how her friend floated through life on not much more than a song and a prayer. She never seemed to get stressed, seemed to take everything with a grain of salt. Letting out a sigh, Lizzy thought, maybe she has it right and I don’t have a clue. What the hell, I am going to just let go and have fun, dive right in!

Lizzy had been as nuts as Sylvia, about the band, years ago. But life really had gotten in the way. All through high school they had gone to the shows, followed the band as far as parents’ reins would let them. Sylvia had married young, briefly, but divorced shortly after her baby was stillborn. It had taken a huge toll on Sylvia, who adopted an I don’t care attitude about life. She dated a lot, but never let herself get serious with anyone. Lizzy thought, to avoid feeling any kind of pain again. Yet who was she to talk even if she was married. What did that mean? A stale partnership that yielded nothing in the way of fulfillment. Pushing the thoughts aside, she promised herself she would have a wonderful evening.

They took their seats and even Lizzy had to admit it was pretty cool to be up front. The music started to pulsate, a tune she recognized from the Circle album. The lights turned down, the arena stood in one solid motion and let out a collective scream. Lizzy’s heart started to beat faster as she let herself get carried away with the excitement of the audience. She had not seen the band in concert for well over 15 years. Every once in a while she would catch a glimpse of Jon or Richie on TV or in a magazine. But she had no idea what any of them looked like now, or how successful they still were, except for the bit of news her friend would share with her once in a great while. Sylvia went to at least ten shows every tour, Lizzy knew that. It was her THING. Everyone had a thing, she thought, and that was Sylvia’s. Hers was writing. She liked music, always had. But had lost touch with what was popular, who was the leading act of the year. The giant screen that covered the stage lifted up, revealing the feet, then faces, of the band. All except Jon. Clapping to the beat, Lizzy waited with the adopted anticipation of the whole arena. As the rest of the band members jammed away, slowly emerging from the stairwell in the middle of the stage, was Jon, holding a black guitar, strumming away with a huge smile on his face as he greeted the fans of Boston. He wore a black leather vest, and very snug pair of blue jeans. Lizzy felt herself get carried away with the excitement, and had to admit he looked smokin’ despite the fact he must be close to 50 by now. As a matter of fact, she thought, he hardly looked like he had aged at all, his tight physique hinting at a much younger man. Sylvia nudged Lizzy with her elbow, giving her a knowing look. Lizzy responded with a huge smile and continued bopping to the beat of the music.

Feeling warm after a bit, Lizzy took off her wrap, revealing toned arms in her fitted tank. The band rolled forward from one song right into another like a powerful freight train. Jon finally put his guitar down during the 3rd song, and started prowling around the stage like a hungry panther, stopping to check out his prey of the moment. Sylvia hit her friends arm overly enthusiastically as Jon came over to their side of the stage. Lizzy watched him, clapping along and waving her arms along with the rest of the arena. Jon stopped in front of them, pausing on a long note, then stepped down to the small ledge just off the edge of the stage. He leaned over singing to the fans, slapping hands as he worked his way toward them. He stopped in front of Sylvia, flashing his bright smile at her, causing her to swoon. He moved on down the line stopping in front of Lizzy singing and grabbing hands, his eyes meeting hers for a quick second, moved on, then looked back at her, locking his blue gaze with her brown. He held her gaze for longer than he should, stopping to sing the words to her as his eyes seemed to probe her very being. She was powerless to look away, all sound disappearing into the background. He seemed to realize he needed to move on, so he did, seemingly reluctantly. The gaze broken, she realized she was holding her breath. She let out a long sigh as she realized Sylvia was hitting her arm again. She looked at her, seeing Sylvia mouth “OMG” at her over and over. Slowly bringing herself back, unsure of what had just transpired, she tried to regain her senses. She tried to get back into the song, but felt shaken. The next song brought Richie to the front to sing a song. Lizzy sat for a moment and took a few sips of water. Feeling almost normal she stood back up and danced along with the crowd. Richie’s song was over and Jon appeared on the catwalk that encircled the pit. She watched from afar as he engaged the rest of the arena in his slow, acoustic seduction, hands reaching for him, adoring eyes locked on him.

The rest of the band joined him for a couple of songs, then resumed their places on stage. Jon started another song on the circle, then proceeded to sprint, guitar in hand, back to the main stage. He moved like he owned the stage. Lizzy couldn’t help but watch his every move as he moved with the ease of a man 20 years his junior. The talent of the now seasoned band was not lost on Lizzy as she made a mental note to hit the music store first thing in the morning. It was time she caught up, she thought. Jon launched into a moving version of Bed of Roses, a song Lizzy recognized right away. He walked the edge of the stage, singing to the fans in the pit. He caught her eye again, giving her a wink as he continued on. She felt herself go numb again, but quickly recovered. As the tempo slowed down, he made his way back toward the mic stand, taking a detour to the ledge, and sat down on the edge, right in front of Lizzy. Both hands on the mic, he sang to the group in front of him, again, his gaze locking with hers as he sang the words, directly to her. Lizzy, unable to look away, felt her hands get all clammy. His hand reached toward hers as she subconsciously raised hers, feeling his warm fingers wrap around hers. He sang to her for what seemed like forever. As if some unknown force told him it was time, he tore himself away, letting her hand fall away gently as he rose and took his place back at center stage.

Lizzy could only look at the floor and think to herself, what in the hell just happened there?

The rest of the show progressed on with Jon feeling in a very playful mood, drawing in the audience with his flirtatious ways. He didn’t single out Lizzy again that evening, but held her gaze repeatedly during the show. His attention to her was not lost on her friend, who repeatedly hit her arm, and mouthed “OMG” more times than Lizzy could count. She enjoyed the rest of the show, but something had transpired that night, shaking Lizzy to her very core. After two encores, and three solid hours of music, the lights finally went up in the arena.

Sylvia turned to her, “See???? I told you! Do you get it now? Do you see what I was saying? He just DOES things to me. I bet you get it now, don’t you??”

Lizzy smiled affectionately at her overly excited friend, “Yeah, Sylvie!” Not so sure she GOT it. Surely it was his act, that was all. He is very good at what he does, she thought to herself. Drawing in the fans, flirting with them, hooking them. Yeah, she got it. But being the logical mind she was, she was quick to realize it was all a part of the act. He seemed to have an uncanny ability to pick out someone in the audience who needed hooking, as he had with Lizzy. Perhaps he sensed she was a newbie to the game. She was still planning that early a.m. trip to the music store, even she admitted he was good at what he did. But for now, home, and back to real life. After the music store trip, she had a late morning interview for a series of stories she was writing for the Globe.

Chapter 2

Damned

What happens when you take a stale marriage, one unappreciated wife, and add one rock star? You are Damned!