Chapter 17

Richie was pacing in his dressing room. Sound check was over and the band and guests were having a light dinner in an area set up behind the stage. Madison had not shown up yet, and he was beginning to worry.

I'll bet she's either lost or had forgotten the time. Richie tried to keep in mind that she was not a fan and being on time for their concerts was probably not a priority to her. He finally grabbed one the management staff, "what's the number of the cell phone you gave to Madison?"

"Um, she didn't get one. It's only the winner that did."

Shit! Neither Madison nor Lindsey was one of the winners. Making a mental note to get one for her, he continued to pace when there was a knock on his door. His relief was a bit premature for when he opened it, Nina was standing on the other side.

"Hi," she greeted him with a come-hither smile, "can I come in? I've never seen a rock star's dressing room."

Before he could reply, she stepped around him and walk up to the table sitting in front of a huge mirror. Checking her makeup, she glanced up and smiled at Richie who was reflected in the mirror. "What's the matter? You look nervous."

She turned and stepped up to him. Stroking her hands across the bare chest showing through his unbuttoned shirt, she purred, "why don't you close that door and we can get to know each other?"

"Uh..." Richie stammered, backing away, "no, I think you'd better leave."

"Why, baby? You don't think you're man enough for me?"

"No, it's because he's interested in someone else and he quit playing those stupid games years ago."

Jon was standing with his arms crossed at the entrance of the room. "Rich, the girls just arrived and security is bringing them here now."

Thank God! Richie hurried out of the room to go find Madison.

Jon had seen Nina go into Richie's dressing room and decided to intervene. Richie had a good thing going with Madison and he was not about to let his buddy get sidetracked. He did not have to worry, though, as he witnessed Richie back away from that predator. He just wanted Nina to know that she would have to go through another barrier in order to get between Richie and Madison. And he could be a pretty damn good barrier when he wanted to be.

"Hmph!" Nina scoffed at him, "think you're so smart? Then you've got another thing coming." She turned on her heels, and stalked off.

Yeah, bring it on, Elvira...

*****

As soon as Richie saw Madison, he scooped her up in is arms and swung her around. "God, I was starting to worry!"

When he put her back down, she eyed him warily. "Do you have separation issues? I've only been gone a few hours." The words were softened when he looked at her and saw that she was teasing. "I have two year olds at my school who adjust better," she smirked.

"Smartass." But he grinned. "You're late. You almost missed the start of the concert. What happened to you two, anyway?"

"Rich!" Jon called out, "time!"

Richie nodded and started to follow him.

"We were in prison."

He stopped dead. "What?!"

"I'll tell you about it later. Now, go!"

Madison laughed at his confused expression.

*****

Madison had not seen anything like this. The stage, the screens and the light effects were mind boggling, but what she noticed the most was the connection Jon and the band had with their audience. The energy and the emotion were palpable as they played to the crowd. Some songs she recognized but most were new to her. Nonetheless, she felt, probably like most of the women there, that they were playing just for her. If she wasn't a fan before, she became one tonight.

Kris, Joanna and Patti were beside themselves with excitement, which was heightened further when Jon selected not just one but all three of the winners, in turn, to dance with him during Bed of Roses.

When it was Nina's turn, she leaned in close enough for him to hear, "it's not over, Bongiovi."

He gave her the best fake smile he could muster up, "it will be." He had to restrain himself from adding "Elvira".

As they were taking their final bows, Richie saw Madison in the wings watching him and he winked at her, making her blush.

"You guys were fantastic!" she gushed as they came off the stage. "I can see now why my cousin is so enamored."

They grinned at her; they had just earned themselves another fan.

"Thank you, darlin'." Richie leaned down and kissed her. "Wait here, we'll be right out."
He thought of something and stopped and turned, "then you're going to tell me what you were doing in prison."

*****

That bitch is taking away everything I've been dreaming of. She won't get away with that. Richie will soon understand that it's me he should be with.

*****

They were all milling around the refreshment area when the boys emerged, all showered and full of high energy. "Everyone ready for the party?" At the resounding "Yeah!" they all headed out to the waiting limos.

They had rented out the entire pub for the after party and the place was packed with guests, crew and management. The band and the girls made their way in with Richie holding Madison's hand. Once in the pub, everyone mingled, talking with the guests, and thanking the people for their part in a great concert. Finally getting their drink orders, they found seats and were looking over the menus because, as they put it, they were starving after such a workout and could eat a horse. Seeing that there were no horses offered on the menu, they settled for more traditional dishes including fish and chips.

"Now, what's this about you being in prison?" Richie was not going to let this one go. All eyes turned to Madison. "What did you do now, Madison?" David leered at her, "did ya steal a National Treasure or something?"

"Smartass," she groused under her breath. Richie was starting to rub off on her. "No, Shirley, I did no such thing."

David's eyes grew bigger and just as he was about to reply, Jon groaned, "why did you have to remind him? Now we'll never hear the end of it."

"You think I'd forgotten? Hell, no! In fact, I've got a game scheduled right after this party, right girls?" David turned around looked over to the next booth where Kris and the girls were sitting with Tico and Hugh.

"You got it, Rashbaum!" came the reply.

"Not in my suite, you don't." Jon was bone tired and wanted to hit the sack early.

"Fine, they'll come to my room." David turned to Madison, "are you up for a game?"

"No we're not."

"Who asked you, Sambora? And when did you become a 'we'?"

Richie responded by pulling Madison closer as Jon just smiled and shook his head.

*****

Getting up to refresh Madison's drink, he was standing at the counter making small talk with the bartender when he felt someone lean into him from behind. He turned and found a completely soused Nina trying to hold herself up against him. "Richie, I've had too much to drink. Would you be a sweetheart and escort me to my room?"

Richie helped her into a stool, "don't worry, darlin', we'll get you to your room."

Nina smiled up at him, "thank you, you're so sweet," then turned and sneered at Jon who was watching the whole thing.

"Nina." She turned at his voice. "Nina, this is Pam. She's part of our security team and she will take you back to the hotel and up to your room." Richie was standing there with a formidable looking woman.

"But, Richie, I..."

"I think you should go back and get some rest. Pam will take good care of you."

Furious, Nina stalked out with Pam following at her heels.

Jon smiled in satisfaction. He actually wanted to burst out laughing but Madison had not witnessed the exchange and he didn't want to call attention to it.

*****

"Maddie, I hope you're coming back to David's suite with us."

"Why, Joanie? You know I don't play cards."

"I already told you. We're guests. I don't want you to be a burden on Richie."

Madison stared at her trying to get her thoughts together. Was she right? Is Richie just being nice?

"Ready to go, darlin'?"

Richie was holding his hand out to her. The look in his eyes told her that Joanna was wrong.

Without looking back, Madison slipped her hand in his and they walked out together.