Chapter Three

The drive from Livermore to Los Angeles was a fun one. The sun was up and her rental, a black GMC SUV, was a joy to drive. Stopping at a diner on the side of the interstate she enjoyed a good old fashioned burger with home fries before proceeding to the big city. After paying the check, she hopped back in her rental and was heading back down the interstate. Singing along loudly to Springsteen’s ‘Born To Run’ she smiled. 

Just another Jersey musician, no big deal...If only it were that simple, she thought with a sigh.

It was another two hours to the Sambora house, her navigation system estimated. Plenty of time to sing along to the best American rock songs and unwind.

Jocelynn had had a restless night. It wasn’t as much the father she was worried about but more the image the press made of him. He had been in rehab a couple of times and gotten a DUI with his daughter present in the car. She knew not to believe all the gossip but these things were pretty straightforward. Being a photographer she knew the scumbags that were amongst celebrity photography. She had been in an argument with one or two in the past before she chose to cut down on the regular studio portraits and focus on concerts and other action photography, one being rodeos. The rodeo was where she learned to be a better rider, having been taught English riding since the age of 6 western was a world of difference. Being able  to do the riding had improved her photographs too.

She wondered if Richie would remember her from all these years ago. Shaking that thought from her mind she realized she was on the outskirts of L.A. already. Having been there many times before in her 38 years of being on this planet she was not struck by the traffic.

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Thirty-eight years ago Jocelynn was born as the only child of Donathan and Tabby Reid in Philly. After high school she moved to New York for NYU and completed a photography course there which led to many internships with big photographers and a lot of Starbucks runs. By the time she was 23 she started freelancing and never stopped since that moment. Having built a great client base in mostly internet media but some newspapers and magazines, she’d been with Rolling Stone for a bit before going solo. Still they contacted her once in a while for a shoot or concert and payed her very well for it. Once every few months she took some time off to visit Jack and Relda but also go down to L.A. for more business meetings.

Jack had told her more than once that one day she would have to slow down. Lynn always laughed it off. Though she knew that time was nearing now. One of the main reasons she came to help the couple as soon as Jack called her. No questions asked. It was her escape from New York’s hectic city lifestyle.

Turning into the long winding driveway, Jocelynn was taken aback. The house was huge! A true Southern California abode indeed. There was a big iron gate at the front of the driveway, driving up to it she rolled down the window. Pressing the sole button on the big pillar she waited patiently.

“Hello?” It was a male voice coming through the speakers. Would it be him?

Lynn cleared her throat. “Hello, I’m Jocelynn Reid. I came down here to help Ava with her new horse?” With each spoken word her voice got quieter. What if he doesn’t remember?

“Oh good you’re here. Come on through, just park next to the other cars out front.”  The voice spoke again and sure enough the gates opened and Lynn drove the GMC through it.

The driveway was surrounded by trees and grass. Two more cars were lined up near the massive house. Parking the rental next to the Hummer and Aston she frowned. Those were some seriously expensive cars and yet she preferred an old Mustang or Camaro.

“Jocelynn you’re here!”

A blonde teenage girl threw open the wooden doors of the house’s entrance and skidded over to the rental car extending her hand.

“I’m Ava. You’re really gonna let me help you train Olly?” Lynn smiled at the large grin the girl was wearing. Her handshake was firm, she wasn’t shy in the least.

“Yeah it’s your horse little girl. After he becomes accustomed to a saddle and rider you’re gonna be doing most of the work.”

“So I will pay you a nice salary while my daughter does all the work? Good strategy.” A rough voice spoke from behind Ava and Lynn lifted her face to meet the man’s eyes. Her breath hitched in her throat. Damn he still looks hot.

Richie was momentarily caught off guard at the beautiful woman in front of him. Ava was the first to break the silence. “But Dad… I don’t need a paycheck from you. I’ll just ask for your credit card if I want something.” She smiled cheekily at the fifty-something year old behind her before bursting out in laughter.

Jocelynn laughed softly before extending her hand. “I’m Jocelynn Reid. It’s nice to meet you. The house looks wonderful.”

Richie snapped out of his gaze and shook her outstretched hand. “Pleasure is all mine darlin’. That name sounds awfully familiar though. Sorry if I can’t remember exactly.” He drawled, brow furrowed as he tried to remember.

Lynn grinned. “That’s actually more than I was hoping for. We’ve met briefly at a New York show a couple years back. No big deal if you don’t remember. It’s a long time ago and it was only a couple of minutes. Now not to be nosy but I’d love to meet the young lady’s horse.”

Ava’s eyes widened in excitement. “I’ll walk you to the barn. He’s so pretty, I’ve taken him for a few walks on his halter already. He's a real sweetie.”

If Lynn felt the guitarist’s eyes on her she would’ve felt uncomfortable and blushed but she was too happy hearing  the girl’s words. She clearly already took a liking to the horse and had taken the time to bond.

“You two go ahead. I’ll tell Rosa to prepare dinner for three. Do you like Mexican food, Jocelynn?” Richie spoke as he broke his stare. Ava was already a few steps ahead of Jocelynn, who turned around at his words.

Smiling she nodded, “Mexican sounds great if it’s not too much effort. I’m starving. We shouldn’t be too long.”

Richie nodded curtly and said something about being a good host before retreating into the house, deep in thought about the woman who would be sleeping in his guest house for the next few weeks.

Oliver’s Whiz was a red dun gelding and he made a sound of acknowledgment as Ava entered the barn. The younger girl took a carrot from a bag in the corner and walked over to the half opened gate of the horse’s stable. She had been telling Lynn stories on the walk over, quickly asking permission to call her Lynn.

As Lynn ran her hand over the horse’s nose she smiled. It sure was a sweet horse, calm and affectionate. Ava had disappeared into the tack room and came out with a leather halter. The  silver on the dark leather was shining and was obviously cleaned not too long ago.

“That’s a real pretty show halter, Ava. How about we feed him and let him be for now. It’s time for dinner and we’ll have plenty time to work with him tomorrow.” Jocelynn spoke.

Ava nodded. “Alright. Rosa makes the best Mexican food you’ve ever tasted.” Her eyes sparkled. “Will you come for a swim after dinner? If you’re too tired from your drive that’s fine too. I just thought I’d ask.” She looked at the floor. Mentally preparing for rejection. Adults never wanted to swim with her. She should’ve known better.

Jocelynn smiled. “A swim would be great. I am tired but swimming will help me relax too wouldn’t it?” Ava nodded happily. “Now come on, let’s not keep your dad and Rosa waiting any longer.” Both of them gave Olly another rub on the nose before heading out of the barn and into the large house. Dinner with the Sambora family... At least Ava took a liking to her.