Love Lies Chapter 44

I got into the tub and sat there, and turned the radio on. “Don’t Cry” by Guns N’ Roses came on. It was one of my favorite songs, other then “Never Say Goodbye.” I loved it when I had a song to listen to while I was in the tub.









I got out of the tub, and walked into our bedroom, where I changed into a pair of “resting” pants, and a green zebra tanktop. I put my damp hair up into a messy bun and walked over to the two large patio doors by our bed. I let the cool breeze flowing in, and the waves crashing onto the shore. It was amazing.

I sat back down on the bed and grabbed the red nail polish that I always wore and applied it to my nails. Sometimes I wondered if the lyrics “blood red nails on her fingertips” was because of me…

I put my makeup on, and went downstairs. It was almost 7pm now, and the song “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone) By Cinderella was playing on the radio downstairs, with Jon, Richie, Tico, Alec, and David all singing along.

“Hey beautiful!” The drunken Richie said as he let out a burp. “We’re singing our song!”

I laughed kind of half embarrassed. “Yeah, I kind of noticed…”

“What time is it?” Tico asked, as he lit another cigarette.

“About seven,” I said.

“You look sexy,” Richie said.

“Thanks!” I exclaimed as I sat on his lap on the couch.

“Why is your ass so boney?” He laughed.

“That’s what she said,” Jon laughed in the corner.

I gave him a kiss on the cheek before I curled up on his lap like a child. I could hear his heart beating as he talked to the guys and I felt his chest raise when he talked. Soon, I fell asleep, there in his arms.







“Kmae?” I heard Richie say.

I opened my eyes, and found myself asleep in our bedroom, with Richue laying beside me.

“Hey, baby girl,” he smiled. “You were so sleepy.”

I looked into his brown eyes as he smiled. “What time is it?”

“About nine AM.”

I stretched as I laid my head back down and turned over to look at him. “Why are you so perfect?”

“Perfect?” He laughed. “I only see one perfect person here, and that’s you.”

“I’m not perfect,” I said.

“Me neither,” he smiled.

I got closer to him as our lips met. I put my hands through his hair, and he laughed against my lips as I accidently pulled his hair. We had never really French kissed a lot before, but he decided that today was the day to do that.



Well soon, everything, and I mean EVERYTHING was off.







The next few hours went by, and we finally got changed and went downstairs. I was still giggling when Richie came over and tickled me once more.

“Stop!” I yelled in laughter.

“Stop?” He laughed. “I thought you liked it!”

“I do!” I smiled.

Jon stumbled out of his bedroom down the hall, with his hair a mess, and everything. “Can you two love birds quit being so stupid? I’ve been hearing you guys since seven this morning.”

“Like you’ve never bothered me,” I laughed.

“Whatever. Just because you’re engaged, doesn’t mean you need to be assholes about it.”

“Assholes? You’re the one being an asshole because you can’t take the fact that you lost me!” I yelled.

Love Lies Chapter 43

I looked over at Jon, who had only been asked one or two questions throughout the whole press conference. He looked really, really angry, and I didn’t want to mess with him.

Another person stood up. “Kmae, is Jon okay with your engagement? Or did he just find out?”

I was trying to avoid this answer, but I knew I had to do it.

“Well,” I started, as I briefly tried to explain, “me and Richie, we just got engaged last night. So, we haven’t told anybody yet.”

“Not even your family?” she asked, as she wrote down some notes.

“Nope,” I said. “We were going to tell the guys about it after the press conference.”

“Oh,” she quickly said, before sitting down.

Richie squeezed my hand tighter, as another person asked David about his engagement.

“Are you having fun?” Richie whispered in my ear.

“Actually, yeah,” I laughed quietly. “I didn’t think I would.”

“Well,” he smiled. “It’s almost over. Don’t worry.”

I smiled as I looked over to Jon, who quickly made eye contact with me, and then looked away like I had somehow hurt him. I never did anything to him, which made me wonder, maybe I had hurt him? Or was he just being himself?

“Alright guys,” Doc said from behind the curtain, “ya’ll are done.”

Jon instantly shot up from his chair, rushing outside.

“What’s his problem?” Alec asked.

“He’s mad,” I said, walking back outside.

Camera flashes almost blinded me as we posed for more pictures, and then got into the limo.

“Are you guys staying at our house?” I asked. Me and Richie had been in LA, while they all were still in New Jersey. They had just flew out here to do this press conference.

“We’re staying with you,” David said. “Then, we’ve got supper.”

“Well,” I said, “it’s only noon.”

“Are you hungry?” Richie asked.

I shook my head.

He looked at me with a concerned face. “Kmae, you haven’t eaten since I’ve gotten home...”

“I’m just not hungry,” I admitted.

“Richie has already fed your appetite, I see,” Alec said.

I shot him a look, and he just laughed.









When we got back, we all went into our house, and then went out into the sun patio.

“Kmae,” Richie said, “can you grab that bottle of wine on the cupboard that we got from Vegas?”

“Yeah, I’ve been waiting to drink it!” I laughed. I went over to the cupboard and grabbed the wine bottle, and brought it back over to the guys out on the patio.

“I’ve never drank wine at noon,” I laughed as Richie popped off the top of the bottle, and the wine bubbled up.

“Oh, this is all we drank on the road,” Richie laughed. “This an Tylenol PM.”

“Amen,” Tico laughed.

Richie poured us all glasses, and then offered one to Jon.

“I’m fine,” he said, as he sat farthest away from me.

“You’ve got to,” David said. “It’s for Kmae, and Richie.”

“I just ate a big lunch,” I could tell he was lying.

“Your loss,” David said.

Richie smiled, and held up his wine glass. “Well, this is for the many memories we’ve all shared together, and for the many more to come, especially for me, and you, Kmae.”

I smiled as we all made a toast to each other, and Richie grabbed me around the waist and dipped me down, giving me a big kiss on the lips. I laughed as he helped me back up, and I took a sip of wine.

I happened to look over at Jon, who was sitting in the corner like a little child, didn’t say anything as he looked over in disgust.

“So,” David said, “have you guys even planned on when?”

“We haven’t really talked about it,” I said, taking another sip. “I’m going to let Richie choose.”

“You choose,” he smiled. “You’re the fiancé.”

“So are you..” I laughed.

“But you’re the girl,” he laughed.

“I think we should maybe wait?” I suggested.

“We’re going to Paris,” Richie told David. “Kmae already decided that part.”

Tico laughed as he took out a cigarette. “Well, we’re going there sometime in the next few years.”

“Maybe we can just hitch-hike around,” Richie laughed.

The phone started ringing as Tico was about to say something.

“I’ve got it,” Richie said, as he went into the living area of the house.

“This is a big step for you guys,” Tico said. “You guys are a really cute couple.”

“That means a lot, Tico,” I smiled.

Richie came back into the patio. “Kmae, it’s for you.”

I got down from the chair, and walked into the living area.

“Hello?” I said as I picked up the phone.

“Kmae?” The female’s voice said. “It’s Krystal!”

Krystal? I thought to myself. Krystal?

THAT Krystal. The Krystal who had been my best friend in highschool. The one who didn’t want me to run away with a rock band.

“Krystal!” I smiled. “I haven’t talked to you in forever!”

“I know!” she laughed. “How have you been? I heard about your engagement to Richie.”

“I’m good,” I smiled. “But wait, how’d you find that out already?”

“It’s all over the news,” she laughed.

“Oh geesh,” I laughed. “How have you been? Are you still in Sayreville?”

“Nope,” she said, “I’m in California now, LA.”

“No shit?” I laughed. “That’s where me and Richie live!”

“Really? That’s awesome!” She laughed. “We’ll have to get back together sometime. We haven’t seen eachother since ’79.”

“I know! It’s been forever!” I laughed. “Maybe we could get together, you and me!”

“Richie too?” She laughed. “He’s so sweet! I’m glad you guys got engaged!”

“So, I guess that means you aren’t mad at me anymore..?” I asked.

“Kmae,” she started, “I feel, really bad about being mean to you about going with them. I understand now why you love them so much. They’re all really nice people.”

“I’m glad you finally understand,” I smiled.

“Hey,” she said, “I’ve got to go…I thought I’d call you to talk to my best friend once again. We’ll have to get together sometime. Alright?”

“We do! See you!” I said.

She said goodbye and then we hung up. I walked back out to the patio, and the guys were all sitting, talking.

“Hey,” Richie said as I stepped back down the steps and walked into the patio. “Who was that?”

“You remember Krystal, Jon?” I said. “She used to go to highschool with us.”

“I remember her,” Jon said. “She was really pretty.”

“She was also your first kiss,” David reminded him.

“Shh,” Jon laughed. I could tell he was getting drunk again, as he laughed a really weird laugh.

“Well,” I said, “It’s about 3 pm. I’m going to go upstairs and take a bubble bath.”

“I’ll be there later…” Richie laughed.

I gave him a little slug in the shoulder. “Oh, you wish.”

“Dude,” Alec said, “you just got rejected.”

“I didn’t reject him,” I laughed. “I just meant, ‘not ‘til the kids go to bed.’”

Everyone laughed, even Jon, and then I went inside, lit some candles, threw in some rose petals, and finally, was at peace.

Love Lies Chapter 42

     

I tried to run, hide from him, as he stood there and kissed me. It felt almost good, but I didn’t want to kiss him. He wasn’t mine. Richie was. Richie was my fiancé now. But Jon didn’t know it yet.

“Jon!” I pleaded, as I pushed him away from me. “Stop it!”

“Stop?” he said. “I thought you liked it!”

I could smell the alcohol on his breath as he leaned closer to me, once again.

“Jon,” I said. “Get away from me.”

“I love you,” he whispered.

“Jon! Stop! You don’t love me! You’re supposed to love Dorthea!” I shouted at him as I back away. “You’re not my husband! You’re not my boyfriend, my fiancé, and heck, if you go this far again, you won’t be my friend!”

There was a long, long pause before Jon said something again, as my breathing slowed, and you couldn’t hear it anymore.

“I thought you’ve changed,” I said. “I thought you were a different person, Jon. You’ve obviously only become more and more of a liar every day.”

“That’s not true!” He yelled. “You’ve got to believe me, I’ve changed. But there’s one thing that hasn’t. I still love you. I always have, Kmae. You’re everything. I love your smile, your beauty. EVERYTHING about you is perfect, and I can’t believe that I let you go when you were younger. You’re smarter now, I understand that. But I wanted another chance. I wanted another beginning with you. Another day in ’78.”

I stood there in shock as he looked me in the eyes. His eyes, they were so blue. The blue I hadn’t seen since prom, when we stormed out the door and went to my car, where he kissed me for the first time. The place where I felt myself melt into his arms, and where I felt Richie, his eyes burning into me as I had to explain why me and Jon were so late from getting home from the prom.

“Jon,” I tried to explain slowly. “I know, we’ve had our fair share of memories. But I can’t stand to be in the way of you guys. You don’t need to fight over me, alright? I just want to be somewhere, where my boyfriend and my best friend aren’t fighting over me!”

“We’re not!” he yelled. “We BOTH equally love you.”

I shook my head. “Jon, you’re my best friend. But Richie’s my love of my life.”

“I’d give anything,” he paused, “anything to have another wild night with you. I swear to God.”

“Jon, you’re going way too far.”

“Too far?” he said, as he tried to kiss me again.

I shoved him away. “Don’t touch me!”

“Baby,” he said again, getting so close, that I could smell the alcohol on him. “Please, just one more night…”

“No! No! No!” I shouted. “No! You’re with Dorthea, Jon! Not me!”

He didn’t look at me. He just sat there. I got up and unlocked the door, and went back into the bar.

“Ma’am, would you like another drink?” The bartender said.

I shook my head. “Hey, can you tell Jon something when he finally gets back in here?”

“Yup.”

“Tell him I left to go to the party.”

The bartender nodded as I walked out the door. The limo was sitting on the side of the bar. I got in, and we went to the party without Jon.







“Kmae!” Richie smiled, as I stepped out of the limo. There were cameras everywhere as I walked down the sidewalk. Screaming fans were everywhere, yelling “Richie!” and “Kmae!”

He came up beside me and put one of his hands around my waist, as we both smiled and posed for pictures. Fans screamed in happiness when he kissed me on the cheek.

He put his lips up to my ear. “Are we going to tell yet?”

“Isn’t there a press conference afterwards?” I asked.

“Yeah,” he whispered. “We can wait until they maybe ask, or just announce it ourselves.”

I spotted David, with his fiancé April, Tico, and Alec all posing for pictures.

“Hey,” Richie whispered in my ear. “Where’s Jon?”

“It’s a bit of a long story…” I said.

“Nevermind,” Richie said. “He’s here.”

Jon stepped out of the limo, and waved to all the screaming girls that were trying to get passed the rope that lead them away from us.

“Thanks for leaving me,” he yelled to me.

The whole crowd laughed with me.

“He doesn’t know, right?” Richie said.

I looked at my hand. “I don’t even know if he spotted the ring.”

“Good.”

I smiled as another cameraman took a picture of me and Richie, before we went over to the guys.

David’s fiancé was a girl that had also gone to our highschool also. I didn’t know her very well, but her and David had been dating for a few years, and then got engaged.

“You guys ready for the press conference?” I asked.

“I wish I could go,” April said. “I’ve gotta fly back to Jersey tonight, so I’m leaving in a few minutes. ”

“Aww, that sucks,” I said.

“I’m ready!” David said. “See you later babe,” he said to April, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“We better get going,” Jon said, looking at his watch. He seemed like he wasn’t very drunk anymore, and actually sober.







We walked into a big room, where there were tons of people with cameras and news.

I sat down in my seat, and so did the rest of the guys. Richie held my hand under the table, and we both exchanged glances of happiness.

“Mr. Bon Jovi,” one of the reporters, a short, skinny girl said, “are you and your wife expecting?”

“Not yet,” he laughed. “I’m not planning on having kids for a few years. We just got married a year ago. Next question.”

“This one’s for Mr. Sambora, and his lovely girlfriend,” another reporter said. This time it was a tall fat one with a pencil thin mustache. “Are you guys engaged?”

I swallowed hard. I didn’t want to talk. I squeezed Richie’s hand tighter under the table, with fright. Every bone in my body froze up. I couldn’t move.

Richie smiled, and then looked at me. “Yes, we are.”

Everyone’s expressions changed. I looked over at Jon, who was right next to me, and his face was frozen.

The mustache reporter smiled. “When are you planning on getting married?”

“We haven’t really decided,” Richie explained. “We only got engaged last night.”

He held my hand tighter, as another reporter asked me a question. “Kmae, where do you guys want to get married?”

I swallowed, and finally said something. “I’d love to go to Paris…yes, Paris. I’ve only been there once…but when I was there, it seemed like everything was so sweet-smelling and nice.”

Richie looked at me and whispered in my ear, “You’re really good at this.”

“Takes talent,” I laughed.

They all laughed, and asked another few questions. Richie looked over at me every once in a while and smiled. I loved his smile. Then, finally, came the afterparty, where I could finally feel free to talk about my newly engagement.

Love Lies Chapter 41

After I got done getting my pictures taken, I walked back over to Jon, who was sitting alone, drinking a beer.

“You guys done?” He asked.

“Yeah,” I said.

“You look very pretty tonight.”

I blushed. “Thank you, Jon.”

“Every girl needs a comment every once in a while,” he smiled. “You’re the perfect one to compliment.”

I blushed again. “You’re very sweet, Jon.”

“Hey, hey, hey!” Alec yelled. “What’s going on in the big house?”

I could tell he was drunk as the smell of his drunken breath came over me.

“Alec,” Jon said, trying to not show his anger, “we were having a conversation.”

“You guys,” he hiccupped, “are together?”

“No,” I said. “I’m still with Richie, remember?”

Jon unsteadily moved.

“Oh yeah,” he said, as if he couldn’t remember. He let out a weird laugh, and slowly backed away.

“That was awkward,” I said.

“Yeah,” Jon whispered. He looked at me. “You’re going to the after party, right?”

“Of course,” I said. “Aren’t you?”

“Yeah,” he said. “I was going to go to the bar first. Would you like to join me?”

“I would,” I said, “but I don’t know if Richie is going.”

“Forget him,” Jon said, angrily.

I looked at him confused. “Forget him? What do you mean?”

“Don’t you need some kind of break from him sometimes?”

“He was just gone for nine months,” I explained.

Jon looked at me and laughed. “I just want to buy you a drink, is that okay?”

“Let me go talk to Richie for a second, okay?”

“Alright,” he said. “Hurry back.”

I rushed over to Richie, who was talking to Doc, their manager.

“Hey,” Richie smiled. “What’s up?”

“Is that okay if me and Jon go to the bar for a little bit?” I said, trying to smile and make it seem less awkward as Doc stood there.

“Aren’t you going to the after party?” Richie said.

“Yeah, Jon just wants to buy me a drink first. You know, for old time’s sake.”

“Alright,” He smiled. “Behave!” He said sarcastically.

“I promise I will,” I smiled.

“Or I’ll have to give you punishment later.”

“Hey,” I laughed. “There’s nothing wrong with a good spanking.”

Doc and Richie both laughed as I went back over by Jon.

“The body guard is actually letting you go?” Jon said, referring to Richie.

“Yeah,” I said. “But we still need to go to the after party.”

“I know, I know,” he said. “You’ll be fine.”

“You’re basically drunk already,” I said.

“Shit happens.”







We went to some bar, and he bought me a drink.

“So,” he said. “How are you?”

“I’m good,” I said. “I could be better.”

“Why’s that?”

“Oh, you know,” I said. “I’m just a little stressed.”

“Stressed?” He said. “How come?”

“Richie’s gone a lot…I get a little lonely. But it’s nothing really.”

“Aww, babe,” he said. “You’re not supposed to be treated like that.”

“I’m just happy for him,” I said. “It’s fine how he treats me, as long as he’s happy.”

“That’s not how you’re supposed to see life,” he said. “You’re supposed to be happy.”

“I am happy,” I said. “I’m really happy for him…”

“You’re not supposed to be happy for him, you’re supposed to be happy for yourself.”

“I am, Jon. I really am.”

He looked at me, and I slowly looked away.

“I’m going outside to smoke,” I said.

“Alright,” he said.

I walked out the back door, to an enclosed alley, where I sat down on a metal block that was laying there. I didn’t light a cigarette; I just sat there and looked as the warm July sun beat down on me.





After about twenty minutes, Jon opened up the back door and closed it behind him, and looked at me.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

“Yeah,” I said. “I just needed some fresh air.”

He sat down beside me, and looked me in the eyes. “You know, Kmae, I really miss you.”

“I miss you too, Jon.”

“I mean, I miss, your hugs, your kisses, your everything.”

“Jon, that’s real sweet of you, but-“

“Kiss me.”

“What?” I said confused.

“Please, just kiss me.”

“Jon, I’m with Richie, you’ve gotta stop living in the past.”

“No! Kiss me goddammit!”

“No, Jon. I can’t just-“

I was interrupted as he pressed his lips to mine, and leaned over, locking the door. I tried to pull away, but something was wrong. My body wouldn’t let me. It wanted me to kiss him.

And there we stood, kissing, under the warm July sun, with our memories surrounding us in every direction.

Love Lies Chapter 40

 

“Hey, darling,” I heard Richie say, as I rolled over and looked at him. “It’s time to wake up, sleepyhead.”

I slowly opened my eyes as I watched him look at me. “How long have you been up?”

“An hour or so,” he smiled. “I like watching you sleep. So peaceful.”

I yawned and then smiled at him. “You’re too cute.”

“I am Richie Sambora,” he smiled, “if you haven’t noticed.”

“Oh, I’ve noticed,” I smiled. “I’ve REALLY noticed.”

He laughed as we both sat up, and gazed around our bedroom. Clothes were strung through the bedroom. I felt my hand, and saw the ring still shining.

“It looks really beautiful on you,” Richie smiled.

“Thank you,” I glanced at the clock. “It’s nine?”

“Oh shit,” Richie yelled. “We have a photoshoot at ten, and afterwards it’s an after party to celebrate the success of the tour. I better get ready. You get to come too.”

“That’s okay, we can take a shower together.”

We both got up and went into our bathroom, and got into the shower. I missed the moments where I got to take a shower with him. It had been nine months.

We got out and got changed. I put on a nice green dress with ruffles. It was bigger now, because I had lost so much weight, so I didn’t need Richie to zip it up like normal.

I walked into his closet. “How do I look?”

“Hot,” he smiled. “I almost shit my pants looking at you.”

“Is that a good thing?”

He smiled as he got closer to me. “You tell me,” he kissed me, and wrapped his arms around me.

“Richie,” I said against his lips. “I don’t mean to stop you, but it’s nine-thirty, and we’ve got a photoshoot to go to.”

He laughed as he slowly kissed me one more time, and finally pulled on a pair of jeans and a leather jacket.

“What shoes?” I said.

“You know those silver heels you have?”

“Yeah?”

“Those are sexy, wear them.”

I smiled as I went into my closet and grabbed them. I slipped them on and went back into the bathroom, did my makeup, and put my hair into a bun, and finally got ready.

“You set?” he smiled as I could hear his cowboy boots coming from downstairs.

“Yup! But wait, we still haven’t talked over how we’re going to explain this ring to them,” I said.

“If they notice, we tell them,” Richie said. “If they don’t, then we’ll tell them at the party.”

“Sounds good.”

We both went down the winding staircase and got into the limo. I felt a lot better today, but a little sore. I didn’t care. It was worth it.

“Is Dot going to be at the photo shoot?” I asked, referring to Dorthea. It’s not that me and her didn’t get along, it’s just that, well, I didn’t like her very much, and I know she didn’t like me either.

“Nope,” he said. “Just you, me and the guys.”

“Good,” I muttered to myself.



When we got to the photoshoot, Jon, David, Tico and Alec were getting their pictures taken as Richie stood beside me with his arms around my waist.

“Hey, Kmae!” Jon yelled. “You’re here!”

“I wasn’t planning on staying home,” I said. “Do you want me to be lonely?”

“Well, you have been for nine months. You should be able to handle an extra day.”

I punched him in the shoulder. “You’re mean.”

“No, I’m Jon Bon Jovi.”

I rolled my eyes. “What’s Dorthea doing?” Not that I care…

“She’s with her sister today. I guess they’re going shopping for her sister’s baby shower or something.”

“Oh, that’s nice.”

“They should’ve invited you.”

I shook my head. “Nah, I’ve got you guys to babysit tonight.”

“We can always take care of ourselves.”

“Yeah,” I said. “You said that last time when I found you in the hallway by our hotel room.”

“It was warmer out there then in the room!”

I laughed. It was actually good to have Jon being my friend again, after all that had happened back in ’84. Now he was a little more mature, and had a wife.

“Kmae,” Richie said as he came up next to me, “is that okay if I take some by myself?”

“Of course!” I smiled. “Go right ahead.”

He gave me a kiss on the cheek and went into the photo shooter’s photo session place.

I turned back to Jon. “So, how was your tour?”

“Oh, great,” he said. “Dorthea left in the middle of it though.”

“Why’s that?” I asked, puzzled. I couldn’t believe that she had left…right in the middle? She must be crazier then I thought.

“She just wasn’t fit for it,” he said. “We were going to come and get you, but when she left, we were in Paris.”

“I love Paris,” I smiled. “That sucks that she left you guys.”

“It’s okay,” he said. “We’re just kind of having problems.”

“I hope they all resolve,” I said.

“I hope so too,” he said. “I really love her.”

“I know you do.”

He looked down. “She just isn’t the same person she was when I met her, you know?”

“Oh, I know,” I said. “You were different at one time too.”

“I know I’ve changed too,” he said. “But she’s just…I can’t explain it. She just doesn’t want to love me like I want to love her.”

I didn’t know what to say. He and Dorthea had never been a very good couple in my mind. They just didn’t share the same tastes, the same love.

“Can I honestly tell you something?” I said to him.

“Kmae,” he said. “You know you can tell me anything. Go right ahead.”

“I never approved of her,” I said. “She just is…odd. You know?”

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t know you didn’t approve.”

“It’s fine.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Yeah, It is.”

“Kmae, I’m not gonna argue with you.”

“Well, too late.”

He laughed. “You’ve got a way with words.”

“Halleluiah,” I said.

“Kmae,” Richie yelled. “You ready for pictures?”

“I am if you are!” I smiled as I yelled back.

“Kmae,” Jon said. “Can we talk later? It just seems that I can tell you stuff and you actually listen.”

“Anytime,” I smiled. “See you.”

He waved as I walked over to Richie, put on a smile, and tried to look glamorous for the camera, as Jon watched in agonizing heartbreak as Richie held me close.

Love Lies Chapter 39

I felt like it'd be forever until I saw him. I missed him so much.

I went into our bathroom, and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked really sick, and ill. I had lost about 39 pounds, now only weighing about 105 or less pounds. I hadn't hardly eaten anything in the few months that he had been gone. I pulled over a tank top. My ribs were almost showing, so I hid it with a Beatles t-shirt. I knew Richie wasn't going to be happy with me.

My whole body ached from head to toe as I slowly went downstairs, and looked through his hall of guitars. Everything was so dusty, and untouched. I almost felt bad as I cleaned them.

I was cleaning when I heard a noise in the front room. I slowly peaked around the corner, and saw a suitcase get set down.

"Kmae?"

My heart instantly dropped as I rushed into the room. "Richie!"

He looked at me with that smile that I hadn't seen in nine months. "I'm back, honey."

Tears of joy stained my cheeks as I rushed up and wrapped my arms around his neck.

"I'm so glad you're home!" I cried with joy. I felt myself melt in his arms.

"I missed you so goddamn much," he cried too. "I wish I could've been back earlier."

We unwrapped our hands from eachother as he looked me in the eyes, and gave me the kiss that I had been waiting for nine months for.

He put his arms around my waist, and laid his head on my shoulder.  He had a beautiful smell from his cologne. It was very seducing.

"How was the tour?" I said as we walked over to the sofa and sat down.

"It was good," he smiled. "But I missed you."

"I missed you too," I said. "Did you guys do alot of concerts?"

"Yeah," he said. "How were you? I know, I should've called you more."

"It's fine," I said, reassuring him. "I just...stayed here."

"I got you something," he smiled.

"I told you that you didn't need to," I smiled.

He walked into the other room and grabbed one of many suitcases, and motioned for me to follow him up the winding staircase. I slowly walked up, still aching from head to toe, and he went into our bedroom, laying the suitcase down.

"Well," he smiled as he turned back around to me with his hands behind his back. "Kmae, you know you're my everything. I can't even seem to think of who I'd be if I didn't have a spunky girl from Iowa loving me everyday. I couldn't ever see myself with anyone else. You're the only one I'd love to be with for the rest of my life, starting now. Kmae, will you be my wife?" he pulled a little red box out from behind his back, and got down on his knee as he slowly lifted the box open.

I was speechless, as I stared down into the diamond ring, that was lined with little diamonds, with a big one in the middle of the little ones.

"Richie," I cried as the tears ran down, "I'd, I'd love to."

He stood up and took my hand in his, putting the ring on me.

"It looks gorgeous," I smiled, as I hugged him.

"I don't want this moment to end," he cried.

I buried my head into his shoulder. "I don't want it to either."

"Be mine forever," he smiled. "Be mine."

"I promise I will," I smiled. "You're mine forever."

We stood there for a few seconds before he slowly rocked us back and fourth as "Colour My World" by Chicago came on the radio, and then we slowly, but gently kissed under the falling moonlight that spilled into the room, before the dreams were made, and we weren't the strangers that we had been for nine months anymore.

Love Lies Chapter 38

I sat in the window seat of our house for awhile, staring out the window at the rain that slowly started falling down. A crack of thunder echoed through the house, and I could hear the china in the cabinet shake.

I missed him. I felt like an emotional wreck without him.

I grabbed my scrapbook and looked through the photos. The first page was the first picture I had ever taken with him, more then nine years ago on the Jersey beach. He had his arms wrapped around me and we were both smiling. Then, the next photo, the same place, but with Jon making faces in the background and me laughing as Richie tried to tickle me.

My photos were what I had left after me and Richie had broken up. I would look through them, and you could tell the pages were worn out and getting old. I had taped them so many times, it wasn't even funny.

The first photoshoot that we did together, for the 7800° Fahrenheit Tour, was hanging in our bedroom. I studied it as I laid in the windowseat, admiring the picture. I had the one with me and Richie, and then the one of me and the whole band. We were all standing, making our hands look like guns, with me in the middle. I loved that picture.

I went into Richie's closet, where there was many leather jackets. I put my hand over them and felt them. These jackets had seen everything.

One of them had a rip in the sleeve, and I could remember how it had happened. He had been attacked by fans onstage, and some weird chick had ripped it. I remember going down there to mess with them, because they were bothering my boyfriend.

Boyfriend. That word haunted me. I was surprised that we weren't engaged yet. But I didn't care...we were always so busy..and I couldn't help but think of being married yet.

But I loved him. I didn't want to leave him. He was mine. And I couldn't even bare to be without him.

I walked out of the closet and laid down on our bed, looking up at the ceiling. There was a gash across the top of the wall, where Richie had thrown one of my bras, and it had left a big black streak across the wall. I laughed at the memory, but then slowly sunk back to my loneliness, where I slowly fell to dreamland.





My eyes slowly opened. There was a small beam of light that spilled in from the curtains.

I sat up. "Richie?"

I looked over to the other side of the bed, which was still neatly made and didn't even have a dent.

I broke down. I missed him even more.

I didn't want to talk to anyone or do anything. I just wanted to be alone. I felt like breaking down. I couldn't help it.

My life wasn't complete without him.





Those months...they slowly went by like a flock of birds. I missed him.


I spun down the stairway as the phone rang. It was Richie calling, like he did everyday.

"Hey, babe," he said.

Even when he said it on the phone it sent shivers down my spine.

"Richie," I smiled to myself. "I miss you."

"I miss you too," he said. "We'll be together again soon. I promise."

I still really missed him as I slowly cried. "I can't live another day without you."

I could almost hear the distress in this voice. "I miss you too. I promise that we'll be home soon."

I slowly kissed the bottom of the phone. I missed his hot lips, slowly kissing mine.

"I love you," I whispered.

"I love you more," he whispered back. "I promise, we'll be together soon."

I heard the phone hang up as I sunk down beside the wall, with tears and desperation to see him again.

Love Lies Chapter 37

And indeed, many memories were made.



Two years later, me and Richie were still together. We had some hard times, yes, but we hadnt ever broken up.
Jon started dating his exgirlfriend Dorthea, and were soon engaged, with a wedding planned in 1988. I was given the honor to be maid of honor.

The band's success reached when Slippery When Wet became chart topping with "Livin' on a Prayer," "You Give Love a Bad Name," and "Wanted Dead or Alive."

I stood by their sides, through every single thing. I was proud of my brothers. They were my everything.
We went on tour again, going everywhere. Richie has bought us a house in LA. I was thrilled that he'd want me to move in with him...I loved him so much. I couldn't help but think of Jon, who was with Dorthea now. I wasn't jealous. I just couldn't believe he was with her.



Again, another two years passed by. Jon and Dorthea were married on April 29, 1988 with me as maid of honor and Richie as the best man.

Another successful album, "New Jersey" came out, with the hits "Bad Medicine," "Lay Your Hands on Me," "Born to Be My Baby," and my favorite, "I'll Be There For You."

Fans from all over the world came to see us. I got to sing a few times, which was my favorite thing to do, being that I loved the band so much. I was even signing autographs. It was an amazing experience, given that I had a great time.


But then, the moment came when I couldn't go on tour.


May, 1988. LA

I watched as Richie packed up all of his stuff. I laid on my side, watching him slowly put in clothes. He stopped for a second, watching me, and slowly got sad.

"I don't want to leave you," he whispered.

I got up and walked over to him, hugging him. "I don't want you to leave either."

"You've got to come with us," he cried as he held me tighter.

I felt the tears roll down my face as I held him. His shoulder became my headrest as he slowly rocked us back and forth.

"I want you to go," he pleaded again. "I won't be the same if you don't."

I cried as he let go of me and put his hands around me, looking me in my eyes.

"There isn't enough room," I said. "Jon has Dorthea going, and there's not enough room for both of us."

"Goddammit! Why can't Jon leave her at home?" Richie yelled.

"They're married, Sweetie."

"So? Just because we're dating, we're not allowed?" he asked.

I couldn't look him in the eyes anymore. "Richie, please. Just go without me."

"My whole life is surrounded by you," he cried. "I can't leave you."

I wrapped my arms around him again. "You'll be back in nine months," I cried. "I can be okay."

"I won't be okay," he cries as he wrapped his arms around me. "I need you."

"I'll send you letters, you can call me. You'll be in New Jersey for a while. Then you'll be back."

He held my shoulders tight. "I promise you, I'll call, I'll beg to come back. Please, just...don't worry about me."

I closed my eyes as I held him there. "I won't worry, I'll just miss you."

"I'll miss you too."

I smiled through my tears. "We've still got until tomorrow."

He put a finger to my lips, before removing it and kissing me. He wrapped his arms around me, and I fell back onto the bed as he wrapped his love around me. Before we both fell to loveland, holding each other close.






"I love you," I whispered in his ear.

He was holding his suitcase in his hand. "I'll miss you more then you can imagine. I love you too, beauty."

I hugged him, making sure he knew I'd miss him. "Take pictures, please."

"I'll get you something," he promised.

I shook my head. "Don't get anything for me! You're going on tour! Get something for yourself!"

He looked me in the eyes. "Im getting you something."

"Fine, but make sure you don't get into trouble, alright? Or I'll beat your ass when you get home."

"There's nothing wrong with a good spanking," he teased.

I rolled my eyes.

"Richie," Jon yelled from the bus, "Are you coming or not?"

Richie turned to look at him. "Hang on," he turned back to me. "I love you. I'll miss you."

I hugged him. "I love you more, and I'll miss you even more."

He pressed his lips to mine, and slowly let go.

I watched him walk to the bus, suitcase in hand, and felt the tears start rolling down. I couldn't help but remember his wonderful smile, and I could smell the smoke from his cigarettes on my clothes.

He look at me through the window, and waved.

I tried to not cry as I waved back, my heart aching with the need to be in his arms, once again.

Love Lies Chapter 36

Richie smiled. "He is, I promise."

I smiled as his hand reached closer to mine, and held it there, and we walked down to the lobby.

"Well, look at that," Alec joked. "They match."

I rolled my eyes. "Nobody likes a smartass."

"Melody does," he smiled.

I looked at him. "Melody? Who's Melody?"

"My new girlfriend," he smiled. "I met her at the concert."

"Guys," Jon yelled from across the room, "we've got to go."

"Alright," I smiled. "Ready to go?"

Richie smiled. "Only if you come."

We walked outside and the paparazzi was surrounding us.

"Jon? Is that your girlfriend?" a reporter asked.

"No, she's Richie's." he replied.

"Richie, y'all are back together?" Another one asked. As they snapped a picture.

"Yes, ma'am."

We got into the limo, with a trail of flashes behind us.

"I like how people automatically think your mine or Jon's," Richie laughed.

I smiled. "We've all had our fair share of history."

"Ain't that the truth," Jon muttered.

I was stuck sitting in between them. It was really awkward, knowing that at one time I liked them both, but now I only could have one.

When we got the the photoshoot, I sat back behind the cameraman, and watched as the guys held up a red, white and blue flag that said "Bon Jovi" on it.

"Kmae, aren't you going to take some pictures?" Jon asked.

"I don't want to break the camera..." I laughed.

"Come on, Kmae!" Richie smiled. "I haven't taken a picture with you for a long time! And we can add them to the book that you have with all of our pictures."

"Fine," I smiled. I got up and walked over to Him.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, and held me close.

The photo shoot went great, and then we went to film. A short haired, brunette girl was the chick in the video.

"I am not going to kiss him," she stated. "I've already got a man."

"But Hun," their manager said. "You've got to."

"No!" she said again. "I'm not going to. He's not my man and I'm not going to kiss someone that isn't mine."

"You've got to be kidding me," their manager said again. "Who's going to do it now? She's obviously crazy."

"I have my pride!" she yelled. "Leave me alone or I won't do the rest of video."

"You've got to be fucking kidding me," Jon said. "Whatever, just find someone else to do it."

"Who else is going to do a music video in the middle of Texas?" I said.

"Technically, we aren't in the middle of Texas...." Alec said.

"I will slap you," I warned. "And you shut the fuck up anyways. You couldn't tell Iowa from Michigan."

"But they're right beside each other..."

I looked at him in disgust. "Whatever, just, we gotta find someone."

"Someone?" Jon smiled as he looked at me.

I seriously felt every eye there looking at me. "What?" I said.

"Kmae," Richie looked at me, "would you be willing to do it?"

I looked at him confused. "You want me to do it?"

"We don't have anyone else," he said. "I don't care, it's not even real."

I looked over at Jon, then back at Richie, and to the other guys staring at me.

"Fine," I muttered.

"Good. Come on guys," their manager said. "We've got A video to make!"

The video wasnt very hard to make, in my opinion. I just had to kiss Jon, not that I had never kissed him before, I had. A lot.

After we finished shooting, we went back to the hotel room. I laid down on my bed and wrote. I wrote usually when I was bored, or needed something to do.

"Kmae," Richie smiled as he cracked open the door. "What are you doing sweetie?"

"Oh, you know, writing."

I smiled to him as he came in and shut the door. "It's been a long night, huh?"

"Tell me about it," I smiled. "But I've got my writing, and now you're here...so it's all fine now."

"What are you writing?"

I let him look at my notebook, which was filled with many, many stories of me and Richie's relationship. I had wrote them over the years, and had fallen for writing them.

"That's what you're always writing," he smiled as he flipped open another page.

"Yeah, when I'm bored, and I miss you terribly...which is usually every time you're not beside me...and I crave that beautiful smile of yours.. ."

He gave me a surprise kiss, full on the lips. I kissed him back, hoping that he'd love it.

"Hey," he said, as he released me. "Remember what I promised you?"

I shook my head.

"That I'd be changing the whole 'haven't slept together for a very long time thing,'" he smiled wide. "And you've taken your birth control today."

I matched his smile, as I laid down on the bed, and he kissed me hard on the lips. 

That night was filled with the making of love.

The next morning came fast. I woke up with Richie ontop of me, still naked, and hot. I smoothed back his hair as I gently laid him beside me. I hadn't had a wild night like that with him for a year. It was the best. He was so gentle with me, like a father would be to his daughter....in the not rape way.

I didn't want to wake him, so I just watched his chest raise up and down and hear him breathing, feeling his breath against my cool skin. He was the cutest sleeper. I wanted to see what he was dreaming about every time there was a smile that broke across his face while he slept. I had hoped it was about me and him, or the band.

I gave him a light peck on the cheek as I Got out of the bed. I was still naked, and felt exposed, but I didn't care, and got in the shower.

I felt good as I got into the shower. I felt relaxed. I looked all Over to make sure there wasn't any bruises. There wasn't any my body, but I wasn't sure if there was any on Richie. My nails looked a little scary, because they were really chipped. I sat in there and sang slowly to myself. I wasn't actually that bad of a singer. I hadn't sung for anybody ever, and it used to scare me when I would sing next to Jon in the choir.

I was slowly singing to myself when two arms wrapped around me.

"You're a beautiful singer, babe," Richie's voice whispered in my ear.

I turned around to see him, as he slowly got into the shower with me.

"You wore me out," he laughed. "I don't even remember going to sleep..."

"You fell asleep on top of me," I smiled. "You're such a dork."

"But, I'm your dork."

I laughed as I gave him a kiss, and he slowly rubbed my back.

"That feels really good," I smiled. "Almost as good as last night."

"Ditto," he smiled. "Are you ready to go? We leave today, you know. Watch out for that doorman, he thinks you're a prostitute."

I nodded. "You're always protecting me, aren't you?"

"I'm not just your boyfriend," he smiled. "I'm also your protector."

I smiled at the thought. “Sometimes, I really love you.”

“Too much for words?” He took the words right out of my mouth.

I smiled, “You’ve always got that way…you can always pick the words from me. How do you do it?”

“Magic, babe. Magic.”

I gave him a kiss as we leaned over and my back pressed up against the cool shower wall.

It sent a shiver down my spine, as he let go and I got myself back up.

“Alright, beauty,” he laughed. “We better get out of the shower and packed…we’ve got Tokyo to go to.”

“Tokyo?!” I smiled. “I love Tokyo!”

“We better go then, we’ve got memories to make.”

Love Lies Chapter 35

I opened my eyes. It was dark out yet, and I couldn't see anything.

Had I slept that long? How could I? I didn't even remember falling asleep.

I turned over, with Richie laying next to me. He was sound asleep.

"What the hell?" I said out loud.

He woke up, looking at me. "Oh, hey, Kmae."

"Why are you next to me?" I asked. "Why aren't you still made at me?"

"Me? Mad at you?" he laughed. "Oh please. I'm not mad at you about anything."

"But," I hesitated to say, "what about the baby?"

"Baby?" he laughed again. "What are you talking about?"

I shook my head. "Nevermind. Where's Jon?"

"They're all asleep," he whispered. "Are you okay?"

"I must've been dreaming."

"Obviously," he laughed. "Because I can't see you with a child yet. You're only 22.

"I don't want to be a mom until I'm ready," I explained.

"Shh," he smiled. "Rest. We've got a big day tomorrow."

"Wait," I said. "How did I ever fall asleep? I took a shower with you, then what happened?"

"We haven't taken a shower together in..wow it's been a year."

I lowered my eyebrows onion confusion. "What?"

"Rest, beauty," he whispered. I loved it when he called me beauty. It made me feel beautiful inside, and loved.

I fell asleep, there in his arms.


The next day I woke up, and walked into the bathroom. The pregnancy test wasn't even touched, still laying in the bottom of my suitcase in the ziplock bag. Richie explained to me that the guys hadn't gone to the bar either. I had to have been dreaming, but it was so weird. I don't know how I fell asleep. I didn't care, as long as I wasn't pregnant and I didn't have to explain it to Jon. I just thought I'd keep this a secret.

I got dressed, and walked into Richie's room, where he was casually singing and shaving, again.

"You're a good singer," I smiled as I wrapped my arms around him as he finished his shave.

"I am Richie Sambora," he laughed.

"And I'm Kmae Bruce. But that doesn't make me special," I smiled.

He laughed. "Are you ready?"

"Ready for what?"

"We've got a photo shoot today, and we also start some filming for Only Lonely."

I smiled, "Do I get to get my pictures taken?"

"Of course," he smiled. "Heck, you could be in the music video if you'd like."

"You mean it?" I laughed.

He pressed his hot lips to mine quickly. "Would I kiss you if I didn't?"

"Yeah, because I'm your drug," I smiled. "I'm going to go change..you know..go and do my makeup..."

He smiled. "You're already so pretty."

"I've got to change. I'm not wearing a Hells Bells tshirt to a photoshoot."

"You can make anything look sexy," he smiled.

I laughed. "I'm still not wearing this."

"Wear that denim jacket I gave you over it. It'll look really good with the lettering on your shirt."

I nodded. "That sounds like a plan. Can't believe I asked you about what I'm gonna wear."

"Just dont wear green or red," he muttered. "Or I won't be able to see it."

"Or brown," I said. "You're colourblind to brown too, right?"

"Yeah."

I gave him a quick kiss. "I'm glad this whole pregnancy thing blew over."

"You were dreaming," he laughed.

"I know I was, but it seemed so realistic. You wanted to murder me and God knows what Jon wanted to do to me if I got pregnant with his child. I know it was his, because me and you haven't really done anything for...geesh. It's been at least six months."

"I'm hoping to change that soon," he smiled.

I smiled a sexy smile back. "You're such a flirt, aren't you?"

"Hey, when you're this sexy, you've got to share it."

I rolled my eyes and walked out of his bathroom, and went back into my room. I went into the bathroom and curled the ends of my hair, which was still towards the middle of my back in length. I didn't mind the fact that I was the only girl here. I was more of a tomboy. I was hanging out with the guys since Richie was 19 in '78 and I was 16 almost 17.

When we fell in love, it was almost like we had me before. He was everything like me, liking the same bands, the same thing. But the bad part is, me and Jon had a bit of a relationship already. He was homecoming king with me and we both went to prom together. Plus, he had made out with me and got us both detention. But that didn't stop me from liking Richie. I loved them both, and I wanted them to both figure out who could have me. Well, Jon started dating Dorthea, a girl that was in our class in 1981 and broke up a few months later. They never felt the love of me and Richie.
I applied red fingernail polish to my nails. They weren't very long, and they weren't short either. I always chopped them off when they got too long, and they were medium size.

The jacket Richie had given to me was draped over the back of the Chair. I slid it over my shoulders and let the cold touch my skin.

"Kmae?" Richie asked from his room.
"Can I wear the same jacket as you?"

I smiled. "Of course!"

He laughed, and I continued to fix my outfit. The denim ripped shorts, the cowboy boots, I was ready to go.

"Richie," I yelled into his room, "Do you want me to meet you down there?"

He appeared in my doorway. "Why don't we just walk down together?"

I smiled. "I think I'd like that."

He took my hand as we walked down to the lobby.

"Wait," I said. "if that was a dream last night, then you haven't talked with Jon yet,"

"About us? Oh, he seems okay with it now," he reassured.

"He chewed me the fuck out," I said. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah," he said. "He gets that way when he's been drinking."

"Alright," I said. "But he better be."

Love Lies Chapter 34

          “Oh, shit.” I exclaimed. I didn’t know what I’d do now. I didn’t want this to happen. It was my first and only nightmare.

          I had to do something. I couldn’t just be here alone.

          I went into the living area of the hotel and grabbed a phonebook. I looked through it, finding the number to the bar that the guys were at.

          “Hello?” A male voice answered.

          “Hi,” I cleared my throat. “I’m Richie Sambora’s girlfriend. Can I talk to him?”

          “Is this really his girlfriend?” The guy asked. “We don’t tolerate people who call just to talk to the guys if they’re not their actual girlfriend.”

          “Uh, you listen,” I said. “I’m Kmae. Even ask Richie. He knows my voice.”

          The guy called to Richie, who came to the phone.

          “Kmae?” He said.

          “Richie, you need to come here,” I pleaded. “I need to talk with you.”

          “Okay,” he said worried. “I’ll be there in about twenty minutes.”

          I felt tears run down as I got myself to say “okay” and hung up. I felt that he didn’t want me to ever get pregnant, and if I did, he wanted to probably shoot me. I felt so dirty, so sick. I wanted to throw up. I ran to the bathroom and puked. I couldn’t help but think that I was carrying Jon’s baby, and not Richie’s. This was even worse, knowing that I had a very slight chance of having a miscarriage, which would break Jon’s heart and Richie would be so mad.

          As I laid there on the floor in the bathroom, I couldn’t help but think of the baby that I might have. The little child that would never know who to call “Daddy,” knowing that he had Jon as a dad and Richie as his mom’s boyfriend. I’d have to explain to him that his mother had a drunken night with his dad while she was dating Jon’s best friend, and that the child was our “accident.”

          I tried to get up, but I hit the underneath of the toilet, and fell back down, dazed and confused.

          “Kmae?” I heard a voice say as the door opened.

          Had it been twenty minutes already?

          “Richie!” I yelled from the bathroom in pain. I must’ve hit my head really hard, and could feel where a bruise was forming on my forehead.

          He rushed to my aid. “What the hell happened?” He exclaimed, and helped me up.  “Are you okay?”

          “I’m, I’m fine. I just need to tell you something.”

          “That can wait,” he said. “I think you need some ice.”

          “But Richie,” I pleaded. “It’s important!”

          He didn’t even hear me as he rushed into the kitchen area and grabbed me ice.

          “I’m pregnant,” I whispered to myself.

          He came back, with ice and a towel. “There, you should feel a little better now. What did you need to tell me?”

          I walked into the room where my bed was, and sat down, with him right beside me.

          “Richie,” I whispered. “I know you’re going to hate me forever and ever..”

          “Hate you?” He asked. “How could I hate you?”

          “I’ve made mistakes,” I continued. “You’ve made some too. I understand, but this isn’t a mistake. It’s a problem. Richie, I’ve been thinking this over, and I decided to tell you now, rather then tell Jon first. Richie, I’m pregnant with Jon’s baby.”

          He looked at me. “You’ve got to be joking, Kmae.”

          A single tear dropped down my face as I tried to be strong. “No, Richie. I’m not. I took a pregnancy test. I’m pregnant.”

          He looked me in the eyes, and I could see him basically shatter into a million pieces before me.

          “I’m so sorry, Richie,” I tried to explain as he got up in anger.

          “Kmae! How could you?” he yelled. “How could you go and do something like this with my best friend?”

          “I thought you didn’t care because I didn’t know what I was doing!”

          “Well, if you wouldn’t have gotten pregnant with his child, I would’ve been cool with it, but no, you had to go and get pregnant. How are you going to have this child on tour with us? It’s 15 months long, and if I’m not mistaken, it takes only 9 months to bear a child. How could you, Kmae?”

          I broke into a million tears. “Richie, it’s not my fault! Jon, he’s the one that-“

          “Yeah, go ahead and blame your pregnancy all on Jon. He’s not the only reason you’re pregnant. You didn’t take the pill, and now it’s not his problem.”

          “It IS his problem too!” I yelled. “He’s the father. I’m the mother. This is OUR child, Richie. And whether you like it or not, I’m having this baby. I’m not letting some other family have it. It’s mine and Jon’s. And maybe if you want, it could be yours too.”

          “I’m not the one who was screwing around with you,” he yelled as he pointed to me. “You’re the one who was irresponsible and did this with him!”

          “You don’t get it, do you?” I yelled back as I stood up. “You’ve been here for everything, every moment, every tear. What’s wrong now? Just because I’m having a kid that you’d never have, you’ve got to shoot anger at me? Well, Richie. Fuck you.”

          “I didn’t,” he yelled. “Jon did!” He ran and slammed his door as I crashed into a million pieces on the floor.

Love Lies Chapter 33

          We went out to eat, and went to a bar a few miles from the hotel. I saw Jon and the guys at the bar drinking. I swear that they’d seen every bar in Houston.

          “Hey guys,” I smiled as I walked in. I felt weird, being that they were so dressed up and I was wearing jeans.

          David smiled. “Hey, where’s Alec?”

          “Alec?” I asked, looking around. “I didn’t know it was my turn to babysit him.”

          “He was supposed to be here. I wonder if he got lost with that skank he calls his new girlfriend,” Tico muttered under his breath.

          “He’s got a girlfriend?” Richie made a weird face. “Are you sure she isn’t blind? Who would date that moron?”

          I shook my head. “Guys, just be happy that he’s not being a pain in our asses and enjoy your time off from him.”

          “Amen to that!” Jon burped. He obviously wasn’t sober, knowing that they had been drinking.

          I looked over behind the bartender at the clock. It was only 1 in the afternoon, and he was already almost drunk.

          “Ma’am,” the bartender said as he cleaned a wine glass, “would you like something to drink?”

          “No,” I said. “I’m fine.”

          “Kmae,” Richie pleaded. “Drink something.”

          I shook my head. “I don’t want to. I have a major headache.”

          He hugged me, trying to make me feel better.

          “Hey Rich!” Jon drunkly yelled. “You guys…gettin’ it on later?”

          “What?” I said as I turned to look at him.

          He smiled half drunk. “I mean..you know..”

          “Jon!” I yelled as a wave of anger suddenly came over me. “Shut up, okay? Just because you’re drunk doesn’t mean you need to act like a complete asshole. Shut the fuck up and turn around.”

          “Kmae?” Richie looked at me, with worry in his eyes. “Where’d that mood swing come from? Are you sure you’re okay?”

          I backed away. I couldn’t believe that I barked back at him like that. I had never ever done anything like that. It was like a rush of anger that came over me.

          “I need to leave,” I pleaded. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

          Richie nodded. “Do you need fresh air? Want to go back to the hotel?”

          “Yes,” I said, “I want to go back. But by myself. I think I need some kind of silence for a while.”

          He nodded again. “I understand, sweetie. Just go back, okay? Tell the limo driver that you want to go back. Have him come back so he can pick us up. I won’t be too long. I’ll try to not drink too much, okay?”

          I hugged him. “Thanks for understanding.”

          He smiled, as I walked out the door. I breathed in all the fresh air as I finally left.

          “Hey,” the limo driver said. “I’m Rick. How can I help you?”

          “Hi, Rick,” I said. “I’m Richie’s girlfriend…I’m supposed to go back to the hotel. I hope it’s no bother.”

          “Oh, no! Of course not!” He laughed. “I can come back and get them. It’s nothing.”

          “Okay,” I smiled. “Thanks.”

          He closed the door for me, and I crashed into the seat. I was so tired.

         

          It seemed like it took forever to get to the hotel, but finally we arrived. I hurried up the stairs, and went into my room. Everything was quiet, except for the “pitter-patter” of the water from the faucet.

          I had to check something. I knew it was impossible, but of course, accidents happen. This was something that I didn’t want to happen, but of course, once again, they happen.

          The pregnancy test was lying in a zip lock bag in my suitcase. I had brought it along, just in case of any emergencies.

          Finally, I checked.

          I waited a few minutes as I looked at it, and muttered, “No, no, no, no, no!” Under my breath.

          It was positive. I was pregnant with Jon’s baby.