Chapter 55

The room finally quieted as Jon led Katie back to the table. He pulled her seat out for her as she sat down, and then sat next to her.

After a few more sips of his wine he leaned over to Katie and said, "Do you mind if I make the rounds?" He kissed her lightly on the cheek.

Katie smiled at the tickle from his lips, shaking her head. "Not at all. You don't want to disappoint your admiring fans."

Jon gave her hand a squeeze and stood up. He stopped at each table for pictures and autographs, taking his time to greet and talk with each person. Katie watched him as he made his way around the room. It was interesting watching it from the other side, she thought. So many times she and Becca had wondered what it would be like to be with him on a daily basis, as Dot had been, when he wasn't touring. They had joked that he was really be just like every other man, forgetting to take out the trash or put the dishes in the sink. Katie chuckled to herself, he was human. But he was just as wonderful as she used to think. Time seemed to stand still when she was with him. He had a magical quality to him. She now knew why people were drawn to him and why he was so successful in everything he did.

Carol noticed Katie watching Jon as he greeted the fans. She smiled at the look on Katie's face. It was obvious that Katie loved him very deeply. And there was no doubt that he loved her. She had felt that, when talking to Jon in the hospital during Katie's accident. It was barely even a year since the divorce, but unlike some of Jon's movies, life didn't happen according to a script. Carol let out a sigh, thinking how she believed things always happen for a reason.

Katie glanced over at Carol, hearing her sigh. Carol smiled at her and reached across the table, patting her hand. "He's lucky to have you, my dear. Very lucky."

Not quite knowing what to say, Katie smiled back and said, "I think I am the lucky one." Carol chuckled and gave her a little wink.

Once he had made the rounds, Jon came up behind Katie, put his hand on her back and whispered, "Should we call it a night and get out of here?"

Katie looked around the table. Becca was chatting with a couple of other fans. The kids looked bored at this point. Carol noticed the look on Jon's face and knew it meant he'd had enough. He was very accommodating to his fans, but even he wanted some peace at times.

Knowing they would all be swamped the next day or so, Carol turned to Katie and asked, "If it's ok with you, I thought perhaps I would borrow Jon's car and see if the kids and Becca wanted to see the city lights? It's pretty at night."

Katie thought it was a great idea, as did the kids, who were begging, "Please, mom? We won't be gone long."

She nodded, looking at Becca, who looked very enthused at the idea. Neither of them had ever spent much time in New York before, until Jon came along.

Jon smiled at his mom's idea. She was a smart lady.

He leaned over to give her a kiss on the cheek. "Sure, mom. I will call Christoph and have him bring the car. Not too late, though. Tomorrow is going to be a long day for everyone, especially the kids."

Carol nodded his way, "Ok, then. Who wants to do a little exploring?"

Carol, Becca, and the kids stood up and made their way out of the banquet room. Katie knew they would be fine with Carol and Becca watching over them, just in case anyone was lurking in the hallway.

Jon leaned over and whispered, "What is your room number? I want you to leave first, then I will follow in a few."

He didn't want to rouse suspicions that he may be hanging out in the hotel any longer that evening. Katie whispered the number, then stood up, gave him a hug as if saying goodbye, and left the banquet room. She heard Jon give a short speech thanking everyone, saying he would see them tomorrow night at the concert. No one was in the hallway so her journey back to the room was uneventful. After entering the room she kicked off her shoes and relaxed in the chair, closing her eyes for a moment. She didn't realize how much these events could drain one's energy. She knew Jon was used to it. But it was all new to her. Just then she heard a soft knock on the door. Rising from the chair, she looked through the peephole and saw Jon making a funny face at it. She opened the door, laughing, and pulled him into the room, taking a moment to check the hall for possible lurkers. Seeing none, she quickly closed the door. Jon took her hand pulling her to him, covering her mouth with his. After a long, deep kiss he pulled back and smiled down into at her. She smiled back, leaning into his body and let out a deep sigh. He wrapped his arms around her, bringing her close.

"Shall we have a seat, baby?" He said softly.

Katie nodded and lead him to the sofa. The curtains were open and the room lights were off. The view was breathtaking. Katie joined Jon as he patted his lap. She laid her head down and curled her feet up getting comfortable. He stroked her hair as they looked out over the frosty city lights. He knew they didn't have much time alone this weekend, but was thankful to his mom for allowing them this little refuge. They sat for a while, neither talking. Just enjoying each others company. Katie sighed as he stroked her hair, allowing herself to close her eyes. This is heaven, she thought, slowly slipping into a light slumber. Jon looked down at her to find her asleep in his lap. He looked at his watch and let out his own sigh. It was close to 11 p.m. Becca and the kids would be back soon. Jon slowly wiggled out from under her head, being careful not to wake her. Once out, he picked her up gently and took her her bedroom. He laid her on the bed, covering her with a blanket. Kissing her on the forehead he felt her rouse a bit.

She opened her eyes with a sleepy grin on her face. "Where you goin' there, cowboy?"

Looking down at her, he smiled, "I think it's time for this sleeping beauty to get some rest." A yawn escaped him as he said it. "But I will see you and the gang tomorrow at the penthouse, right?" he whispered. They had planned to meet there and all drive to the Prudential Center together before the show.

Katie nodded. He gave her one more kiss and said, "Nite, beautiful Kat. Sleep tight." She nodded again and closed her eyes. He tiptoed out, quietly closing the door behind him.

The last thing Katie remembered was the feeling of his lips on her forehead. The next thing she knew it was morning, and the kids were already awake playing video games in the living room area.

"Shhhh, Brandon! Mom is still asleep!" Sophia scolded her brother as he yelled during a particularly good play.

Brandon hissed back, "Sorry!"

Katie smiled as she stretched. Realizing she was still in her clothes from the night before, she got out of bed and took them off, then put on the fluffy robe that was laying on the bed. Letting herself have one more stretch, she went out into the living room. The kids were playing video games and Becca was in the kitchen area pouring a cup of coffee.

She slid it across the island when she saw Katie. "You look like you need this." She laughed. "What did you two do after we left?" She teased, looking at the robe.

Katie tossed her sideways glance, "Nothing. I fell asleep." She laughed, taking the cup of steamy liquid.

"Ha! Sure you did!" Becca whispered, knowing there were young ears present. "Not with that man, alone. I don't believe it."

"No, really. We sat on the sofa and looked at the view. Next thing I knew I was out cold. What time did you guys get back?" Katie inquired. The kids sure didn't seem tired. Even Sophia was bright eyed and she was usually the one that slept late.

Becca grabbed herself a cup of coffee and joined Katie, sitting at the island. "Carol and the driver, what's his name, dropped us off around 11:30. Those two rugrats went right to bed. I took a shower and followed them."

Katie nodded, looking at the wall clock. It was almost 10 a.m. already. "Have you guys eaten yet?" Seeing heads shaking, she suggested, "What do you say we get room service?"

Sophia jumped up, finding a menu. "Oh, cool! Let's do it! I love getting room service!"

Brandon finished his play and joined her browsing the menu. Once they decided, Katie called down to the restaurant. Not twenty minutes later a hot steamy breakfast was sitting in front of them. Everything from waffles to eggs to pastries. Much more than Katie had ordered. She smiled, having a feeling Carol had spoken to the restaurant staff. They lounged around filling their bellies, the kids played some more video games. They were meeting Jon at the penthouse at 3.

The kids begged to go swimming in the hotel pool before they left, but Katie shook her head, "I don't think, considering the circumstances, that is a good idea."

Becca offered, "I will go with them. Let them go just for an hour. We will be fine. You take a shower and relax. It is going to be a late night."

Katie nodded, knowing Becca was right. She would handle anyone who tried to bother the kids. Katie realized she was most likely being a little overprotective. But this was all new to her. She had no idea how far some fans or paparazzi might go.

"Ok, go. Have fun. But just an hour. We have to leave by 3." She said, as they scrambled to their rooms to change into their suits.

Once the three of them left, Katie took a hot bath and thought about what the rest of the day would bring. They were meeting Jon at his penthouse where a limo was taking all of them to the Prudential Center in Jersey. Jon's kids would be at his penthouse before the concert. This would be the first time both sets of kids would meet each other. He had told her that his dad would be taking the younger ones home before the show. She was excited and nervous for all of the kids to meet. Mostly nervous as to how Steph would react more than anything. But they would get through it. She was very excited for the concert. Despite the fact that she knew him up close and personal, she still got a big thrill out of seeing the whole band perform live.

Eventually emerging from the tub, Katie toweled off and went to get dressed. She picked out a pair of dark wash boot cut jeans, a red sparkly tank top and her high heeled black boots. It was Valentines Day, after all, she thought as she checked out her reflection in the mirror. She fished through closet for a fitted denim jacket that matched her jeans. Pleased with the result, she went into the living room. She could hear the kids in their rooms. They must have gotten back while she was in the bathroom, she thought. Sophia was the first one to come out. Surprising, since she usually took forever. Sophia was dressed in a long sleeved empire waist red top and blue jeans not very unlike Katie's. She had taken great pains with her hair, curling it into loose curls all over her head.

"Wow, mom! You look amazing!" Sophia exclaimed when she saw her.

"You look great, too, sweetie. Love the make up!" She smiled, noticing the sparkles and heavier eye make up. She looked a bit more mature than Katie's heart could bare. She was dressed very tastefully for a girl of her age, and she knew they wore that much make up, but her little girl looked so grown up, Katie thought.

"Thanks! Auntie Becca did it for me. She is really good at it." Sophia said, beaming. "I love it!"

Katie could see how excited Sophia was for tonight. She realized this was a big deal for the kids as well. Traveling to a big city, staying in a hotel and seeing a concert this big. Brandon came out next, dressed in a typical t-shirt underneath a button shirt and jeans. At least his hair was combed, she noticed. Becca followed, her hair curled like Sophia's and her make up looked similar. She could tell they had gotten ready together.

"Well, it is about time." Katie teased Becca. "Who are you trying to impress?"

Becca gave her an evil look, "Who do you think?" She retorted, cracking a huge smile. Katie nodded knowingly.

Gathering their coats, they made their way to the back entrance. Christoph was meeting them there at 3:00 p.m. They managed to escape the hotel unseen and slipped into the black limo that would be their ride for the evening. Katie noticed the kids' eyes widen as they looked around the inside of the limo.

"Oh wow!" Sophia gushed, "I could SO get used to living like this."

"You ain't kiddin'." Brandon said with a low whistle.

The limo sped along the city streets, stopping in front of Jon's penthouse. Katie could feel her nerves kick in. She knew Jon's kids where here and she was a bit nervous about Stephanie's reaction to all of them being there. Christoph opened the door for them, helping them out on the curb one by one. Keith greeted them with a smile and nod as he opened the door. The kids were quiet as they took in the lobby, looking around.

"So this is where rock stars live." Sophia stated in awe.

Katie laughed, "Well, one rock star, to be sure."

The elevator took them to the penthouse floor, the door dinged as it opened. They stepped into the hall and Katie tapped on the door. She could hear the kids through the door, Jake and Romeo in particular.

She heard Jon yell, "Be right there! Romeo, get down right now!"

He opened the door a moment later, stepping aside, "Well, hello. Welcome to my monkey castle. Come right in." He said, arm out, gesturing them inside.

Once inside the two youngest came running over, Romeo wrapping himself around Katie's leg. She knelt down and was greeted with a hug and sloppy kiss on the cheek. It was the best greeting she could imagine, she thought, returning the hug. Jon shook Brandon's hand and gave Sophia and Becca each a hug. Jesse and Steph were not to be seen. Jon yelled for them, Jesse making his appearance right away. Stephanie followed a few long seconds later. Coats were hung up and introductions made. Steph said a quiet hi, but proceeded to clam up after that, sitting on the sofa by herself. Jesse showed Brandon and Sophia the view from the wall of windows. Jake and Romeo ran off to play in the den, where most of the toys were kept.

Jon led Katie and Becca over to the bar and offered them a drink. He poured glasses of wine for the three of them. "Kat, I'm sorry for Steph's demeanor. I had a talk with her, but you know how she is. I think adding your kids to the mix sparked a bit of jealousy again. She will get over it."

"It's ok, Jon. Maybe she will warm up as the night goes on." Katie said, reassuring him. She understood, being the mother of a teenage daughter herself. She saw Steph get up and walk back to the den. Jesse, Brandon and Sophia were engaged in animated conversation. Eventually Sophia joined the three adults at the bar. Jon grabbed a soda out of the fridge under the bar for her.

"Is Stephanie, ok?" Sophia asked. "She sure left quick."

Jon was touched at Sophia's concern. "She is having a bit of trouble with the divorce still and me now dating. It will take her some time." He said.

Sophia nodded in understanding, "Yeah, I know. Every kid does. She will be ok." She remembered what it felt like at first to find out her mom and dad were getting divorced. She thought the world was coming to an end. But now everything was fine. In some ways she even liked it better. Two houses, two Christmases, more gifts. But she guessed Stephanie already got more gifts than she knew what to do with, considering who her dad was, she thought. Jesse and Brandon made their way to the den, Jesse telling him what video games he had. Katie heard Brandon exclaim, "Oh, cool!" as the boys made their way down the hall.

Jon nodded in their direction, "Looks like they hit it right off." He laughed.

A short while later Steph came back out of the den and sat on the sofa, picking up a magazine to flip through.

"Jon, can I have another soda?" Sophia asked him.

"Sure." He said, puzzled since she still had a nearly full one in front of her.

"Thanks!" She said as she stood up, taking the extra soda with her to the sofa.

She sat down on the opposite end of the sofa from Steph. Katie could hear Sophia greet Steph and try to start a conversation. Before too long Steph was at least engaging in a conversation with Sophia, even if it was a bit strained.

Jon watched them, as he said to Katie, "That is one awesome kid you have there."

Katie nodded, "Thank you. I am always proud of how she conducts herself."

Jon eventually rounded the kids up and took every one's requests for an early dinner. They had to leave for Jersey by 5 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show. He called down to the little Italian place for delivery. After dinner was finished, Katie helped Jon clean up while Becca read a book to the Jakie and Romeo. Finding they were alone in the kitchen, Jon went up behind her as she stood in front of the sink, kissing her on the back of neck. She turned around with a sly look in her eyes and grabbed him, kissing him deeply. He groaned as he felt her full lips against his, her tongue darting around in his mouth.

He ceased the kiss and looking down at her said, "I have been wanting to tell you how amazing you look all afternoon. But I had to refrain until now, because thinking about it could cause me undo misery." he admitted.

Katie tilted her head to the side as she ran her hand down his stomach to the bulge in his pants, finding him quite hard under the snug jeans.

He leaned his head down on her shoulder, moaning under her touch, "Oh, baby. Don't do this to me. I can't even do anything about this later."

She removed her hand and kissed him lightly on the lips as he looked at her with a pitiful pout. She couldn't resist him when he pouted. But she knew they had to leave soon, so put her hand on his chest and pushed him back.

"We better be good, then, cowboy!" She winked at him as she walked out of the kitchen, her boot heels clicking on the tile as she left.

He let out another groan as he watched her ass in the tight jeans. Lord, she was going to kill him one of these days, he thought. He splashed his face with some cold water and ran his fingers through his hair. He would be blow dried and primped before the show so didn't give a thought to how he looked now. Just as Jon came out of the kitchen his dad showed up to collect the two little ones. Steph and Jesse were going to the show and would stay with Carol and the rest of them. After hugs and kisses goodbye, the rest of them collected their coats for the short ride to Jersey.

They all piled in the limo with room to spare. Jon sat next to Katie and snuggled as close as he could while trying to remain proper enough around the kids. He was also mindful that Steph had her eye on them, even though she was pretending to be otherwise occupied. Katie watched out the limo window as the lights of New York twinkled against the night sky. Only being early February it was dark easily by 5, and still quite frigid. Jon took her hand in his, gently rubbing his thumb against her palm. She could feel the calluses, though not as rough as a couple of months ago when he was still in the middle of finishing up the albums. She gave him a warm smile and settled in for the ride, feeling happy that everyone she loved the most in the whole world was with her tonight. Soon the limo slowed it speed and they saw the lights of the stadium looming ahead.

Chapter 56