Chapter 87

They had a busy day and Cheyenne didn’t get to see the guys much. They were discussing future appearances and the new cd.

She kept herself busy with the admin and finished up early. She decided to take Shelby for a little stroll to the river. The labbie was bouncing like a young pup. All the space made her overactive. Cheyenne smiled at her and sit down with her back against the tree, the tree where she and Jon shared a sweaty session the night before.

She closed her eyes and leaned back against the bark. Her senses took over, she heard water moving, the wind stroking her cheek, playing with her hair and Shelby’s barks in the background.

“So this is where you disappeared to.”

She felt rather than saw Richie sat down next to her. She hoped Jon didn’t take this the wrong way again, but she would never turn her back on Richie. She loved him too much. Jon would just have to get over his problems, whatever they were.

”Did you enjoy your time with Ava?”

“Oh hell yes, I took her shopping. Man was that hell! She’s so damn young and already full of shit. I took her out for ice cream, we saw a movie…we just had so much fun! It was just over so soon!” Richie’s eyes lost their gleam and her heart went out to him. The divorce thing was really getting to Richie.

“Well, I don’t think Heather would mind if you see her more often? Would she have a problem with the idea of Ava visiting you here?”

“I’m sure as hell gonna ask her, but she is so full of shit since the divorce and now with the new asshole in her life….” His voice trailed off and he stared towards the river.

“She has a new man in her life? But when…Oh Richie I’m sorry, honey.’

She put her hand on his thigh and squeezed lightly . So that’s what its all about! The fact that Heather is moving on with her life didn’t sit well with Richie. Shelby came over and sat next to Richie. He reached forward and scratched her velvety ears.

“Richie, look at me. You knew this would happen .. Maybe its time for you to start dating again. Find a nice lady and just enjoy your time together, it doesn’t have to get serious.”

“Honey, I wish I could but I’m not ready for that. I fucked up my marriage and now I’m paying for it big time. I guess it’s my turn.”

“Richie everyone make mistakes and I think you paid your debt already. You cannot make yourself suffer forever. You are a handsome guy , you have a huge heart and you can make a girl laugh. Many women would die to have a man like that! Oh yeah and the fact that you are the lead guitarist for Bon Jovi might help as well”

She saw Richie’s lopsided smile and her heart warmed.

This guy’s heart really took a beating.

He stood up in one fluent motion and held out his hand towards her. She took it and he pulled her up.

In his hand was a little wildflower. He tucked the little flower in her hair.

“Why didn’t I find you before Jon laid eyes on you?”

They walked back in a comfortable silence, Shelby tagging behind them.

Jon watched the whole scene playing before him and clenched his fists.