Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Valerie walks with Richie to the cash register and waits as he pays for their coffee and tips the waitress. They leave through the rear exit where Richie's car is parked. He leads her toward a silver sports car, unlocks and opens the door for Valerie.

"This is your car?" she asks acting a little surprised.

"Yup, this is my toy," Richie replies smiling proudly.

"Nice," Valerie responds, although she prefers bigger vehicles like her Tahoe.

She climbs in and is surprised watching Richie as he slides into the driver's seat and with him being so tall it's a wonder he has any leg room at all. When Richie starts the car music blares loudly through the speakers and he quickly reaches over to turn down the volume.

"Sorry about that," he apologizes giving her a sheepish smile.

"It's ok. I do it all the time too." She smiles back.

"So....how do I get to your house?"


Valerie gives him directions and luckily it doesn't sound too confusing or complicated. While driving they sit in silence for most of the ride and they both feel somewhat awkward when it seemed so easy to chat freely before. Richie doesn't say anything other than occasionally asking if he is going the right way. It's not long they approach her house and Valerie almost wishes the ride would last a little longer.

"Thanks for the ride home."

"Hey, no problem. It's the least I could do after spending an enjoyable evening with you." Richie pauses before giving her the most charming sexy smile. "Is there any way I could sweet talk you into giving me your number? I'd love for you to ask me in for a drink or something but that would be pushing my luck and I am a gentleman above all else." He smiles again and his eyes sparkle with hidden desire, mischief and loads of promise.

"Do you have a pen and paper?"

Richie leans over and searches through the glove compartment with the impatience of a rattled school boy.

Valerie jots down her name and number then hands it back to him.

"Thanks," he says awkwardly.

"No problem." She smiles and turns away looking out the window into the darkness while shifting in her seat.

"So what are you doing tomorrow?" he asks wanting to spend more time with her now, tomorrow and the next day.

"My friends are coming over sometime before noon then we are going to the mall to do some shopping."

"Is it ok if I give you a call? Maybe we can meet up.....that is if your friends don't mind."

"Yeah sure. I don't see any problem with that. I'll have my cell phone with me. I'm sure they won't mind if you meet up if us." Valerie tries hard to contain her excitement. No doubt her friends will be as excited as she is at the prospect of meeting much less hanging out with a famous rock star.

Richie smiles looking quite pleased. He looks into her eyes leaning forward closing in the distance between them. Valerie's eyes flutter shut as he softly places his lips against hers. She's surprised by the gentleness of the kiss. All rational thoughts leave her and she can only concentrate on feeling the silky smoothness of his mouth against hers. She's lost, the feeling of electricity coursing through her body at the simple gesture. Her lips part slightly with Richie taking the lead, his tongue coaxing her mouth to open for him. She obliges, the kiss deepens, and soon their tongues are dancing with each other.

Richie's hand slides to the back of her neck drawing her closer. Valerie's senses are overloaded, the taste of him, the smell of his light cologne, the feel of his hand lightly caressing the back of her neck, she doesn't want to even think about this kiss ending. After what seemed like an eternity, both wrapped up in their flaring passion they finally break away. They are each stunned by the magnetism of a simple kiss between them.

Richie looks down sheepishly not sure of Valerie's reaction. Did she enjoy the kiss as much as I did? Why am I feeling so insecure? He can have practically any woman he would ever want yet Valerie leaves him feeling unsure and unsteady. He felt the blood rushing down between his legs, hoping to God she doesn’t notice his bulging erection. He doesn't want her to think he's only interested in one thing, although if that kiss is any indication of what it'll be like taking her to bed he won't be able to hold back for too long.

"Well, I better go inside." Valerie smiles at him.

"Ok...I'll talk to you tomorrow then?" Richie asks hesitantly hoping he didn't push her too far.

"Of course, give me a call tomorrow around noon. I'm looking forward to it," she says giving him a reassuring smile.


"Sounds good." Richie smiles back as he watches her climb out of the car. His hand is itching to reach out and pull her back in for another kiss.

Valerie shuts the door and walks slowly up the driveway to the front door of the house. Before she opens the door she looks back and watches Richie drive away standing still and in place until he is long gone and out of sight. Her hand slowly drifts across her lips and she smiles remembering the kiss they shared. Her lips tingle and a fresh rush courses through her.

When she enters the house she can hear the TV in the family room. She walks into the family room instead of going straight upstairs to her bedroom, and she isn't at all surprised to see Chris sitting on the sofa waiting up for her.

"I was starting to wonder if you were going to come back home tonight." Chris looks up from watching TV, the concern and worry evident on his face.

"I'm not that kind of girl. I don't fall into bed the first night I meet a guy......give me a little more credit than that. Nothing happened, we just talked," Valerie replies trying not to sound offended. "So how was your talk with Jon?" She wants to change the subject.

"It was good. He told us about the struggles he had trying to make it into the music industry. He gave us some tips so hopefully we don't make the same mistakes he did by getting involved with the wrong manager. He warned us about the ups and downs and some of what to expect." Chris knows Valerie is trying to avoid talking about Richie but he isn't about to let her off that easy. "So, what about you and Richie? What did you guys talk about?"

"Oh... we just talked about family, about what we do, what our interests are, you know things like that. I told him about our parents and about my being in college."

"That can't be all you talked about....hell, you were gone for over 2 hours.'

"We flirted a little and joked around....I think he likes me. Anyway, I don't see why it matters what we talked about." Valerie is getting a little annoyed.

"I'm sorry Val, I'm just a little leery about you getting involved with a rock star."

"Why?"

"I just don't want you to get your hopes up and then get hurt. Also, who's to say but what if he ends up being like Brad? Rock stars don't have the best track record when it comes to relationships."

"I can't live in fear that every guy I date might be like Brad. Brad was an asshole and I can't continue to let him have this control over me. I have to move on." Valerie replies angrily. "You can't protect me from everything. I have to live my life. If Richie and I decide to date then that's our choice, not yours. I'm a big girl."


Chris is a little taken aback by the conviction in her voice. He knows he has a tendency to be a bit overly protective of Val at times but he can't help but feel uncomfortable about her going out with a famous rock star. He himself has had girls throwing themselves at him constantly since he started playing at the Stone Pony occasionally. He has respect for Richie both musically and as a person but when it comes to dating his sister, then it's like playing in a whole other ballpark. He just can't bear to see her hurt again.

He walks up to her and puts his hand on her shoulders. "I just want to warn you to be careful. You have to understand I want you to be happy. I don't want you to get hurt." Chris says looking into her eyes.

"I understand Chris and I appreciate that you want to protect me but I have to live my life. I can't live in fear of what may or may not happen. I promise I'll try to take things slow with Richie but if things feel right between us then I'm not going to hold back just out of fear."

Chris still has this look on his face like he isn't about to let this go. He shakes his head in temporary defeat knowing his sister can be just as stubborn as him. He'll let it go for now but this is far from over.

"I don't want to fight with you about this. We'll just wait and see. You know how I feel about it and I know how you feel."

Valerie decides they are done for now. Chris will come around once he realizes this is the happiest she has been in quite a long time.

"Well, I'm going to bed. Nikki's coming over in the morning to pick me up to go to the mall."

As Valerie climbs the stairs she finally realizes just how very tired she is. Once in her room, undressed and in bed it only takes a few minutes and she is fast asleep left dreaming of Richie Sambora and the kiss they shared.

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.

******

Chapter 1

Open Mic Night

Valerie Daughtry is driving home from another grueling day of classes. Only one week left, and she'll be done with her second year of college. That is, if she passes all of her finals next week, then she'll only have two more years to finish getting her degree in Business Management. She really needs to let off some steam so she's hoping she can talk her brother Chris into going with her to the bar tonight. Have some fun since she'll be spending most the weekend studying for finals.

At least the traffic isn’t too bad, Valerie cranks up the stereo in her Tahoe and in no time she is pulling into the driveway of the house she shares with her two brothers. She notices Chris' truck parked in the driveway, so she parks her Tahoe in the garage. She grabs her backpack and purse then climbs out of her seat, and shut the door. She walks into the house through the door from the garage into the kitchen and sets her stuff on the counter. The TV is on in the family room, she glances in that direction and notices someone is sitting on the couch. She has to take a second look before she realizes it’s her brother with a freshly shaven head.

"Oh my God, what did you do?" she exclaims in shock.

Chris stands up from where he was sitting on the couch. "Do you like it?" he asks rubbing his bald head, giving her a sheepish look.

Valerie can't help but stare, trying to get over her surprise. "Well . . . I guess after I get over the initial shock, I think I kind of like it, but what made you decide to do it?"

"I was getting sick of all the dust and grime at the shop getting into my hair, so I said fuck it, and shaved it all off" he responds.

Valerie can't help but chuckle. "I'm sure the ladies with like it." She teases him.

"Yeah, yeah . . . so how were your classes today?"

"Oh hell . . . it seemed like the day just dragged on. I'll be glad when this next week is over, then I can relax. But anyway . . . I was thinking, maybe, we could go hang out at the bar tonight. I know the Stone Pony is having open mic tonight."

"Open mic? I don't know if I feel up to singing tonight." Chris responds shaking his head.

"Please, Chris! I love it when you sing. I might even be persuaded to get up there with you and sing backups." Valerie pleads with her brother.

"Now, that's a tempting offer, at least I won't be the only one making a fool of myself."

"Yeah right, you're a natural up there singing. I’ll be the one making a fool of myself." She jokes with her brother.

"All right, I'll go." Chris gives her his best defeated look.

"Awesome . . . I'll go change into something a little more sexy, while you call the guys and tell them to meet us at the bar later. We can stop and get a bite to eat on the way there." She replies as she starts walking to the stairs that led to the bedrooms on the second floor.

Valerie climbs the stairs to the second floor and walks into her bedroom. She searches through her dresser drawers trying to find her dark blue skin tight jeans to wear with her black spaghetti strap tank-top. Once she finds them, she slips them on and changes her top. She then grabs her black combat boots out of her closet and pulls them on. After she's satisfied with what she's wearing, she goes into the bathroom to do something with her long dark brown hair. She decides to just run a straightener through it and call it good, then she reapplies her makeup. Before she heads back downstairs, she goes through her jewelry box and finds her favorite silver necklace with a wolf pendant. She looks at herself in the mirror one more time to make sure everything looks right. Happy with her appearance she heads back downstairs.

Valerie finds Chris sitting on the couch watching TV. It looks like he changed clothes too, he put on a black shirt and blue jeans. She is still trying to get used to his bald head, but she has to admit, if anyone can pull off the bald look it would be him.

"So did you get a hold of the guys?" she asks him.

"Yeah, they'll meet us there around nine." He responds, then he takes a good look at her all dressed up. "Damn girl . . . I guess I won't have to worry about everyone's attention being focused on me!"

"Oh, don't worry, all the ladies will be focused on you!" she teases him back. "So are you ready to go and get something to eat."

"Yeah, sure, I think so. Which vehicle are we taking?" he asks.

"We can take my Tahoe, we’ll stop at the burger joint downtown, and get something in our stomachs before we start drinking tonight.” She replies as she grabs her jacket out of the coat closet. Before walking out the door to the garage she gets her purse and keys off the counter.

Valerie and Chris walk out to the garage and get into her black Tahoe. She backs out of the driveway then drives to their favorite burger joint. They both get something to eat then they goof off for a little while at the arcade next door. After they finish a racing game she looks up at the clock and realizes that they are supposed to meet Chris’ band at the bar in fifteen minutes. She has to pull Chris off another game so they can leave. She is a little excited to get up there on stage with him.

They drove to the bar and found a parking spot, then climbed out of her vehicle. Chris’ band was standing by the front door of the bar waiting for them. They walk up to them and they tease them for taking so long to get there. Chris, in turn, blames it all on Valerie. She tries to turn it back on him. After they were done joking around with each other, they go inside. The guys and Valerie all decide to get a drink at the bar to steel their nerves before getting on stage.

Feeling a little daring, Valerie orders herself and the guys each a shot of tequila. They down their shots then get themselves pumped up before heading to the stage. Valerie notices James, the bar manager, standing over in the corner. She walks over to him and tells him that Chris and the band are there and ready to play. While the band gets their equipment setup, James walks up to the stage to introduce them.

“Hey everyone, Welcome to the Stone Pony tonight. We have a special treat for you. Our own local band Daughtry has decided to grace us with their presence and play a couple songs for us. So sit back, have a few drinks, and enjoy!” James introduces the band, to a cheering crowd.

“This is going to be fun!” Valerie comments excitedly.

“So what songs should we play tonight?” Chris asks everyone, as they huddle around each other.

“I think we should do ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’.” Valerie suggests.

“OK, then we could do ‘Hemorrhage’ and ‘Renegade’.” Chris adds.

The band agrees on the song choices, and everyone takes their places. Valerie finds a spot off to the side behind Daughtry’s guitarist, Josh, and waits while the opening chords to ‘Wanted’ are played. As soon as Chris starts singing Valerie notices the attention he is getting from the customers. She gets more into her part of singing backups when she sees how natural Chris looks on stage. She’s always blown away by her brother’s singing and his stage presence.
***

Jon and Richie are sitting towards the back of the bar in a darkened corner, where they wouldn’t be noticed. Sitting back, enjoying a couple beers, and talking about the first leg of the tour they just got back home from. They are totally immersed in their conversation, until, the opening chords of a song they know all to well were played.

Richie turns around in his chair to get a better look at the stage. “This should be interesting!” he comments to Jon.

“Yeah, this should be very interesting!” Jon replies back, giving Richie a surprised look.

As they listen to the band play one of their best known songs, they are both impressed. Jon comments to Richie on the sound quality of the singer’s voice, while Richie’s attention is focused on the woman singing backup vocals. He was taken back by her beauty. He would defiantly make a point to meet her, before the night is over.

***
When Daughtry finishes singing ‘Wanted’ they get a round of applause from the patrons of the bar, and people start shouting at them to do another song. The band complies and starts playing Chris’ favorite song ‘Hemorrhage’. When they finish that song, they do one more song ‘Renegade’ by Styx. Much to the protest of the customers, the band ends their performance for the night with that. Chris thanks everyone for listening to them play, and not booing them off stage. The customers laugh at that last remark, while the group leaves the stage, patting them on the backs as they head to the bar. Another band, not nearly as good, take the stage after Daughtry.

Valerie and the guys order some drinks, then find a quiet table towards the back of the bar. They sit back and try to relax after the adrenaline rush from preforming. Valerie lights up a cigarette, and sips from the margarita she ordered. A few people stop by their table commenting on the good job they did on stage. They didn’t notice the two guys that were walking their way.

Jon and Richie approach Daughtry’s table and introduce themselves. Valerie and Chris’ jaws drop when they realize who is standing before them.

“I just wanted to tell you guys, you did an awesome job singing ‘Wanted’, not many people can pull it off.” Jon congratulates them. “ Do you mind if we join you?”

“Hell no, pull up a chair!” Chris responds once he gets over his shock.

Jon and Richie grab some chairs next to a nearby table and slides them over. Richie places his chair next to Valerie’s. “So when is the album was coming out?” Richie asks, once they get seated.

“I wished we had an album coming out, then I could quit my job as a mechanic.” Chris answers

Jon looks at Richie and after his nod, he turns back to Chris. “Well, I think that can be arranged.” he comments.

Valerie almost chokes on the smoke from her cigarette at what Jon is offering. Chris immediately accepts, and shakes hands with two men that just changed his life. Then he introduces the rest of the band to their new bosses.

Richie can’t keep his eyes off the woman sitting next to him. Something about her long dark brown hair, her steel grey eyes and those sensuous full lips takes his breath away, not to mention her gorgeous body with curves in just the right places. When Valerie notices she feels herself start to blush. Jon notices the attention Richie is giving the woman and asks Chris who the pretty lady is. Chris apologizes for not introducing her, and tells them that she is his sister Valerie. Richie is relieved, he was afraid that she might have been Chris’ girlfriend, since they were sitting next to each other.

The group at the table starts talking about music, with Jon explaining to them how he can help get their music career going. Valerie just sits back and watches the excited look on the band’s faces.

“Can I get you another drink?” Richie asks her. Valerie is startled, but then looks down at her glass and realizes it is empty.

“Yeah, sure, let me join you” she replies, and together they walk to the bar.

Valerie is surprised by Richie’s interest in her. She feels a little nervous being around him, knowing that he is a famous rock star. She keeps pinching herself, expecting to wake up and find out it is a just a dream. She feels she should be flattered by the attention Richie is giving her, but at the same time, she doesn’t want to get too excited about something that probably won’t go any further than this night.

“What would you like to drink?” Richie asks her once the bartender reaches them.

Since she’d already been drinking tequila all night she decides to switch to some whiskey. So she tells him to order her a Lynchburg lemonade. He tells the bartender what she wants and gets himself a beer. Instead of going back to the table with the rest of the guys, Richie finds an open spot at the bar for them to sit at.

“So, are you seeing anyone?” Richie had to ask the question that has been coursing through his mind since he first saw her.

Valerie is a little surprised by his question. “No, actually, I’m not dating anyone right now.” she answers.

“I find it hard to believe that a beautiful woman like you is single.” he responds, relieved that he can possibly pursue his interest in her.

“Well, believe it. I haven’t been seeing anyone for about six months now. What about you?” she turns it around on him smiling.

Just seeing her smile sends Richie’s stomach to doing flip-flops. “No, I’m not seeing anyone either. My last girlfriend and I broke up a couple months ago, although it wasn’t a very serious relationship. She couldn’t handle me touring, and I think she was probably sleeping with another man.” he answers.

“Now, I, find that hard to believe. A famous Rock Star single.” she teases him.

“What can I say, sometimes it happens!” he chuckles.

Once they both establish that they are single and available, they start talking about mundane things, trying to get a feel for each other. Richie tells her some funny stories about the tour they are currently on. Valerie laughs so much, her sides are starting to hurt. She enjoys his wicked sense of humor.

The noise in the bar started getting louder, making it hard for them to hear each other talk. Richie finally asks Valerie if there is some place quieter for them to talk, because he wants to get to know her better. She suggests they go to the diner next door. They both get up and start walking to the door.

“Oh wait, I better tell Chris we’re going next door.” Valerie quickly interjects.

“If you want, I can give you a ride home.” Richie suggests, incase her brother doesn’t feel like waiting.

“Ok, let me tell my brother and give him my keys. I’ll meet you at the door.” She replies.

Valerie walks over to the table where the guys are sitting, still talking to Jon. She gives Chris the keys to her Tahoe, and he looks up at her with a confused look on his face.

“Richie and I are going next door to the diner to talk. He said he’d give me a ride home.” she answers the question in his eyes.

“Just be careful, sis.” he responds with a concerned look on his face.

“Don’t worry, I will.” she tries to reassure him, as she turns and starts walking towards the door.

She finds Richie standing there waiting for her. Together, they walk next door to the diner.

************