Chapter 2

The Diner

Valerie and Richie walked down the sidewalk to the diner next door to the bar. Richie opens the door and waits for Valerie to enter before walking in himself. They find a booth in a nice, quiet corner with nobody close by. The waitress walks over, and asks what she can get for them. They both order coffee. A few minutes later she returns with their coffee and a small bowl full of little creamer cups. Richie drinks his coffee black while Valerie adds sugar and creamer to hers.

“So.....tell me about your family.” Richie asks trying to break the silence that has fallen between them.

“There’s not too much to tell. I have two brothers, Chris, whom you’ve met, and Mark. My parents died in a car accident over six years ago, so it’s just me and my brothers.” Valerie responds.

Richie notices the quick flicker of pain in her eyes at the mention of her parents. “I’m sorry to hear about your parents. That must have been hard to deal with.”

“Yeah it happened just before I turned sixteen. My oldest brother Mark, who wasn’t living with us at the time, had to move back in and take over guardianship of me or else the state would have taken me away. It’s been hard not having my parents to go to for advise, and just having their love and support. But at least I have my brothers, we’ve grown closer because of it, and I know they’ll always have my back.”

“I can’t imagine not having my parents. They’ve been so supportive throughout my life. There were times I wished they would have had more kids, but I guess in a way it did have some perks not having any siblings. I was a little spoiled growing up. And now Jon, Tico and Dave are my brothers. It’s like an extended family.”

The waitress came by their table again and refilled their coffee cups, then asked if there was anything else she could get for them. They both shook their heads no telling her they were fine. Valerie pours some more sugar and creamer into her fresh cup of coffee and enjoys the warmth from it as she takes a sip. Richie decides to change the subject of their conversation.

“So what do you do when you’re not singing in bars?” he asks teasingly.

“I’m going to college right now studying business management. I have one week left to finish my second year, then I’ll have two more years to go until I get my degree. Then I can be Chris’ manager.” She replies smiling at Richie’s tease.

“Well, I’m a guitarist for a rock band called Bon Jovi and we’re touring all across the world, once we get done with our month and a half break.” Richie jokes causing Valerie to bust out laughing.

“So how is the music industry treating you?” Valerie asks trying to sound serious but having a hard time keeping from laughing.

“Oh it has it’s ups and downs, people either love you or hate you, but in all seriousness I love it, and can’t imagine doing anything else...” except you.

Luckily Valerie didn’t know the effect she was having on him. Every time he gazes deep into those steel grey eyes, and watches her smile or laugh at something he says, he can feel a stirring down in his lower regions. No other woman has ever had that kind of affect on him. Not to say he hasn’t been with some very attractive women before, just none of them have ever been able to arouse him with just a look. There was defiantly something special about this woman.

Valerie can’t stop staring into those mesmerizing brown eyes of his. She feels like she’s losing herself, everything about him, his dimples that show when he smiles, his eyes, his lips, were all making her stomach turn to mush. She hasn’t felt this way about a guy in a long time, but then she hasn’t exactly been looking. She hasn’t felt ready to get involved with a man since her last relationship ended so badly, but now she thinks it’s time to move on, put the past behind her.

“So you and your girlfriend broke up because she couldn’t handle you being on tour?” Valerie questions. She can’t help her curiosity, wondering what woman, in her right mind, wouldn’t want to be with Richie.

“Well, that’s the excuse she gave me, but I think it had more to do with the fact that she was fucking around with another guy. It was just easy to blame it on us touring. I think she was more into the fact that I’m a rock star, than who I am as a person. I wasn’t too broke up about us splitting up; she wasn’t the right person for me.” Richie responds.

“That sucks, but like you said maybe it’s for the better. She obviously wasn’t the right person for you” Valerie agrees.

“Yeah, anyways, I think my prospects are looking up” Richie says winking at her. “So how about you? What caused your relationship to end?” He turns the tables on her. However the moment he asked the question he regretted it, after seeing that flicker of pain cross her lovely features again.

After a few moments of silence Valerie responds “Well....It was a bad relationship from the beginning, I just didn’t see it until Chris confronted me about it. My ex, Brad, was a very controlling and manipulative person. He wouldn’t let me spend time with my family or friends, or do anything that didn’t involve him. He tried to make me think that I should feel lucky to be dating him, that he could have any woman he wanted, but he choose me. He was also physically abusive, but I never told Chris that, because he would have flipped out. Chris just saw the controlling part, and confronted me on it, talking some sense into me. So I went over to Brad’s apartment to get my stuff and brake up with him, he got mad and beat the shit out of me. When I didn’t come back home right away Chris got worried and came after me. He found me unconscious on the floor of Brad’s living room. From what everyone told me afterwards, Chris called the police, they took me to the hospital, then Chris and a couple of his friends went looking for Brad. When they found him, Chris gave him a taste of his own medicine, then they called the police and they took Brad into custody. I had to file charges against him, but luckily he’s sitting jail right now, and will be for awhile.”

Richie is amazed at everything Valerie has been through in her life, and surprised she feels comfortable telling him.

“Damn, I’m sorry to hear that you went through that. It must have been hard for you to talk about it. You could have just told me to fuck off.” Richie tries to cheer her up.

Valerie chuckles a little at his comment. “Oh it’s ok. Amazingly I feel comfortable talking to you. What is it they say? What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”

“There you go. Don’t let it get you down, you’re a beautiful woman. There are much better guys out there, and I’d like to think I’m one of them.” Richie jokes with her.

“I’m a little surprised that you are interested in me, especially since most guys turn tail and run when they find out what I’ve been through. I guess they don’t want to deal with the emotional side.”

“I think it builds character, makes you a real and down to earth person. Knowing that there is bad in the world, but not letting it get you down. Like you said, it’s made you stronger, and you are who you are because of it. If other guys don’t see that, then it’s their loss.” Richie reassures her.

“Thanks.” Valerie replies amazed. Is there such a thing as love at first sight?

She didn’t know Richie had a serious side, since most of the night they had been joking around. His words struck something deep inside her. She felt a connection with him she’s never felt with anyone else. She’s just curious if he feels the same way.

“So what else do you like to do for fun?” Richie asks trying to turn their conversation in a different direction.

“Well, I do a little drawing. I also like to read and write, basically anything creative. At least when I have time to, school takes up most of my time. I tend to stay home and relax, watching movies, until either Chris or my best friend Nikki drag my ass out. What about you? What do you like to do when you’re not busy making music?”

Richie can’t keep from smiling at the first thought that runs through his mind at the question. Valerie notices the smile and the look in his captivating brown eyes. She can’t stop herself from blushing.

“Well, I try to go to games when I have time, like football and basketball. I enjoy long walks on the beach, and nice romantic dinners.....among other things.” Richie replies smiling while giving Valerie a wink.

Valerie chuckles. It sounds like a personals ad. “Sounds like you’ll be quite a catch for some lucky girl.” She couldn’t help but hope she might be that person.

Richie smiles back at her. “Who knows, I might have found that lucky girl.”

Valerie looks up at the clock on the far wall of the diner. It’s already past 2 in the morning. As much as she hates leaving, she knows she needs to get home before Chris decides to send out a search party. She also has plans for later in the day, and needs to get some sleep.

“Well, I hate to say it, but I probably should get home before it gets too late.” Valerie tells Richie even though she doesn’t want to go. She is enjoying this time with him.

Richie looks crestfallen, he doesn’t want her to go home, but then again he doesn’t want to move too fast for her. Everything in him wants to take her home with him, spend the night with her, but his interest in her goes deeper than just a one night stand. He’ll wait until she feels comfortable with him, as hard as that might be. He is sure it will be worth the wait.

“Ok, let me go take care of the check, then I’ll take you home.” Richie responds as they scoot out of the booth.

******