Chapter 34: Family Ties.

'Mum the thing is, me and Jon...we are seeing each other.'
If her mum was a cartoon character Ruby swore her jaw would have hit the floor the second she finished the sentence.
'Mum?'
'I...i just don't know what to say...' Her mum didn't look at her.'He's older than you.'
'I know mum.'
'A lot older.'
'I know.'
Then it was as if the dam had been broken, the questions just seemed to flow none stop.
'What about your studies? What about Alex? How long has this been going on? What is your father going to say about this?'
Ruby rubbed her face with her hands, she knew she was in trouble now. Your father, her mum only ever said that when she didn't want to be held responsible for a particular character trait.

***

Jon was stood in the hallway. He could hear the mumbling of voices and was wondering how it was going when Ruby's Father appeared.
'Jon. Good to see you again mate.' He said shaking Jon's hand.
'And you Mike.'
'Whats going on here then? Sounds a bit rowdy.'
'Err a bit of a mother - daughter chat i think. Thought i'd keep out of it.'
'Probably for the best. Come through to the lounge?'
'Thanks.'

***

Ruby walked into the lounge to find Jon and her Dad watching a football game.
Jon was sat leant forwards his elbows on his knees, he looked like he was really focusing on the TV, like he was trying to understand the offside rule for he first time or something.
'Hey.'
He looked up into her face, looking for some sort of indication of how it went.
She smiled weakly.
'Jon, Mum wants to know if you'll be eating with us?'
Surely that's a good sign, he thought. 'I'd like that, thanks.'

***

They had finished a meal of salad and were halfway through eating desert.
Ruby could tell her mum was bursting to say something. She had barely spoken the whole time.

'So Jon. Where will you be staying when you are in town?'
Here we go, Ruby thought.
'I mean it's getting a bit late to check in somewhere.'
'Mum, i'm sure Jon will be fine.' Ruby said.
Jon smiled politely and carried on his meal.
'I mean i would offer..but under the circumstances.'
'Mum for god's sake!'
'Does someone want to tell me what's going on?' Her Dad spoke up.
'Nothing Dad.'
Ruby looked at Jon then across to her Mum.
'Ruby he will find out sooner or later.' She said.
'Ruby?' Her Dad asked again.

Just do it fast, like ripping off a plaster. 'Me and Jon are an item.' She blurted out without looking up from her apple pie.
He just laughed, 'You're what?'
'We are dating, going out, courting. Shall i spell it out for you?'
He looked across at Jon then back at Ruby. 'You're joking?'
'Listen Mike I just...' Jon started but he didn't have time to finish.
'I am not having it' Her Dad said. He had put down his spoon and stood from the table.
'I'm twenty years old Dad, you don't have a big say in it.' Ruby responded
'Exactly you're twenty years old. He's taking advantage of you.'
'Excuse me?' Jon couldn't believe the reaction of this man, he had seem so mild mannered.
'You don't get to say who i date.' Ruby protested.
'Fine. But this is my house, i do get a say in my own house. And i'm not having that man in my house.' He said as he pointed at Jon.'
Jon held up his hands, 'Do i get to say anythin' here?'
Ruby cut in, 'Okay, Jon will you wait outside for me?'
'I'm staying with you.'
'How touching.' Her Dad practically spat out.
'Please Jon, i need to speak to my parents alone.'
Getting up from his chair he thanked Ruby's Mum for the meal and reluctantly left.

'Listen, he's not perfect i know. But he's a good man, if you even took the time...'
'Ruby! Have some sense! Do you think he's going to stick around when he could have any model? Any actress? You think he will stick with some groupie? And a kid at that!'
Ruby gritted her teeth, biting down and counting to ten before she responded.
'I love him. And if the man i love isn't welcome here, then i am not welcome either.'
With that she got up from the table and went upstairs.

She came back down stairs, carrying bags.
Looking back through the dining room door she saw her mum in tears. Her Dad was still stood behind his chair, his knuckles white as he held onto the back of the chair.
'Stop her Mike!'
'She's made her decision.' He said. 'Give it a month, she'll be back with a broken heart.'
Ruby looked at them both, and considered his bitter words.
It's not as if i'm even going to miss you, you are more like strangers than parents. She thought. But she didn't say anything just shook her head.
Walking out she didn't close the door behind her, the way she felt now she was never setting foot back in that house.

***

She opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat slamming it behind her.
She was fuming.
'So...' Jon said, wanting to know what had happened after he left. 'I'm guessing it didn't go so well?'
'God! They are unbearable! Jon i'm so sorry.'
'Don't be.'
'You should have heard him when you left....the things he said.' Some groupie?, the memory of his harsh words finally brought on the tears.
Jon reached across to her shoulder and pulled her towards him. She rested her head on his chest, finding comfort once again in his embrace.
'It probably hurts more because you know he's right.'
'What?' she looked up, 'Jon you don't know what he said.'
'I am too old and....'
'Jon! Don't even dare start that again.' She said, she pushed his arm off her and moved back in her seat crossing her arms. 'Not when i'm this angry, i'll do something i'll regret.'
Yikes, Jon had never seen this side of her, the determined look on her face told him he didn't want to be on the receiving end of that temper. 'Listen, do you really want to burn bridges with your parents?'
'No, not at all.'
Jon looked away, out of the windscreen, but she took his chin in her hands and forced it back towards her. Blue met blue as they looked into each other's eyes. She had softened now, the anger leaving her face.
'But i want you Jon, and i want you more. They are part of the past. A past i don't even remember. You...You're my future.'

Chapter 33: Then i go and spoil it all...

The rest of the summer passed by in a blur of textbooks for Ruby.

Bon Jovi had returned to the US for the final thirteen shows of their One Wild Night Tour.
For Jon it felt like the longest leg of any tour, ever.
He phoned her most nights, but he wasn't even going to kid himself that it was anywhere near enough for him.

'Shorty?'
'Hey Jon.'
'You sound sleepy did i wake you?'
'Oh no, no. Well yes but it's only eight thirty, i must have fallen asleep reading.'
'You're working yourself too hard.'
'I'm fine, apart from missing you.'
Jon didn't answer, he just rested his chin on his hand, rubbing his hand over his stubble...
'Jon are you still there?'
'Hey. Sorry...Same here babe.'
'Oh! How did Giants go?'
'It was great, wish you could'a been there. Great party after.'
'Sounds fun.'
'Yeah.'
'So when are you thinking of coming over?'
'I don't know babe i mean i'm a bit tired. Maybe a couple weeks?'
'Can't wait.'
'Me either. Well i'm gonna go now, look after yourself you hear?'
'I will, bye Jon.'
'Goodnight babe.'
As she pushed the phone aerial back down, she couldn't help but worry. Jon was short with her and actually sounded down. He was never the biggest talker on the phone, but just recently she was lucky if she got more than a one word answer.

***

Jon hung up the phone and went into his bedroom.
Lifting his sports bag onto the bed he threw in a couple of shirts and jeans.
He wasn't a big one for packing. He could just as easily travel with a toothbrush and his wallet.
Looking back at his apartment that he had been back in for just over 48 hours he couldn't help but think that maybe one day soon he should settle down, make some roots.

------------------

He grabbed the door knocker and tapped it three times.

'Ruby! Can you get that please i'm busy!' Her mum shouted from the kitchen, mid apple pie.
Sighing she put down the TV remote and went to answer it.

Opening the door she was confronted by Jon wearing a wide grin.
'Oh my god!'
Ruby looked behind her into he house and then pushed him backwards out of the porch pulling the door shut behind her. Once his back was against the wall and they were out of sight she kissed him passionately. Her hands either side of his face pulling him down so she could reach his lips properly.
A kiss that had his heart beating ten to the dozen, a kiss that for once he hadn't initiated.
'Wow i could get used to that.' He said when her lips finally released his.
'You said you weren't coming for a while.'
'I wanted to surprise you.' He smiled.
'Well you succeeded.' She stroked his cheek as she took her hands away from his face, 'I was worried, you sounded off on the phone.'
'Yeah....I guess being on the phone to you just reminds me you aren't there.'
'You say the sweetest things.....'
She was looking up at him so intently he could just as well stayed stood there all day just looking into her eyes. The blue mirrored his own, when he looked into them he just felt...home.

Suddenly she pushed him away.
'Wait there one minute.'
Laughing he shook his head, this girl is something else he thought.

She rushed inside and yelled to her mum that she was going out as she grabbed her bag.
Taking his hand she walked in front of Jon pulling him towards the village green. He was happy to take a back seat and sneakily enjoy the view. She wore a vest top that barely met the waist band of her flared jeans, exposing a strip of tanned skin.
'Where are we off?'
'Someplace nice, first we have to get supplies from the shop.'

After filling up on half the shop -Ruby was amazed the amount of stuff Jon had never had and she insisted he must try it- they started walking down a footpath out of the village and into the country.
The grass and bushes were well overgrown, if you didn't know the path was there you would just walk straight past it.
'Where the hell are you taking me?'
Ruby turned and smiled as she pulled back a branch of brambles and held it for Jon to walk past, 'You'll see.'

After walking for another fifteen minutes suddenly the undergrowth cleared and in front of his eyes Jon saw the most beautiful lake, surrounded by trees and wild flowers.
'Woah' Jon was in awe at how such a perfect place could be hidden away like this.
'Yeah...'
'what is this place?'
'Oh just some nature reserve, no one bothers coming here except me...and now you!'
'How the hell did you find it?'
'My diaries...apparently i used to come here before...'
Jon nodded as they continued to walk round the lake. They came to a bench underneath a willow tree and brushed the catkins off the seat before sitting down.

For a few minutes they just took in the scenery and enjoyed each other's presence.
The only other forms of life were the dragonflies and a few ducks.
Jon was the first to break the silence.
'So diaries eh?'
'Yeah, it's weird reading about the former me.'
'I bet. Did it help? Jog any memories i mean?'
'No. I thought there was a good chance of that...'
'It'll come babe.' He said as he put his arm across her shoulders and rubbed her right arm to comfort her.
She pulled her legs up on the bench and leaned into him more, resting her head on his shoulder.
She felt so comfortable around him now, they had been through a few hiccups but finally it seemed they were on track.

***

'This is nice' she sighed. She was stretched out on the bench now, her head leant on Jon's lap.
'Mmm, i think we should get back though. Starting to get dark.'
'I guess,' She checked her watch, 'God! We've been here hours!'
'I can think of worse ways to while a way an afternoon.' Jon said with a smile.
She jumped up and reached for his hand, 'Come on or we won't be able to find our way out in the dark.'
They walked all the way hand in hand in comfortable silence, just enjoying the simple fact that they were together.

When they reached the front door Ruby turned to Jon and smiled.
'What's that look for?' He asked suspiciously.
'I'm going to tell them about you and me.'
'Is that a good idea?'
'If you want any sort of relationship with me it is!' She poked him in the chest.
'Is me being here for this a good idea?'
'Don't worry. How could they not love you, like i do?' She asked, looking up in his eyes.
Suddenly realising the gravity of what she had said she looked away, conscious of scaring Jon off.
She turned and fumbled to put her key in the door.
'Well i guess if you're sure.' Jon said.
'I'm sure.' Thank god, he didn't notice she thought to herself, Or maybe he's ignoring it...shit.

Chapter 32: End of the Summer?

Finally the bedroom door opened.
'Well darlin, i will see you tonight i guess.'
'See ya later Rich.'
'Don't go making him late you hear?'
'BYE RICH!'
She went into the bedroom suite Richie had just left.
'I thought he'd never leave.' She said walking back out onto the balcony.
'Tell me 'bout it babe.' Jon said still reclining on the chair.
'What time do you have to leave for the show?'
'Not for a little while....Want to make out?' He said with a smile.
She looked at him still topless in the sun, eyes hidden by his sunglasses, but she knew the smile on his lips would be reflected there too.
He moved over slightly and patted the sun lounger. 'I won't bite....well actually i can't promise that.'
She blushed as she sat down tentatively next to him.

Jon was half reclined on the lounger and Ruby rested her head against his chest.
'I wish we could spend the day together, sight-seeing or something.' She said as Jon absent mindedly stroked her hair.
'Mmm that would be nice.'
'I mean what's going to happen after today?'
'Well i've got the rest of the Europe leg...i don't know 10 days maybe? Then back to America to finish the tour.'
'I've got to finish my studies, and try to enjoy a little bit of summer before i have to go back to Bath.' She counted her list off on her fingers.
'Doesn't leave much time for us does it babe?' Jon sighed.
She turned to face Jon and moved forwards...
'In a year we will have all the time in the world.' She said kissing him softly on the mouth.

The sweet gentle kiss turned into something deeper as they moved on the lounger until she had turned and lay half on top of him. Their legs entangled, as the heart rate increased.
Her hands journeyed over his smooth chest, and down finding the contours of his abdomen hard to ignore.
Groaning slightly at the feel of her hands on his body at last, Jon's right hand trailed down her side to her bottom, and on further, finding the edge of her summer dress. But he wanted more from her, his hand moved back up making it's way between her thighs.
Pulling away slightly she broke the kiss.'Jon please stop.'
Breathlessly he whispered, 'Are you okay?'
'Yeah...i...i just want to take this slow.'
'You mean slower than a year?'
She moved to get up and started rearranging her clothes.
Dammit, there i go again,'I'm sorry. I was joking.'
'I know, you don't have to tread on broken glass with me Jon. It's just i need to know i can trust you before we....take the next step.'
'Of course.'
She turned her back to him once more and relaxed back against his chest.
A year never seemed so far away. He thought.

------------------

The chauffeur driven car pulled up to the venue, a small stadium known as Bercy.
As they walked past some roadies that were still busying themselves unloading lorries one of them wolf whistled.
Ruby cringed as he turned around, she just knew he was going to have a go at them. She had experienced his temper one night in America...
'Jon just...'
He raised his hand that held hers higher.
'Get your own, this one's taken.' He laughed, 'Ask Sambora for a look at his not so little black book!'
'Jon!' Ruby pulled her hand down.
Leaning up she kissed him on the cheek.
'What was that for then?'
'Just because.'
Finally she felt like Jon was taking her seriously, taking them seriously.

'Oh my god! Shorty!'
Ruby turned round to see Sandy coming towards her.
'I'm gonna go get ready for sound check.' Jon said, but they weren't listening.
'Sandy!' Ruby said as she got swept up by a hug.
Jon knowing when it was time for girl talk and left them to it.
'I've missed you girl! I was mad when i heard you were at the UK show and never came to see me.'
'Yeah...i didn't really want to hang around backstage then.'
'But now?'
'Well me and Jon kinda sorted a few things out and...'
'I can see that. Finally! I felt like saying enough of the angst already!'
'That bad?' Ruby winced.
'Like an episode of Dawson's creek.' Sandy laughed.

***

'Hey babe.' Jon called for Ruby to join him in the corridor backstage.
'I want you to meet one of my idols.'
Ruby walked over to see a guy stood in with Jon, who she didn't recognise at all.
'Sh...Erm Ruby this is John, also known as Southside Johnny.' Jon waved his hand in the air gesturing to the arena. 'All this is his fault.'
'Hi, pleased to meet you...Did you make this place then?'
Jon couldn't help but laugh in the background.
'I'm pleased to meet you too sweetheart. And no i didn't, i'm a musician.'
'Oh right..' She turned to face Jon and stuck her tongue out.
Jon spoke up, 'He's the reason i got into music.'
Ruby smiled, 'You have a lot to answer for.' She said to John with a wink.
'Well i best be going, onstage in 5 minutes.' He shook both their hands, 'Great to meet you Ruby. See you after Jon.'

'Come on.'
'What now?' Ruby asked.
'You have to see these guys play, i know you'll love em too.'

***

Ruby and Jon sat at the side of the stage watching Southside Johnny and his band The Asbury Jukes who were opening for Bon Jovi.
When they finished their set Jon turned to Ruby, 'So?'
'I enjoyed it.'
'Good.'
He picked up her hand and kissed it, 'I'm gonna get ready for the show. See you after?'
'Definitely.'

----------------

'I guess it's time for me to go.'
'I guess.'
'I've had a great time.'
'Mmmm,' Jon was busy kissing along her jawline. His hands on Ruby's hips holding her closer to him.
'If you don't stop that i'm going to get distracted and miss the train.' She said.
'Good.'
Ruby pulled away from him, her hands on his chest playing with the shirt buttons there, 'I'm glad we sorted some stuff out.'
'I didn't think it was going to happen for us at one point.' He said.
She smiled at him.
'Well are you going to hail me a taxi or what?'

Jon flagged a taxi down and opened the door for Ruby.
She got in and he slid in beside her.
'What are you doing?'
'Train station please.'
'Jon?'
He removed his sunglasses and pushed his cap higher revealing more of his face. 'I'm not letting you travel to London on your own.'
'But....'
Jon pulled out a train ticket from his pocket.
'Jon there really is no need, besides my parents don't...' She began.
'Not to your place, just to London and then back.'
'But Jon that's a waste.'
'I want to. I got all the money i could ever need. But time that's somethin' we don't have a whole lot of, i would just be sat in that hotel room waiting for the next show. I'd rather spend a couple hours with you.'
'Don't feel like you have to just to keep me safe or anything.'
'I don't.'
Ruby was a little overwhelmed, she could feel the tears in begin to well in her eyes.
'What did i do to deserve you?'
'Something really good, you just don't remember.' He said softly as he leaned in for another kiss.