Bed of Roses
Chapter 3
At around 7:30pm, with a half hour until show time the duo were on the couch cuddling. Richie was in a sitting position but slouching on the couch while Jon’s back rested against Richie’s chest. His head was back leaning against Richie’s shoulder and Richie’s arms were around Jon’s chest.
“We gotta get the guys together and start laying some new tracks,” Richie said as his fingertips glided over Jon’s bicep.
“You need to concentrate on this first,” Jon said. He wanted Richie to really do this solo stuff. No one would know it but Richie did at times feel like no one recognized him and he was just Jon’s lead guitarist. Richie was a musician in his own right and selling out to crowds on a solo tour was proving it to him.
“Yeah, but I don’t think I like this shit. It’s lonely out on the road by myself.”
Jon leaned up and kissed Richie then said, “Well you got me tonight.”
“Yeah babe. Thanks for coming; I wish you could stay longer.”
“Rich,” Jon began with a serious tone, “I would love to but you need to do this on your own.” Almost bashfully and apologetically Jon said, “You don’t need Jon Bon Jovi to-”
“Yes, I need you,” Richie cut Jon off, “I need you, my lover, my best friend, and my soul mate with me, he just happens to be Jon Bon Jovi.”
“Sorry about that,” Jon was apologizing, not for being himself but for being the famous front man.
Richie reached over to brush Jon’s hair out of his eyes and said, “No, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
They were interrupted from their brief make out session by a voice from the hallway calling, “Mr. Sambora, we’re ready to go.”
“Alright, give me five,” Richie called back. He got up, went to the bathroom and when he came out Jon was waiting for him leaning back against the closed door which led to the hallway.
“You ready,” Jon asked.
“Yeah.” Jon could tell Richie was a little nervous, something unusual.
“Go out there and kick some ass, you hear me,” Jon said trying to psych Richie up. Richie leaned in, brushed his lips across Jon’s then opened the door. Jon followed him out and on to the runway. Richie heard his cue and went out to start the show, but not before turning back and winking at Jon who remained in the wings.