Chapter Forty Four

Jenn took in the two men standing before her both looking like kids that had been caught under the tree opening their Christmas presents early. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop but she couldn’t avoid hearing their conversation as she came down the hallway from the bedroom. She was secretly delighted to hear Jon chatting so casually about her but she couldn’t resist poking a bit of fun at them. Doing her best to maintain her icy glare, she stepped forward to take the mug Jon was proffering.

“Should I come back when you’re done talking about me?” She arched an eyebrow and fixed them both with a steely look, “Or would you just like to carry on?”

“Oh sorry darlin’!” Riche smiled hesitantly at her, “Force of habit!” Throwing a sideways glance at Jon who was conveniently remaining silent, he thought for a second and took a chance. “So is he as good a lay as he says you are??”

Jenn’s jaw dropped open and she stared at him for a second before bursting into laughter. “Oh my God, you’re as bad as he is!”

“Aha!” Richie clapped a hand on Jon’s shoulder grinning victoriously. “Yup, the girl’s got a sense of humour – definitely Irish!”

Jon had frozen temporarily when Richie had come out with his typically smart ass question and he blew out a quick breath, the smile returning to his face. “Just as well or you’d be in deep shit right about now!”

Richie moved forward to put an arm around the still laughing Jenn and guided her over to the couch.

“Na man, I’ve a feeling me and Miss Jenn here are gonna get along just fine!” Grinning back at him he added, “And you never know Jonny, you might learn how to lighten up once in a while!”

Settling down in the recliner opposite to where Richie had flopped down with Jenn, Jon offered him a flick of his middle finger, replying good naturedly, “Fuck you Rich!”

“Charming the pair of you!” Jenn was enjoying the banter between the two friends having recovered from her earlier embarrassment. “And you two have been friends exactly how long?”

“Too fuckin long!” Jon smiled as he stretched out his legs in front of him. “In fact I can barely remember a time when I didn’t know his sorry ass!”

“Yep, that’s true.” Richie nodded, “only thing that’s changed since the 80’s is that now I'm the one all the ladies are talking about!” He puffed out his chest and grinned sideways at Jenn, “It’s my devilish good looks you see!”

Jon snorted as Jenn smiled back and replied smoothly, “And your obvious modesty of course!”

“Absolutely darlin!” Swallowing down the last dregs of his coffee, Richie smacked his lips together, “So what are you kids up to today?”

Jon groaned and gave a small sigh as he proceeded to fill Richie in on what had gone on while he’d been in LA. Richie’s face grew serious and he let out a low whistle when Jon got to the part about Dot telling the kids about the divorce.

“Shit Jon! I’m sorry man!”

Jon shrugged and stared into his empty coffee mug, “I was pretty pissed when she told me but the more I got to thinking the more I realised she was right. It won’t be long before the damn media get wind of it…..”

Richie grimly finished his sentence off for him, “….and then the shits gonna hit the fan…”

Jenn shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she watched the two men silently agree with one another. Last night had been wonderful but it had cleverly concealed the harsh reality that was facing Jon and to a lesser extent herself.

“So I gotta head over there this afternoon and have a chat with the kids…..” Jon flexed his fingers unenthusiastically. “Anyway enough about that – what have you planned for today Rich?”

“Nothing much apart from dropping in on Ma, Ava gave me some stuff from school to show her.”

Jenn smiled over at him, “Ava’s your daughter right? Steph’s told me about her!”

Whipping out his phone Richie beamed and nodded, “She sure is……..here have a look!” Leaning closer to her he pulled up a photo of a beautiful young girl with long blonde hair and a bright smile just like his.

“Wow! She’s a stunner Richie!”

The pride in his face was evident as he grinned back at her, “And don’t I know it!”

“Baby do you want to call back to the farm to get some stuff?” Jon looked over hopefully at Jenn.

“Stuff?” She stared blankly at him. “For what?”

“Well I was kind of hoping you were gonna hang out here for the rest of the weekend?” Glancing slyly at Riche he added, “The big bad boss did give you the whole weekend off after all!”

Richie snorted and laughed loudly, “Dangerous territory dude!”

“Too bloody right it is Richie!” Glaring at Jon, Jenn picked up the nearest cushion and fired it at his head, “Stop with the boss crap before I sue you for harassment! It’s creepy!”

Laughing Jon ducked to avoid the flying missile, “On second thoughts maybe we should hang out at your place if you’re gonna start wrecking mine!”

“OR how about we…” Jenn jabbed a finger at herself and Jon, “…don’t hang out at all and instead me and Richie will hit the town tonight without you!”

“Excellent idea!! Let’s go baby doll!” Richie jumped up and extended his arm to Jenn with a flourish.

“Whoah okay okay!!” Jon pouted and raised his arms in defence, “Not so fast Sambora!” Sitting forward in his chair he fixed Jenn with an innocent and solemn look, “Jenn it would make me very happy if you would consider spending the rest of the weekend here….” He threw Richie a dirty look as he continued, “…with me!” Slouching back in his chair he finished his plea with a megawatt smile.

“Much better!” Jenn nodded before she looked regretfully at Richie who was still holding his arm out expectantly. “Sorry Richie!”

Looking wounded Richie slumped his shoulders and sighed. “So near yet so far!” Shoving his hands in his pockets he grinned cheekily at her, “Darlin when he screws up again I’m only ever a phone call away!”

“Screw you Rich!” Jon gave him the customary two fingered salute while he grinned victoriously across at Jenn.

Rolling her eyes she shook her head at them, “Prize idiots the pair of you!!” A rumble of her stomach reminded her that she was absolutely ravenous with hunger. “Anybody hungry?”

“Starving!” Jon got up out of his chair with a groan as he stretched. “Let me get changed and we can get breakfast on the way to Jersey – Rich you coming?”

“Nah man I’m good thanks.” Yawning widely he snuggled deeper into the leather cushions and grabbed the tv remote. “I’m gonna kip here for an hour or so and then I’ll go grab some lunch with Ma – I’ll catch up with you later.” His eyes met Jon’s for a moment, “Hope it goes alright with the kids….”

Sighing Jon regarded him quietly, “Thanks bro…….so do I…”