Sorry!

Sorry for leaving you hanging.

Went to New Jersey for the FC gig, stayed for a couple of weeks and after that i wasn't really in the zone for writing. Blame the post-gig blues!
But the new chapter is under way, hopefully will have it up this week.

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.

Chapter 31: Wasted and Wounded

She looked around, all the fellow diners were watching, waiting for her response.
Some were whispering, she heard one say 'Isn't that Jon Bon Jovi?'
Shit.
Jon was still down on one knee in front of her looking hopeful.
'Don't leave me hanging here babe.'
She looked around once more.
'Yes.'
There was clapping then, from the surrounding patrons.
She grabbed Jon's wrist and pulled him up, leading him out of the restaurant.

Out in the hallway she turned him round and faced him square on.
'Couldn't wait to get me on my own?' Jon said, moving forward to kiss her.
She dodged him.
'Jon what the hell?'
'What?'
'You know what! I can't believe you. How could you put me on the spot like that?'
'I thought...but you said yeah.'
'I said that to save your blushes. I could just see the tabloid stories.'
With that she turned to call the lift.
Jon slumped back against the wall.
So i guess that's a no then.

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

Jon padded out of the bedroom wearing just jeans. Hair still wet from the shower.
'Hey.'
He hoped she wouldn't remember last night.
Ruby looked up from her breakfast, and smiled. Trying not to look at his body, but it was hard.
He looked leaner than last time she saw him, more defined muscles.
She managed to avert her eyes before he noticed they were on him.
'Any for me?' he said sitting down next to her.
'Don't you have a hangover or something?'
'Bit of a headache.'

He sat next to her his back leaning against the table, trying to get her attention away from the paper and on him.
'What'cha readin'?'
She put the newspaper down.
'Jon about yesterday?'
'Yeah a great date i thought.'
'Hmm yeah, what about last thing?'
'You know i remember the chocolate mousse, delicious, and then yeah must have had a bit too much wine.'
'A bit? One bottle of champagne and two bottles of wine. I think i had two and a half glasses total out of that!'
'Yeah, we were celebrating.' He when to brush the back of his hand against her arm.
He doesn't remember. Ruby thought to herself. She got up and poured coffee.
'Here, black no sugar if i recall?'
'Thanks.'

'You must have been so drunk i swear!'
Jon just sipped his coffee and looked at her.
'I mean in the middle of the restaurant you got down on one knee and proposed.' She didn't look at him. 'It was so embarrassing!'
Jon put his right hand in his jeans pocket. He turned the ring over and over between his fingers.
'Yeah i do stupid stuff when i'm drunk i guess.'
'Don't we all?'
'Sorry.'
'Don't be, i over reacted as usual. I should have known you didn't mean it, i mean you were three sheets to the wind after all. I know you wouldn't have done it if you were sober.'
'Yeah, right....I'm goin' back to bed.'

***

Jon walked into the bedroom and picked up the guitar that sat in the corner. A big part of him wanted to just smash it on the floor, let all his frustrations pour out into the destruction. But the other part of him won.
Going out to the balcony he sat on a chair and soaked up the mid-morning sun.
Sitting the battered old acoustic on his lap he began to strum.

She opened the door quietly.
There was a warm breeze and the white linen curtains billowed into the room.
She watched and listened to him as he sang softly.

"Sitting here wasted and wounded at this old piano,
Trying hard to capture the moment, this morning I don't know.
'Cause a bottle of vodka's still lodged in my head,
Some blonde gave me nightmares..."

He stopped there, he remembered writing that song in a hotel room not too different from the one he sat in now. He remembered the circumstances that led him to write it.
Somethings don't change, he thought.

'That was beautiful.'
'Jesus! Give a man a heart attack.' He said as Ruby walked through the door. 'I didn't realise you were there.'
'Oh. I thought that's why you stopped.'
Jon sighed, and put the guitar down next to his chair.
She looked at him as he avoided all eye contact with her.
God! He gets so caught up in himself sometimes. It's like getting blood from a stone, she thought as she prepared for another session of trying to get into Jon's thoughts.

'Is there something you want to tell me Jon? I mean after last year i hope that we can just be truthful with each other. About anything.'
He dug his hand in his pocket and brought out the ring.

Ruby gasped when she saw it.
Jon sat with it between the finger and thumb of his right hand and leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees.
'Okay so i meant it. I meant to ask you, ever since i came back to Europe.'
He didn't look up, just stared at the ring turning it round and round.
'I just thought how can i show you that i'm not what you think? I'm not just looking for a quick fuck. I've had enough of that, i need something real.'
Jon finally looked up at Ruby. 'I need you.'
She stood her summer dress swaying in the breeze, arms crossed as if she was cold. A look in her eye of what? Pity...or something. He thought.
'Jon...'
'You don't have to say anythin'. Just, you're right. There's nothin' if we aren't honest.'

'Listen to me will you?...It's my final year of University. I've had to do two years in one. I haven't been out, i haven't had any down time. I'm nearly there, by the time i start the new term i should be up to date. I have to do well in this final year, i can't waste it all now on distractions.'
So that's all i am, a distraction? Great. Jon thought. He looked away, dropped the ring into his empty coffee cup and slumped back into his chair.
She saw the hurt in his eyes.
'Jon don't you get it, i'm not saying there isn't a future for us.'
'It's just that you want me to wait for you.'
'Yeah...i guess.'
'I can't Shorty. A year, i can't go for a year not seeing you. Six months was bad enough.'
'Perhaps, holidays....'
'Oh so a couple of days every six months? that's alot better.'
'Jon why are you getting cross with me?' A tear rolled along her face.
'It shouldn't be this hard Shorty. Maybe some things just aren't meant to be.'
He regretted it the minute it left his mouth.

Well i guess that's it then. She thought as she turned around to go back into the hotel room. He always knows the right words to hurt me most.
'Wait.'
He was stood in front of her now grabbing her arm he turned her back around.
He took a step to close their bodies together.
'I'm sorry i didn't mean that...I just...'
Lifting his hand to her face he brushed his thumb across her lower lip and on down her chin. Using it to tilt her face up.
He leaned tantalisingly close, inches from her face.
'I've missed these lips like you wouldn't believe.' He whispered.

She didn't say or do anything just let it happen.
Lips touched lips ever so softly for a second before parting.
She opened her eyes to see why he had stopped, but before she could his lips were on hers again.
Don't stop. Was all she could think.
She was buzzing.
She lifted her hands to his waist and held him closer to her, feeling electricity as her hands touched his soft skin.

Jon bought his left hand up to hold her other cheek, deepening the kiss.
The top half of their bodies apart so he could stoop slightly to reach her lips.
He slowly pulled away from her.
Placing one more soft kiss on her lips.
He looked down at her, it seemed like an age before she opened her eyes.
She licked her bottom lip as if savouring the taste.
'Jon...' She barely whispered.
'Just give us a chance babe, i swear we can make this thing work. One weekend a month, i can fly over. Christmas, Easter...'
A smile broke out on one corner of her mouth.
'I was just about to say i've got a camp bed.'
'I'm a millionaire rock star babe, i don't do camp beds.' he chuckled leaning in to kiss her cheek and trail soft kisses down to her neck. 'Perhaps you can accommodate me somewhere more comfortable?'
She just wanted to tell him how infuriating he was. Sulking one minute, all hot on her the next. But she was just glad she had cocky Jon back it meant all was well, for now.
And besides she didn't want to say anything to make him stop what he was doing.

'Hey Jo...Oh now what do we have here?'
Jon pulled away from Ruby and peered through the open doors.
Richie was stood in the bedroom leaning against the door frame.
He saw Jon stood just in jeans inches away from Ruby, barefoot. Both flushed with red lips from kissing.
'Am i interrupting something?'
'Hey Richie.' Ruby replied.
Jon wasn't as polite, 'How the hell you get in here man?'
'You weren't answering the door, so i tried it. You should really lock it you know, never know who could be lurkin'.'
'Thanks for the tip asshole.'
'Is that my breakfast?' Ruby asked, spying the slice of toast in his hand.
Richie ignored this question, like he seemed to do with everything he didn't want to hear.
'Okay if i borrow our boy here for a bit darlin'?'

Ruby squeezed past Richie to go back into the suite. She figured if they had business to discuss, or rather if Richie wanted to rib Jon about her, she didn't need to be there.
Richie leant down and pecked her cheek as she went past him, 'Good to see ya darlin'.'
'And you Rich.' She said patting his chest and taking back the slice of toast from his hand.

He waited for the bedroom door to click shut before he spoke.
'So you look pretty happy?'
He sat down on the chair Jon had occupied minutes earlier putting his feet on another one opposite, and picked up the guitar.
'I would probably be even happier if you hadn't dropped by.' He unceremoniously shoved Richie's feet off the chair and sat there himself.
Richie started strumming a few chords. 'You have an annoying habit of stopping by at the worst times.'
'You writin'?' Richie ignored his comment.
'Nah just rememberin'.'

Chapter 30: A Summer Night in Paris.

'Shorty!' He stood up so fast he banged his head on the overhead luggage rack.
'Ouch Jon are you ok?' She leant over to rub his head where he had hit it.
'I'm great now.' He smiled.
She laughed and looked down at her hands, coming over all shy suddenly.
'I'd given up on you' he said.
'Sorry but this is London, unfortunately traffic doesn't part like the red sea just because i'm in a hurry. Thought i was going to miss the train.'
'Well it doesn't leave till ten past. Call it security.'
She chuckled, and he admired her sparkling eyes as they danced with the laughter. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail, showing her perfect face off. Making her eyes seem even more blue if that was possible. The pale skin he remembered so well from last winter was sun kissed, she was radiant.
'So, is this seat free?'
Jon snapped out of it, he hadn't realised he had been staring. 'Yeah, Course.'
He gestured for her to sit.

'So you came?'
'Yeah, i've never been to Paris.' She smiled cheekily.
Jon laughed, he'd missed her sense of humour. Like the way she would mercilessly tease him, and the way he would take it. He didn't usually take humour at his own expense very well.
'And...Alex?'
'What about him?' Ruby really didn't want to talk about this, but it was probably best to get it out of the way, '...he's nice, reliable, my age....practically perfect, except....' She changed her focus, pretending to look for something in her bag.
Jon's eyes didn't move from her, 'Except?'
She opened her mouth to tell him except he isn't you, but stopped herself. 'I told him i need to take a break....Anyway i could ask the same about you and Diane. What is going on there?'
'Let's just call it a major error in judgement.'
Ruby nodded, knowing when to not probe any deeper.

A brief awkward silence followed...Jon was the first to break it.
'You may aswell have said that it's over.'
'What?'
'With Alex.'
'Cocky son of a...' She laughed.
'I mean it. I'm not letting you get away this time.' He looked intently into her eyes, hoping to show her he truly meant it.
'Sir, Madam can i get you something to drink?' They were interrupted by a waitress.
'Champagne.' Jon replied.
'Please.' Ruby added. Turning back to Jon, 'Mind your P's and Q's!'
Jon just rolled his eyes in response.

'So what made you come?'
'Let's just say a friend let me in on the inner workings of your mind.' She said stowing her bag overhead.
'Damn it what has he been saying?'
'You should be thanking him!' Ruby replied.
'Champagne, Sir.' The waitress said as she returned. 'Would you like me to open it?'
'That's okay, i'll do the honours.' Jon said, glancing at Ruby's face he quickly turned back and added, 'Thank you!'

He popped the cork and poured the champagne into two glasses.
'Here's to...us?' Jon asked cocking an eyebrow, not entirely sure where the land lay between them yet.
'Here's to getting it right this time.' She replied.
'Ouch.' Jon said clutching his chest in faux pain.

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

It was quarter to ten as they arrived at the train terminal in Paris. They stood on the pavement outside.

'What?' Ruby laughed. 'Do i have food on my face?'
Jon snapped out of it, 'Sorry...no, sorry its just, you look good.'
She blushed, looking away from his gaze, 'Thanks.'
'I really want this to work you know. I'm just figuring this out for myself..' he said as if he felt she was unsure about the situation.
'I know. And just so you know, there was no doubt in my mind.'

That was it then after that admission, a goofy grin was plastered on Jon's face that wasn't going anywhere in a while.

He picked up her bag and slung it over his shoulder and grabbed her hand, 'Come on you must be hungry.'
They got into the backseat of a waiting taxi and Jon leaned forward and said something to the driver. Ruby strained to hear but didn't catch it over the sound of the radio.

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

'This really is the only way to see Paris.' Jon said as he lead Ruby out.
She walked ahead of him, open mouthed at the stunning view.
Jon had taken them to the Tour Montparnasse the tallest building in Paris, and they had just walked out onto the terrace at the very top.
He walked to stand beside her at the railing.
The blazing sun had long since disappeared below the skyline leaving only a dark blue twilight. But it seemed as bright as ever, the darkness of the buildings broken up by a criss cross of streets lit by cars and lights.

'Wow.' she whispered, barely audible.
'Yeah best view of the city...mainly 'cause you don't see this ugly thing that we're standing on.' he chuckled.
'It's beautiful.'
'Hey we're on the wrong side.' Jon laughed, he took her hand and led her to the opposite side of the viewing terrace.
Placing his hands lightly on her hips he maneuvered her to stand in front of him and pointed her in the right direction.
'Eiffel Tower.' He said in her ear as he stooped slightly so his head was level with hers over her shoulder. Pointing across the city scape before them.
'There's the Champs-Élysées and at the end the Arc de Triomphe.'
'I don't see it.'
He moved his face closer to hers, his cheek brushed hers slightly.
Jon felt completely on edge this close to her, his arms had goose pimples yet the summer air was warm. Ruby was too enthralled in the view to notice.
'Follow the tip of my finger, right there, all lit up.'
'Oh yeah!' She exclaimed.
Jon could hear the wonder in her voice.

'How come you know all this?' She asked.
'I've stared out of hotel windows all over the world babe.' She could hear a tinge of regret in his voice.
'Well thank you.'
'What you thanking me for?' he asked as she pulled away and turned to face him.
'For this, bringing me up here.'
'I should be thanking you' Jon said. 'Anyway don't know 'bout you but i could eat.'
'Yeah i guess.' She turned to take in the view a last time before they went.
'Don't worry, where we are eating you will have nearly as good a view.'

***

Three floors below they took their seat next to the window.
Ruby turned in her seat to continue admiring the view.
'Looks like i have competition for your affections tonight.' Jon laughed.
She turned back to him with a smile on her face.
'I'm sorry, it's just wow.' She quickly turned her head once more, 'Beautiful....ok i'm done i promise.'
Jon just laughed. 'Wait till i show you Dubai, or Tokyo!'
'I might hold you to that you know.'
'You better had.' Jon replied, the goofy grin still evident.

Jon ordered them both oysters as a start and lobster for the main course. This was done in French and Ruby was none the wiser until the food was served. Reluctant at first she soon confessed her enjoyment of both. The wine flowed freely and they both enjoyed each other's company, any residual nerves put at ease.

Later on they were enjoying a simple dessert of Mousse au Chocolat, it was just past midnight.
'That was so amazing.' Ruby said as she put her napkin on the table.
'Aww come on look one more bite left.' Jon replied.
'Nope. I can't eat another spoonful!'
Jon reached across and scooped the rest out with his spoon and put it in his mouth appreciatively. 'Waste not want not.' He said as he liked the spoon for a final time and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
'Gannet!' Ruby said laughing.
'Nothin' wrong with a good healthy appetite babe.' Jon stood from he seat with a wobble.
'You ok there Mister?' Ruby laughed at his unsteadiness.
Jon put up his hand, 'Yeah fine, head rush that's all. I'll be back, just one minute.'
Ruby giggled at his tipsy state. She had barely had a glass of each of the two bottles of wine that had been brought to the table. And that was enough for her to be half cut.

Minutes later Jon was back.
He didn't move to sit down, he just stood next to her.
'Hey you gonna join me?' She asked. He seemed antsy.
'Listen i gotta say somethin'.' He said, his Jersey really came out strong when he was drunk she noticed.
He dropped onto one knee on front of her.
'Jon? What are you doing? Get up!' Suddenly she felt herself sobering up.
'Shorty. Will you marry me?'

Chapter 29: Decision.

He sighed as the clock ticked...one minute past seven.
I guess she ain't coming then.
Solemnly he boarded the train and found his reserved seat in first class.
It had been a while since he had travelled by train but he figured that him and Ruby would have had time to talk.

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

Earlier that morning...

9.00am

Her radio alarm clock woke her with some perky local radio DJ wittering on. She had eventually fallen asleep some time before five, so she was in no mood for such cheeriness.
Rolling over she hit the snooze button.
Sleep had done a good job of making her forget her troubles, but the harsh light of day soon reminded her of the decision she had to make.
Pulling a pillow over her head she tried to avoid the sunlight and the decision.

Eight minutes later her slumber was disturbed again.
"Shot through the heart and you're..."
She bashed the off button on the radio alarm clock.
'Is this some kind of sign?' She said to herself with a laugh.

***

10.15am

'Morning Roo fancy some breakfast?' her Mum called as she heard her come downstairs.
'Hi, no thanks i'll just have juice.'
Tutting her Mum passed the carton across the breakfast bar. 'You should have more than juice, breakfast is the most important meal.'
Roo just accepted the carton pouring a glassful before walking out through the utility room into the back garden.
It was a beautiful June morning.

'Hi Roo.'
Her Dad was busy making the most of the nice day by tending to the garden.
'Hi Dad.'
'What are you up to today?'
'Oh nothing much....' Just making the biggest decision ever '...might go to town, do bit of shopping.'

***

1.00pm

She sat on a bench in the village green, waiting for the bus.
Gazing down the road at the hazy heat coming off the tarmac, she wondered why the bus always ran late.
I guess it gives me plenty of thinking time.
She rummaged in her tote bag removing her discman. She never left home without it.
Putting in a compilation disc she idly skipped through until something took her fancy.
Halfway through the Clash's London Calling the batteries ran out.
'Damn! I was enjoying that.'
She shoved it back in her bag once more, now what can i do to take my mind off things?

She heard the bus long before it finally pulled up, the old diesel engine working hard in the afternoon heat.
'You getting on then love?' The driver asked.
'Sorry no i've changed my mind.'
She got up from the bench and ran across the green back to her house.
Opening the door and going inside. She nearly bumped into her dad in her haste.
'Thought you were off to town?'
'Change of plans, i have to make a phone call.' She shouted behind her as she grabbed the cordless phone and ran upstairs.

'Alex?'
'Hey Roo! I was going to call you.'
Ruby nervously fussed with the sheets on her bed as she spoke.
'YEah...Listen we need to talk...'
'Great idea.' Alex enthused, 'I'm swimming in an interstate meet this week why don't you come on over?'
Ruby was about to interrupt, but he didn't give her chance...
'You deserve a bit of a break. I even looked at flights for you. There is one leaving from Heathrow tonight at 8, check in at 7...'

3.58pm

For the second time that day she sat on the village green.
This time she did get on the bus.
'You've decided to join us this time?' It was the same driver.
Ruby just smiled politely, 'London please, single.'

6.54pm

Traffic had been hell, not surprisingly as it was rush hour.
Shit i am so going to miss it. She thought as her taxi pulled into the drop off bay.
Ruby ran through the main hall, looking around her she had no real clue where she was headed.
'I'm so sorry.' She shouted back is she knocked into some one's shoulder as she ran by.
Finally she found a row of overhead monitors stretched in front of her, she scanned through the departure times....

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

'Excuse me is this seat taken?'
Jon didn't look up from beneath his baseball cap. 'Knock yourself out.'
'I see your people skills are not improved at all.'
This time he did look up...