Chapter Eleven

Three adults were gathered in the kitchen area of the Sambora house. Rosa had a day off and they wanted to make the most of the evening since Jon would be leaving the following morning to return to his family. Jocelynn had volunteered to cook so long as the boys would be in charge of drinks and dessert. Richie had volunteered to help on the main course but after seeing Jon’s face scrunch up she politely declined his offer.

“Damn that smells good.” Jon spoke as he entered the kitchen. Jocelynn was behind the stove wearing a pink apron, hair pulled back into a messy bun and sweat beads on her forehead. “Looks good too.” He passed her and planted a kiss on her temple.

“Flattery will get you nowhere Mr. Bongiovi. Pour me some wine and your compliments will be worth something.” Winking she returned to stirring the pasta sauce and letting her mind wander. If anyone had told her a month ago that she would be cooking pasta for two rockstars she would have laughed at them. Jon fixed her a glass of red wine and sniffed above the pot. Lynn grinned and grabbed a tiny spoon to pick up a bit of the red sauce.

“Try it.” She ordered,  and Jon willingly accepted the spoon. He shuts his eyes and moaned outloud.

When opening his eyes he noticed both Lynn and Richie staring at him. “Damn girl, that is good.” Glancing at his best friend he noticed a jealous look pass his eyes. “Rich, man, try it. Damn!”

Jocelynn burst out laughing at his enthusiasm. Grabbing another spoon she scooped up another small amount and let Richie try some too. His eyes widened and he fervently nods his head at his friend. “Approved. You’re hired. Oh wait you already were…” Laughing he helped Lynn pick up the pots and fill the three plates.

“Bon appétit boys.” Lynn spoke as she picked up her plate and moved to the island part of the kitchen and set it down next to her glass of wine. “Don’t get used to it Mr. Sambora. This is special treatment because HRH is leaving.” Jon winked at her and chuckled.

“Thank you darling, that is very sweet of you.” He kissed her cheek and puts his plate down next to hers. “The cab will be here at 8 tomorrow to take me to the airport. We can do our goodbye’s in private with Mr.Lazy sleeping.”

Richie glared at his best friend. He would now make sure his alarm clock was set for the following morning. At least with Jon gone it would be a fair fight.

“Wouldn’t want to be in your shoes tomorrow Kidd. Your kids are gonna go crazy to have you back.”Sambora not-so-subtly changed the subject. “What’s our plan tomorrow Lynn?”

Jocelynn grinned. “You up for another riding lesson or is your bum already bruised?”

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~

“Woman it’s been too long!”

“Sorry Relda, I’ve been keepin’ busy down here though. How’re the boys?” Jocelynn stretched out on her bed and grinned as she kept the phone to her ear. She figured Relda and Jack should know how well Oliver was doing. And what happened to Ava.

“They’re a handful, as usual. Jack has been working too hard and the little one should be in school more so he doesn’t drive me crazy. How is the rockstar’s girl and her horse doing?” Relda’s voice was soft and soothing through the speaker.

“Once Timmy has a girlfriend you’ll be wishing him home, just you wait.” Jocelynn laughed. “Horse is doin’ more than fine. Damn Relda it’s a great horse, it’s just that we took him for a trail ride a couple days back and he got spooked. You can imagine what happened with the girl. She was doing so well with him though, I’m afraid her mom isn’t gonna let her ride anymore at all…”

A sharp intake of breath was heard on the other side. “Is she okay? She’s not seriously hurt though right?”

“No just some bruised ribs and a concussion. She’ll be fine in a couple of weeks. I think I’m gonna encourage her to take him to a show sometime soon. He’s should be a great horsemanship horse. Even reining after some more training.” Jocelynn took a sip from the water she had set on the bedside table.

“That’s good. Will she be up for that? Given her mother will let her ride again. Really though, Heather Locklear that bad?”

“Oh Relda you have no idea. I think she barely cares for the girl’s needs. She has so much potential and Richie is the only one letting that show.” 

~_~_~_~

The sun was barely up but Jocelynn was already at the stables to feed Oliver. She had talked to Richie about getting him a friend, so he wouldn’t be so lonely anymore. Richie agreed, obviously. That afternoon she would go out and visit a ranch to see if there was something there. The budget Richie made possible was enough to get a nice yearling with showing potential. Jocelynn would do some investigating and later discuss it with Ava.

Oliver was rubbing against her arm as she placed the bucket of food into his stable. Rubbing her hand across his neck he gazed at the petite woman who showed such a loving gesture. Jocelynn was wearing light wash bootcut denim jeans and a white tank top that hugged her curves. The brown leather boots topped off the look and her hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail.

Walking back towards the main house after opening the door that connected Oliver’s stable to his paddock, she arrived just in time to see Jon come out of the front door to toss his bags into the back of the cab. He was wearing a fitted white shirt and his hair was hidden beneath a baseball cap.

His smiled as he saw Jocelynn stroll towards him. Please don’t hurt my best friend, you two would be great for each other. Give him a chance. She stood in front of him and extended her arms. “I think you deserve a hug Mr. Bongiovi. It was great getting to know you.” She spoke as he stepped into her embrace.

“Likewise Ms. Reid. It has been nothing short of a pleasure. If you get sick of that old bastard, come visit me sometime?”

Jocelynn grinned. “I most certainly will take you up on that offer sir. Once I’m back on the East coast we should meet up. Bye Jon.” He squeezed her once more and released her to hug his best friend who had emerged as Lynn spoke.

“Thanks for everything bro.” Jon spoke as he hugged the other man. “Take good care of the pretty lady too.” He winks as they pull away.

Richie shot him a look. “Will do bro. I’ll come by soon. It’s been too long since I’ve seen Dot and the kids.” He says. “Have a safe trip.” Jon waves at both of them just before getting into the car.

“See ya later!” He exclaims with his window opened as the car pulls away. As the cab disappears behind a couple trees Jocelynn turns around to get back to the stables, only to be pulled back by the firm grip Richie has on her waist. She hadn’t noticed he slipped his arm around her and blushed.

Stepping away she turns around and faces him. “Ready to get a blue butt again cowboy?” She grinned and took off towards the barn, Richie following only two steps behind and laughing.