Chapter 31

Richie spent the last couple weeks since Em left replaying their fight ,  Dammit did the drugs mean more to him than , a woman who showed him more love than any girlfriend he had in the past.  Each night that passed , the lonelier he was .  He tried to drown his sorrows into booze , drugs and women but non of that , replaced the ache he had in his heart.

They were on break for a couple days and he had tossed around the idea of showing up at her house and dragging her back. Na that wouldn’t work , she was too stubborn and would just fight him every step of the way .  But if he did go and apologize , charm her and promise not to ever do drugs again.  Could he do it though?  Keep his promise ? . If he wanted her in his life , he is going to have to . What if she asks him to give up alcohol ? No way could he give it all up --

Before he could change his mind , he packed a bag , strolled over to Jon’s room and knocked on the door. He had to at least let him know  . Doc on the other hand , he didn’t give a rats ass about if he knew or not .

Jon opened the door and looked at Richie with surprise. “Uh.. hey...” He frowned at the bag slung over his shoulder. “Goin’ somewhere?”

“Yea man , Gonna go see if I can get Em to  come back “ Richie replied dejectedly  “I miss her and I fucked up -- so I’m gonna go and kiss some ass , maybe eat a lil ‘  crow too “

Jon raised an eyebrow but hid his smirk. Richie was gonna grovel? This was good. He had no idea what happened but it must have been bad for Richie to resort to groveling. The man never groveled, not over women. “yeah? alright well... good luck, I hope it works cause frankly I'm tired of your cranky moody ass, you ain't as irritating with her around.” he chuckled.

“Go ahead and laugh, I’ll remember that when you do something to piss off Gia “ Richie grinned “I will be back before the next show with or without her ? Tell Doc I’m in my room and don’t wanna be disturbed , I’m so not in the mood to deal with his shit right now “

“Will do. Go work your magic man.” Jon nodded. “I got your back.”

“Thanks man , I need it “ He grasped Jon’s shoulder “See you in a few days and enjoy your time alone too “ Richie winked then headed down the hallway , towards the elevator.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few hours later , the cab pulled up in front of the gates of the Caden Estate. He pressed the button . “OK fuckhead whatcha gonna do if she don’t let you in , Didn’t think that far ahead did ya ? “ He muttered to himself.

Emmie frowned at the gate buzzer and made her way to the window. She glanced out seeing a cab sitting there and a tall dark haired....Richie!... what was he doing here?? Her heart melted for a moment just seeing him even from a distance but then she frowned even more when all the hurt and anger came crashing back. She pushed the talk button, “I’m sorry Emmie isn’t available right now, shes sitting in her trophy case shining nice and pretty and oh so QUIET!” she growled out.

Richie growled “ Em yes you are , you just answered the damned thing “ he let out a deep sigh  “ Please let me in ? If you don’t I will stand out here , giving out all details for the whole world to hear? “

Emmie smirked as she pushed the button to speak again. “THat might work with my mother but I couldn’t give a rats a--” Thunder rumbled loudly and her smirk grew into a grin as she peered through the curtain. “Hey Richie...is that leather your wearing?”

“Yes , so please let me in before “ He jumped back as the crack of thunder rumbled and a flash a lightening lit up the sky.

“Before it rains?” She stalled opening the front door and watching him from the safety and dryness of the doorway as the rain didn’t merely begin, the heavens opened up and the water poured down in a deluge. Waiting just long enough to ensure he was thoroughly soaked, she felt at least a little vindicated. She reached around to the box and hit the gate open button. Then the talk button “I guess you can come in, don’t want you getting fried by lightening do we?” her tone said exactly the opposite. She hoped it struck him right up his hind end.

“Mother fuck! “ he grumbled dashing back into the cab which drove him right up to the door. He stepped out , reached in paid the cab driver “Keep the change “ he muttered , grabbing his bag and marched up to the front door . His eyes flaring with anger , but kept his mouth in check it would just send him right on his ass if he didn’t “ Good to see you again Em “ he bit out

“Is it?” she smirked as she eyed his soaked leather pants and clinging tank top. She backed out of the door and allowed him to enter. “So, what brings you here? run out of other things to keep you busy?” She nearly spat. Three weeks! Three weeks it takes him to come see if your even alright?

Richie thought for a moment , Because I can’t live without you is what he wanted to say but instead he said “ I was in the neighborhood , thought  I would drop by “ . He clinched is eyes What the fuck is that ? Smooth  move ex-lax . He sauntered inside the forye  , shaking off the excess water as he shucked off his leather jacket. “May I have a towel ? Please ? “

Emmie rolled her eyes. “I don’t know, I kinda think the drowned rat look suits you.”

Richie furrowed his eyebrow , Damn she wasn’t gonna make it easy , was she ?  “Please, I don’t think your mother will want me ruining her cherry wood floors? “

“hmph!” Emmie disappeared for a few moments then returned tossing a towel none too lightly in his direction.

He quickly caught the towel  then briskly rubbed his hair and dabbed the excess water of his shirt , shaking his head there was no hope for the demin that clung to his legs. Once he was a little less wet , he handed her back the towel.  “Em , I ‘ pausing to find the exact words to say to her . Just say your sorry you fuckhead . “Look I came to see you because I -- well I fucked up and I’m sorry “ Richie replied , his eyes darting to the floor while he waited for her response.

Emmie stood leaning on the kitchen counter-top and watched him silently. He was sorry? She watched as he stared intently at his shoes. “Richie...” She sighed. She didn’t know what to say. She’d thought long and hard about him, her--them. Maybe before a sorry would have been good enough but now? Not now. “look, maybe...maybe people are right. We’re just too different.. I--I can’t do what you do, live like that. Have to worry night and day if something you do or take is gonna--”She shook her head. “I just can’t.”

Richie felt his heart plummet to the pit of his stomach , She can’t forgive me I fucked up that bad, how can I get her to give me another chance ?  “Em, please I can and will give it up if you come back to me at least the drugs anyway . Can’t you just give me another chance ? “ Richie said practically begging -- never had he begged for anything in his life -- other than when he was a young boy but Em - He needed her , wanted her in his life and she was worth groveling for .

Emmie ran a hand through her hair in frustration. When she’d first come home she’d played this scene over and over in her head. He’d come for her, he’d apologize, he’s say he’d never touch the stuff again and they’d live happily ever after. But, that was all before. She knew now she couldn’t take a chance. It wasn’t just about her anymore. “Richie...it’s just not that simple anymore.” She turned and padded over to a chair and slumped down in it with a heaving sigh. “God I wish it was.”


He silently followed her to the chair then crouched down , his gaze bore into hers.  “Yes it is that simple , just  come back with me  and I will do whatever you ask of me . “ He reached out for her hands taking them into his.

The touch of his hands on hers was just about her undoing. So gentle, his thumb swept back and forth against her skin. She wanted nothing more than to slip off the chair and into his embrace and forget the world. But, she didn’t. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and said quickly, quietly, “Richie, I’m pregnant.”

Richie’s eyes widened in shock , he started to stand but his legs gave way and fell right on his ass. “Preg- nant “ he looked up at her searching her eyes , seeing the truth there , his whole body shook , he was stunned, He never thought that would come into play , he was always careful - Wasn’t he ?  Shit with being drunk and high - Who the fuck knows? You can’t even remember getting into bed some nights FUCK .

Emmie almost chuckled looking down at him sitting on his ass  in front of her chair. Thats exactly how I felt when I took the test. “Yeah, pregnant.” She said nervously. “Look, I know it’s not anything you expected to have to deal with and I’m ok with that, but you gotta understand Richie, no matter how much I...I --love you, it’s not just about me anymore ok?”


Richie nibbled on his bottom lip, She’s right its not about him or her anymore , Time to grow up Sambora  He exhaled a deep breath “ You’re right Em its not , So please come back and I promise things will be different . “ he gazed up at her “ Come back let me take care of you and our baby “ his eyes pleading with her. “ I can’t promise it won’t be easy but please give me a chance “

She fell silent. His words were so smooth, so soothing. She’d been worrying and worrying about what to do. How she was going to handle it all alone. How her family, especially her father would take the news. She’d given herself a pep talk every night on how she could do it on her own, how she didn’t need him for anything. She’d been lying to herself though. She was scared to death and honestly didn’t think she was ready for such a responsibility but she had no choice. She wanted to believe him, she wanted to believe he’d be there for her, for the baby. “Richie, you... you can’t even take care of yourself right now.” She sighed and reached a hand out to brush a lock of dark hair from his eyes. Eyes shadowed with not enough sleep, his face shadowed by at least 2 days worth of unshaven stubble. “Look at you...when’s the last time you slept? hmm? Ate? When’s the last time you had a drink? You still smell like bourbon you know.” She let a tear roll down her cheek as she bit her quivering bottom lip. How could she possibly believe him, trust him when he obviously came straight from the mayhem without even trying to hide the


Richie eyes filled with guilt Shit why couldn’t he have at least tried to look presentable . “I just had to see you , I thought I could go on without you .  Hell Em I was angry , very angry in fact . I never had anyone especially a girlfriend try and change me . I hated it , almost hated you for it cuz I didn’t think I had a problem . But when you left and I dove deeper into the darkness, drowning my sorrows in booze and “ he swallowed hard “ women . it would help me forget you but it didn’t . and before you ask I didn’t sleep with anyone else I tried though but-- “ he dropped his gaze to the floor once again.

Women?  He’d tried to....Emmie closed her eyes and willed the images of Richie smiling and flirting and paying attention to other girls from her mind. How hard did he try? How far did he go? Do you really wanna know Emmie? She thought hard before she spoke again. “But don’t you see, I don’t want you to change I just....You are still you, the drugs, the alcohol, that doesn’t make who you are, that isn’t who you are, that’s simply something you do. Why do you do it? It’s not you, I met YOU in the Bahama's and that wasn’t the Richie I met. I just... didn’t want you to, go to far and and end up.....dead.” she couldn't keep the worry and love out of her voice.


Why did he do it ?  Good Question  “I guess its just living in the fast lane - Hell I don’t know Em . you know sex drugs and rock and roll “ He chuckled  a little  “ OK I know that's lame but its the only explanation I have really “ he admitted reluctantly.

Emmie simply nodded. it was lame, very lame but even so she understood. Peer pressure and just going with the flow. Hell, she’d done the same before, in school, around her mother and her mothers friends. Just did what everyone expected you to do. “ I guess we’ve all done that before.”


Richie raised up on his heels , grasping her hands into his again . “ I know its not a good excuse in fact I don’t have any but if you come back with me . I will make things right “ He softly smiled “Not just me who misses you “

“I...I’ll” she frowned. was she really thinking about going back with him? Going back into the lions den? “I’ll think about it......when... when do you have to go back?”

“I have a few days before I have to go back . Doc doesn’t know I skipped out “ Richie grinned sheepishly

She groaned at his mention of doc. She really disliked the gruff, authoritative little man. “Good... you need a shower.. and some sleep and a good meal or 3.” She stood pulling him with her. “Come on.” She led him through the large house up the enormous stair case and to her room that was more like a suite. “ In there.... take your time, I’ll go make you something to eat ok?”

Richie smiled and with a nod took off into the bathroom  Maybe this was a good sign , she didn’t kick him back out . IF you don’t screw it up again Sambora . he berated himself while he quickly showered and changed into a tshirt and jeans then made his way back down to the kitchen “Smell better ? “ he asked hopefully

Emmie merely grunted his direction as she waved a potholder at the smoking stove. Of all the days to tell the staff to take a day off! How the heck was she supposed to cook him a decent meal when she couldn’t even manage to turn the stove on without burning the place down. “I don’t suppose you know how to cook?” she asked half heartedly.

“Yes, a matter fact I do “ His voice tinged with amusement “It’s one thing my ma made sure I did learn . “Richie started to rummage through the fridge , pulling out various items “Can you make a salad? “ he asked while he headed towards the cupboard , crouching down for a couple of pans  then strolled to the pantry for spaghetti sauce and noodles.

A few moments later, the spaghetti sauce simmering and pot of water set to boil.

Emmie shrugged and gathered the stuff for a salad. She could manage that much. She cut lettuce and chopped vegetables slowly and carefully as she watched Richie move comfortably around the large kitchen. She never would have guessed he could cook. It was a stark contrast to the party guy she’d come to see him as. He even hummed as he worked. She had to smile, he seemed so relaxed almost happy. The shadows gone from his eyes and he hadn’t even slept yet. He was a strange strange man.

Chapter 30

Emmie sighed as she climbed into her big garden tub. She slipped under the water and closed her eyes. Slicking her hair back as she came up. She relaxed back and let her mind wander. Two weeks, she’d been home for two weeks now and it took all her might not to pick up the phone and call him. But, why should she call him? He’s the one who told her she was nothing more than a pretty little bauble on his arm. Be seen not heard? If she wanted to stand around being someone little arm trophy looking shiny and pretty she could do that here! No she was NOT calling that big ole stubborn mule! Maybe if he wasn’t high all the time he’d see, she only did what she did cause she cared so damn much.

She'd thought she needed a break, all the fast pace and chaos of the road just wore her down. She’d told Gia, who was sad to say the least but other than that no one knew why she left. Not even her father who had watched her like a hawk since her return. Her mother, god her mother just wouldn't stop with the I told you so’s and sometimes Emmie just wanted to scream at her. At least her father kept silent about any doubts he had.

Richie sat staring out the window, vaguely recognizing the passing scenery. He hadn’t spoken much to anyone since she left . Several times these past two weeks he wanted to pick up the phone but quickly , resign-fully hung it back up . He was just too damned stubborn to admit he was wrong and that he missed the fuck out of her.

The day she left , he dove hard into drinking and partying but now it was barely touching his dull ache that now resided in his heart. He cast a glance over at Jon and Gia who were all cuddled up on the sofa across from him -- God did they have to always look so damned happy . He growled to himself. He was happy for him but damn if he wasn’t jealous . But it was his fault he didn’t have the same happiness, Wasn’t it ?  He thought for sure she would have called by now but not once did his hotel room phone rang other than Jon checking in on him or tell him they had to go do some business shit .  He let out a deep sad sigh  Call her damn’t that’s all you have to do , I can’t then I would be wrong .  Shaking his head he turned his attention back to the scenery while his mind fought a waging battle within.


Emmie padded through the kitchen, her fluffy pink robe wrapped securely around her. She glanced curiously at the luggage sitting in the foyer. Her father came barreling down the hall, another suitcase trailing behind him. She shook her head and chuckled. The man was always on the go. Just like..... She growled and shook the thought of HIM from her mind.

“Going somewhere dad?”

Daniel glanced up from packing , a sad smile spread across his face. He had been so worried about his daughter , since she had returned home , she was so distant, though she tried to hide it but he knew her too well. He had no idea what had happened on the road but it couldn’t have been good.   “Hi sweetheart ! Yes your mom wants to go to San Diego for the week. or two . She says we don’t have enough time alone . Are you going to be okay by yourself “

Emmie didn’t even bother to hide her smirk “Not enough alone time huh?” She chuckled and then closed her eyes with a  groan. The though of her rigid mother wanting alone time with her father was enough to make her want to laugh out loud then cringe. Now that she knew all about what that meant the thought just made her skin crawl. She giggled. She supposed she shouldn’t be surprise though, after all they’d managed to bring her into the world hadn’t they. “Yeah, yeah dad I’ll be fine you just go... have a ... good time.” she snorted in laughter.

“It’s not that funny “ Daniel chided as a smirk fell over his face .  “Look honey, Maybe you can call that man of yours and you two can work it out? “  Did I just suggest that ?  Daniel thought to himself  but actually he would anything for his daughter to be happy .

Emmie felt her spine stiffen. “Look, dad it’s....” She sighed. How could she even explain. She couldn’t. Maybe before they could have worked it out but now, not now. If she only had herself to worry about she may have been able to over look his--extra curricular activities as he liked to call them. But now, no. There was more at stake now than just him and her and it was her responsibilty to make sure everything was safe, secure. She shook her head. “I don’t... see that happening now dad ok?”

Daniel crossed the room , pulling her into a deep embrace  “Not if either of you don’t try it won’t . What could be this bad you rather be miserable without him than happy with him ? “ He asked , while stroking her hair lovingly

She pulled away and rolled her eyes. “Where do i start?” she half laughed. “Look, he’s not....”she groaned. She looked away, her father was going to kill her she just knew it. “Let’s just say he and I are not in the same... place in our lives and well, I...I have a situation that I have to deal with and I refuse to deal with it with him like he is ok?” She shook her head. “And he isn’t gonna change, he doesn’t want to and it’s rude of me to ask him to so... just.. I don’t need him.” she said, trying to convince herself as much as her father.

Daniel debated a moment then decided for now he would let the matter drop “ Ok sweetheart , but when your mom and I get back we are going to discuss this further “ He dropped a kiss on her head ,then released her. He walked back to the suitcase, closing it shut “ I better get going or your mother might change her mind  “ he winked.

“Right” She gave a shaky laugh. “Right you get going love you both.” she paused. “Look dad, don’t... don’t tell mom anything about... well anything ok? “ Not that she had given up any secrets just them but still, he Mother never was as non judgemental as her father and she just didn’t need the added stress.

He paused at the doorway and smiled “You think I want to ruin this vacation , No baby your secret whatever it is - is safe with me . Now if you need us  well me call the resort , We will be in Suite 500 “

Emmie nodded “I’ll be fine now go.” She chuckled as she watched him struggle out the door with his luggage. Once he disappeared into the waiting Lincoln town car she sighed and walked to the couch. Sitting down hard she pulled the little white stick from her robe pocket. Staring at the two glaringly bright pink lines she let her head fall back and sighed. What the hell do I do now?

Chapter 29

Gia and Jon traipsed into the hotel, all giddy like a couple coming back from their honeymoon, the two days they had completely alone did wonders for their moods and relationship. True there had been no sex per doctors orders , but that believe it or not was okay for the both of them . For the two walking hormones it was definitely a turn in their relationship.  The snuggling all cozy like , watching movies til the wee hours of the morning was exactly what they both needed.  But the seclusion had to come to an end and neither of them were aware of the hell that had broken loose while they were gone.

They made their way back up to their room ,  Gia all cozy in the crook of  Jon’s arm waiting for him to unlock the door.  When Alec opened the door  “Psst Jon , beware pissed off manager on the prowl “ just as quickly as he opened the door  it shut .


Jon smirked and snorted then laughed “Like that’s something new?” He opened the door and ushered Gia in. He didn’t care how pissed Doc was, the last two days had been wonderful. He felt refreshed, rested, clear headed and ready to tackle the world! He dropped a kiss on Gia’s head before flopping on the bed and rummaging thru his itinerary. Once he knew where he had to be when he sat it aside and sighed happily. “Well, back to the old grind eh?” he grinned

Gia smiled her happiness radiated through the room , as she quickly slid up next to him on the bed “ Yea , back to reality “ she frowned “You’re not concerned about why Doc is so pissed ? “ her hand slowly unbuttoning his shirt , then placed it over his heart . “Wonder what happened while we were gone ? “

Jon didn’t get a chance to answer when there was a loud pounding of the door, “Jon I know you’re back  , Bozzett said he saw you get on the elevator . Open the damned door now ! “

“Keep your pant’s on man, I’m comin’” He rolled his eyes and rolled off the bed. “Here we go.” He put a finger to his lips telling Gia to keep quiet before he opened the door. “What?”

“We need to talk and NOW! “ Doc pushed his door “Alone ! ‘ he gazed around the room , figuring Gia was in the bedroom “ Surprised to see your new --  isn’t attached at your hip like usual “ he grumbled.

Jon rolled his eyes. “Gia babe, Think you can run down to that corner store and grab us some strawberries and whip cream for later hmm? Daddy Doc wants to have a talk with Jonny, alone.” his sarcastic tone totally evident. He honestly thought anything Doc had to say could be said in front of both of them, but he knew how shitty Doc could be when he was mad and he wanted to save Gia the stress of it.

Gia had peeked her head out from the bedroom , feeling Doc’s anger and as much as she wanted to tell this overbearing asshole what she thought of him, watching from the background gave her an opportunity to see just how hard he pushed these guys , and it pissed her off. there were times where they were just so tired and Jon could barely speak some nights .But she didn’t want to interfere with Jon’s business , so she bit back the retort that threatened to bubble out of her mouth “ Sure baby anything else you want while I’m out “

“Nah that’s all honey.”

“Ok baby be back in a bit ‘ Gia leaned up kissing him nice and slow before sliding Doc a short glance “ Good to see you again Doc “ and walked out the door.

“Ok Doc,” Jon said as he plopped into the lounge chair and slouched, “Let me have it.” He said, his tone resigned to the confrontation he knew he couldn’t avoid.

Doc impatiently waited for the girl to leave, shaking his head she really was trouble though at least she was more mindful of her mouth around him “ What the fuck were you thinking takin’ off and not telling me . What if something dire happened that needed your attention , and I have no fuckin’ way to get a hold of you . ‘ He paused trying to reign in his explosive temper “ I told you the moment these girls started to interfere with your professional career they needed to go.  And before you say anything , you got her pregnant you see where that would have led thank god she had a miscarriage. “

Jons eyes narrowed. “You know you ARE just my manager, I employ you, you know that right?” he said calmly

“Yes, one that got you where you are today, are you really gonna let this -- girl to interfere with that ? “ Doc huffed

“If you don’t start showing a little more respect for her and my feelings, you WILL find yourself out on your ass.” he stated, his voice still a calm facade. His flashing eyes the only indication of his true feelings. “Now, with that said Mr. McGhee, I can take off on time off if I want, I don’t have to answer to you or anyone, you are paid to handle any emergency situations that pop up, if you think you can;t handle it without me then maybe this job isn’t right for you anymore.”

“You honestly rather chose her over all this you have now ? Is that what your saying ? All the hard work we have done to make you the hottest name out there and this is how you repay me . IF you settle down , your career will go in the tank , Richie’s flushing his with the bi- the girl and drugs and you are so far up this girls ass , you hardly flirt anymore after the show , you need to do that  can’t you understand in that thick fuckin’ stubborn head of yours “

“You didn’t make me, I made me and I haven’t chosen her over anything smart ass I’ve simply chosen to have both, call me greedy but I want it all, and I will have it all. With or without you.” He spat, his natural cockiness shining through. “You have to a make a choice, right now. It;s my way or the highway. So what’s it gonna be.” He said firmly

Doc gritted his teeth , why did he continue dealing with these cocky imbeciles anyway ? The money is the only reason he stayed  ‘FIne , but when that girl breaks your heart , because she can’t handle the groupies and all that . Don’t let me tell you I told you so  “ he shook his head as he headed to the door, which opened he brushed passed Gia roughly “Stupid cocky rockstars “ he muttered.

GIa watched him leave wanting to call him every name in the book but held back “ Well I see that went well “ , she closed the door behind her , setting the paper bag onto the coffee table.

“Yeah well, it’s one thing to help me manage a business, it’s another for him to think he has a right to tell me how to live my life. I just told him he’s plays by my rules or he hits the road.” Jon shrugged as he dug through the contents she’d gotten from the store. then planted a kiss directly on her lips. “I think he sees it my way now.” he said haughtily.

She snaked her arms around his waist and with a smirk “ Bet that went over like a lead balloon , I know its not my place to say anything about him but -- “ She paused to gaze into his eyes ‘I don’t like how he pushes you so much , baby your voice some days is so scratchy and raw . I worry about you . “

“Baby, I’m fine, really. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about me ok? I do this cause I love it, long hours, constant chaos, sore throat and all I still love it.”

‘I love you so that  comes with worrying , so you have to deal with me always gonna worry about you ‘ She leaned up giving him a few sweet pecks on the lips.

Jon pulled her close tightening his grip and buried his face in her hair. Doc could shove his ideals straight up his short squat little ass. He wasn’t givin up his Gia for nothin. “I know baby, I know.” he kissed her tenderly. “Just stick with me babe and we’ll rule the world! Even if SOME people don’t think so.” He winked.

‘Its gonna take alot more than a small undersexed fat jerk to make me go away “ Gia chuckled , neither of them actually knowing just how far Doc would go to keep his money train  on track .

Chapter 28

Doc roamed the halls seething. Richie hadn’t answered his door after all the noise earlier and Jon was no where to be found. What the hell was going on? Things had been going so well until just recently. It was those two women, girls, whatever! He knocked on Davids door and got no response. Fuck where was Jon, where the hell was Richie, he had to talk to him, to them. Those girls had to go. The boys needed to concentrate on work not pussy. Ok well, they could concentrate on pussy but not just one, it just wouldn’t work, not right now. They needed to be available, accessible not off the market.

Making his way to Alec's door her knocked loudly “Al, Al hello?! Answer the fuckin door man, is Rich in there? Jon? Come on I know your in there.”

Alec stumbled to the door , rubbing his eyes ‘Yea, Yea I’m  comin’ “ he opened the door. “Whatcha on a rampage about ? “

“Have you seen Jon?” Doc looked around the smoky room, looked at Alec’s bloodshot eyes. His gaze slid over to the bed where Richie say grinning like fool. “Are you guys high again?” he huffed.

“Whatta you think? “ Alec answered , as he nearly tumbled over making his way back to a chair , and plopped down . “ Na haven’t seen Jon, he said something about some alone time and not at this hotel -- so I dunno “ he shrugged his shoulders.

Doc rolled his eyes “Seriously? What the fuck? He can’t just take off!” He shut the door and waved his hand in the air in an effort to clear the smoke. “I thought I told you guys to keep this shit on the down low? Man, you can’t be smoking the room up like it’s a fuckin’ hookah bar.” He shook his head “Rich What the fuck was up earlier? I heard you and the Barbie snob all the way down in my room, if that’s how it’s gonna be she’s gotta go. What the fuck is her damage anyway?”

Richie gazed up at Doc , if he wasn’t feeling so damned good he would slug the asshole for speaking about Em like that  “It was nothing just an argument is all .  She ain’t goin’ nowhere “ He paused  He didn’t think anyway , they had a nasty fight and he said some fucked up things but she had no right to dump his stash .

“Sounded like more than just an argument to me.” He almost growled. “I thought you two were killin’ each other. That girl is fuckin’ with  your head man, you need to get rid of her. You and Jon both. This is ridiculous!!”

“Look man , just cuz you think we should be fuckin’ everything under the sun , don’t mean we have to . The girls are still gonna come to the shows ,and buy the albums whether we are single, married , widowed or divorced . “

“Unbelievable!” Doc shook his head in exasperation. “I wish you could see what I see man, ever since you met that little--”he stopped himself he knew he should bite his tongue on what he really wanted to call the girl. “Girl, you’ve had your head so far up her ass..” He sighed “Jon too, you guys really need to focus! And this shit ain't helping.” He motioned to the assorted drugs lying around the table. Sure, he didn’t see anything wrong with a little pick me up here and there, even experimenting, it was rock and roll after all. But, he knew full well how impossible it was to manage addicts and lately a few of the guys had been pushing towards that title, and fast.

“Hey, we keep it to a  minimum if at all during show nights but we have two days off so what the fuck ? I hadn’t planned on it tonight just-- “ Richie paused he didn’t want to mention the fight Em and he had is what drew him to it tonight.  “Don’t think Jon is gonna be too happy with you talkin’ about his girl and all like you do. These girls haven’t done anything wrong ,except make our lives better . “ And he just might have fucked it up  but damn why did she have to do that for ? Why couldn’t she understand , he doesn’t do it all the time .

Doc smirked, “I ain’t said a damn thing about Gia besides the fact that she’s a distraction Jon does need right now, she’s a nice enough girl really and that's the problem. He needs to focus on his career right now not a nice girl with nice morals, it’s just a bad fit and bad timing. You on the other hand...” once again he broke off his words. A Senator’s daughter? And a young one at that? Spoiled little princess with a haughty attitude. From what he’d seen, he was surprised Jon’s little Gia and the princess even got along, they were so different. “Look,” He tried another approach. “Maybe if the girls just went home for awhile, I ain't saying dump em but really you and Jon haven’t been  yourselves lately.”

“There is no way Jon is gonna send her home, not after -- well- we love these girls and they ain’t goin’ anywhere , so what if Emmie is a Senator’s daughter , He had no problem with us . You’re lucky I’m high right now , the shit you’re saying right now, dare you to even say it to Jon . You might get a fist in her face or worse he might take off and get married just to spite you “ RIchie chuckled at Doc’s exasperated look.  “But you’re gonna aren’t you ? You’re all about the dollars and cents lately who the fuck cares if we’re actually happy ? “

With a groan Doc turned on his heel, “How the fuck did I get stuck with five of the most stubborn nonsensical fuckers around?” unbelievable! He stormed out of the room. Just wait til Jon gets back, I have a few words for Mr high and mighty!