Chapter 74

“Are you going to let him speak to me that way?!” Therese looked from left to right between her brother and husband, obviously waiting for someone to defend her against this bold-spoken man.

To her dismay, Richie was the only one who answered her question.  “What way?  With honesty?”  

Realizing that she was evidently on her own for defense, and she blurted out the first thing that came to mind.  “You don’t know her!  Who are you to say ANYTHING?!” 

“I’m the man who loves her and knows that only a handful of women could come through what she has with as much grace and poise.”

“Rich, I think that’s enough,” Jon warned his friend.

“What?  You know it’s true.”

“He’s right Therese,” Michael told his wife.  “What’s done is done.  It’s time to move on.”

“Well doesn’t THAT just sound like the easy thing to do?  Michael, we have to stand firm here!  We can’t let the rest of the world tell us what’s right!”

Jon was completely exasperated by the absurd arguments his aunt was spouting off as though they were written in the Good Book itself.  Nothing that came out of Therese’s mouth even remotely made sense, yet she wasn’t slowing down for anything, or anyone.  Maybe some of her own attitude would make an impact. 

“My God Aunt Therese, LISTEN to yourself!  You sound like a shrieking harpy!  THIS is what I was trying to avoid by calling you last night.  What the hell has happened to you?  What happened to the sweet, considerate woman who encouraged me to do what made me happy?”

“It was different with you.  You weren’t promised to a higher purpose.  Frannie needs to be a nun!”

“That’s HER choice to make, not yours!”  he bellowed back at her.  “Get over it already!”

“Don’t you tell me to get over it!  That choice was made long ago!”

“Richie,” Dot’s voice interrupted from across the table.  She nodded toward Allegra.

Now that he’d shucked all visible restraint, Jon was absorbed in making his aunt acknowledge reality and paid no attention at all to his wife and best friend.  “It’s either get over it or drive yourself crazy.  From the sounds of it, you may already be past the point of no return!”

Richie followed the direction of Dot’s gaze to Allegra’s seat on his right.  She had been unusually quiet, and the reason for Dot’s concern was immediately obvious.  Allegra’s face was white as a sheet, features drawn in obvious discomfort. 

“Sunshine?  What’s wrong?”  His brows knit together with concern and he rested his hand between her shoulder blades.  Richie kicked himself for not ensuring that she took her pain medication prior to this delightful family get-together.

“Nothing.  I just need to go to the ladies’ room,” she murmured with a small smile, excusing herself from the table.   “I’ll just be a minute.”

“I’ve had about enough of your disrespect John Francis Junior!  You think you know so much, mister hotshot?  Well you have no idea!  Frannie could still go back and take her vows!”

Carol’s tolerance level plummeted to zero and she added her voice to the cacophony.  “Therese, he’s just trying to speak SOMETHING that will get through that thick skull of yours!”

Jon neither needed nor paid attention to his mother’s support.  “I guess she COULD still take her vows – as long as chastity is optional,” he announced sarcastically, causing Therese to gasp theatrically and cross herself.  Dot pinched his thigh, twisting the captured skin painfully, until he slapped her hand away, hissing, “Dammit Dottie, stop it!”

“Bite your tongue!” Therese ordered, pointing her finger accusingly at Jon.

“Why?!  So you can live in la-la land a while longer?  I’m here to tell ya the maiden voyage has set sail!  NOW can you get over it?”

“ENOUGH!”  John Senior thundered, causing the water glasses to jump when his fist hit the table.  “I’m embarrassed to be associated with this spectacle.  No more!  Therese, not one more petty word or action.  God rest their souls, our parents would be ashamed of your behavior here tonight, toward both your child and the Sambora family.  It’s inexcusable.”  He directed his scowl at his son.  “And do you honestly think that was the least bit appropriate?”

“The truth hurts,” his son mumbled, rubbing his thigh with an accusing glance at Dorothea.

“John, you may be my older brother, but you aren’t going to order me around anymore than these… these… egomaniacs!”  Therese rose with every intention of making a grand exit, but her husband’s voice stopped her dead in her tracks.

“Sit down and shut up, Therese,” Michael ordered firmly, causing her jaw to go slack with surprise.  He met her eyes unerringly and dared her to contradict him when saying, “We are going to politely finish our dinner, asking everyone’s forgiveness for the unpleasantness here tonight.   The rest will be resolved later – in private.”

Michael was generally a quiet man, who let his wife do most of the talking – especially in any type of social setting.  His interest was usually minimal at best, and definitely not enough to spend the time and effort contradicting his outspoken wife.  In their forty years of marriage, he’d NEVER spoken to her that way in their home, much less in a room full of onlookers – which was why she dropped back into her seat without a word. 

John Senior gave Michael an approving look as his sister simply stared at her dinner plate.  He broke the ensuing awkwardness by mentioning the upcoming Sixers game.  Carol picked up his cue and asked Dorothea about the plans for Romeo’s birthday party next week.

Richie sought Jon’s eyes across the table, trying to feel out if this was just a lull in the storm, or if it was really over.  His friend was no help.  With a slight shrug, Jon just took a deep swallow of his wine.  Feeling dismissed, Richie sighed and spoke to Joan in a low voice.  “Ma, I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.”

“Richard, you’ll never embarrass me by doing what’s right.”  He’d shared Allegra’s background and recent issues with her parents when inviting her to join them this evening.  She patted him on the cheek with a look of pride.  “You’re a good man, and I hope she appreciates you.  You’ll make pretty babies together.”

He laughed, pushing down the sick feeling that followed his mother’s off-handed words.  “It’s a little early to be starting down that road, don’t you think?”

“I know you, and how much you want children.  All that’s been missing is the right woman.  Any fool can see you’ve made up your mind that she’s the right woman, so it’s just a matter of time.”

“Allegra is different, Ma.  Just making up my mind doesn’t mean she’s going to go along with it.”

“And that’s even better.  You’ve had women falling over you far too long.  It’s hard to appreciate what you haven’t had to work for.”

Loretta quietly echoed the sentiment and they proceeded to give him well-intentioned encouragement and advice.

Allegra took a deep breath before re-opening the door to the private dining room, still not feeling well.  Crossing the threshold, she found the room in near silence.  That was odd, considering they were screaming when she’d had to excuse herself.  Feeling just a little off-balance, she resumed her seat and raised a questioning eyebrow to Dot, who merely rolled her eyes and shook her head.

“You okay?”  Richie murmured with a kiss to her temple. 

She nodded, whispering, “What did you do to her?  She’s so quiet.”

“It wasn’t me.  Your dad told her to sit down and shut up.”

“Oh good grief,” she muttered.  “I can’t believe I allowed this to happen.  I knew she couldn’t behave herself.  I have to apologize to everyone.”

“Don’t you dare.”  His fingers gripped her knee firmly so she couldn’t stand.  “She’s the one who needs to apologize – mostly to you.”

“Richie, you don’t understand.”

“I understand there’s a proper time and place for everything.  She could’ve chosen a better time and place for her behavior.”  His lips twitched with unspoken humor.  “Oh, and speaking of inappropriate time and place, Jon may have announced that you’re no longer… chaste.”

“He did what?!”  Up until that point, their exchange had been kept to low murmurs between the two of them.  Her outburst had everyone looking up from their plates, and she bore her eyes into Jon’s across the table.  He had the nerve to just smirk at her.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart.”  Joan reached across her son to pat Allegra’s hand.  “I think your mother was the only one shocked, but no one thinks badly of you.”

She sank into her seat, the blood once again draining from her face.  Would this night ever end?

Despite her reservations, the night did ultimately end.  Her mother gave Allegra a stilted and shook hands with the Sambora family, but her father was much more congenial.

“Richie, thank you for taking time out of your schedule for this.  I’ll rest better knowing the kind of man my daughter has chosen for her first dip into the dating pool.  Fiercely protective is a good thing, as far as I’m concerned.”

Richie grinned and shook Michael’s hand.  “I’m inclined to agree with you, but I bet Allegra doesn’t share that opinion.”

Rolling her eyes, she admitted, “I don’t hate it as much as I used to, but I still rather be the protector, not the protectee!”  She poked him lightly in the chest with an affectionate smile.

Michael looked on with a nod of approval.  “Allegra, we need to talk.  Soon.  Your mother will try and explain her… overzealousness.”  He carefully pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her in a sweet hug, and her muscles relaxed for the first time that evening.  She really did love her parents when her mother wasn’t being insane.  “Without yelling.  I promise.”

“Thank you, Daddy.”  She beamed at him, placing her palm against his cheek.  “I love you.”

“I love you too, sweetheart.”

♫  ♥  ♫

“So what do you think your mother’s explanation will be?”  Richie asked, slipping off his jacket and hanging it in the closet. 

The ride back to the house with Jon and Dorothea had been tense at first.  She still couldn’t believe Jon had announced her sexual status to the entire table, and let him have it as soon as the car doors closed. 

Richie, however, thought it was funny.  He was the only one who’d been able to fully appreciate Jon’s flippant tone, the look on her mother’s face when she crossed herself, and Jon’s face when Dot pinched the hell out of him.  By the time he’d filled in all those vivid details…  Well, it was hard not to laugh.  Eventually all of the vehicle’s occupants were cackling with what was either true laughter or relief that the ridiculous ordeal was over.

That still didn’t solve the mystery of the bug up her mother’s butt.

“I honestly have no idea.  The best I can hope for is some deep, dark family secret that keeps me in servitude to the church in exchange for a life-saving organ.  Or something.”

He laughed in surprise.  “Where the hell did THAT come from?”

“Like it’s any less strange than how she’s been acting?  It’s better than thinking she’s nuts.  Help me get this top off?”  She had two days before she had to become a full-functioning human being again.  He wouldn’t be here to help her with her hair and clothes then.

“You know I love getting you out of your clothes,” he purred, only to have her huff at him.

“Yeah, so you can see these oh-so-attractive green and purple bruises.  What a turn-on.”

“I’d be a sicko saying they were a turn-on, but it’s not the bruises I focus on darlin’.  It’s the beautiful woman under them.”  He carefully extracted her arm and pulled the knit top from her body, placing it on the chair.  “Care Bear?”  The favored nightshirt hung from his fingertips.

“Yes, please.” 

Her top half properly attired, she slipped into the bathroom while he attended to his own clothes.  The brief bout of sickness she’d experienced during dinner had actually been cramps, but her trip to the ladies’ room had shown no evidence of a period.  Now, however, she had proof positive that she wasn’t pregnant.

If she only knew how to feel about that.

Relief was there, of course.  She could finally release the pent up tension caused by waiting and wondering.  There was absolutely nothing to keep her from moving past the rape and pretending it hadn’t happened.  That was a good thing.  For everyone.

Gone was the worry about Richie and his potential sense of obligation.  She couldn’t have allowed that obligation anyway, not knowing if it was his child or not – even if it broke heart.  It had been her decision, and she fully accepted the consequences that would come with it. 

Then there was that other thing.  That maternal longing she hadn’t really known existed within her.  From the first time his masculine hand had cradled her flat tummy, visions of a dark headed baby with her blue eyes and Richie’s dimples had begun haunting her.  Allegra’s mind knew the odds, but her heart had never considered that the baby wouldn’t be Richie’s. 

The sense of loss was palpable.

Allegra shook her head to clear the thoughts.  No.  This IS a good thing.  It’s the best thing.

“Sunshine?”  He knocked on the bathroom door.  “You okay in there?”

She forced her facial muscles into a smile, and opened the door.  “Yeah, I’m okay.  I just started my period.”

His eyes lit up and she watched the relief wash over him.  “Outstanding!”  He grabbed her, pulling her close in a cautious but exuberant embrace.  “Oh baby, that’s awesome news!”

She curled her unimpaired arm firmly around his back, squeezing for all she was worth. 

“Yeah.  It is.”

Seventy-Three

“Richie?  Can you help me?”

Never in her adult life had Allegra been forced to depend on someone else for basic daily functions, and she hated it.  She was thankful that Richie had been around TO depend on, but being in this helpless position galled her to no end.

“What is it, Sunshine?”  He appeared in the bathroom doorway, straightening his shirt cuffs under the sports jacket he was wearing.

With a scowl, she held up the hairbrush in her left hand.  Brushing her hair wasn’t too much of a problem, but there was no way she could get it up in a ponytail with only one functional arm.  He’d been helping her pull it up every day, even teasing that it was a good thing he’d had training for this all through Ava’s childhood.

Evidently he found her frustration amusing, because he laughed.  “I don’t know why you get so upset over it.  In my book, any reason to put my hands in your hair is a good one.”

“Being helpless sucks,” she said flatly.

“Baby, you’re anything but helpless.  If I weren’t here, you’d figure out something else.”  He pulled her mane of hair through the elastic band, securing it at the crown of her head.  A soft kiss delivered to the back of her exposed neck, and he was finished.  “Why don’t you relax and let me enjoy being useful?”

 “I’m sorry,” she sighed.  “I’m just nervous about this dinner.  Meeting your mother and aunt.  You meeting my parents.”

A very recent change of plans had this event taking place at a restaurant in the city. While he was sending a driver for her, he hadn’t wanted his mother making the journey alone alone.  That had prompted the last minute invitation of her sister-in-law Loretta.  The two women were close and often enjoyed outings together.

Richie slipped his arms around Allegra in an affectionate embrace.  “There’s nothing to be nervous about.  Ma is going to love you, just because I do.  Aunt Loretta is a sweetheart, and I’m not worried about your parents.  I’m a people person, remember?  It will be fine.”

Stepping out of his arms, she cleared her throat uncomfortably, fiddling with the ever present cross at his neck.  “Yeah, well, maybe you SHOULD be worried.”

“And why is that?”

Allegra looked up into his smiling eyes, and knew she couldn’t let him go into this blindly.  He deserved to know what he was walking into.

“Because my mother is already NOT a Richie fan,” she confessed, filling him in on the previously omitted details from her last encounter with Michael and Therese.

“I see,” was the only response he offered when she’d finished.

“We can grab your family and go someplace else for dinner,” she offered hurriedly.  “We’ll just leave my parents there with the others.”

“Allegra, that’s not who I am.  Running from the problem isn’t going to make it go away.  I’ve learned that lesson quite well, thank you.  If I’m going to be a significant part of your life, this has to be done.”  He tugged her close again and grinned devilishly.  “Besides, MOST people like me well enough.  It just takes SOME longer to realize it than others.  But that’s okay, I’m a patient man.” 

“You have the patience of a saint,” she agreed, standing on tiptoe to press a kiss to his lips.  “And I, for one, am very glad.”

He let loose with a little growl, cautiously reclaiming her mouth once again.  In deference to her split lip, he hadn’t been able to do this the right way in what seemed like forever.  Almost a week later, and it was healing nicely, so he tested the waters, touching his tongue lightly to her lips.

She opened to his simple request with a sigh of contentment.  His taste was absolutely intoxicating, and she’d missed it.  Their tongues rasped lightly against one another as they leisurely rediscovered a favorite familiar pastime.  She lost herself in the warmth and sensuality that he could bring to a simple kiss, forgetting about anything else until he carefully separated their mouths.

Scraping his thumb easily across her bottom lip, he gave her an affectionate grin.  “Patience is well rewarded.”

Allegra gave him the same grin in return.  “Don’t kiss my mother like that, okay?”

Richie threw his head back with a roar of laughter, finally teasing, “If she’s as gorgeous as you, I can’t make any promises.”

♥  ♥  ♥

The whole point of going home had been to stay out of a hotel, yet Jon found himself entering the side door of the Ritz Carlton where they would be dining in a private room at 10 Arts.  Chef Jennifer had very graciously agreed to accommodate the impromptu dinner party Carol Bongiovi had dumped in her lap. 

Jon’s mother had talked to Therese, explaining that he and the other band members were wearing thin as they approached the next tour break.  Jon hadn’t intended any offense, he just wanted to enjoy his family as much as they enjoyed one another.  Or something like that.

His mother had told him how she managed to spin it, but he didn’t really care to remember the details.  He just smiled politely and held the door for his wife and Allegra.  “I hate you for this,” he muttered to Richie under his breath as the followed the women.

Richie, true to form, just laughed.  “It’s one lousy dinner.  You’ll live through, and probably end up enjoying, it.”

With an evil glare, he spitefully informed his friend, “Her mother thinks you’re the devil.  Nobody’s going to enjoy this.”

He just smiled and stepped forward to take his girl’s hand.  “We’ll see.”

Joan Sambora and Loretta Vaiano were already seated in the private dining room that had been set aside for the gathering. 

Richie’s face split to an even bigger smile, and he easily sauntered over to the two older women, Allegra in tow.

“Ma,” he greeted Joan with a hug and kiss on the cheek.  “Your ride was okay?”  Richie turned his attention to Loretta murmuring, “Hello my beautiful aunt.  A pleasure as always.”

“It was fine,” his mother assured him.  “Now introduce us to your date.”

“Ma, Aunt Loretta, this is Allegra Castanelli,” he told them proudly.  “She’s Jon’s cousin, but don’t hold that against her.”

“Shut up Sambora,” came Jon’s response from behind them.  “Your mom loves me more than she does you.  Hi Joan, it’s good to see you,”  he greeted her with genuine smile.  She’d been more than supportive of them during the early years, and he had never forgotten that.  She was good people. 

The rest of the greetings were exchanged just in time for the remaining attendees to join them. 

“Here goes nothing,”  Allegra whispered to Richie, noticing that mother didn’t look unhappy at least.  Uncle John must’ve softened her up on the way over.

“Mama,  Daddy,”  she greeted her parents with a smile, only to watch her mother’s expression turn horrified. 

“Dear God in Heaven, what’s happened to you?” her mother cried, rushing forward to inspect Allegra’s battered face and sling clad arm.

“Frannie, what in the world…?”  Her father’s concern was a little less dramatic, but no less real.

Richie looked at Allegra with a frown.  “You didn’t tell them?  Sunshine, that’s not nice.”

“No it’s not nice!” her mother agreed.  “Tell me.”

Clutching tightly to Richie’s hand, she nodded a greeting to her aunt and uncle who were looking a little flummoxed as well.

Jon was giving her a condemning look as well.  Apparently no one realized that, not only had she not told her family the truth about her injuries, she hadn’t mentioned them at all.   

“Oh, it’s nothing,”  she tried to laugh it off.  “I just took a tumble down a staircase.  The doctor says I’ll be fine in another week.”

“You’re not a clumsy girl.  You don’t just tumble down a staircase.  What happened?  Were you pushed?”  Therese eyed Richie accusingly.

“Mama!  No, I wasn’t pushed!   There was a puddle of something that I didn’t see until too late.  I slipped in it, and they were concrete stairs.  It looks worse than it really is.”

There were a lot of different looks being shot around the room.  Carol was glaring at Jon because he hadn’t told her, Jon was glaring at Allegra because she hadn’t told anyone, Therese was glaring at Richie for whatever reason, and Dorothea was shaking her head in disbelief.  Poor Joan and Loretta just sat back and watched the drama unfold before them. 

John, Senior took charge of the situation, saying, “Okay, why don’t we just all have a seat and order something to drink?  Then we can do proper introductions, and Allegra can fill in a few more details for us.”

Smiling at him gratefully, Allegra moved toward the nearest available chair at the large oval table.  Richie sat between her and his mother, with Michael on the other side of Allegra next to Therese.  John, Carol, Jon, Dorothea and Loretta rounded out the seating arrangement.

As though on command, two waiters appeared and promptly took their drink orders.  That accomplished, John again took control, making introductions where necessary.  “Michael and Therese, this is Richie Sambora, his mother Joan and aunt Loretta.  Sambora family, these are Allegra’s parents, Michael and Therese Castanelli.”

There were general nods and greetings across the table, but Richie made a point of standing to shake the Castanelli’s hands.  “I’ve been anxious to meet you and tell you what an amazing woman your daughter is.”

Therese sniffed quietly and rolled her eyes, but Michael nodded his head in appreciation.  “It’s nice to finally meet you as well.”

“Allegra, why don’t you tell us more about your fall?”  Carol asked, sneaking another glare at her son.

“Where are those drinks?”  Jon muttered to Dorothea, who just kicked his foot under the table.

“There’s really nothing else to tell, Aunt Carol.  I slipped and fell down a flight of stairs.  A couple of bruised ribs, sprained shoulder and a slight concussion.  The doctors say I should be good as new in another week.”

“Where were you when it happened dear?”  Joan asked kindly.

Smiling at Richie’s mother, she told her, “I was coming from a meeting in Detroit.  It was getting late, and the elevator was temporarily on the fritz.  I was trying to get to the arena for the show and was in a hurry.  I just wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“If you’d been at the cloister, it wouldn’t have happened,” Therese muttered.

“Mother, please don’t.”

Silence blanketed the room in the wake of their exchange until Allegra turned to Joan with another smile, and asked if she would be attending Richie’s show the following night.  The others began chit chatting among themselves, trying to remain on neutral topics of conversation.  Drinks were delivered, and dinner orders taken without incident.

“Allegra, Richie tells me that you’re working for the Soul Foundation?” Joan inquired politely.

“Yes, I am and love it.  It’s such a good organization to be affiliated with.  Jon’s done an incredible thing there.”

“Jon’s a good boy,” she agreed.  “He and Richie have done well for themselves, and I’m quite proud of them.”

During that conversation, Richie was chatting with Michael.

“So, Richie, Allegra tells me that you’re in Philly for a couple of days.”

“Yeah, yeah.  Two shows and we’re off to Uncasville for two more at the end of the week.  Then a break for Easter.”

“She also tells me that you don’t love her,” Michael stated quietly.

Meeting the father’s eyes dead-on, he admitted, “Honestly, I WAS hesitant to say the words at first.  She doesn’t deserve anything less than a full-fledged commitment, and I wanted to make sure I could give it to her.”  He smiled as he caught Allegra looking sharply at him.  “She’s got both my heart and my love, for whatever it’s worth.” 

Therese heard the tail end of his explanation, and rolled her eyes.  Richie wasn’t a child and he didn’t feel like playing childish games. 

“I understand from Allegra that you don’t like me,” he stated bluntly.

The fact that he would speak to her that boldly, put a look of shock on Therese’s face.   “Allegra has no business saying such things,” she informed him loftily.

“Why not, if they’re the truth?”

“Because…  Well, it’s just not appropriate.”

“And it’s more appropriate to sit and glare daggers at me without saying a word?”  His voice never rose above that of casual conversation.  Richie just seemed genuinely interested in what her answer would be.

The waiters arrived at that moment with the entrees, interrupting anything that Therese may have said.    Joan pulled on Richie’s sleeve, so that she could speak in his ear. 

“Mrs. Castanelli, my mother told me that I was just rude and disrespectful, and I’d like to apologize.  My intent wasn’t to be rude, but to find out exactly what I’ve done to earn your obvious dislike.”

“I hardly think that this is the place to discuss it!”

“Why is that?  We’re among family.  If what you have to say has any merit, my mother and aunt will be the first to agree with you.”

“Richie, stop,”  Allegra whispered.

He squeezed her hand, but never took his eyes from Therese.  “It’s okay, Sunshine.  Your mother and I need to work this out.  Mrs. Castanelli?”

Therese’s lips were pursed and she picked at her entrée viciously with a fork before letting it clatter to the table.  “She should be serving God, not some rock star who thinks he’s God!” she finally blurted.

“Therese…” Michael warned as Allegra groaned, dropping her face into her hand.  Everyone else around the table watched covertly, pretending to be engrossed in their dinners while sitting tensely on the edges of their seats.

“No,” Richie held up his hand to silence Allegra’s father.  “Let her say her piece.  Go ahead Mrs. Castanelli.”

“You don’t show the proper respect to anyone or anything, young man.  Just because you wear a cross around your neck, doesn’t mean you fear God.  You obviously deserted your wife and child, drowning yourself in a bottle instead.  My daughter deserves better than that, and if you hadn’t come along to turn her head, she’d be taking her solemn vows as a nun by now!”

“Wow.”  Richie’s voice was quiet and he nodded his head slowly up and down, taking in the vicious words that had been hurled his way.  “There are so many things wrong with that, I couldn’t begin to cover it all.” 

“Son, you don’t have to say anything,” Michael began.

“No, I think I do, because this isn’t going to happen again.  It’s ugly and uncomfortable right now, but it’ll be finished tonight.”  He pushed his plate back, leaning forward on his elbows to stare Therese Castanelli directly in the eyes.  If she’d had any idea how unusual the lack of emotion reflected in HIS eyes was, she would be afraid.

“Mrs. Castanelli, I’ve known the Bongiovis for a good number of years, and they’ve treated me like another son.  If you knew nothing else of me, I would think you’d respect the opinion of your family.  But, in the end, it doesn’t matter whether you like me or not.  I didn’t know you before tonight, and if you prefer it that way, I don’t ever have to see you again.  What I DO find unfortunate is your lack of respect for your daughter.  What’s done is done.  She’s made her decision.  Now you can live with it and love her like a mother should, or you can remain politely quiet.  Anything else I’m not going to tolerate, because she does deserve better.  Better from YOU.”

Chapter 72

“I’m home!”  Jon entered the front door of his home, yelling at no one in particular.  From the staircase came the sound of thundering footsteps, and his two youngest sons skidded to a stop in front of him, wrapping their arms around his legs.

“Daddy!  You’re home!”  The chorus echoed like music in his ears, and he grinned delightedly at the enthusiastic reception.  It was nice to be missed. 

“So are you!”  He swung Romeo up, feet flying in the air, despite the protesting muscles in his back.  His littlest would soon be too big to toss around and he didn’t want to miss the opportunity, old age be damned.

Dropping Romeo back to his feet with a giggle, he ruffled Jakey’s hair.  “How are ya buddy?”

“I’m good!  Come play with us!”  Jake tugged on his father’s hand until his backside was almost on the floor from the effort.

Laughing at the boy’s antics, Jon told them, “I will in just a minute.  Let me say hi to Mommy, Steph and Jesse first.”

“Stephie’s not here and Jesse’s in his room with his ‘puter,” Romeo informed him.

Dorothea materialized, drawn by the ruckus of their sons’ greeting, and Jon gave her a little frown.  “Why isn’t Steph here?”

“She’s at Brandi’s studying for a test.  She’ll be home in about an hour to offer you the proper homage and respect.” 

“You’re such a bitch sometimes,” he grumbled, pulling her into his arms for a tight hug. 

It didn’t matter if she was being a bitch – she was his bitch, and he liked her that way.  Stepping into the circle her arms defined coming home for him.  The sweet, clean smell that surrounded her, the silky fall of her hair, and the feel of her firmly toned muscles under his embrace all signified that he was off rockstar duty.  Today, in this minute, he was just a man coming home to his wife and family.  It wasn’t usually an emotional scene in their house, but this time he held just a little tighter, for just a little longer – and she let him.    

“Boys, go upstairs to the playroom.  I’ll send Daddy up in a few minutes.”

Jake put out his bottom lip and grumbled under his breath, “No you won’t.  You’ll sit and talk ALL night, just like always and then we’ll hafta go to bed.”

“Jacob…” Dot warned.  “Do as you’re told.  Daddy will be up in a few minutes.”

“Go on boys, scoot.  I’ll be there soon, I promise.”  They weren’t happy about it, but both trudged off, dragging their feet pitifully.

“Come on.”  Dot took him by the hand, leading him to the kitchen, where she reached into the wine cooler for a bottle. 

Jon took a seat at the breakfast bar and watched her fish around in the drawer for a corkscrew.  Once successfully located, she dropped it and the bottle in front of him while she went to fetch glasses from the cabinet.

Five minutes later, they sat across from one another, quietly sipping wine, hands loosely entwined on the bar. 

“How is she?  They went straight to the guest house I suppose?”  His wife’s quiet questions broke the silence.

“Yeah.  She’s good.  Doing better than the rest of us, I think.”  He searched Dot’s eyes for anything that might contradict his opinion.  “You’ve talked to her.  Am I wrong?”

Swirling the burgundy liquid lightly in her glass, Dot studied it intently before replying.  “Jon, how do you get over something like that in a few days?  Yes, she acts like herself, but how is that possible?  Out of all the shit that happened, in her mind the biggest problem here is Richie’s reaction.”

“She’s always been tough.  I thought I was tough, but she puts me to shame.  I mean, I look at her and my gut just clenches.  God help me, all I can think is that I’m glad it wasn’t you.  I would absolutely lose my fucking mind, yet she laughs and smiles like it never happened – like she really did fall down a bunch of steps.”

“I assume she hasn’t talked to a counselor or anything?”

“Nope.  She told me and Rich both that, because she doesn’t remember the rape, it essentially didn’t happen.”

Dot huffed with disgust.  “You damn stubborn Bongiovis.  She remembers getting the crap beat out of her.  How is she coping with THAT?”

Jon shrugged his shoulders.  “Richie thinks she’s been guarding her back to prevent anyone sneaking up on her, but you couldn’t prove it by me.”

“So what happens now?  She goes back to work, riding the train – by herself – an hour both directions every day, and we’re all supposed to be okay with it?  With this dirtbag still running around, God knows where?”

Not only was his wife a beautiful woman, but she was smart too.  She was bringing up points that he hadn’t thought of – and he should.  He’d already arranged for an extra security guard at the Philly Foundation building, but hadn’t thought about her long commute.

“I don’t know about we, but I’M sure as hell not okay with it, and I know Rich won’t be either.  Maybe she could stay in his condo downtown.”

“And live by herself?  I fail to see how that’s better.” 

No one in the world could make him feel stupider than his wife, and it had a tendency to piss him off.  This is why she was never invited to business meetings.

“Then we’ll hire a driver to take her back and forth.  Or can you find something wrong with that, too?” he asked sarcastically.

“Okay, you can just curb the attitude with me, mister.  It’s not my fault that – for once in your life – you don’t have everything planned out to the letter.  And speaking of attitudes, what about this dinner tomorrow night?”

“What about it?”  He would rather have his chest hairs removed one at a time with tweezers than suffer through this thing tomorrow night.  Family gatherings were barely tolerable when he WASN’T in the middle of a tour, and this one had the potential to be a friggin’ disaster.

With raised eyebrows, she told him matter-of-factly, “You had better talk to Therese and Michael before everyone gets here.  Richie can take care of himself, but you didn’t see how bent out of shape Allegra was after the last two installments of ‘Meet the Castanellis’.  Another round of Therese’s judgmental arrogance may crack that pretty façade Allegra’s carrying so proudly.”

“Jesus, Dottie,” he groaned.  “I have TWO days off.  Not even two FULL days.  Can’t I just enjoy them?  Aunt Therese will be fine.  You know she’s not normally like that, and besides, Mom and Dad will be here.  And Joan.  It will be fine.”

Her brown eyes pinned him with the same glare she gave the kids when they misbehaved.  “She doesn’t KNOW what her daughter’s been through in the last week, Jon.  There’s no reason for her to cut Allegra any slack, and I’ve never known ANY of your family to err on the side of peace and tranquility.  Take five minutes and call the woman so we don’t have a nuclear meltdown in our dining room.  Okay?”

Goddammit I am NOT one of the kids.  WHY was I happy to see her again?  Oh yeah.  She’s safe, sound, in one piece, and I love her. 

He gave a petulant sigh.  “Yes, dear.”

“Thank you.”  She leaned in, pressing her lips sweetly to his.  “Now, go see your boys.  In another five minutes, they’ll have plotted my demise for keeping you away so long.”

He chuckled and slipped his hand around the back of her head, drawing her close for another kiss.  “Love you, babe.”

“Yeah, yeah.  Just be glad Tom Cruise was busy the day I married you.”  The callousness of her words was belied by the soft twinkle in her eyes.

“You’d be a lousy Scientologist, anyway.”

♫  ♥  ♫

He dialed the phone with a deep breath, bracing himself.  All he wanted to do was live in his little cave – okay, mansion – like a reclusive hobbit for the next two days.  Refereeing a meeting between his high strung aunt and his best friend was NOT on his priority list.   

Sometimes family was a pain in the- “Hi Aunt Therese, it’s Johnny.” 

“Johnny!  To what do I owe this extra special pleasure?”

Ego completely aside for the moment, he knew he’d always been her favorite nephew.  Maybe that had something to do with the fact that he was the eldest, or now because he was embarrassingly rich.  Either way, he hoped it would work in his favor.

“I understand you’ll be joining me for dinner tomorrow night.”

“That’s right…” 

“Well, I just wanted to tell you how much I’m looking forward to it, and ask your help with something.”

She loves to help.  Play to her weakness.

No matter what recent events had transpired, his aunt was a good woman with a generous heart.

“Of course!  What can I do?”

“I’m hoping that we can have a nice, agreeable evening.  You know, everyone getting along and having a pleasant meal together?  Can you help me make that happen?”

“What are you trying to imply, Johnny?” His aunt’s voice became sharp.  He needed to tread carefully, so he scrambled for some politically correct bullshit to sugarcoat his message with.

“I know you’re still a little emotional about Frannie’s life situation, but I really wanted to try and focus on the positive things she’s been doing lately.”

“You’re saying that I’m going to talk bad about my daughter?  That I’m going to cause a scene?”  Therese’s voice was cold as ice.

“No, I didn’t say-“

“So because I’m concerned about my very naïve daughter, I’m an embarrassment to my hot shot nephew.  You don’t want me telling the truth in your house with this man.  This… this… GUITARIST my daughter thinks she loves.”

Not want her in his house?  When did he say that?  He mentally counted up her age.  Was it too early for her to be getting dementia?

“Aunt Therese, Richie is really a good guy-“

“No, no, no.  You’ve made your point.  You don’t want me there, I won’t be there.  End of story.”

“Therese, I’m sorry if-“

“It’s too late for apologies.  What’s done is done.  Goodbye Johnny.” 

Click.

His fingers wrapped in a fierce grip around the phone, but he firmly resisted the impulse to fling the thing across the room, out the window and into the river.  What had happened to his aunt?  The woman had gone nuts.  Psycho nuts.

Now what was he supposed to do? 

Shit.  Dot’s gonna give me seven kinds of hell over this. 

There was only one thing he could think to do.  Only one person who may have a chance at pulling him out of the muck he’d just created.

He dialed the number from memory.

“Hey, Mom.  How are ya?”

Seventy-One

Richie’s eyes softened with affection when he realized that Allegra wasn’t just resting her head on his shoulder – she was dozing.  The pain medication had knocked her out again.  After three days, she’d cut back significantly, but still needed a little of the sleep inducing relief it offered.  There was no better opportunity to sleep than on a plane, anyway.

They were aboard the Jovi Jet, en route to Philadelphia after wrapping up the two Montreal shows.  Well, really they were headed to New Jersey and the Bongiovi estate.  When they were that close to home – any of their homes – it was preferable to a hotel.  David and Teek would probably head to his place in Colts Neck, but Richie would be staying with Allegra in Jon’s guest house.   They were all looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet considering recent events.

Two detectives had come knocking early the morning after the attack, seeking answers to questions for their investigation.  With Jon and Richie on each side of her, Allegra told them much the same information she’d shared with them the night before.  When asked if she knew the culprit’s identity, “Felix” was the only answer she was able to give, along with the fact that he was a former Bon Jovi employee.  She’d never known his last name, and Jon didn’t offer it immediately. 

He merely apologized to the detectives, stating that he was horrible with names and would have to check the employment records to be certain.   Jon assured the detectives that someone would contact them with the information as soon as possible, saying, “No one wants to see this man brought to justice more than me and my family.  I guarantee you, we’ll do everything in our power to make that happen.”

The detectives reluctantly agreed to wait, seeing as they really had no other choice.  Instead, they pressed forward with questions regarding the group’s travel plans. 

“How long will you be here in Detroit?” the man calling himself Detective Brown asked Richie.

“We’re all leaving today for Montreal.  Allegra will be staying with us until we return to Philadelphia on Sunday.”

Despite having no prior knowledge of the fact, Allegra didn’t offer any contradiction to his statement. 

Immediately after the door closed behind the detectives, Richie raised the subject by first apologizing.  It hadn’t been his goal to blindside her, but it didn’t make him any less unyielding about his intentions.

Uncharacteristically demanding, Richie made it clear that he wasn’t letting her out of his sight for the next few days, and didn’t want her to be left unattended for a minute.  Security would available when the band was tied up with performances and sound checks, but other than that, he wanted Allegra with him.  Nothing else was going to ease his mind just yet.

Allegra surprised him by listening silently and then agreeing with no argument.  All she’d done was nod her head and say, “I need to call Sister Mary.”

It was an unexpected victory that was of little comfort when faced with the outcome of the ‘morning-after’ pill discussion.  Allegra remained adamant that she wouldn’t take it, even after he’d gone so far to say that it wasn’t her place to do penance for someone else’s mistake.  None of it made a dent in her resolve.    She was flatly insistent that nature take its course, reminding him yet again that they were putting the cart before the horse. 

So he’d bitten his lip, and later taken a tongue lashing from Jon as a result.  Not that he actually let it bother him.  He was quite aware that Jon was venting his frustration at the situation more than anything.  They were both more than aware of her obstinate nature, and knew that no amount of cajoling was going to change her mind once she’d set it.

Inside Richie was still conflicted about the whole dilemma, but agreed to try and not worry, pending the arrival of her period next week.  Until then, everyone was holding their breath and waiting.

Well, not everyone.  In the end, Allegra had selected the chosen few with whom to share the true story of her injuries: Tony, David, Tico and Dorothea.  The rest of the world – including her family – would be told that she took a nasty tumble down a flight of stairs.  

He was secretly relieved that she’d elected to include Tico and Dave.  Until the Felix problem was resolved, having two extra sets of eyes watching out for her made everyone rest easier.  Even though, much like Jon, David had given Richie hell at first and placed the blame squarely on his shoulders.  “Goddammit Sambora, why did you let her go downtown alone?  Are you a fuckin’ idiot?”

Allegra had quickly rejected the accusation with a firm hand.  “Since when has anyone been able to tell me what to do?  Richie did everything but beg me to take an escort, and I ignored him.  If anyone’s to blame, it’s me.” 

That had shut David up in a hurry.  He’d pulled her into a gentle hug, assuring her that none of it was her fault.  He couldn’t let Richie off completely scot-free, so he tossed in another dig intended to make her laugh.

“If you were my girlfriend, I’d never let you go someplace alone just because I was busy playing  Barbies with some angry, anorexic models.” 

She’d grinned as wide as her split lip would allow and patted his cheek affectionately. “I love you David.”

“Back at ‘cha, Legs.  I mean that.”  For once the Joker had been deadly serious, giving Allegra soft kiss on the forehead.

Richie had scowled and struggled to contain the immediate ugly, green jealousy that shot through his veins.  She hadn’t said those words to him since the attack, and he hadn’t realized how it bothered him until that moment.

Had he told her either?

Quickly sorting through his memories of the past days, he recalled multiple occasions in which his heart swelled in awe of her strength and courage.  How could anyone not be amazed by her?  Other than the re-telling of the attack, she gave all appearances of moving beyond the whole horrible incident. 

The first day, she was a little quieter than usual, but then her behavior was typical Allegra.  She got actively involved in whatever was going on at the time, whether it be joking with David, quarreling with Jon, or just hanging out with the guys.  On the occasions that work beckoned the men, she spent time at the hotel either on the phone or crawling through old YouTube videos of the band, collecting insults to deliver over their big hair and wild clothes. 

The only thing remotely out of the ordinary was the way Allegra behaved with someone behind her.  It was subtle, but he realized she got upset when someone approached from behind and she couldn’t see them.   He’d discovered it in bed the second night, moving to spoon himself up against her back.  She hadn’t said anything, but he’d felt her twitch with surprise and stiffen.  Her only intentional reaction was to maneuver onto her back so that she could see his face. 

After that, he’d discreetly paid attention to her body language when they were with the others.  It soon became obvious that she purposefully placed her back against a wall whenever possible.  Even that, she didn’t make a show of.  If he hadn’t been specifically looking for it, he never would’ve known. 

Richie didn’t know how, but she wasn’t dwelling on it, or allowing any of them to either.  Her easy acceptance of the situation was a little disturbing.

“You look so serious,” her drowsy voice murmured as she lifted her head and sought a more comfortable position in the seat.  “Are you that worried about meeting my parents?”

One of the phone calls she’d made was to schedule the family dinner they’d discussed.  Four Bongiovis, two Samboras and three Castanellis would be sharing a meal at Jon’s house the next evening, but Richie honestly hadn’t given it a second thought after calling his Ma with the date and time.

“I was actually thinking about you,” he told her with a kiss to the tip of her nose.  “And how well you seem to be coping with everything.  Is it real or are you putting up a brave front?”

Two blue eyes studied him as she considered the question.  The swelling had gone down enough so that both eyes were visible now, and her bruises had smudged to a lighter shade of purple. 

“I’m coping the only way I know how,” she finally said.  “That happens to be by thinking about it as little as possible.  It doesn’t deserve that kind of attention, and I’d rather focus on living my life.”

“The words sound good if you really feel that way.  But if you decide you need to talk?  I’m here for you.  Hell, we all are, and if we can’t help, we’ll find someone who will.”

She pressed her palm to his cheek with a soft smile.  “Thank you, but I’m honestly fine.  I know the police report says that something awful happened to me, but all I remember is getting beat up.  I can and WILL get past that.  He doesn’t get the power to take away my life.”

“You’re one of a kind,” Richie murmured, turning his head to kiss her open palm.  “I don’t know how you do it.”

With a laugh, she said, “It’s not a big mystery.  I do it with the love of my family and friends.  They need me to be okay, so I will.  It’s as simple as that.”

“And where exactly do I fall in there?”

She shrugged and met his eyes with a guarded expression.  “That’s your decision to make.  Do you still love me?” 

“What kind of question is that?”

“An honest one.  You’ve been very caring and attentive the past few days, but you never mentioned love.  Considering the circumstances, it wasn’t unreasonable to think you might need some time.  Maybe even wait and see how things turn out.”  Her gaze drifted out the plane window, seemingly engrossed in the clouds below.

White hot anger and hurt blasted through Richie, and he resisted the impulse to unleash them.  “My God, Allegra, what kind of a prick do you think I am?”

“I don’t think you’re a prick at all.  I think you’re a man that’s been dealt a difficult hand, and I’m allowing you to play it however you see fit.”

“Let me tell you something.”  He grasped her chin with a growl and forced her eyes to meet his, ready to call bullshit, but the words died on his lips.  Her gaze was unyielding, the blue pools of her eyes swimming with unshed tears.  His righteous indignation fizzled  from a raging blaze into a pitiful puff of smoke.   “Shit.”

With a sigh, he released her chin and carefully pulled her close.   His voice was quiet and calm again when he said, “I thought I made this clear the other night – I’m not going anywhere.  My decision about you – about us – was made before all this started.  I love you, Allegra.  That doesn’t change because some sick, twisted fuck did horrible things to you.  I’m sorry I haven’t told you a thousand times since then, but believe me now when I say that I love you more today than yesterday or the day before.”

He held his breath, waiting for a sign of her acceptance.   Thankfully, he didn’t have to wait long.

“I love you, too,” she whispered against his chest.

♥  ♫  ♥

David leaned back in his seat, willing his body to relax.  He’d gone stiff the minute Richie’s angry voice had reached his spot a few seats back and across the aisle.

“You wanna tell me what’s got you so uptight?” Tico’s deep voice grumbled around the unlit cigar in his mouth as he looked up from his newspaper.

He slapped on his Joker grin.  “Sexual frustration, same as you old man.  I’m ready to be home for a couple of days.”

“Don’t play me for stupid, Lemma.  You haven’t taken your eyes off her since we left the ground, and you were just about to beat the hell outta Rich for the tone of his voice.”

The grin slid slowly away. 

The old man always sees more than we think he does.

“I’m worried about her, so what?  Aren’t you?”  He nonchalantly lifted his right ankle to rest on his left knee and bounced his foot.

“I am,” Tico agreed.  “But she’s safe here on the plane.  Richie’s not the one who’s gonna hurt her.”

David contorted his face into a scowl and dropped that same foot back to the floor.  “He’d better not.”

With a sigh, Tico slowly folded the newspaper and tossed it on the seat next to him.  “Man, what’s the deal here?  You’re engaged, they’re in love, and yet you’re still acting like some jealous ass.  That’s not the way we play, and you know it.”

David dropped his head back against the seat with a huff.

“Dammit, T, don’t ya think I know that?  I can’t help it, she’s different - gorgeous, smart, funny, kind.  NONE of us are good enough for her.  I just wanna protect her from the world and everybody in it.”

“She’s family; of course you wanna protect her.  But remember that’s ALL she is.  Don’t fuckin’ make me get in the middle of this.  It won’t be pretty.”

Tico could be so dramatic.  David didn’t want to fight Richie for her hand in marriage – not really.  He didn’t think. 

“There’s nothing to get in the middle OF, you fuckin’ mafia godfather.  Jeeee-zus!”

He just couldn’t get away from feeling responsible for her.  There was a huge soft spot in his heart when it came to Allegra, and he’d fight hell and high water to keep her safe.  Tico just assumed he was thinking with his dick.

“Go home, screw your woman, then screw her again and again until you stop thinking about the good little Catholic girl, Jew boy.”

It was easier to let T believe what he wanted, so David crooked his eyebrow, and reverted back to the Joker persona.  “Daaaamn.  You don’t think she’d convert, huh?”

That drew a chuckle from his buddy.  “Probably not.”