Day 9

Cynthia woke up the next morning around 10:15. Stretching in bed she found it empty and blinked her eyes open finding a single rose on the pillow next to her. Smiling she sat up and leaned back against the deep mahogany headboard behind her. She yawned as she looked over at the clock, surprised to see the time. She had gotten nearly twelve hours of sleep but she was strangely tired. Not the terrifying fatigue and weakness she felt the day earlier, so she wasn’t concerned. She felt more like she hadn’t slept at all, and checked the clock again. Her throat was sore, and knowing it wasn’t that way when she went to bed ran her hand over her neck even though she knew it couldn’t possible soothe her throat. Confused she got up and made her way to the bathroom and took a quick shower, hoping to wake herself up. She changed for the day and grabbed her rose as she went downstairs looking for Richie.

Richie sat at the piano trying to put chords together to get this melody out of his head. Again and again her brought his fingers over the keys and scribbled in a notebook resting on top. He knew why this chorus was getting him nowhere. He was distracted. Half of him was working through the song, these lyrics that had seem to come to him in the last week. When you’re young, you always think the sun is gonna shine. There comes a day you have to say hello to goodbye. Damn if he didn’t know that firsthand. I made mistakes and caught some breaks but I’ve got no regrets. There’s some things I don’t remember, but one thing I don’t forget. Live before you die. It’s catchy if nothing else, and he meant it. With the whirlwind that the last year had been to him, that’s how he should live. With her that’s how he was living. There was just something missing.

The other part of him was mulling over his morning. Beginning at 3:30. That’s when he gave in and looked at the clock at least. It was a good half hour before that, that he was woken by Cynthia, unintentionally of course. She was coughing, a cough that sounded eerily familiar to his father’s final days. Shaking the thought out of his head he had stayed up with her, rubbing her back and coaxing her back to a sounder sleep. He didn’t think she had woken fully, because she didn’t respond to him completely. Just a murmur in her sleep or a moan as she curled into him. She finally settled back into a sound, quiet sleep around 7:15 when Richie finally got out of bed hoping to doze on the couch for an hour or so. His head had other ideas, spinning with worse case scenarios. She was really sick yesterday morning and now this cough, it doesn’t sound good. What if I’m getting sick, Jon’s coming out in a week and a half with the guys to try to record, he’ll have my ass if I’m sick. You asshole, you’re not even sick yet. Richie had paced a hole in the kitchen floor before he picked up the phone a little after 8:30 and called the doctor that they had on tour to come out later that day to check her. “I’m sure I’m overreacting, Phil, but something just seems off with this. I really appreciate it,” he had told the doctor. He was assured it was no problem and they planned to meet a little after noon. After he hung up and grabbed a much needed cup of coffee, he had retreated to his great room where he had been left alone with his mismatched song and a wave of distraction and frustration.

Richie had been lost in his thoughts when he heard her footsteps on the stairs. “I’m in here Cyn,” he yelled as he tapped on the keys. She appeared with a sleepy smile a minute later. “There’s teabags above the coffee maker and there’s honey in the pantry for your throat.”

“How,” she asked confused with a deep rasp to her voice.

“You were up all night coughing baby, your throat must be raw. I was gonna bring you up some tea in a little while anyway.”

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t even notice, that must be why I’m tired,” she rambled.

“Baby, it’s ok. Phil will be out around noon to take a look at you,” he smiled.

“Who? Phil, who’s Phil?”

“Our doctor on tour, one of them anyway. Jon’s ass is so old he travels with nearly an entire hospital. Phil lives about 20 minutes from here. I of course am in prime condition,” he grinned.

“What a doctor? I told you I was fine, probably just some bug I got on the plane,” she panicked.

“It’s ok,” he said pulling her on the bench next to him. “I just want to make sure you’re just as perfect as the day you picked me up at the bar. Phil is a great guy and I’ll stay with you the whole time.”

“I’m fine, I promise,” she pleaded.

“If you are then I can just feel like a hovering, worrying ass that Ava always tells me I am,” he said giving her a smile. “Besides if it’s just a cold or something he can give you something to speed it along or for the cough at least.”

Knowing she couldn’t win, Cynthia resigned and gave a mumbled, “Fine,” and a nod, which Richie took as a battle won, rather than surrendered. Richie stood and dragged her up with him and settled her in the kitchen while he made her a fresh cup of tea with honey, and Cynthia accepted it gratefully. Richie grabbed a carton of eggs from the refrigerator with loaf of bread, pack of cheese and carton of orange juice. Making his way to the pantry he pulled out potatoes and went to work making them a late morning breakfast. Richie sat next to her as they ate quietly as he watched the hoards of people on the beach and she desperately thought of an escape plan.

Cynthia pushed the food around on her plate for a little while as she ate. “Maybe after we finish we can go out in the sun for a while,” she said hopefully.

“As soon as Phil gives you the all clear and he should be here any-,” he started before he was cut off by the door bell. “Speak of the devil I’ll let him in,” he said kissing Cynthia’s head and walked to the front door.

The two men spoke for a few minutes in the foyer before they walked into the kitchen laughing. Cynthia looked up at the noise and saw Richie laughing with his arm around an older man carrying a black bag. Taking a deep breath she got up and walked over to the pair.

“And here is the lovely woman I’ve been talking about,” Richie beamed.

“Nice to meet you Ms,” he started looking at Richie who stammered as he thought.

“Fischer,” Cynthia interjected. “Cynthia please. And you’re a real life Dr. Phil?”

“Just Phil,” he laughed. “That’s the first time I think I’ve ever gotten that,” he smiled. “Where to Rich?”

“The living room is fine,” he started.

“Actually you have a text from Jon so why don’t you answer him before he gets cranky and I’ll just head up to one of the bedrooms,” Cynthia said hopefully.

“Are you sure, he can wait.”

“We tried that once and he didn’t like it too much. Go on see what the rock star wants and I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she said kissing his cheek.

“Only if you’re sure,” he said watching her.

“Positive,” she said forcing a smile. “Right upstairs Dr. Phil,” she said walking by him. “Boy those are words I wasn’t planning on saying this week,” she said leading them upstairs to one of the empty guest room with Phil following close behind.

“So Cynthia Richie told me you have quite a cough and you’ve been tired,” Phil started as Cynthia closed the door behind them.

“Stop,” Cynthia said looking up at him. “I don’t think there’s any way that I’m going to be able to get you to go and leave this alone is there?”

“Well I-“

“You’re already here, you might as well take a look, listen, whatever,” she said taking a deep breath. “From this minute on you are my doctor and I am your patient therefore evoking my privacy from doctor-patient confidentiality, is that correct.”

“Yes ma’am but I-“

“Which means anything I say from here on out you cannot disclose to anyone, right,” she asked.

“Right,” he nodded. “So are you experiencing any other sympt-“

“I want your word that what happens in this room will never leave it,” she said looking him in the eye.

“You have my word,” he said confused.

“Two and a half years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer. I went through all the treatments, chemo, hence the hair, radiation,” she said slipping off her shirt. “See the scars from the burns. For the longest time my arms looked like I was a junkie from the IV’s. This is the scar from where my PICC line was. It was hell and I almost died. After a year I was given a clean bill of health. About two weeks ago I flew in to have my yearly screaning, I didn’t worry since everything was clean at the six month. It’s back worse than the first time, I wasn’t in pain I had no idea the doctor looked at me and told me I was certainly going to die. I had options; live through hell so I could prolong it for a few months. I chose to live my life and not the life that cancer and treatment would limit me to. I’m not in denial I know I have maybe a good two weeks before it takes over my body and I’m reduced to a weak and pained shell of who I am now, that’s begging for relief and I become incoherent. I’m not here to hurt Richie or use him, we met unexpectedly and this whirlwind of a two week relationship has been amazing for me and perhaps that is a bit selfish. I don’t want to tell him because I don’t want him to feel obligated with me, we’re not getting serious this is a casual thing. Now if you could just say that you examined me, which you have, and that you don’t see any reason why I can’t do whatever I feel up to and it won’t be a problem. Because I don’t think you will deny a dying woman a walk on the beach or a swim in the ocean. I am responsible and I know what my limits are and I have no intention of pushing myself and further shortening my life. I am in no way trying to put you in an unethical situation, if you would like to examine me you are more than welcome, but I don’t think my diagnosis has changed in the last two weeks. It has progressed perhaps but it hasn’t changed. Now for Richie’s sake, does this sound like something that you can agree to,” she asked without missing a beat.

Phil looked at her in shock for a minute as he tried to process how a seemingly healthy woman could be so close to death. After thinking through her request he nodded. “Get dressed I’ll tell Richie.”

“Really,” she asked surprised.

“You made a compelling argument, but please call me if you get any worse,” he asked.

“I will get worse but hopefully I can hold it together another five days and then I’ll leave and he’ll be none the wiser and I’ll die in peace.”

“This is my card, if you need anything please call me,” he said handing her a card.

“Sure,” she said taking it and slid it in her pocket. “I know you don’t know me from anyone, I do appreciate this,” she said sliding her shirt back on.

“Let’s go before I change my mind,” he said opening the door.

“Thank you,” Cynthia said locking eyes with him before she made her way downstairs. “Richie,” she called.

“In here baby,” Richie called from the living room as he hung up with Jon.

“Everything ok with Jon,” she asked with a smile as she walked in.

“Perfect. Phil,” he asked looking past her.

“I don’t see why the two of you can’t do whatever you had planned. Try to keep it low key,” Phil answered.

“Are you sure, it was one hell of cough,” he said warily.

“How many times have you come to me with a hacking cough and a little tea and a good night sleep cure it,” he asked. “Let’s not forget that you insist on going out and singing for three hours doing god knows what kind of harm.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Thanks for coming out anyway, Phil,” he said getting up.

“Not a problem, call me if you need anything, I can see myself out,” Phil answered.

“You got it,” Richie smiled pulling Cynthia close and Phil left.

“See, I told you I was fine,” Cynthia said leaning into his chest.

“That you did,” he said kissing her head.

“So, I’m thinking we get a sailboat and go be lazy in the ocean,” she smiled.

“Oh yeah,” he asked surprised.

“Unless the Jersey boy is afraid of boats,” she challenged.

“Oh you know that’s just asking for trouble. Go put on something sexy,” he said swatting her butt.

“Oh if you insist,” she laughed going upstairs and changing.

Richie made a few phone calls arranging a boat for the afternoon before he headed upstairs and smiled at Cynthia when he saw her. “Well you certainly did change into something sexy,” he said with a mischievous grin.

“Well, Mr. Rock Star, you wish is my command,” she giggled.

“I’m gonna take a quick shower and change, we have a boat down at the pier in 30 minutes,” he said pulling his shirt off.

“You just love to work your magic,” she smiled. “I’m gonna pack us a bag,” she said kissing his cheek. “Don’t be long,” she called heading downstairs.

Richie smiled to himself as he quickly showered and changed. He made his way downstairs seeing Cynthia waiting on the patio with a black sarong tied around her waist. He smiled as he made his way outside and wrapped his arm around her.

“Ready to go sailing my dear,” he asked leading her off the deck.

“As long as Captain Rich isn’t chicken anymore,” she teased.

“Not a bit, besides if I was it looks like you packed the world in that Mary Poppins bag,” he said looking at the bag over her arm.

“Well there’s towels and food and suntan lotion and a camera. It just looks like a lot,” she shrugged. “Gonna tell me how in 20 minutes you just happened to arrange for a boat? Secret connections?”

“Not if I told you all my secrets, what fun would that be,” he laughed.

“Yeah, yeah. Is this us,” she asked looking up at a boat rental.

“Looks right to me,” he said looking down the docks. “Yup this is the place,” he smiled pulling her down. He spoke to the attendant for a minute before they were lead down to a large boat at the end of the dock. “Ready,” he asked offering her his hand.

“Absolutely,” she said with a small giggle as she made her way on board. Richie followed her on and sat next to her holding her close as they made their way out to sea before they stopped. “This is like heaven,” she smiled laying their towels out.

“It’s nice out here. Quiet no press,” he said helping her.

“Yeah that damn press is always up my ass,” she teased sitting on her towel.

“I know, can’t take you anywhere,” he said sitting next to her and pulled her close.

“Occupation hazard of the unemployed world traveler,” she sighed leaned against his chest.

Richie wrapped his arms around her and let his hand trail over the scars on her chest. “Baby?”

“Hmm,” she said closing her eyes.

“Since were out on the heavenly ocean do you wanna talk?”

“Sure, about what,” she asked resting her head on his shoulder.

“Maybe you wanna tell me what happened. Here,” he said running his hand over the mark.

Cynthia took a deep breath. “You’re not gonna let this go are you,” she asked turning to look at him.

“I just want to know more about who you are, and this seems to be a part of you and-“

“Stop, if you want to know I will tell you. Not today, not tomorrow, after our two weeks are done. Promise,” she said looking up at him. And by that time I should be long gone, she thought to herself.

“Ok baby,” he said running his hand over her cheek.

“So, I’m not about to let you arms give me funky tan lines,” she said moving to her own towel. Smirking she untied her top and dropped it in his lap as she laid in her stomach. “In fact I don’t want any tan lines.”

“You are suck a tease,” he said watching her.

“Yeah, you’ve said that before,” she smiled as she turned her head away from him. Richie watched her for a few minutes before lying out next to her.

The spent the rest of the day on the water, coming back shortly after watching the sunset. Walking back up the beach to the house, they made their way inside and upstairs taking a quick shower to get the sea air from their skin. Cynthia pulled on one of his tee shirts as Richie pulled on a pair of swear pants and they settled on the couch with leftover take out. Cynthia fell asleep halfway through the movie they were watching and Richie carried her to bed when it was done. Holding her close her rubbed her back as he fell asleep, hoping for a quieter night.

Day 8

Richie awoke first the next morning and smiled at the woman in his arms. Kissing her head, he slipped from the bed and showered, getting the feeling of the plane off of him. Coming out in a towel he saw that she was still out cold, he pulled the blankets up over her all the way. He left her a note on his pillow and kissed her head. Feeling a smile curl on his lips as he watched her sleep, he headed down to the kitchen and fixed breakfast for himself. Settling in on his patio with a plate of eggs, toast and a mug of coffee, he watched the morning crowd on the beach enjoying the vast ocean in front of him. A little after 11 his cell phone rang and answered seeing it was his daughter.

“Morning cupcake,” he answered with a smile. He put his feet up preparing himself for a long conversation with a giggling 11 year old.

Cynthia woke around 10:45 and groaned when she looked at the clock. She had hoped it was before 7, even 6. The way she felt she couldn’t believe she had gotten almost 12 hours sleep. Weak, fatigued and a splitting headache, she slowly sat up in bed and leaned back against the headboard, pleading with the room to stop spinning.

“What is this? I haven’t felt like this in such a long time. This can’t be happening so soon,” she thought in a panic. “Not yet, this is going so fast, what is this? Fuck I flew, that must be what this is. The time change, the flight, and it was all so quick. Shit this is so bad, he’s gonna know. He’s gonna want me to tell him. I have to go. I can’t do this to him. This isn’t fair.”

Cynthia put her hand on her chest and closed her eyes laying back on the sea of pillows, slipping back to sleep. Around 12:30 Richie came back upstairs and sat on the bed next to her, brushing the hair off of her face.

“Wake up baby,” he cooed.

“Rich,” she mumbled.

“Well there better not be another guy in my bed talking to you,” he teased. “Now it looks like you got up halfway and then decided it was time to go back to bed.”

“Only you in your bed,” she said softly. “I didn’t mean to sleep so late, it was a long couple of days,” she rambled.

“It’s ok, I remember what it’s like. I just got worried about you and came to check on you. And as much as I love you in this dress, I’m sure you want to get out of it and a shower.”

“Actually I’m not feeling great, I think I’ll take a bath,” she said biting her lip.

“You’re not feeling well? What’s wrong, should I call a doctor,” he asked trying to read her face. “You are looking a little extra pale.”

“No! Don’t call a doctor. I mean I’m sure it’s just from all the travel, I’ll be fine tomorrow,” she added quickly. “Can you just help me to the bathroom?”

Richie thought for a minute before he answered. “If you’re not better in the morning I’m calling the doctor we have on tour, he’s right in LA. I don’t want to hear an argument from you either.”

“I’ll be fine in the morning, I’m feeling better than before. Promise. Just help me into the bathroom. Please?”

“Ok baby,” he said picking her up gently. “Bath or shower?”

Cynthia wrapped her arms around him tightly, feeling stronger than before. “Shower works, I’m feeling better than I did an hour ago. You even got the room to stop moving, you’re good Mr. Rock Star.”

“Uh-hu,” he said rolling his eyes. “Shower baby,” he said kissing her softly and started the water for her.

Cynthia gave him a weak smile as he walked from the bathroom and she let her dress pool at her feet. Stepping into the shower she let the water wash over her and she began to feel a little better. After as long of a shower that she could manage, she wrapped herself in a towel before going back to the bedroom. Digging through Richie’s clothes, she slipped on an old Giant’s tee shirt with a pair of her short shorts. She sat on the bed as she brushed out her wet hair and tried to come up with a plan for the day. When she had finished, and was satisfied with her plan she slowly walked down to the living room where she heard the TV on.

“Well there she is, Miss America,” Richie teased.

“Yeah, yeah, you know I’m worth the wait,” she smirked as she sat on the couch next to him.

“Oh I know it,” he said running his hand over her hair. “Felling better?”

“Much,” she said giving him a soft smile.

“Good, so what are we doing today? Sky diving? Scuba diving? Getting our pilots license,” he teased.

“No,” she said quietly biting her lip.

“What’s wrong Darlin’,” he asked watching her.

“Well I was thinking, maybe, now that you know that I know who you are,” she stammered nervously.

“Baby I’m still the man I was five days ago, don’t get all nervous on me,” he said running his hand over her cheek.

“I know, I’m sorry,” she said taking a deep breath. “Will you show me what you do?”

“You want me to dig out old bootlegs,” he asked confused.

“No, kinda. No, shit this isn’t coming out right. Will you play for me?”

“Music?”

“No I was hoping we could break out Candyland,” she said rolling her eyes. “Yes music you dope,” she said poking his chest.

“Umm, ok.”

“I mean you don’t have to if you don’t want to,” she said biting her lip.

“No, it’s ok. It’s just that no one has asked me that in a long, long time.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

Richie shrugged. “The women I’ve been with either leave at dawn, or like that fact that Richie Sambora has money rather than the fact that he can play a tune.”

“Well I like that fact that Richie make me feel special and he may be ok at this whole music thing.”

“May be ok,” he asked raising an eyebrow.

“Well I haven’t heard anything yet,” she said crossing her arms.

“Well than would like you like the guitar or the piano?”

“Seeing as I was a child prodigy on the keys, I think we’ll start there to compare.”

“Is that a challenge?”

“Well all I see is you procrastinating. What’s the matter, chicken,” she teased.

“That is it my dear,” he said picking her up carrying her into his great room and over to the piano bench.

“So Mr. Rock Star did we just relocate or are you actually gonna play me something.”

Richie smiled as he let his fingers run over the keys letting tedious scales echo through the large room. Once he felt he had warmed up sufficiently, he started to play Journey’s Faithfully. Cynthia smiled as she heard the opening notes and softly started to hum along. As the first verse started Richie began to sing softly and Cynthia looked up at him seeing his eyes closed, obviously lost in the music. Tripping over a few notes, he brought the song to a close and kissed her head.

“You remembered,” she said feeling tears come to her eyes.

“Hey, when a beautiful woman tells me her favorite love song I listen and remember so I can woo her mercilessly,” he smiled.

“You ass that was so sweet, ulterior motive and all,” she said resting her head on his shoulder.

“I know,” he teased. “So what did you think?”

“Eh, it was ok. Technically speaking of course.”

“Just ok,” he pouted.

“Well you did mess up, it ain’t perfect baby,” she smiled innocently.

“Then I guess you have to show me what you can do,” he said sliding over on the bench.

“Are you sure you can handle this genius?”

“Oh baby I can handle you, I think you know that,” he smirked mischievously.

“That’s just what I let you think,” she said closing her eyes seriously as she stretched out her fingers. Taking a deep breath she extended her right index finger and placed it over a high C on the piano. Keeping a straight face she played the upper part of Heart and Soul, lasting about 20 notes before she lost fingering and let out a dramatic sigh. “Your subpar performance has obviously thrown me off and I believe the damage is irrevocable.”

Richie sat, biting his tongue so he wouldn’t laugh. “Oh you don’t say.”

“I do, in fact I insist. You don’t win the preschool talent show for nothing. But now I am afraid that my talent is permanently damaged.”

“I’ll just have to see what we can do about that,” he said kissing her temple.

“I think you’ve done more than enough,” she sighed. “Better stick to the guitar.”

“Or I can just see if I can fix my mistakes,” he said pulling her on his lap and placed his fingers over hers on the keys. “Let’s start nice an easy.”

“You may need to,” she smiled.

“This masterpiece is called, Mary Had A Little Lamb,” he said playing over her fingers.

Cynthia leaned back against his chest and followed his lead sitting for hours the rest of the afternoon in his arms. Richie played for her and did the best he could to teach her is passion and by dinner time she was proving to be a fast learner.

“Just like riding a horse,” she had told him. “I had four years of formal training you see, just because it ended when I was 8 doesn’t make it any less meaningful.”

The music had lifted Cynthia’s spirits, for her scare that morning, and agreed to go for a walk on the beach with him after their takeout dinner. They sat and watched the sunset together before walking back to Richie’s house. Sitting on the patio for almost an hour, Richie led them back inside when the cool air became unbearable for their summer attire.

Cynthia heard the door close behind her and smiled to herself. “Come on Mr. Rock Star, one more time,” she paused. “With feeling,” she said and sauntered back to the piano sitting on the bench.

Richie rolled his eyes at her and sat next to her on the bench wrapping his arm around her. “What will it be this time?”

“Heart and Soul,” she said readying herself, using her whole hand as Richie showed her rather than her own technique.

Richie nodded and placed his left hand over the keys while he left his right around his waist. Counting them down they played it flawlessly and Cynthia squealed when she hit her last note.

“Nailed it! I told you I would,” she smiled proudly.

“I know you did and you again proved me wrong. It’s been so long since there’s been music in the house like this,” he said pulling her closer.

“There must be music in this house all the time.”

“There is, work music, but not this kind,” he said looking down at her as she looked at him puzzled. “It’s hard to explain, but it’s a very good thing baby,” he said kissing her gently.

“I’ll take the compliment I guess.”

“You’ll take it before I even give it to you,” he teased. “But thank you.”

“You are very welcome. Now I think there is a big bed waiting for us and I believe there was talk earlier in the day of bootlegs.”

“Bed I can do, but bootlegs? Seriously?”

“Come on, I wanna see you in action,” she whined.

“You’ll see me in action alright,” he smiled picking her up and running up the stairs with her putting her on the bed.

Cynthia closed her eyes, letting the uncertainty of the morning rush over her. Thinking quickly she opened her eyes, avoiding his. “Ok I get it, you’re embarrassed about the spandex and hair, I’ll google you in the morning.”

Richie sensed her hesitation and backed off her slightly. “The King of Swing doesn’t embarrass easily. I looked damn good,” he said kissing her cheek and left the room coming back a few minutes later with a DVD in his hand and popcorn in the other. “Ready to be in awe?”

“I’m ready to watch, maybe I’ll like what I see,” she said sitting up against the pillows.

Richie put the DVD in and put the bowl of popcorn on the night table. “Ok change for bed first, then movie time. We don’t need to fall asleep in clothes two nights in a row.”

“Yes Dad,” she teased.

“Hey, you know you were thinking the same thing,” he said pulling a tee shirt from his drawer.

“Yeah, yeah,” she said moving to the end of the bed so she could stand.

Richie stood in front of her and carefully pulled down her shorts tossing them with the rest of the dirty clothes in the corner. Cynthia raised her arms when Richie moved his hands to the hem of her shirt and Richie sent that across the room as well. He gently moved his hands over her chest, stopping slightly on the slightly darker patches and scars that were there. Sure he had noticed them since the first night they were together but he yet to feel this connected to her. Music was always the way to his soul, and he knew that. He opened himself to her in a way he hadn’t been able to for years. They, more or less, spent the afternoon bearing their souls to each other and were left connected in a way neither of them imagined they would.

Cynthia closed her eyes when she felt his hands and willed her body not to tense under his touch. “What happened to you baby,” he asked softly.

“That is a long, long story,” she said looking up at him, putting a fake smile on.

“See it’s just you and me in that big bed tonight. I got all the time in the world.”

Cynthia bit the inside of her cheek to keep from wincing at his words. “That is a story for another day.”

“Ok baby,” he said slipping the new shirt over his head. “It’s bootleg time,” he said stripping to his boxers before pulling her back into bed with him. “That works…for now,” he thought to himself.

Cynthia leaned back against him and settled herself between his legs running her hands over his thighs lightly. “Welcome to the Slippery Tour,” Richie smiled as he started the DVD.

They spent the next hour or so watching the DVD, stopping more than once so Cynthia could accurately and effectively taunt him, before Richie felt her fall asleep in his arms. Watching the remainder of the DVD himself before moving her next to him in bed he kissed her softly. He flicked the TV off and grabbed his phone quickly sending Jon a text. “I think I’m falling for her hard. Damn Johnny, I think I’m in love…”Richie turned his phone off, so it didn’t wake them in the morning and he pulled Cynthia close as he fell asleep.

Another Update-ish

First a big HI! I just posted a whole big post on my main page so I'm sending the link here.

Rachel

Update...

I posted this over on my main page a couple of days ago, I don't know if you all saw it.

"First things first, 32 Days. I know there's been a couple requests for more chapters and I hear ya, I really do. I put off posting about it until I was sure. As of now I'm going on an informal and temporary hiatus. Its not over, I promise, it's just hard for me to channel my inner Cynthia right now. I'm so on top of my other story that it's just not coming to me, and I don't want to lose my flow over there either. I'd rather get back into the swing of things then post a random chapter here and there."

Thanks to everyone who has been reading and leaving me comments. When I start again I hope to see some of you back!

~Rachel

Day 7

Cynthia had indeed joined the Mile High club, somewhere over Nevada. Richie wasted no time initiating her and she didn’t mind one bit. It also helped that it was a nearly empty flight. Even though they didn’t land in Philly and reach their hotel until nearly midnight that didn’t stop Jon from pounding on their door at 8 the next morning.

Richie rolled over when he heard the banging and looked at the clock. “8? I’m gonna kill him, that’s 5 Cali time.”

“Is that banging at the door,” Cynthia asked groggily.

“I think its just Jon,” Richie said getting up as the banging continued. “I’ll be right back after I kill him.”

Richie got out of bed and walked to the front door sleepily and opened it to find Jon dressed in a suit. “What took you so long to open the damn door,” Jon asked looking at Richie dressed in only a pair of shorts.

“I was sleeping, my brain is telling me its 5 in the morning,” Richie said.

“Well you better tell it that it’s a little after 8,” Jon said entering the suite.

“Jon come on it,” Richie said under his breath as Jon stared at him.

“Why aren’t you dressed,” Jon asked.

“I think I already told you I was sleeping,” Richie said.

“We’re leaving in a little less than an hour, don’t you think it’s about time you get dressed,” Jon asked as Cynthia entered from the bed room dressed in a tank top and a pair of shorts.

“Morning,” she said giving Richie a kiss.

“Morning,” Richie said putting his arm around her waist. “Cyn this is Jon, Jon this is Cynthia.”

“Nice to meet you. I’d be a little fresher if I’d gotten more than a couple hours sleep and I wasn’t fighting jet lag,” she said with a sleepy smile.

“You to,” Jon said looking through his blackberry.

“Don’t mind him,” Richie said as there was another knock at the door.

Richie opened the door and found Dorothea standing on the other side. “Hi sweetie,” she said giving him a hug.

“What are you doing here,” Richie asked.

“My husband didn’t tell you,” she asked.

“Afraid not,” Richie said leading her inside.

“I came down since it was only a couple days. My sister offered to take the kids for a couple days, and I thought your friend here may be a little bored while you’re in meetings,” she said smiling.

“You always look out for me Dot,” Richie said smiling.

“You must be Cynthia,” Dot said extending her hand.

“Yeah, but I’m sorry I don’t know who you are,” she said.

“I’m sorry. I’m Dorothea, but everyone calls me Dot. I’m married to that grouch over there,” she said pointing to Jon.

“I can hear you,” Jon said still on his blackberry.

“You can’t think that your pleasant at the moment do you,” she asked him and got no response. “I think you should go change before he drags you out like that,” she said to Richie.

“Right,” Richie said. “Can you keep an eye on her and make sure he doesn’t attack her or anything for breathing.”

“Of course,” Dot said smiling.

“You’re a life saver,” Richie said retreating back to the bedroom for a quick shower.

“You look like Jon woke you up, did you have breakfast yet,” Dot asked Cynthia.

“No, we were out cold until we heard a certain someone pounding on the door,” Cynthia said.

“I’ll order some breakfast for you, I know what’s good here,” Dot offered.

“That would be great thanks,” Cynthia said not quite sure what to expect from Jon or Dot.

The two women sat in a slightly awkward silence as Jon rarely looked up from his blackberry while they waited for Richie to emerge. He came soon enough, about five minutes later, fresh from a shower and in a rarely used suit. Black dress pants, a bright blue shirt that was unbuttoned a few buttons and a suit jacket had Cynthia biting her lip from saying exactly what she was thinking.

“You look great, babe,” Cynthia said giving him a kiss.

“Thank you darlin’,” he said smiling.

“Now that you’re finally ready can we go,” Jon asked.

“Sure thing, just gimme a sec,” Richie said.

“Fine, but we’ve gotta go,” Jon said checking his watch.

“I’d offer for you to come with us, but I think you’d be bored outta your mind. God knows I will be,” Richie said to Cynthia.

“Not to mention that I’m not exactly dressed for the occasion,” she said.

“Nonsense, I think it would liven up the meeting,” Richie said with a smile.

“You’re bad. Go, I’ll be fine and try not to be too miserable,” she said.

“I feel bad leaving you all day by yourself,” Richie said.

“That’s what I’m here for,” Dot said smiling. “I’ve been dragged to so many of these things. We could do lunch if you’d like and I can direct you anywhere you need to go.”

“Are you sure its not too much trouble,” Cynthia asked.

“Of course not. I can’t even begin to count the number of meetings I’ve been to with the promise of dinner,” Dot said.

“Dot, you’re the best, you know that,” Richie said giving her a kiss on the cheek. “But I better go before he gives himself a stroke or something.”

“I’ll talk to you later,” Cynthia said giving him a long kiss goodbye.

“I’ll make this up to you I promise,” he said as he made his way to the door.

“I know my husband doesn’t care about this but I know that it’s about 6 your time and you probably wanna crawl back into bed,” Dot said.

“Kinda,” Cynthia said.

“I figured, how about we meet up for lunch around 1 o’clock, in the lobby” Dot offered.

“That sounds great,” Cynthia said.

“And I apologize for my husband. He can be a little intense, he’ll be a lot more social after things are smoothed over,” Dot said.

“That’s good to hear, I was kinda getting the feeling that he didn’t like me much. I mean not that I’m the kinda person that looks for everyone’s approval. Just a general vibe though,” Cynthia said through a yawn.

“Trust me, I don’t think he’s liking anyone right now. Don’t take it personally, but get some sleep I’ll see you in a couple hours,” Dot said letting herself out the door.

As she left the room service cart was brought it, and Cynthia left it in the middle of the living room while she headed back to bed. Food was nice, but right now she needed some sleep. She set the alarm for noon and quickly fell back to sleep.

***

At one o’clock Dot and Cynthia met up in the lobby as planned and they headed across town to Chickie and Pete’s, a local favorite. The two women ordered the world famous crab fries, a couple of sandwiches and a couple beers while they enjoyed a light conversation. Dorothea wanted to know more about how she and Richie met and what they had been doing. She knew everyone had a past and most people liked to keep it there so she didn’t pry. She just had to make sure that Richie wasn’t doing anything too stupid. She cared about him like a brother over the years and didn’t want to see him get his heart broken, again. After about an hour Dot decided that she liked Cynthia, as much as she could having met her a few hours ago. Cynthia seemed genuine, independent and confident. All things that Richie needed in his life, but not what he had seemed to be interested in of late.

Cynthia was happy to have some company. It was nice to talk to a woman, not that she wasn’t enjoying her time with Richie, but it was a nice change. Traveling as much as she had, left her spending most of her meals alone unless she became friendly with a local. She was also relieved to see how much Dorothea seemed to genuinely care about Richie, so when their time together was over he would have people around him who loved him.

Once they finished their meal they headed back to hotel hoping to hear from Jon and Richie with a time that they could expect them. When they didn’t hear, they made their own plans, the guys would have to entertain themselves for a couple hours if need be. Dot had some shopping to do and asked Cynthia to join her; she knew all to well what it was like being stuck in a hotel indefinitely. Cynthia declined and decided to head to the spa instead. She was still tired from the jet lag and was hoping that a nice massage would relax her. She wasn’t sure it would make her less tired, but relaxed for sure.

***

When Jon and Richie finished their meetings they headed back to the hotel and Richie was relived to see that Jon was in a better mood talking his ear off all the way there. Richie was only half listening, after being snapped at all morning by Jon and then being bored to tears in meeting, after meeting all he wanted to do was get back to his room and get Cynthia into bed before they went out to dinner. Jon had insisted on taking them out, once his mood brightened, for dragging them across the country before they flew out that night.

He was disappointed when he returned to the room to see a note saying that she went to the spa and wouldn’t be back until 5 or so. She deserved a day to pamper herself; he would just have to wait for her. When she made her way back to their suite, she was surprised to find Richie waiting for her dressed a little more causally. Instead of dress pants, he had changed to jeans and taken off the jacket.

“Hey,” she said smiling as she saw him on the couch.

“Hi,” he said giving her a kiss and pulling him down next to him. “How was the spa?”

“It was nice. You weren’t here too long were you,” she asked.

“Nah, I’m just happy to get outta that building,” he said.

“That bad huh?”

“The worst part was knowing you were back here, and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it,” he said smiling.

“Sorry, babe,” she said starting to unbutton his shirt.

“How was lunch with Dot,” he asked.

“It was nice. She really cares about you, she was in total investigator mode,” Cynthia said.

“I’m so sorry. She worries about me,” Richie said.

“Don’t worry about it, she didn’t say anything. But I could tell she was trying to make sure you were ok,” Cynthia said as she started to slip his shirt off his shoulders.

“She’s a worrier. Anyway I would love for you to continue this but we have dinner plans.”

“We do?”

“Jon wanted to take us out for dragging us out here before we left tonight. He’s in a much better mood too, if you were wondering. I told him we’d meet him downstairs in 25 minutes,” Richie said checking the clock on the wall.

“His timing really sucks,” Cynthia said standing from the couch. “I guess this means I have to go get ready huh?”

“Unless you wanted to go in that lovely spa robe. I know I wouldn’t mind,” Richie said.

“Not tonight, maybe another night. What time is our flight,” she asked.

“Nine. That should give us enough time for dinner. I packed all your stuff up that was in the bathroom,” Richie said.

“Wonderful, one less thing I have to do,” she said. “I’ll be out in a few minutes. I’ll just change quick.”

Cynthia changed into the black dress that she packed, and added some hair spray to her hair, trying to give it some lift. She added some lipstick from her purse, some shoes and she was ready to go. No one could ever claim that she was high maintenance. With one last look in the mirror she went out to Richie who had buttoned his shirt back up.

“You know you’re really making me rethink dinner,” Richie said when he saw her.

“Nope, he owes us, and I intend on making him pay,” Cynthia said with a mischievous grin.

“Be nice, I have to deal with him,” Richie said smiling as he led her to the door.

“How could you think such a thing? I just mean if I happen to order a pricey entrée or an expensive drink I don’t think its gonna hurt him,” she said smiling.

She stayed true to her word and had a few drinks and an expensive cut of meat, an internal victory if nothing else. Jon had apologized for his earlier behavior and they enjoyed a lively meal together, talking together as if they were all old friends. Richie enjoyed seeing the two aspects of his life collide and was disappointed when 8 o’clock rolled around and it was time for them to leave. Cynthia excused herself from the table to use the ladies room and Richie took advantage of the opportunity to get his friend’s opinions.

“So what do you think,” he asked smiling, watching her as she walked across the restaurant.

“She’s a lovely woman. We had a nice lunch together,” Dorothea said.

“And she doesn’t seem to put up with your crap,” Jon said smiling.

“That she doesn’t,” Richie said.

“You were right. There is something about her, I don’t know what it is, but I think its good for you,” Jon said.

“We haven’t seen you this happy in a while Rich, just try not to get your heart broken this time, will ya,” Dot said teasingly.

“Trust me, that’s always the goal, Dot,” Richie said as Cynthia made her way back to the table.

“Were my ears burning,” she asked smiling.

“Why would you think that,” Richie said giving her an innocent look.

“Just a hunch,” she said.

“You know what we better get going. You two have a flight to catch, and I was promised a wide variety of things once we get back to the hotel,” Dorothea said.

“Uh-oh we better go before she kicks his ass,” Richie teased.

“That’s not always a bad thing lemme tell ‘ya,” Jon said smiling at his wife as the foursome walked outside where two cars were waiting for them.

“It was nice to meet you, and I’m sorry to drag you across the country,” Jon said giving Cynthia a hug goodbye.

“Not a problem, besides I had a wonderful flight out,” Cynthia said giving Richie a saucy look.

Jon stepped aside to talk to Richie as Dorothea gave Cynthia a hug goodbye. “It was nice to meet the woman who’s made Richie this happy,” she said.

“It’s been mutual, I assure you. And thank you for lunch today, I appreciate that,” Cynthia said.

After their goodbyes, Richie and Cynthia took a car to the airport when they were whisked through security and basically right onto the plane. They were in the first row happy to see that the only other person in first class was a man in the fourth row, ensuring their privacy. About an hour into the flight Richie turned to look at her.

“Tell me about you,” he said.

“What do you want to know,” she asked.

“Well, I told you about myself a couple of days ago and I guess I realized I don’t know much about you,” he said.

“Nothing to exciting,” she said.

“I’m sure that’s not true. Anyway if you start boring me, I’ll just imagine you telling me the story naked. That’ll keep my attention for sure,” he said grinning.

“You’re too much sometimes, Rich, you know that right,” she said.

“Of course,” he said.

She spent the next couple of hours telling him stories about her family, her hometown, and her tedious job. They then compared travel stories, and he was shocked to see that each story he told she had one to top it. With about an hour to go they both dozed off, and sleepily made their way off the plane and to their car when they landed. When they got back to the house they were both to exhausted from their day to think of anything but sleep. Still in their clothes from dinner they tumbled into bed and were quickly asleep.

Day 6

The weather hadn’t improved overnight and they spent most of the morning lingering in bed. Around 11:30 they finally dragged themselves out of bed to shower and pack. They were only planning of spending tonight in Philly, then taking the red eye home the next night. Cynthia threw her clothes in Richie’s half empty suitcase and he was surprised to only see two outfits, one casual and one a bit nicer, one dress, one pair of shoes and pajamas along with her mostly empty toiletry bag which contained only the essentials, her toothbrush, a hairbrush, a razor and a minimal amount of makeup. Having been married to an actress for a decade and having dated models since then, he had expected a bulging suitcase or two, before he remembered who he was with now. Cynthia was proving to be different from the women of his past in every way.

After a quick bite to eat, Richie excused himself to his office to finalize and confirm their travel plans and accommodations and check in with a anxious Jon for the third time that morning.

Cynthia took this time to get some fresh air. She left Richie a note on the kitchen counter and headed out the patio doors and down the familiar stairs to the beach. She took off her thongs when she reached the sand to let the wet sand between her toes. Though the rain had stopped for now, a thick fog left the beach eerily deserted. She found a strange comfort in the solitude and sat watching the constant crash of the waves. Deeply breathing in the salty air, she reflected on her life; what it had been, what it had turned into and how it would surely end.

How did I get to this place? What did I do to deserve all this? Under other circumstances, in another life, maybe. This is like a fairy tale, being with him, but I know it cant last. I was a good person, damn it, why can’t I get that break, she thought watching a flock of sea gulls over the horizon.

She lived in a small town almost all of her life. She had a loving family, both of her parents were still alive and she had two older brothers. She had been in love once, but never married, love was never on the top of her to do list. She had a good job as an accountant, nothing too exciting but it was consistent. Her life was what it was supposed to be for a small town girl who had only left her home state twice at the age of 35.

Then it happened. Cancer. The one word that would change her life forever. She had no idea that the day she went to the doctor for what she thought was a lingering chest cold would essentially be the beginning of the end. Her end. She was sent for a routine chest x-ray to confirm a bronchitis diagnosis, but when the x-rays came back they were full of masses in her lungs.

Because of its advanced stage they began a variety of treatments, each one worse than the last. It was a long fight, nearly a year. A fight that almost killed her, not the cancer; an unparalleled irony. She lost her hair, and seemingly her dignity, from the chemo; she had burns for months from the radiation; and the other medication left her too sick and frail to keep any food in her. She had always been a trim woman and a near 50 pound weight loss left her literal skin and bones.

Her family had supported her throughout the entire ordeal; her brothers even shaved their heads in solidarity the first time she lost her hair. She was grateful of their support as she saw the old adage, “you never know what kind of friends you have until you go through hard times,” first hand. Her friends and coworkers had been supportive in the beginning, but eventually they stopped coming by to see her. Out of sight, out of mind and all that.

A year ago, she was finally given a clean bill of health. She had won the battle at least; the war was not yet over. She had once been so close to death, but now it seemed she was given a miracle and she intended on enjoying every minute. Within a month she had left her small town and began traveling. She had been from coast to coast of the United States and soon set out for the rest of the world. By the time she ended up back in Southern California, she had been to 22 European countries, Russia, 7 Asian countries, Australia, New Zealand, and 10 other countries in Central and South America. A passport to rival a rock star’s, but she could say that she was skiing in the Alps, shopping in Milan, Paris, London, and Prague, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and in Rio for Carnival.

She was coming up on her one-year re-check so she left Cancun and headed to Southern California where he oncologist had moved. That’s when she received the news. It was back and worse than before. The doctor had laid out an extensive plan for he, to give her more time, but remission seemed highly unlikely. She refused treatment; no way was she going through 6 months of hell just to die. She was going to do things her way, which left her with weeks as opposed to months. That was a sacrifice, selfish as it may be, that she was willing to make.

She had thought of going home when she heard it was back, but the thought of her family fussing over her and treating her with “kid gloves” didn’t sound too appealing. That was no way to spend your last days. She hadn’t even told them she was sick; there was nothing they could do except worry and she loved them too much to put them through that.

It was at this crossroads of going home and dying with family or going out on her terms that she met Richie. A man who treated her like a woman, not damaged or broke, who didn’t ask too many questions but above all of that he was kind and compassionate. All of those things is what was making it difficult thinking in a week and now one day she would leave. She couldn’t stay and let him know what was going on, he deserved better than that. Someone to spend his future with.

She had just hoped that she could hide the truth from him until then. Like the first time around she had good days and bad, but she could feel herself slowly getting weaker, needing more sleep and having less energy. None of this had any effect on her spirit; if there was one thing she learned it was that she was resilient. Even on her worst days she had a smile; there was no use in being in a miserable mindset when your body turns on you. She had to keep positive to keep fighting, and this time would be no different.

Cynthia studied the rhythmic waves, trying to refocus her mind. She was never one to allow herself to wallow in a pity party. No use in harping on the inevitable, you can’t control that. What you can do is take hold of what I’m doing with the time I have left, with him. Then I’ll decide where I’m going, she thought.

She jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to look at the hand’s owner. “Sorry darlin’ I didn’t mean to scare you,” Richie said with a smile and a kiss.

“I didn’t hear you coming,” she said.

“The sand has this tendency to muffle footsteps,” he teased. “What are you doing out here?”

“Just thinking,” she replied.

“Am I gonna get any more than that,” he asked.

“I’m not thinking so,” she said.

“That just means I’m gonna have to work on my charm,” he said smiling.

“Are you gonna sit,” she asked patting the sand next to her.

“No, I actually came to find you. I just got off the phone with the car company and they’ll be here in about 20 minutes to take us to the airport,” he said.

“Perfect I should probably change outta these quick, because they’re full of sand now. That would make for an uncomfortable flight,” she said as he helped her to her feet.

“Whatever you wear, you’re gonna look sexy as hell which is why I’m a little concerned about the flight,” he said to which Cynthia replied with a confused look. “See I don’t know if I’m gonna be able to keep my hands off of you all the way to Philly,” he said wrapping his strong arms around her small waist.

“Well, what do you suggest we do about that,” she asked seeing the mischievous twinkle in his eye.

“I do have some ideas,” he said.

“Are these ideas illegal in certain countries,” she asked.

“I’ve never gotten in trouble for what I’m thinking about,” he said through a grin. “And you get to join this really neat club, that is if you’re not a member already.”

“We’ll see,” was all she said as she led him back to the house. Well that would certainly qualify as enjoying every minute I’m with him, she thought smiling in the comfort of his arms.

Day 5

When the pair awoke the next morning they were greeted by rain clouds and a heavy fog, rather than the California sun they had become used to. They opted to stay in for the day and watch movies, and Cynthia agreed quickly not feeling quite up to doing anything outside, especially in the dreary weather. Once they had decided on a movie marathon they set to work looking for their desired movie before Richie remembered he had lent them to his daughter. Cynthia put up a bit of a whine for the movies and convinced him to go to the movie store so they could rent them.

They were both dressed in sweatpants and tee shirts when they pulled into the parking lot of the local strip mall. Richie grabbed a hat off of the back seat and put it on before he exited the car and opened Cynthia’s door for her. They wondered through the new releases, and when nothing caught their eye they made their way over to the “Action/Adventure” section where they set to work looking for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

“I just love Viggo Mortensen, he was so cute in this movie,” Cynthia said holding the first movie.

“Uh-hu, that sounds strangely familiar. I think the only reason my daughter borrowed them indefinitely is because she loves Orlando Bloom,” Richie said as he spotted the last two DVDs.

“Hey, they can’t help that they’re gorgeous to look at,” Cynthia teased. “Here I’ll take them, it’s my treat because I needed these movies.”

Richie had learned it was easier to give into her than try to pay for things and he handed her the DVDs in his hand. “Here you go, Mrs. Mortensen.”

She gave him a look but her attention was drawn to the special edition box and she weighed her options of which to get. Richie was waiting for her down the aisle a little way and he was horrified when a woman, who he had noticed had been staring at him, finally approached.

“Oh my god, is that really you,” the woman asked. “Richie Sambora?”

Richie’s face turned beat red as he nodded along but looked down the aisle at Cynthia staring at him. She exchanged a movie with one on the shelf and she walked down the aisle toward him, though the woman was still happily chatting.

Cynthia stopped right behind him in the aisle pretending to look at something as she whispered only loud enough for him to hear. “It’s ok, I knew anyway. I’m gonna go pay, take your time,” and she smiled and walked to the register in the front of the store.

Richie was nearly speechless and tried to answer the fan’s questions as best he could before she had had enough and left him in the aisle still a bit dazed. He walked to the front of the store and exited once he saw Cynthia sitting on a bench outside of the store.

“Ready,” he asked as he took his keys from his pocket.

“Yup,” Cynthia said showing him the bag with the three movies in them.

They walked to the car and drove most of the way home in an awkward silence before Richie finally spoke. “You knew,” he asked.

“Yeah,” she answered simply.

“Why didn’t you say something,” he asked knowing he should just be grateful and not too picky.

“I was hoping that you’d tell me, and I knew that when you were ready and it was the right time you would,” Cynthia said.

“Oh,” was his simple answer.

“I don’t care, that’s not why I’m here if that’s what you’re afraid of,” she said.

“I didn’t say that,” he said.

“I didn’t say you did, just I want you to know that I’m here because Richie asked me to be here. I don’t care who he is or what he does. It kinda seemed like you liked that I didn’t know who you were so I didn’t mention it,” she told him honestly.

“I did like that, because when people know who I am they treat me differently,” Richie started. “But that doesn’t mean that I didn’t want to tell you and be honest with you.”

“That’s what I figured,” she said as he turned into his driveway. “Are we still on for movies?”

“Of course we are,” he said truly thankful that it seemed she understood.

Though there was obviously something hanging around them, it didn’t stop them from cuddling together on the couch as they watched the first two movies with very little interruption for nearly six hours. When the second ended they decided that it was time for dinner and Richie took out the leftovers from the night before and Cynthia helped heat them up and get plates ready for them. They took their overflowing plates of food to back to the living room when Richie opted for some soft music in the background.

“So now that I know who you are, will you tell me about yourself,” Cynthia asked what to her seemed like a legitimate question.

“What do you wanna know,” he asked.

“Well there’s some stuff that over the past couple of years I’d have to live under a rock not to know. I’ve taken that all with a grain of salt as I got to know the real you, but I’d like to hear your side of things, whatever you’re willing to tell me that is,” she said.

“Well, I’ve been married and divorced as you know. My ex was a wonderful woman, and at one time I truly loved her but we had our problems and it seemed best for everyone that we get a divorce. Regardless of what the media wants to believe we were way over before I started seeing Denise. It was one of those things where my personal life was falling apart and she was familiar and she knew me. It was a safe choice, and look how that turned out for me. But the best thing to come out of my marriage, hands down, is my daughter,” Richie said with a proud smile.

“She’s a beautiful girl,” Cynthia said and Richie gave her a suspicious look. “You have pictures of her all over the house. Even if I didn’t know who you were, I could’ve come to that conclusion.”

“Thanks,” he said and reached into his wallet and pulled out a picture of them together. “This was taken about a month or so ago, we celebrated my birthday before she left.”

“Left,” Cynthia asked taking the picture.

“Heather’s in Hawaii or somewhere shooting a movie and she took Ava with her because it’s summer break, but I miss her. I know she’s having a great time so I didn’t fight it. Her happiness is all that matters to me,” Richie said as he carefully placed the picture back in his wallet.

“I can see you really care about her,” Cynthia said.

“I’d give anything for her. When we we’re going through the custody bullshit I told Jon that if it came down to my daughter and the band, she wins every time. He’s a father so he understood, he didn’t like it but he knew where I was coming from. Thank god it didn’t come to that. She’s the most important thing in my life,” Richie said smiling.

“Call me crazy, but it seems like there’s been something more going on with you lately. I mean I don’t read all the tabloids, so I don’t know what’s been going on with you,” she said hoping to find out what happened to him to have changed him from a man that he described to her just days earlier.

“I’ve been through hell and back these last few years and I’m still trying to get on my feet. First the divorce, then I lost my dad, and then Denise and me broke up. All that together accounted for probably the darkest time in my life, which sent me to rehab. But Jon and the guys helped me through it all and we had this whirlwind tour and I started dating someone, it seemed like everything was finally falling into place. But then about a month or so ago right when the tour ended Jen and I broke up and I thought I was gonna lose it all, all over again,” Richie stopped a minute to take in what he was finally admitting aloud for the first time. On the coffee table his cell phone rang and seeing it was Jon he hit ignore. Jon would understand that this is important, he thought as he sat a minute trying to let his own words sink in.

“That’s ok you don’t have to tell me anymore,” Cynthia offered seeing how painful this was for him.

“No it’s good to finally say this out loud, for the first time,” Richie said as his cell rang again and he once again ignored his friend.

“Should you get that,” she asked.

“No this is important, I need to get this out. Because I felt myself spiraling out of control again and then I met you, and you seem to have this calming effect on me,” Richie said as the house phone rang. “Jesus Christ Jon,” he yelled at the phone.

“I’ll answer it, to give you a minute,” Cynthia said and rose to get the phone. “Hello,” she tried to answer cheerfully.

“Where is he,” an angry voice answered.

“Excuse me,” she said confused if the caller had the right number.

“Sambora, where is he? He’s not answering his phone. I swear if he’s ignoring me just to get some action, I’m gonna fly out there and kill him myself,” he answered.

“Hold on a second,” Cynthia answered walking back to Richie. “He sounds mad, as a heads up.”

“He usually sounds like that if you don’t answer the phone,” Richie said giving her a kiss before taking the phone in the other room. “Jesus Jon, what the hell is going on?”

“Don’t you start that with me. I called your cell twice and it went to voicemail, so good of you to pull yourself away from your flavor of the month to talk to me,” Jon said aggravatedly.

“You watch it right now,” Richie said feeling his usual even temper rise. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“You need to come to Philly,” Jon said.

“Ok, I’ll be out in a few weeks we can take care of whatever then,” Richie said not understanding the urgency in Jon’s voice.

“No, you need to be here Thursday morning. I already booked your ticket for tomorrow night so you’ll be here for the meeting Thursday,” Jon said.

“What ever happened to asking me,” Richie asked.

“Ok, how about the league is talking about going under and the sponsors are freaking out so we have a meeting Thursday morning to try to smooth things over. Can I expect to see your presence there, or not,” Jon said heatedly.

Richie took a minute to take in what Jon had said. “Why didn’t you tell me about this before now?”

“Because there was nothing you could do in California for it, but now it would be pretty damn good for the team if you could show your face. Can I count on you,” Jon asked.

“Of course, but wait hold on a second,” Richie said as he could hear Jon cursing on the other line. He walked back to where he left Cynthia. “There’s some business problems and he needs me in Philly Thursday morning,” he said to her.

“Ok do what you need to do,” she said smiling.

“You’re coming too, I hope,” he said.

“If you want me there, I’ll be there,” she said.

He winked at her before turning back to Jon, “Ok we’ll be there.”

“I had a feeling you’d say that. I have them holding two seats, I’ll call you back with the details,” Jon said.

“Ok,” Richie said.

“And Rich,” Jon started, “This time answer the damn phone,” he said before he promptly hung up.

“So that’s Jon. He’s a little intense and downright bitchy when things aren’t going his way. You sure you don’t mind tagging along for a couple days,” Richie asked her.

“Not at all, what’s a little more adventure,” she said pulling him down on the couch next to her.

“Even though the mood is kinda ruined, I wanna finish what I was saying before. You are a remarkable woman, and I am so thankful that you found me in that bar, because you were able to stop me mid-spiral. And I appreciate more than you know, that you treat me just like any other man, that’s something I haven’t been able to experience in 20-something years,” Richie said.

“I’m glad I could help you in some way, but I really don’t think I did anything. You should give yourself some credit in all this,” she said taking his hand.

“That may be so, but I needed someone to get the ball rolling,” he answered, “and for that I am truly grateful.”

They sat in what was now a comfortable silence listening to the music as they finished their dinner, both lost in their own very different thoughts.

God this feels so good to get this all out in the open. I hate to even think this but I think I’m falling in love with her, Richie thought as he stroked her hair.

I don’t know what he thinks I did, but I’m glad that it could give him some peace with his life. He was good to let me stay here, and I appreciate his hospitality its too bad it all has to end in a week and a half. He signed up for a two week adventure, no more, no less. When this is all over at least we’ll have a good story out of it. What was that line from that movie? “There is no future, there is no past, I live this moment as my last. There's only us, there's only this. Forget regret, or life is yours to miss.” That’s what we’ve gotta do, if I can do one thing for him that’s what I’ve gotta show him,” she thought as she leaned back into him.

Day 5

When the pair awoke the next morning they were greeted by rain clouds and a heavy fog, rather than the California sun they had become used to. They opted to stay in for the day and watch movies, and Cynthia agreed quickly not feeling quite up to doing anything outside, especially in the dreary weather. Once they had decided on a movie marathon they set to work looking for their desired movie before Richie remembered he had lent them to his daughter. Cynthia put up a bit of a whine for the movies and convinced him to go to the movie store so they could rent them.

They were both dressed in sweatpants and tee shirts when they pulled into the parking lot of the local strip mall. Richie grabbed a hat off of the back seat and put it on before he exited the car and opened Cynthia’s door for her. They wondered through the new releases, and when nothing caught their eye they made their way over to the “Action/Adventure” section where they set to work looking for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

“I just love Viggo Mortensen, he was so cute in this movie,” Cynthia said holding the first movie.

“Uh-hu, that sounds strangely familiar. I think the only reason my daughter borrowed them indefinitely is because she loves Orlando Bloom,” Richie said as he spotted the last two DVDs.

“Hey, they can’t help that they’re gorgeous to look at,” Cynthia teased. “Here I’ll take them, it’s my treat because I needed these movies.”

Richie had learned it was easier to give into her than try to pay for things and he handed her the DVDs in his hand. “Here you go, Mrs. Mortensen.”

She gave him a look but her attention was drawn to the special edition box and she weighed her options of which to get. Richie was waiting for her down the aisle a little way and he was horrified when a woman, who he had noticed had been staring at him, finally approached.

“Oh my god, is that really you,” the woman asked. “Richie Sambora?”

Richie’s face turned beat red as he nodded along but looked down the aisle at Cynthia staring at him. She exchanged a movie with one on the shelf and she walked down the aisle toward him, though the woman was still happily chatting.

Cynthia stopped right behind him in the aisle pretending to look at something as she whispered only loud enough for him to hear. “It’s ok, I knew anyway. I’m gonna go pay, take your time,” and she smiled and walked to the register in the front of the store.

Richie was nearly speechless and tried to answer the fan’s questions as best he could before she had had enough and left him in the aisle still a bit dazed. He walked to the front of the store and exited once he saw Cynthia sitting on a bench outside of the store.

“Ready,” he asked as he took his keys from his pocket.

“Yup,” Cynthia said showing him the bag with the three movies in them.

They walked to the car and drove most of the way home in an awkward silence before Richie finally spoke. “You knew,” he asked.

“Yeah,” she answered simply.

“Why didn’t you say something,” he asked knowing he should just be grateful and not too picky.

“I was hoping that you’d tell me, and I knew that when you were ready and it was the right time you would,” Cynthia said.

“Oh,” was his simple answer.

“I don’t care, that’s not why I’m here if that’s what you’re afraid of,” she said.

“I didn’t say that,” he said.

“I didn’t say you did, just I want you to know that I’m here because Richie asked me to be here. I don’t care who he is or what he does. It kinda seemed like you liked that I didn’t know who you were so I didn’t mention it,” she told him honestly.

“I did like that, because when people know who I am they treat me differently,” Richie started. “But that doesn’t mean that I didn’t want to tell you and be honest with you.”

“That’s what I figured,” she said as he turned into his driveway. “Are we still on for movies?”

“Of course we are,” he said truly thankful that it seemed she understood.

Though there was obviously something hanging around them, it didn’t stop them from cuddling together on the couch as they watched the first two movies with very little interruption for nearly six hours. When the second ended they decided that it was time for dinner and Richie took out the leftovers from the night before and Cynthia helped heat them up and get plates ready for them. They took their overflowing plates of food to back to the living room when Richie opted for some soft music in the background.

“So now that I know who you are, will you tell me about yourself,” Cynthia asked what to her seemed like a legitimate question.

“What do you wanna know,” he asked.

“Well there’s some stuff that over the past couple of years I’d have to live under a rock not to know. I’ve taken that all with a grain of salt as I got to know the real you, but I’d like to hear your side of things, whatever you’re willing to tell me that is,” she said.

“Well, I’ve been married and divorced as you know. My ex was a wonderful woman, and at one time I truly loved her but we had our problems and it seemed best for everyone that we get a divorce. Regardless of what the media wants to believe we were way over before I started seeing Denise. It was one of those things where my personal life was falling apart and she was familiar and she knew me. It was a safe choice, and look how that turned out for me. But the best thing to come out of my marriage, hands down, is my daughter,” Richie said with a proud smile.

“She’s a beautiful girl,” Cynthia said and Richie gave her a suspicious look. “You have pictures of her all over the house. Even if I didn’t know who you were, I could’ve come to that conclusion.”

“Thanks,” he said and reached into his wallet and pulled out a picture of them together. “This was taken about a month or so ago, we celebrated my birthday before she left.”

“Left,” Cynthia asked taking the picture.

“Heather’s in Hawaii or somewhere shooting a movie and she took Ava with her because it’s summer break, but I miss her. I know she’s having a great time so I didn’t fight it. Her happiness is all that matters to me,” Richie said as he carefully placed the picture back in his wallet.

“I can see you really care about her,” Cynthia said.

“I’d give anything for her. When we we’re going through the custody bullshit I told Jon that if it came down to my daughter and the band, she wins every time. He’s a father so he understood, he didn’t like it but he knew where I was coming from. Thank god it didn’t come to that. She’s the most important thing in my life,” Richie said smiling.

“Call me crazy, but it seems like there’s been something more going on with you lately. I mean I don’t read all the tabloids, so I don’t know what’s been going on with you,” she said hoping to find out what happened to him to have changed him from a man that he described to her just days earlier.

“I’ve been through hell and back these last few years and I’m still trying to get on my feet. First the divorce, then I lost my dad, and then Denise and me broke up. All that together accounted for probably the darkest time in my life, which sent me to rehab. But Jon and the guys helped me through it all and we had this whirlwind tour and I started dating someone, it seemed like everything was finally falling into place. But then about a month or so ago right when the tour ended Jen and I broke up and I thought I was gonna lose it all, all over again,” Richie stopped a minute to take in what he was finally admitting aloud for the first time. On the coffee table his cell phone rang and seeing it was Jon he hit ignore. Jon would understand that this is important, he thought as he sat a minute trying to let his own words sink in.

“That’s ok you don’t have to tell me anymore,” Cynthia offered seeing how painful this was for him.

“No it’s good to finally say this out loud, for the first time,” Richie said as his cell rang again and he once again ignored his friend.

“Should you get that,” she asked.

“No this is important, I need to get this out. Because I felt myself spiraling out of control again and then I met you, and you seem to have this calming effect on me,” Richie said as the house phone rang. “Jesus Christ Jon,” he yelled at the phone.

“I’ll answer it, to give you a minute,” Cynthia said and rose to get the phone. “Hello,” she tried to answer cheerfully.

“Where is he,” an angry voice answered.

“Excuse me,” she said confused if the caller had the right number.

“Sambora, where is he? He’s not answering his phone. I swear if he’s ignoring me just to get some action, I’m gonna fly out there and kill him myself,” he answered.

“Hold on a second,” Cynthia answered walking back to Richie. “He sounds mad, as a heads up.”

“He usually sounds like that if you don’t answer the phone,” Richie said giving her a kiss before taking the phone in the other room. “Jesus Jon, what the hell is going on?”

“Don’t you start that with me. I called your cell twice and it went to voicemail, so good of you to pull yourself away from your flavor of the month to talk to me,” Jon said aggravatedly.

“You watch it right now,” Richie said feeling his usual even temper rise. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“You need to come to Philly,” Jon said.

“Ok, I’ll be out in a few weeks we can take care of whatever then,” Richie said not understanding the urgency in Jon’s voice.

“No, you need to be here Wednesday morning. I already booked your ticket for tomorrow night so you’ll be here for the meeting Wednesday,” Jon said.

“What ever happened to asking me,” Richie asked.

“Ok, how about the league is talking about going under and the sponsors are freaking out so we have a meeting Wednesday morning to try to smooth things over. Can I expect to see your presence there, or not,” Jon said heatedly.

Richie took a minute to take in what Jon had said. “Why didn’t you tell me about this before now?”

“Because there was nothing you could do in California for it, but now it would be pretty damn good for the team if you could show your face. Can I count on you,” Jon asked.

“Of course, but wait hold on a second,” Richie said as he could hear Jon cursing on the other line. He walked back to where he left Cynthia. “There’s some business problems and he needs me in Philly Wednesday morning,” he said to her.

“Ok do what you need to do,” she said smiling.

“You’re coming too, I hope,” he said.

“If you want me there, I’ll be there,” she said.

He winked at her before turning back to Jon, “Ok we’ll be there.”

“I had a feeling you’d say that. I have them holding two seats, I’ll call you back with the details,” Jon said.

“Ok,” Richie said.

“And Rich,” Jon started, “This time answer the damn phone,” he said before he promptly hung up.

“So that’s Jon. He’s a little intense and downright bitchy when things aren’t going his way. You sure you don’t mind tagging along for a couple days,” Richie asked her.

“Not at all, what’s a little more adventure,” she said pulling him down on the couch next to her.

“Even though the mood is kinda ruined, I wanna finish what I was saying before. You are a remarkable woman, and I am so thankful that you found me in that bar, because you were able to stop me mid-spiral. And I appreciate more than you know, that you treat me just like any other man, that’s something I haven’t been able to experience in 20-something years,” Richie said.

“I’m glad I could help you in some way, but I really don’t think I did anything. You should give yourself some credit in all this,” she said taking his hand.

“That may be so, but I needed someone to get the ball rolling,” he answered, “and for that I am truly grateful.”

They sat in what was now a comfortable silence listening to the music as they finished their dinner, both lost in their own very different thoughts.

God this feels so good to get this all out in the open. I hate to even think this but I think I’m falling in love with her, Richie thought as he stroked her hair.

I don’t know what he thinks I did, but I’m glad that it could give him some peace with his life. He was good to let me stay here, and I appreciate his hospitality its too bad it all has to end in a week and a half. He signed up for a two week adventure, no more, no less. When this is all over at least we’ll have a good story out of it. What was that line from that movie? “There is no future, there is no past, I live this moment as my last. There's only us, there's only this. Forget regret, or life is yours to miss.” That’s what we’ve gotta do, if I can do one thing for him that’s what I’ve gotta show him,” she thought as she leaned back into him.