Friday, July 26, 2019

Chapter 79

Friday morning he woke up excited for his show tonight. He would spend the morning with the family and drive to Los Angeles around noon to avoid the rush. After school, Ava would drive herself and Noah to the city as well.

After the show the band would fly to Las Vegas. He knew Ava wanted to join him for the weekend but he was unsure how she would handle flying back alone with Noah. Sure she said she would be fine but he knew she had never flown by herself before and crowded places like an airport were never her strong point. Noah being a year older didn't help much to ease his mind about it either as he probably had more anxiety issues than Ava did. Back when he was a teenager though, they would just have to deal with that. You had to do what you had to do, no excuses.

"Are you all packed?" He asked Sarah as he carried Daniel into the bedroom, it was almost noon and it was time to go. Their driver would be there soon.
"I think so. I probably have clothes for the next month."
Richie smiled, he wasn't a stranger to packing more than needed. "Better bring too much clothing than too little." As he said it, his brain registered it as well and he raised a suggestive eyebrow at Sarah.
Sarah shook her head gently. "We'll have Daniel with us."
"And lots of free available babysitters." Richie added on. "David would love to watch Daniel for us. Daniel is his favorite."
"So I've heard." Sarah agreed. "How about you give me Daniel and you can grab my bag instead."
Richie followed her instructions. "I guess we should get going."

They made it to the arena by 1pm, he was still early for sound check which was alright as he wanted to spend some of his down time by showing Sarah around and refamiliarize her with the ropes of touring and everyone that came with it.

After dropping his bag in his own dressing room, he walked back out with Sarah to search for Jon.

Richie knocked on the door next to his. "Jonny?" He asked instead of waiting for a reply.
A moment later the door opened for them. "Rich, perfect, I need your help."
"Sure but I think it can wait two seconds." Richie replied as he walked into the room followed by Sarah and Daniel.
Jon looked up as if he has just noticed they were with Richie at the door. "I forgot you guys were joining us." Jon said as he went in to give Sarah a quick hug, making Daniel scream when he came too close.
"Daniel." Sarah scolded him. "I'm sorry about that." She quickly apologized. "It's nice to see you Jon."
"Same here. About time we had some young blood on the road again."

Helping Jon out took Richie the better part of an hour and when they finally figured it out, he wanted some peace and quiet before having to head to soundtrack. A nap right about now was very appealing to him.

"Richie!"
He heard as soon as he left Jon's dressing room, he found David had called for him. "What's up?" He asked as David approached them.
"You brought my favorite little dude." He held his arms out for Daniel who accepted the switch easily, making both Sarah and Richie sigh in relief as David cood over him. "So what are you guys up to?"
"Just went over some logistics with Jon but we finally figured it out after half a dozen phone calls. I feel just about ready for a nap."
David's face lit up at that. "Why don't you and Sarah take some down time and I'll entertain the little dude. Get his input on his birthday party."
Richie contemplated it. "What if he gets upset though?"
David shrugged. "You seem to forget that I did have part in raising three children of my own."

Inside his dressing room, Richie locked the door behind him, making Sarah look up at him in question of his action.

Instead of answering her question, he pulled her close and kissed her deeply and passionately. His left arm around her waist, holding her tightly against him and his right hand sneaked under her shirt.

"Richie!" Sarah gasped when she was able to pull away from his soft lips.
He shushed her gently. "You have to be quiet so no one hears us."
"Maybe this isn't the place to do this." Sarah said, very concious of people being all around.
"It's definitely the place for it." He kissed her again as his hand now found its way inside her bra.
Sarah hissed at the touch. "Gentle." She told him.
Richie pulled away quickly. "I barely touched you." He let her go from his embrace and walked her over to the couch to sit down.
"Just be gentle, I'm sensitive right now." Sarah said as she reached in for a kiss again.

This time Richie scooted closer to her on the couch. Instead of sneaking a hand under her shirt, he pulled her shirt up and broke away from their kiss to pull it over her head. He unclasped her bra, letting it fall to the floor along with her shirt. More concious of his actions, he touched her breasts softly, rolling her nipples between his fingers before he licked them.

He could feel himself grow inside his jeans and undid the button to give himself more space.

In return, he did the same to Sarah's jeans. He needed more free access to her.

"Richie." She tried to stop him again.
"The door's locked." He reminded her.

She sighed and lifted her hips, letting him pull her jeans off for her.

She gasped as soon as his tongue made contact with her hot skin. "Richie." This time she moaned his name, knowing she was easily persuated by him.

His finger tips were feather light on the insides of her thighs as he slowly reached them to her center, parting his entrace before moving a finger inside her, glad to hear Sarah gasp at his action. Feeling proud of himself, he pulled back and reached over to kiss her.

"I think you like this." He whispered, making Sarah blush underneath him. He thought it was sweet that he could still make her blush, knowing how innocent she had been. "You turn me on." He reminded her again in a whisper.

Richie pushed down his jeans and briefs, finally giving himself the freedom he deserved. He stroked himself a few times, knowing Sarah was watching him as he positioned himself in front of her.

He moaned as he entered her, every single time felt like the best time. Sarah was perfect for him.

He leaned over Sarah again so he could kiss her as he thrusted his hips against her, making her moan with each deep stroke he made. The feeling of being entirely inside her was the second best thing. Besides how he felt, he thouroughly enjoyed how Sarah reacted to him as well.

It didn't take much before he could feel her tighten around him, making him increase his speed within her. He loved making her moan and gasp with each orgasm.

Not much later he could feel his own approach within him. He broke away from the kiss and looked down as Sarah as he thrusted deeply once more followed by a groan of his release, he watched as Sarah's chest curved towards him in her final orgasm.

He kissed her cheek gently as he laid his head on her shoulder. In return he could feel her soft lips placing a kiss on his head.

With regret he pulled away from her to pull his briefs and jeans back up, not bothering to button or zip them up just yet. Instead, he got comfortable on the couch and held his naked wife close against him as he could feel his eyelids getting heavy.

Monday, July 22, 2019

Chapter 78

The hot water on his back was exactly what he needed. His morning had gone just the way he wanted to spend it, making breakfast and driving to school to drop Ava and Noah off.

While he was driving home his mind had wandered off as it often did while driving, thinking of the few days he got to spend at home. All he needed was a simple life and he enjoyed living like that. The simple things of just family and a routine to go with them was what made him happy now.

In thought, he shook his head. He sure sounded old in his own mind but he couldn't deny it. The rockstar life he had thirty years ago was not what he wanted anymore. He wasn't entirely ready to give up the rockstar life either but the way he had been able to do this tour had been an improvement. A few days here and there where he could sneak home and enjoy his family. That's what he needed. A balanced tour life.

Perhaps, he also needed to focus on the road rather than his thoughts.

Once back, he headed upstairs to find Sarah and Daniel. For once, he was happy Daniel was asleep earlier than he should be for his nap and he had suggested a shower with Sarah.

Now, he enjoyed the feeling of the warm water streams hitting his back. He loved the feeling of a shower on his body. Every single time it felt good on his muscles.

The glass shower door opened and Sarah joined him under the hot water.

For a second, she watched him closely, making Richie frown. "Want to get under the water?" He asked, making space for her so they could trade spots.
They switched places under the water. Sarah looked up at him, this time meeting his eyes before reaching in for a kiss. "You look good." She said.
"I do?"
She nodded. "You've been going to the gym haven't you?"
"Yeah, just trying to keep busy."
"It's paying off. You have less of a belly and more bisceps." Sarah complimented his physique.
"Thanks." He said as he leaned in for a kiss again. A compliment was always nice to hear.

He had missed showering with Sarah. Even when he had been home, with a small child in the house, it was very hard to both be in the shower at the same time. Showering together was definitely something he enjoyed a lot. It was a special kind of closeness to share a shower, being entirely naked and visible to the other person. He loved watching her shower, how relaxed she would look and the water on her skin. If he was lucky, she would shave her legs and bend over right in front of him.

With their child asleep, they took their time showering.

"Want me to wash your hair?" Sarah asked him as she lathered up her own hair.
"Sure."
Not a moment later her sudsy hands were massaging his scalp, gently rubbing the foam of her shampoo into his hair.
"Thanks." He said as he made space for her under the shower head.
"No problem." Sarah smiled up at him again, reaching in for a kiss under the water.

In response he stepped closer to catch her lips in the kiss, moving his hands into her hair as he pulled her closer to him needing her body against his. Gently, he tipped her head up and pulled away.

"I missed you." He said before he devoured another kiss from her. His hands moved from her hair to touch the skin on her back, his right hand sneaked around to cup her breast as he held her close with his other arm. He could Sarah moan into the kiss, encouraging him for what he wanted, his hand moved lower.

"Richie!" She exclaimed in a squeel.
He pulled his lips away but didn't move from his hold on her. "I want you."
"I know but Daniel will wake up soon."
"But you're turning me on, I'm hard for you." He pressed his proof against her.
"Tonight, okay?" Sarah asked.
He kissed her again before answering. "Okay."

Once he stepped onto the bathmat, he passed Sarah a towel before grabbing his own to wrap around his waist.

In front of the mirror he didn't have to bother wiping away the fog created by the humidity as proofed mirrors were a good investment. He looked at his reflection and saw what Sarah saw. His waist did look a little slimmer and his arms were filling out nice again. That would explain why his jeans were a tad loose.

He turned around when he heard Sarah chuckle. "What?" He asked. "Are you laughing at me?"
She shook her head. "No, I think you're cute."
"Oh yeah?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
Sarah frowned. "What?" She asked confused at why he challenged her observation.
"Nothing." He walked over and caught her off guard with a deep kiss, pulling her close against him. "I'll show you cute." He said as they broke apart, unwrapping her towel and dropping it to the tiled floor.
"Cute?" Sarah asked, he surely wasn't acting cute anymore.
He dropped his own towel and kissed her again, pushing her up against the wall, pressing his hips against her. His lips trailed down her neck to her shoulder. "I think I'm more bad than cute."

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Chapter 77

The house was dark and quiet once he walked into the hallway, gently shutting the front door behind him. Even if it wouldn't be heard upstairs.

He left his bag where he left his shoes and jacket, by the door. From his pocket, he pulled his iphone and turned on the flashlight, not wanting to turn on the lights throughout the house as he went up the stairs. It was quiet and he did not want to disturb anyone, not even an animal that would love some attention.

Once he reached the landing, he turned right instead of left first and headed down the hallway til he reached the door that had a big wooden white A glued to the door. Gently, he turned the knob on the door and peeked into the room to find what he had expected, sound asleep.

She hadn't said so but he got the idea she might come over if he was going to be home and he was glad she was.

She might not be as small as Daniel anymore but he would always think of how precious and vulnerable she was back then, he would always have that image of her in his mind.

With that thought, he pushed the door open and walked over to the bed and carefully sat down at the foot of the bed, gently he nudged her to wake her up.

"Ava?" He asked quietly but hoping for a reaction from her.
A few second later she woke up and looked at him. "Dad?" She asked confused and half asleep.
"Hi Princess."
Ava sat up in the bed and reached over to hug him. "It's the middle of the night, dad. I need my sleep."
He chuckled. Surely he had told her that often enough to know it wasn't true. "Yeah, right."
"I have school in the morning."
"Alright." He started to get up. "I'll let you go back to sleep then. I just figured you used to like me waking you up when I get home late." He knew for sure she rolled her eyes at that.
"Dad." She complained.
"I just guess you're not a little girl anymore that misses her daddy when he's on the road."
"I was kidding dad, geez." Ava sighed. "I missed you."
He smiled, although the dark hid it. "I missed you too. So are you going to tell me about your birthday party now or in the morning?"

That was Ava's go signal to tell him everything he needed to know about her sweet 16 birthday party, no matter how sleepy she actuay was.

Half an hour later, he noticed the clock on her side table. "You should get back to sleep." He said. "I love you." This time he didn't just pretend to get up to tease her.
"Love you too." Ava said as he headed out the door.

Across the hallway he noticed light coming from underneath Noah's bedroom door. He did the same as he had for Ava and carefully turned the knob to quietly push the door over. The light was on but Noah was laying still in his bed. Richie turned off the lights and headed down the hallway again, one more stop before his final stop.

Just like his other son, he found Daniel sound asleep in his crib. He reached in and gently tucked him in again, then stroked his soft brown hair from his closed eyes.

On the way out, he left the door ajar and opened the door across the hallway. His final stop before he could finally go to sleep.

Unlike he had expected once he reached the bed, Sarah turned around and watched him get ready for bed. "Hi." She said as he pulled his shirt off in the dark.
Instead of continuing, he leaned onto the bed until he could reach to kiss her. "I thought you were asleep." He said softly
"I heard you come in."
"Oh, I'm sorry." He said. "I tried being quiet coming in."
"I meant downstairs."
"Oh." He thought of how Sarah used to be lightest sleeper but how that had changed during their relationship. He sat down on the bed. "Are you okay? Are you worrying?"
Sarah moved closer and embraced him. "I'm alright now. I'm glad you're home."
He frowned but didn't want to press the matter, just be happy to hold her close.

Friday, July 12, 2019

Chapter 76

After the show on Wednesday he was once again on his way home, his short week had gone fast and he was glad the entire band was joining him in Los Angeles this time. From Anaheim to their hotel would be about an hour's drive but Richie wasn't planning on staying at a hotel with everyone else while he had his comfy bed and family to go home. It'd be a little further away but he was doubtful that would be an issue.

The van stopped at a large Los Angeles hotel and he said his goodnights to everyone when they got out of the vehicle. It was getting late and just like everyone else, he was ready to be in his own space and go to bed.

After his band members headed into the building, Richie walked towards his own rented car with a driver, he wasn't going to bother the band's drivers by driving all the way to his house and back to the hotel they were staying at. It'd be a waste of two hours for him, which wouldn't be fair.

They'd have tomorrow off and perform on Friday night. He was excited to have Sarah come to a show again as well as Noah and Ava. It had been a while since they had seen him perform. It was always something he wanted to share with them. Especially for Daniel, although he wasn't sure if Sarah wanted him to come to this show. He hadn't been to any of their shows yet and did he really need to expose his little boy to all the loud noises?

He was even happier Sarah and Daniel would join him for the rest of the tour leg as of this weekend. It would only be two weeks but it would definitely be worth it to have her there with him. Daniel would eventually be there for a concert and they'd see how he liked protective headphones. He'd be happy to see how Daniel reacted to a concert and to have Sarah see him perform again. If not only so he didn't have to worry about her getting sick again with morning sickness. Having to take Sarah to the emergency room to find out she was pregnant was scary enough. Even worse that she had to be admitted so she could have IV fluids. He didn't want a repeat of her last pregnancy.

Years ago, before Ava even started school, she would come on tour with him as well and he loved having her there with him even if she didn't come to every show. It just made him happy to have her there with him although his solo tours around that time were short, they were more special to him and it meant all the more to have had her there with him those times.

With Sarah, he had so much happy tour memories already, even if it had only been two years since they met and started their relationship.

When she had joined him for their last European tour, their relationship had really blossomed. Being so close to each other all the time was exactly what their relationship had needed to make it as strong as it was right now.

Those months showed them how to trust each other and take care of each other. He knew it meant a lot to Sarah back then how he had treated her with such patience, she was entirely worth it to him. He would have done anything for her, still would.

Not just her, he would do anything for his sons as well. Right now, he would do even more for his expecting baby.

The thought of another baby made him happy. He always thought having one boy and one girl was just perfect, it was what most people imagined a family should be like. For a long time he thought the same thing but after a few years into his first marriage it was clear that wasn't going to happen. Luck just wasn't on their side in that regard. At the time it made them very sad that it had been so difficult until they were able to accept it and make peace with it just being Ava for them.

Having a new relationship with stepchildren was always an option but after turning 50, he hadn't expected to become a father himself again and here he was, 54 and ready for another baby.

Daniel needed a sibling, he knew that too. As a child himself he always imagined what it would be like to have a sibling to always have by him. A friend to turn to in need or in boredom. Then he'd see his friends argue and fight with their siblings and was glad he didn't have that issue.

Now, he knew it would be good for a child to have a sibling around their own age to grow up with. To build that strong bond with. He wasn't able to give that to Ava but if he could for Daniel, he would.

Before he got home, his thoughts made him drift off to sleep.

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Chapter 75

Late morning he woke up in his hotel bed, strangely feeling motivated to start the day off well instead of staying in bed. He got out of bed and got dressed in running shorts and a t-shirt before heading out of his room to knock on Jon's door.

He waited a few seconds before he heard scuffling inside the room, followed by the door finally opening for him.

"Hey," Richie said cheerfully, "want to hit the gym with me?"
Jon sighed, rubbing his face with his hand. "Not really."
His response made Richie frown back at him, he was always up for a run. "You alright?" He asked genuinely concerned for his friend.
"I feel like shit."
"Oh, well I guess I can just go on my own." Richie suggested instead.
Jon shook his head. "Nah, I'll go with you."

Their work out didn't last too long, which was alright with Richie. For once he didnt have to watch Jon run double the time he did. He stuck to his thirty minute run instead of pushing his body, he wasn't in high school playing football or basketball. He didn't need to be in competition physique.

"Maybe you should just have a nap." Richie said as they rode the elevator back up to their floor after leaving the gym.
"Maybe." Jon agreed. "I think I'm going to phone Dorothea first. Seems like that always make you feel better."
"I prefer talking Sarah but it does." Richie admitted because it really did make him feel better when he got to talk to Sarah, especially now that he was a little worried about her. "Go do that." Richie encouraged. "You've got time before sound check."
Jon nodded and headed into his room as Richie went into his own.

He picked up his phone and texted their road manager asking for some breakfast to be brought to his room since the hotel stopped serving it at 10am already.

He undressed and showered quickly, in case breakfast arrived faster than he anticipated.

In his room, he got dressed again, the weather here was different than it was at home so simple jeans and a tshirt would do just fine for today.

His stomach growled just as he heard a knock on the door. Perfect timing, he thought.

But instead he found David waiting at the door for him.

"Hey man, we need to talk." David said urgently as Richie let him into the room and they walked over to the main part of the area.
"What's up?" Richie asked as he sat down, discombobulated about what David needed to talk about.
"I was just thinking," David started, "if Daniel and Sarah are joining us on tour next week, we should throw him a birthday party."
"Oh." Richie didn't know what to say. He hadn't expected this to be what David needed to talk about and hadn't given it much thought himself yet.
"Yeah." David said resolutely. "Now I know it's between two shows but we have that day off so I'm thinking we go big."
"He's turning one." Richie pointed out, not thinking it needed to be huge.
"Exactly." David agreed. "I'm thinking balloons. Loads of those helium balloons, we'll get black, green and silver. Good colors. We'll make them the theme colors."
"Oh." Now the party had a theme.
"Yes, so balloons of course. Whatever hotel we are at will have a meeting room so we get that, stuff it with balloons for him. Decorate everything in those colors, including tables and chairs."
"Sounds like you've got this planned."
"I'm a good godfather, thank you." David said. "For cake though, do you think we should do cake or should we be modern and get cupcakes cause we could easily get cupcakes with colored frosting."
"Sure, cupcakes sound great, easier for Dan."
"That's what I was thinking too."
"You know what," Richie started, "Since you are such a good godfather, why don't you plan the whole thing? I'll let Sarah know you're on top of it."
"Awesome." David agreed excitedly. "It's going to be the best birthday party he's ever had."
"He's never had one before." Richie pointed out the obvious as it was Daniel's first birthday.
"Details." David waved it off. It would be the best birthday party either way. He was going all out for it.

They both heard the knock at the door and Richie was sure it would be breakfast this time. He got up and went to open the door.

"Thanks." He said as he took the bag.
"Just the person I need." He heard from behind him as David walked to the door. "See ya, Rich, enjoy breakfast." He walked out the door, padding their road manager shoulder. "We have a birthday party to plan."

Having the prospect of next weekend in mind, made the half week go by much faster for Richie.

The concerts they played were full of energy and his time off was spent by burning off calories at the gym with or without Jon, as well as listening to David plan a birthday celebration for his godson. He loved how excited David was to set up the entire hirthday party. He had to be honest and admit that David was most likely more excited than he was. He was excited for Daniel turning one but David surely topped his excitement.

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Chapter 74

"I'm done." Jon announced. "Let's get going." He nudged Richie on the couch next to him.
He may have dozed off as he waited for Jon. "What?" He sat up.
"Get your lazy ass going."
"Don't insult my ass, it's a lovely ass." He said as he got up from the couch, ready to go for sound check. "You finished the set list then?"
"Yeah, threw in some Springsteen."
"Nice." Richie agreed as they walked out of the dressing room and headed to the stage.

On stage he picked up his guitar, looking it over as he walked to his spot on the stage, ready to get going.

"You've got that smile on your face again." Jon told him as he tested his microphone.
"Sorry, can't be too happy around you." He tested his own microphone in return.
"What are you guys yapping about?" David's voice came from behind them.
Jon turned around to face him. "He's just standing there smirking around, being on a cloud or something."
"Let the boy be on his cloud Jonny." David told him before heading off to his keyboards.
"Alright, let's get this started." Jon said determined to get on with what needed to get done.

After sound check Richie headed back to his dressing room to prepare for the concert, he had to change, phone Sarah and have dinner. He had enough time to do it all, with time to spare so he could bug Jon some more.

His phone call home went quickly, he made sure Sarah was feeling okay and getting enough rest. He reminded her to ask her mother for help with Daniel if she needed more help or to let Noah help out more around the house instead of being holed up in his room all day. The boy needed more social interactions anyway. At the end of the call he promised to call her after the show or at least text her. As if he would be able not to do so. It was another whole week before she would join him.

Once he ended his phone call, he headed across the hallway again. He knocked on the white door and waited for an answer before he opened the door.

"Are you having dinner yet?" He asked Jon who was deciding on an outfit to wear.
"Sure, I can eat. I'll go with you but I want to eat here in peace."
"Oh." Richie said as he walked back out the room with Jon right behind him.
"I didn't mean you. I just meant all the other people, I don't want to eat with everyone else. Besides, I need your help for the setlist."
Richie sighed. "You finished it."
"Your cheerful face changed my mind."
"So, 'cause I'm happy, you're switching up the setlist?" Richie asked. "Why can't I just be happy?"
"I was kidding." Jon said. They walked into the cafeteria and started picking out their dinner. "Just tell me why you're happy." Jon pleaded as they headed back down the hallway.
"I can't." He wasn't sure if he could or couldn't. Should or shouldn't. There wasn't much time to discuss with Sarah if they should tell anyone yet.

The show went great, even with the setlist change but Jon was right, it was only a minor change.

Afterwards, it was a rush to get out of the stadium and into a van so they could get to the airport. They were on a tight schedule until then.

They shared a van as usual but kept quiet for the most part of the ride. Richie felt uncomfortable from standing for hours and now sitting in a van with not enough legroom, it hurt his knees. He watched Jon take some painkillers, sure he felt the same aches. For a moment he considered it but then decided he would get to relax soon enough. Instead, he let Sarah know he would be on the plane soon enough.

"How's Sarah?" Jon asked when he noticed Richie texting.
Richie smiled before answering.  "She's good. Keeping busy with Daniel, it's tiring."
"I bet. Those little ones are full of energy."
Richie nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly. "He sure is."
Jon looked at him. "You've got that smirk again."
He rolled his eyes.

The plane was fairly quiet, everyone had wound down from the concert and was ready to get to the hotel and head to their beds. Another city was waiting for them. Several times during the flight as he was occupied on his phone he noticed Jon watching him quizically. After a while he gave in. "Let it go Jon." He told him.

Their van parked outside of the hotel, it was past midnight by now and he wanted to get to bed. He was glad when their road manager brought them room keys so they could head into the building. They were all on the top floor but Rich and David on the low end of the hall and Richie and Jon on the opposite end of the hallway. They said their goodnights at the elevator and headed down the hallway.

Once by their rooms, Jon turned to Richie. "You know what? I'm glad you're happy. It's good to see you so happy and I should just be glad for that." Jon said. "You don't need to have a reason to be happy, you're right. It's just obvious you're feeling good and I'm glad you are. I wouldn't want you to be sad and mopey to be on tour with us."

It made Richie feel good to know but he still sighed, deciding on what to say in repsonse. Did he just thank Jon for understanding and leave it at that? He watched Jon unlock his door and push it open, he hadn't done the same yet.

"Good night." Jon said as he pushed the door open further and stepped into the room.
"Sarah's pregnant again."
Jon stopped and turned around, letting the door bounce off his back. "What? She is?" He pushed the door open again. "Get in here and tell me."
Richie followed him into the room, letting the door fall closed behind them. "I'm not sure if I should tell you or not because we didn't really get a chance to talk about that so you are sworn to secrecy right now."
"I won't tell anyone."
"So yeah, she's pregnant." He was sure his happiness was obvious in his expression as he said it.
"I didn't even know you guys were wanting another kid. Daniel isn't even a year old."
"He will be in two weeks and we kinda did. We figured with our age it wasn't a high chance so weren't trying trying but I guess I'm better at it now than I was 17 years ago."
Jon frowned in thought. "Yeah, I remember that struggle. It's not always as easy as they make it sound."
"Yeah, well," Richie said uneasily, not really wanting to talk about the difficulties him and Heather faced back then, "I'm glad for it now at least."
"Congrats man." He hugged him a real hug, compared to the usual half hugs they and most men did. He felt genuinly happy for his friend and he needed to show that.

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Chapter 73

As he walked through he airport looking for the gate he would be boarding at, he felt sad he was leaving once again but the short break had been more than worth his while. Not only did he get to surprise Ava for her birthday like he wanted to but he was extremely happy with the surprise she gave him.

While he walked through the busy airport, he started imagining it all. If it was October now, nine months from now it would be July. He liked that, that could be interesting. They didn't have any birthday in the summer apart from his and Sarah's. It'd be fun to have another summer one.

He arrived at the gate with time to spare and found a seat to wait, not much longer but still half an hour to kill. He pulled his phone from his pocket and updated Sarah, letting her know he was just waiting to board some time soon.

The flight would be relatively short, he should be able to have a nice nap before they would land and he would get a ride to the stadium for soundcheck. He couldn't wait to see Jon's face when he got there, proving that his snide comments before he left weren't necessary at all.

Half an hour later, before boarding the plane, he texted the road manager his time of arrival again as well as his flight number, making double sure that a driver would be waiting for him. the time crunch he had put himself into did not need to be extended by a driver not being present by the time the plane landed. At least he wouldn't have to go through baggage claim, he would be able to sneak out before anyone noticed him.

On the plane he got himself comfortable in his seat. The flight wouldn't be long but he still wanted to take advantage of it and get some sleep. If he hadn't gone home, he most likely would still be asleep by now. Noon was the on tour equivalent of morning at home.



At the stadium, he was lead to his dressing room right across from Jon's room. He was happy to find his guitar and wardrobe in the room, glad he could jam between soundcheck and the show if he wanted to. He dropped his shoulder bag on the couch and headed out of the room again, he went on knocked on Jon's door.

"It's open!"

He took the invitation and turned the handle to get into the room.

Jon looked up at him, surprised.
"Almost ready for soundcheck?" Richie asked him, making sure Jon remembered he had promised to be back in time for it.
"Not yet, trying to figure out the set list first."
Richie walked over to the couch Jon was sitting on, making him scoot over before he sat down next to him. "Getting a head start, huh?" He looked down at the paper on the table.
Jon looked at him again, a confused look still on his face. "I guess so, needed to distract my mind so figured I might as well." He shrugged.
"What were you worrying about?"
Jon gave him a slight frown, shook his head and turned back to the set list.
Instantly Richie realized what he meant to say. "Seriously?"
"What?"
"You seriously thought I wasn't coming back?"
Jon didn't respond, instead kept his eyes straight on the coffee table.
"April was an emergency man." He sort of understood.
"Yeah." Jon agreed.
Richie leaned back on the couch, relaxing, he didn't want this tension. "Ava was so happy to see me, I'm glad we got to celebrate her birthday all together."
Again Jon didn't give him any response to keep the conversation going.
"It was a nice little break from your face."
Jon rolled his eyes as he looked back at him. "Same here man, but then you come back with this stupid smile on your face."
"What?"
"You look way too happy."
"I do?" Richie asked unaware of his expression, he tried to look more relaxed.
"Yeah, so what's up? No way that a day off made you that happy."
"No?"
Jon groaned in frustration. "Just spill it dude."
"I got nothing to spill."
"Fine." He said, turning back to look at his set list. "I don't have time to play guessing games with you."