Chapter 54

Jon flew back to New York on Monday morning. His schedule was packed with charity work and getting ready for the fan club concert. Back at the penthouse he grabbed a quick workout and checked his messages. One was from Matt informing him that the concert was a sell out. Jon smiled, realizing he had Katie to thank for that. It was a great idea and he was really looking forward to playing for the members.

Katie welcomed the kids back after school. It would be a busy week since they were flying out to New York Friday right after school let out. Becca was meeting them at Katie's house and they were all going to the airport together. Jon had finally convinced Katie to let him reserve a suite of rooms for them at the hotel the fan club event would be held at. He had suggested she stay at a different hotel, but she had insisted on staying there. After all, she and Becca had always dreamed about going to one of the event trips. Jon had warned her about the press and other fans possibly approaching her. But she felt ready to face it. She wanted to experience this weekend's events as a fan. Katie had the week booked with Valentine's sessions. She spent Friday morning finishing up the sessions and packed a weekend back. Becca arrived just after lunch. They sat in front of the fire and sipped hot cocoa, chatting about their week as they waited for the kids. The kids had packed the night before, so within half an hour of the bus dropping them off, they were on their way to the airport. It was the first time she had driven into Boston since the accident.

Becca noticed her hesitation as they all climbed into Katie's car. "Kat, why don't you let me drive?"

Katie looked at her dear friend, but shook her head. "No, I will work through it. It won't be too bad."

"Ok. But if you feel nervous, just pull over, ok?" Becca said, rubbing Katie's shoulder.

Katie nodded, "I will."

Katie was quiet on the way into the airport, but distracted herself by listening to the kids and Becca chatting. The drive was uneventful and Katie let out a deep sigh of relief when she parked the car in the parking garage. It would unnerve her for a while to drive around the city, but the worst part was over, she thought.

They boarded their plane with a few minutes to spare and relaxed for the short flight into New York. Once they landed Christoph met them at baggage claim and drove them to their hotel. The lobby was already very busy with people coming and going, many sporting Jovi apparel. Chrisoph offered to escort them through the back of the hotel, but Katie would have none of it. Nothing more had come from the press since the gala event, so Katie had led a pretty normal life in the mean time. Little did she know things were about to change.

They entered the hotel lobby and found the check in desk. Katie took off her sunglasses, not remembering that fan club members were much more in tune with the happenings surrounding the band than the average person. While Katie was waiting for the room key, Becca noticed quite a bit of attention directed toward Katie. A few people pointed and talked as they looked.

Becca tapped her on the shoulder and said, "Life is about to get a little interesting."

Katie turned around and was met with quite a few eyes looking in her direction.

She put on a small smiled and turned back around to the desk, leaning toward Becca. "Oh boy. Well, this was bound to happen sooner or later, right?"

Becca looked at her with a stunned expression, "I guess."

The woman on duty handed Katie four room keys, "Your suite is on the top floor, the last stop on the elevator. Enjoy your stay, Ms. McKenzie."

"Thank you." She said, then turned around directing the kids towards the elevator. Not sure how to act with the numerous glances directed toward her, she avoided eye contact and made small talk with Becca. It seemed to work until they waited at the elevator. The doors opened and a group of women in Bon Jovi t-shirts exited, a few doing a double take.

One woman stopped and put her hand on Katie's arm, "Excuse me. Are you Katie McKenzie?"

Katie looked at her and nodded, "Yes. That's me." She said with a smile. The woman turned toward her friend's and squealed. "It's HER!" The group erupted in excited chatter. A couple of the women pushed rudely past the kids as they tried to get closer to her, talking so fast she couldn't understand them.

Becca, realizing the predicament Katie could soon be in, shimmied her way between the women and grabbed Katie's arm. "Excuse me, ladies. Please, let us by. Thank you!" She said, raising her voice as she pulled Katie by the arm through the small crowd.

Katie let herself be pulled into the elevator as Becca motioned to the kids to hurry up. As the door closed they heard, "Rude." "Who does she think she is?" "She isn't nearly as pretty in person as the newspaper picture." "I wonder if Jon will be staying here, too?"

Katie looked at Becca, her eyes wide. They both burst out laughing. The kids both just stared at Katie, not quite sure what to think.

"Oh my God, Kat." Becca exclaimed.

"No shit." Katie replied. "That was a bit more than I bargained for. Not sure what I expected, but that wasn't it."

Katie thought for a moment and wondered if it was a mistake to stay here. She sighed, realizing it was going to happen sooner or later. Even the kids may have to get used to some interesting experiences. So she decided they would come up with a plan and make the best of it. Once up on the top floor they entered the hotel suite. On the table next to the door was a big basket of fruit, cheese and sweets.

Becca read the tag while the kids went to check out their rooms. "Enjoy your stay and see you later, Sweetie. Love, Carol."

Katie looked at the basket, touched at the gesture. "That was so nice of her."

Just then the kids came running back out of their room. Brandon came out carrying three gift wrapped boxes, "Mom! There were presents on the bed!" He exclaimed excitedly.

Katie looked at the gift tag on one, "To Brandon. Enjoy. Carol B."

"Mom, can we open them? Please?" Sophia begged. Katie nodded slowly, knowing that Carol had meant well. Even though she wasn't fond of the kids being given things by others for anything other than holidays, she understood Carol was trying to make them feel comfortable. "But when you meet Carol, you make sure and thank her, ok?"

They both nodded vigorously and tore into the packages. Brandon opened a hand held video game with three games and two books. Sophia opened a pair of pajamas as well as a book and a gift box filled with make up and bath goodies. The kids chattered excitedly as they showed their gifts to each other.

Becca had gone to check out her room and came back with a neatly folded pair of silk pajamas tied in a ribbon with a little note attached."Wow. Presents for all." She said, looking at Katie with a slightly stunned expression. "She even knew my size."

Katie chuckled, "I bet she talked to Jon." She made a mental note to thank Carol for the lovely gifts. She was a class act, Katie thought. Katie went to the fourth bedroom and found a package on her bed as well. She found a pair of silk pajamas, a yummy thick robe and a pair of slippers all wrapped in rose scented tissue paper. She let out a sigh as she took off her shoes and put on the slippers.

After they all settled in Katie called Jon to let him know they had arrived.

"Hey, baby. You here all safe and sound?" He asked

"Yes. The trip was uneventful until we got to the hotel. Seems I am somewhat of a celebrity among the fan club members." She said, chuckling.

"Are you ok? I told you."

"I am fine. Just a bit unexpected. But we will deal with it. Nothing major." She assured him. "Your mom left lovely gifts in the suite for everyone. She is really too sweet."

Jon laughed, "Yes, she drilled me one afternoon about sizes and what the kids liked. I hope everything was ok?"

"Oh, it was too much! Everything was perfect." She said, "I want to thank her as soon as I see her."

"She enjoys doing it." Jon said.

"She is a really special lady." Katie agreed.

They chatted a bit more. Jon updated her on the fan club dinner that night. It was the first such event in years he had attended. His mom would be running the show, along with Matt. Due to the nature of the evening, he had made arrangements for Katie, Becca and the kids to have dinner with him in a private dining room before they went into the main event. He knew dinner would be too crazy if they sat in the main banquet room. And he knew his mom would be there making sure everything went smoothly.

After they hung up Katie grabbed a quick shower and changed for dinner. She wore a pair of boot cut jeans and a red close fit sweater, in celebration of the holiday. She slipped her feet into a pair of red, high heeled shoes she had found on sale earlier in the week. She waited in the living room with Brandon while Becca and Sophia finished getting ready. Once everyone was gathered in the living room they heard a knock on the door. Katie opened the door and found Carol standing there.

Carol entered the suite, giving Katie a big hug. "Hello, sweetie. How are you?" She pulled back, looking Katie over. She had not seen her since the accident.

"I am doing great. I feel wonderful." Katie said, smiling at Jon's mom. She really had a big heart, Katie thought.

"Good! You look wonderful." Carol confirmed. "Now, will you introduce me to the troops?" She asked, making her way into the living room of the suite.

"Carol, this is Brandon and Sophia." She nodded towards the children. Carol took each of their hands in turn and patted them. "So nice to meet you both. I have been looking forward to it."

"Thank you, Mrs. B, for the gifts." Brandon piped up.

Sophia reached out to give her a hug, saying, "Mrs. B., the gifts were lovely. Thank you so much."

Carol returned her hug, slightly blushing. "You are both so welcome, dear. It was my pleasure."

Katie smiled at them both with a slight nod. They never let her down. She was always so proud of them.

"And finally, Carol, this is my best friend, and business partner, Becca." Katie said, stepping aside as Becca held out her hand to Carol.

"It is wonderful to finally meet you, Carol." Becca greeted her. "And thank you, as well. The pajamas are lovely.

"Like I said, it was my pleasure. Nice to meet you, too, Becca." Carol returned the greeting with a warm hug.

After chatting for a few more minutes Carol informed them, "Ok. We are going downstairs for dinner. Be ready for a little commotion. Most everyone is very polite. But it can be a bit unnerving at times, especially if you're not used to it."

Katie let out a hearty laugh. Becca informed her, "Yes, we encountered a bit of that on the way in."

Carol nodded knowingly and led them to the elevator. Once the elevator stopped Katie felt the flutters in her belly calm down. For some reason standing next to Carol eased the nerves. They excited the elevator and made their way briskly down the hall, Carol waving to fans as they went. She walked too fast for anyone to stop her, though. Katie took mental notes. After turning into a back hallway there was no one else around finally. Carol led them to a door that opened up into a small dining room. Jon was seated at the table waiting for them. Carol greeted Jon and made her exit. She was due in the main banquet room to oversee the evenings events.

"I will see you all after dinner." She said as she waved, leaving them just as the food was brought out. Jon had taken the liberty to order an assortment, taking the kids into account. They relax and nibbled, the adults sipping their wine. Jon finished eating and sat back against his chair, taking Katie's hand in his.

He smiled at her as he gently squeezed it. She returned the squeeze, feeling a warmth spread through her body. His touch just did that to her. After everyone finished eating, Jon told them they would get dessert down at the main event. His mom had arranged for a special cake and ice cream bar.

The dinner was cleared away and Jon said, "Ok. Are we ready?" He smiled as he looked around the table. Katie, Becca and the kids didn't look like they were so sure.

But Katie nodded. "Let's do it."

Jon stood up and took her hand, leading them all out into the hallway. Becca and Sophia mentioned making a bathroom stop, and Brandon thought it a good idea as well.

While they waited, Jon leaned in and kissed Katie on the mouth, then whispered, "You look amazing tonight. I love the shoes." He said, winking at her."I can see you in those and nothing else."

Katie giggled, her nervousness dissipating for the moment. Becca and the kids joined them and they proceeded to the banquet room. The halls were empty at this point since the festivities were already under way. Jon stopped at the doors of the banquet room and smiled at them, squeezing Katie's hand as if to reassure her. He was so amazing, worrying about her when he was the one that would be most affected, she thought. He pushed the door open and they entered the banquet room, making their way to the front table where Carol, Matt and a few others sat. Everyone stood up as they entered and clapped, cheering and whistling. Jon, still holding Katie's hand, raised his free hand to the fans, flashing that mega watt smile. He led them to the table, pulling out a chair for Katie. He gave Carol a hug and patted Matt on the back. Then he made his way to a mic stand that was already set up next to the their table at the front of the room.

The cheers finally died down and Jon spoke, "Well, hello there." He drawled, flashing the smile once more. The cheers started up again. Once they died down again, he proceeded, "I want to thank everyone for joining us this evening. I hope everyone is enjoying themselves tonight." More cheers, more waiting for the noise to calm. "I want to thank my mom, Carol, for all the work she put into this event. And a big thank you to Matt for making tomorrow night's concert happen. And lastly I want you all to thank a very special lady for coming up with this idea. Without her prodding, this idea may not have happened. Stand up, Katie!" Jon said, gesturing to her.

Katie slowly stood up, a smile plastered on her face. The room erupted in cheers. She nodded toward the room and sat back down, the butterflies once again fluttering.

"Also joining us tonight are Katie's children, Brandon and Sophia. And Katie's good friend and business partner, Becca." They were also greeted with a round of applause and cheers.

Jon talked for a few more minutes, chatting to the audience as if they were old friends. Katie could see how much he really appreciated his fans. It made her love him all that much more, even though she knew she had to share him with thousands, if not millions. She also understood the side of the fans. She had been there since the very beginning. She made a silent vow to herself to never forget that side, no matter what path life led them down. Jon finished up and directed the cake to be brought out, telling everyone to dive into the ice cream bar. Katie noticed a couple of plain clothed men she guessed to be security guards, one on each side of the room. The crowd seemed very well mannered all on it's own, though. Katie let out a big sigh and began to relax. After the majority of the people finished getting ice cream, Becca took Brandon and Sophia over, ready to ward off any unwelcome trouble. Everyone smiled and greeted them very warmly. Katie realized her nerves were taking a back seat as Jon reached for her hand. They headed to the ice cream bar to fill their bowls. A few fans still lingered, greeting them.

"So glad your here, Katie." "Thanks for pushing them, Katie. Great event."

An older lady gave her an unexpected hug, "I am so glad he found you. You're only an asset to him, sweetheart."

Katie blushed, but returned the hug, saying, "Thank you so much."

She smiled at Jon shrugging her shoulders. Jon laughed. She was beginning to have fun. It was a much better experience than earlier.

Once back at the table Brandon asked Katie, "When are we meeting Jon's kids? I'm bored."

Katie laughed, "Tomorrow. We will see them at the penthouse." Brandon nodded, looking disappointed that they wouldn't be joining them that night. Katie thought that was a good sign of how he would react to the other children. He seemed excited for the meeting.

After the dessert was cleared away, someone in the room started chanting, "Sing, Jon, Sing." Soon the whole room was stomping and chanting. Jon waved with a sheepish smile on his face, as Carol handed him a guitar, gesturing towards the mic. Jon paused for a moment, thinking. Then he pulling a chair next to the mic stand and reached for Katie's hand, leading her to the chair. She sat down wondering what he was up to. She felt the heat rise in her cheeks, knowing there were a couple hundred eyes on them.

Jon started strumming the guitar turning slightly towards Katie. The room went totally silent as he began to sing.....




At the mirror you fix your hair and put your makeup on
You're insecure about what clothes to wear
I can't see nothing wrong
To me you look so beautiful when you can't make up your mind
It's half past eight, it's getting late
It's OK, take your time

Standing here my hands in my pockets
Like I have a thousand times
Thinking back it took one breath
One word to change my life

The first time I saw you it felt like coming home
If I never told you I just want you to know
You had me from hello

When we walk into a crowded room it's like we're all alone
Everybody tries to kidnap your attention
You just smile and steal the show
You come to me and take my hand
We start dancin' slow
You put your lips up to my ear and whisper way down low

From the first time I saw you it felt like coming home
If I never told you I just want you to know
You had me from hello
And when you're laying down beside me
I feel your heartbeat to remind me...

The first time I saw you it felt like coming home
If I never told you I just want you to know
You had me from hello....

As he strummed the closing cords, Jon leaned over and kissed Katie lightly on the lips. She felt her eyes mist over a bit as she smiled at him, the room exploding into cheers and applause.

Chapter 55