Chapter 4


The next few weeks either went by too fast, or too slow, depending on my mood. Thank god work kept me busy, between training two new employees, and schedules, not to mention the daily goings on of a business, I kept busy. The holiday season was fast approaching, so I knew I would need to hire a few more more people, just wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it before I left or when I got back, something to discuss with Robert.

While I was at work I was able to keep my thoughts from wandering, but when I was home there seemed to be no controlling them. I was nervous, scared, and excited all at the same time. My mind was coming up with many different scenarios, “Would he remember me, if he does, will he act like he doesn’t know me?!” Then if he doesn’t remember me, how am I going to react? The anticipation was killing me! We did part on good terms, so that has to count for something. Right? We had agreed to absolutely no contact, no one else but us knew what had taken place between us. We did that for one simple fact, we were both married to other people at the time.

As these thoughts were running around in my head I poured myself a nice stiff drink. Sitting down on the couch, I wondered how the hell I was going to pull this off. A few drinks and some serious soul searching later, I made my decision. I was going to tell Reese, I just hope and pray she can forgive me for keeping this secret from her!

Ever since we were little kids Reese and I had always kept each other’s secrets, both good and bad. As time passed and we grew up we still kept the others secrets, only now they were bigger and juicier. Like the time Reese almost married some guy in Las Vegas, Mom and Dad still don’t know about that one! Or the time I was arrested for starting a bar fight and spent the night in jail. We are sisters, we protect each other no matter what.

Later in the evening Reese called to say hi,and to inform me she finally dumped her loser boyfriend. I knew she was hurting, so I didn’t let on how happy I was. I told her that one day her prince would come and sweep her off her feet, that she would live in a beautiful castle, and wear beautiful gowns. By the end of our conversation she was laughing hysterically. Music to my ears.

“Chin up Missy, remember, you are the daughter of a Marine!,” I playfully reminded her.

“Yes ma’am.” Reese laughed.

“You better be saluting me when you say that young lady.” I teased.

“ Oh, I am saluting alright.” Reese teased back.

“Uh huh, I just bet you are, you little shit!”

“Yeah, Yeah,” Even though we had other siblings Reese was always closer to Grace. They got along so well, they liked the same music, same football teams, same movies. Hell if they weren’t sisters they would be a great couple. Well if Grace was a man.

Realizing how late it was, and that she had a early meeting in the morning, Reese bid me good night to her big sister. Leave it to my little sister to make me laugh and forget my worries for a little while. After talking to Reese, I knew that I was right in my decision to tell her everything. It was just a matter of how and where. The clock is ticking!

Chapter 3


After fighting with midtown traffic, I finally pulled into the parking lot of Rob’s Firehouse Bar & Grill where I have been employed for the past three and a half years. I started working at the Bar & Grill after one of my good friends told me how her brother was looking to hire someone, train them for a management position. Seeing that I was interested, Dawn called Robert, and with a lot of hard work, and long hours, I made my way to Assistant Manager in just under a year!

The building itself used to be an old firehouse, but instead of tearing it down, Robert bought the building as it was and then did his own remodeling. The Bar & Grill is a two story building, the lower level is the business, the upper level is where Robert calls home.

Nestled smack dab in the middle of downtown, the bar does very well for itself. The building stood out among all the other businesses,from the red bricks, to the high glass windows, to the burnt wood front doors where old ax handles were used to open the doors. Customers were always surprised when they walked in the front door, the interior not what they were expecting. In the middle of the room was the dance floor, in the center of the dance floor is the pole originally used by the firefighters to slide down. Strategically placed around the dance floor are various tables, all are done in a light oak with matching chairs. In one corner of the restaurant is a pool table, surrounded by a variety of pinball and video games. In the opposite corner, was a small stage where local bands would come and play, or where you could belt out a song or two during our Saturday night Karaoke. TV screens were hung around the room for sports nights, the sound system could rival any concert.

What made the whole place was the bar, as soon as you entered the premises your eyes immediately went to the bar. Made of a deep mahogany with brass rails surrounding the entire length of the bar. Black cushioned high backed chairs placed along the bar for patrons to sit on. Behind the bar sat a stained glass mural of a firefighter holding a cold beer, etched in the glass was the old station #21. Various bottles of alcohol sat on shelves for consumption. On certain nights, the bartender would pick a bottle of his choice, place it on the bar as the beverage of the night.

Walking in, I could hear AC/DC’s, “Highway to Hell” coming from the speakers hanging in various spots around the room. Smiling at a few of the patrons that I knew, as well as Ryan, one of our bartenders, as I passed by. Motioning with my hands to Ryan, I asked him where Robert was? Ryan pointed to towards the back, with a nod, I continued towards the door leading to the back of the establishment. Two of our servers, Nina and Shelly, were busy with their customers, so I just waved as I entered the back area. The kitchen staff was preparing for lunch, so I didn’t bother them. Going down the hall I passed my office, Robert’s office was on the opposite side of the wall from me.

Standing in the doorway to Robert’s office, I stood there watching him for a moment. Robert was a few years older than me, he had jet black hair that was cut military style, dark brown eyes, and the cutest dimples! Well besides Richie Sambora that is. Robert really is a good looking man, but for some reason there was never a spark between us.

Feeling eyes on him, Robert looked up with a smile on his face”Well hello there.”

Smiling back I walked in and sat down in the chair across from his desk ”Hi.”

“Forgive me for asking, but aren’t you off today?,” Robert inquired, steepling his fingers underneath his chin.


With a laugh, I reminded him that he knew damn well today was my day off. Seeing the confused look on his face, I explained why I was there.
Robert’s expression quickly changed from confusion to amused. “So you would like some time off to go see this band, is that correct?,” he asked while leaning back in the chair.

Nodding my head “If it is possible, then yes?,” giving him a rather sheepish grin.

When Robert was done teasing me about the band, we discussed the time off I was you when I get home..love you!!

I had booked my ticket and hit the grocery store before heading home, the sun was just starting to set as I pulled in the driveway. Once the groceries were put away, I headed for the bathroom to start a nice hot bath. While the tub was filling up, I wandered out to the requesting. Not seeing any problems with the schedule, Robert granted me my time off. Thanking him, I made my way through the restaurant, bidding my goodbyes as I headed out the door. Climbing back in my car, I shot a quick text to Reese.
Grace: I have the time off, heading to travel agent now....so excited!!! I will text kitchen to pour me a glass of wine. I sent a text to Reese with my flight info, then turned on the stereo before walking back to the bathroom. Shutting the water off, I stripped my clothes off, climbed in and sank down in the bathtub, letting the heat from the water relax my muscles.
Taking a sip of wine I heard the intro to “Make A Memory” playing. How appropriate I thought. We did make some great memories, and in a few weeks we will be face to face again.

Chapter 2

I woke up to the sun peeking thru the curtains of my bedroom window, casting the room in a warm glow. Stretching my muscles, I laid back on the pillows, wrapping myself in the warm blankets as I let my mind wander back to las tnight’s conversation with Reese.
I wonder if he will remember me ? It’s been a few years, so maybe he won’t.

Stop it! You will not do this! You will not stroll down memory lane Grace, even if he does remember you. so what, doesn’t mean anything. Climbing out of bed, I made my way towards the bathroom, I couldn’t help but smile as I stood in the doorway, this was my oasis. After Gram had passed, Reese and I were left the house ,since Reese didn’t want to give up her posh apartment, I moved in after Brandon and I split up. With the help of my family, we remodeled various rooms, the bathroom being one of them. We knocked out a couple walls, enlarging the bathroom making it almost as big as my bedroom, but not quite.

I had installed all the luxuries any woman could want, from heated tile floors with an Italian design, a jacuzzi tub that could easily fit six. The cabinets were redwood, the counters were done in marble with his and hers sinks. Adorning the counters were various perfume bottles, lotions and hair products. My favorite thing in the entire room was the shower. It consisted of marble walls on the inside, on the outside I had a custom designed shower glass door with rain droplets to give it a tropical feel, which accented the light blue walls perfectly. The shower itself was a masterpiece, above the shower covering the entire length was one of the biggest shower heads I had ever seen. When you turn the shower on it feels like you are standing out in the rain. I love it!

After showering and drying off, I went to get dressed. Putting on my undergarments, I headed for my walk in closet. Even though the sun was shining beyond my windows, I knew it wasn’t that warm out so I pulled on my favorite black jeans, adding a dark blue sweater. Plucking a pair of socks from the dresser, I left the room. Entering the kitchen I put the kettle on for some hot water, while I waited for the water to boil, I opened the kitchen curtains above the sink, allowing the sun to come in and warm the room. The kitchen window allowed me a great view of the huge backyard, perfect for our family functions.

Once the water had boiled I made me a cup of hot chocolate, I am not a coffee drinker Shocking I know! . Hot cocoa in hand I wandered into the living room, opening the curtains so that the sun could pour in from the bay window that ran the entire length of my front porch. Sitting on the couch I looked around the room, done in light brown and beige colors,it was a huge room that could easily hold 40 plus, but the light colors gave it a cosy feeling. I had picked furniture in darker shades of brown, then added a few light pieces, like pillows for the couches.The pillows were perfect for curling up to watch TV, or read a book. A big screen TV hung on the wall across from the couches, the furniture perfectly angled for the perfect view, especially if football is on. Tucked in the corner of the room is the fireplace, a beautiful wood mantel carved by my grandfather resting above the fireplace. Various family photos graced the mantle, but hanging above the mantle was the true masterpiece. A family portrait taken just a year before we lost Gram. In the portrait Gram is surrounded by her 10 kids, 48 grandchildren, and her 68 great grandchildren, and her 4 great great grandchildren. Yes we are a big family! We have a blast during the holidays!!

There are so many great memories associated with this house. The many holidays, birthdays, and sleepovers and Bbq’s. So much fun had taken place here. Gram was always the life of the party, ever hear the song “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off?” by Joe Nichols, well that was Gram. I miss her everyday!

Giving myself a mental shake I climbed off the couch, I had things to do and sitting around here reminiscing was not going to get them done. Putting my tennis shoes on, I grabbed my bag and jacket, and headed out.

With the front door locked I bounced down the stairs to my baby, my dream car. I had purchased a dark blue 2008 Chevy Camaro as soon as I seen Transformers. I loved the movie, but fell in love with the car. It had black leather interior, bucket seats, and a top of the line stereo system. Everyone thought I was nuts when I bought it, but now everybody wants a ride in it....go figure. I was well known around town, but I think my car was more popular than me! Could be because of my license plates...my personalized plates, which read..JOVIKTN. With a need to talk to Rob, I backed out of the driveway with “Save A Prayer” blasting from the speakers.

Chapter 1

Unlocking the front door to my house, I could hear the phone ringing inside, but by the time I had the door unlocked, and closed behind me, the ringing had stopped.

“Well that figures,” I muttered to myself, kicking my shoes off by the front door.
I was in the middle of closing the living room curtains, and turning on the lights in the living room when I heard “Tokyo Road,” coming from my bag on the dining room table. As I reached inside my bag for my cell , the ringing ceased.”What the hell” tossing my cell on top of my bag. Walking in the direction of the kitchen, the house phone started up again! This is ridiculous, let them leave a message. I had just stepped in the kitchen doorway when the answering machine kicked in.

“Grace Avery Madison Where the hell are you?!,” my younger sister screamed into the machine.

With a slight chuckle I crossed back into the living room, picking up the phone “Hi Reese!What’s up?,” tucking the phone under my chin while I walked back to the kitchen.

“Well it’s about damn time you answered! I have been calling your cell, and the house, why didn’t you answer?,” Reese inquired with a slight touch of irritation.

“Sorry work was crazy as hell, then Robert and I had to go over schedules for next week, then I stopped for gas. Wait..why am I explaining myself to you! Why didn’t you leave me a voice mail?”

“You drive me crazy! I swear Grace if I was there right now, I would slap you!!”

“Yeah right, you just keep believing that.” Chuckling at the thought of Reese slapping me. “So what’s up?”

“You want to know what’s up? You really want to know?” Reese yelled in my ear.

“Will you stop yelling at me!”I yelled back at her.

“Sorry I am just so excited, and you have been a bitch to get a hold of!”

“Now you got me, so what has you so worked up that you felt the need to stalk me?” I teased.

“You are so not going to believe what happened to me today?” Reese shouted at me.

“Reese you know I hate playing these guessing games with you, so please just tell me!” I pleaded.

“Nope you have to guess, at least once, please.” beseeched Reese.

“Did you win the lottery?” I huffed while leaning back against the kitchen counter.

“No! Try again.” commanded Reese.

“You are moving back home?,” something I have been wanting ever since Reese was transferred to the New York offices two years ago.

“Stop with the guilt trip please,” pleaded Reese.

“I give up, just tell me,” sighing.

“Since you seem to be having an attitude right now,and you ignored my calls, maybe I won’t tell you after all.” pouted Reese.

“Oh please, you know damn well you are going to tell me, it is driving you crazy, so just spill already.” I was starting to get annoyed with this little game.

“ I hate how well you know! OK, but you might want to sit down before I do.”

“Fine, but can I get something to drink first?”

“Yeah, but you might want to make it something strong.” replied an excited Reese.

“That good huh?” I said wryly.

“Oh yeah. It is that good.” Reese assured me.

Padding into the kitchen I grabbed a glass from the cupboard, filling it with ice. Opening the refrigerator I took out a can of coke. “Alright, I have my drink, let’s hear your news,” pouring my coke in the glass.

“One of the local radio stations here in New York was holding a contest to see Bon Jovi perform at David Letterman’s studio for the release of their Greatest Hits cd,” Reese explained.

Not sure where the conversation was going, or what it had to do with me I simply replied”OK.”

“I Won THE LAST TWO TICKETS!!!!,” Reese screamed in my ear.

“WHAT! YOU WON?!” I screamed back.

“I WON!! I actually won!” Reese still could not believing she actually won.

“Oh my word, do you have any idea how much I hate you right now?,” laughing.

“Well gee thanks a lot. I see the love is gone.” chortled Reese.

Feeling the overwhelming need to sit down, I wandered into the living room, plopping myself down on the couch. Reese and I have been fans of the band since we first heard “Runaway”, and now she was going to see them perform in a small venue. Something I have always wanted to experience. Yep jealousy was rearing it’s ugly head. Before her transfer, Reese and I would always go to concerts together, especially Bon Jovi concerts. Reese was hot for Richie Sambora; I on the other hand lusted after the man himself, Jon Bon Jovi.

My thoughts were interrupted by Reese screaming my name,” Grace, did you hear what I just said?”

“No sorry. Guess my thought ran away from me.”

“ Uh huh, I just bet they did.” teased Reese, as only she can.

Trying to hide my jealousy I told her how happy I was for her. Asking her to take some pictures for me as well.

“Nope sorry can’t do that. You can take them yourself!” Reese stated.

“What?,” flew out of my mouth as I choked on my drink.

“Take...them...yourself,” Reese repeated slowly, hoping Grace would get the hint.

Oh my word, she can’t possibly be saying what I think she is saying, can she?

“Uh Reese?” I whispered.
“Yes Grace?,” hoping that maybe now, Grace was understanding what she was trying to say.

“What do you mean by, take them yourself?,” my nerves were starting to get the best of me!

“It is real simple, I won two ticket, and you Grace, are going with me!” Reese laughed.

“Are you serious?” I yelled into the phone.

“Now who is yelling? And yes I am serious. Who else would I take?” Reese was surprised by Grace’s response.

“Sorry, you just caught me off guard,” I stammered into the phone.

“ Let me lay everything out for you. We have two front row tickets, after the show, there is a meet & greet which we will be attending. Does that clarify things for you?” Reese asked with a bit of amusement and a little annoyance.

“We are going backstage! We are going to meet them face to face?” Yelling once again.

“Will you please stop yelling! Get a hold of yourself, gee, you act like this when we meet them you are liable to get us thrown out!” Reese groaned.

“ I won’t get us thrown out. I promise.” Grace reassured her sister.

“ You better not, we have been waiting a long time to meet these guys, now is our chance. So let’s not blow it, OK?”

“ I get it, I get it.” I said with a giggle.

“ Are you going to be able handle meeting Jon in person? Or should I warn the poor man ahead of time about you?” taunted Reese.

“ That won’t be necessary Reese. I will be on my best behaviour.” Oh Reese if you only knew.

We spent the next hour discussing details, when I would fly in, how long was I going to stay, and of course, what we were going to wear. I told Reese I would call her tomorrow after I spoke with Robert. We reluctantly said our good night’s with the promise to talk tomorrow. Hanging the phone up I made my way towards the kitchen, I was in need of something stronger than coke at the moment.

As I stood in front of the stove, I reached for the cupboard above. Finding the bottle of Jack Daniels that had been given to me for my birthday a few months ago. Pouring a generous amount in the glass, I put the bottle back, took a nice long drink! A couple swallows later I could feel the alcohol flowing through me, doing exactly what I needed it to do, calm my nerves. Normally I don’t drink anything stronger than a glass of wine, but tonight I knew wine wasn’t going to cut it.

Slowly my brain started to process everything that has taken place in the last hour. It was then realization hit me right between the eyes. I was going to see him again! I can’t believe it, I am actually going to see him again! I was caught between being excited and scared. What if he gets angry with me being there, or what if he ignores me, what if he sweeps me off my feet. Yeah like that is going to happen I scolded myself. I can’t, no I won’t play the “what if” game. I will just have to wait and see what happens. If nothing else then I can at least say I meet the band.

Done arguing with myself I fixed me some dinner, since I wasn’t real hungry I just made me some vegetable soup with a small salad. My excitement was definitely overlapping my appetite, therefore I didn’t eat much. Washing the few dishes I had used, I put the dishes away, then wiped the counter down, satisfied the kitchen was clean again I shut the light off on my way out.

Picking my laptop off of the desk in the living room, I settled down on the couch. Deciding to check out the band boards for any news, or new photos, or even updates on the fan fiction stories I was reading. Nope nothing new. I went to facebook for a few, but no one was on so I logged out of there. Checking my email, I sent a few off, answered a few, deleted the crap that was in there as well. Shutting down the laptop, I made my way to my bedroom shutting off the living room lights as I went.

After I put my pj’s on I pulled the bed down then headed for the bathroom to do my nightly ritual of brushing my teeth, washing my face, applying moisturizer, and lastly, brushing my hair. Exiting the bathroom I crossed over to the bed, proceeded to climb in and snuggle down into the warmth of the blankets. Closing my eyes I Tried to sleep but I wasn’t sure how much sleep I would be getting, but I had to try. I fell asleep dreaming of a pair of aqua blue eyes and a beautiful smile.