Chapter 69

Dropping her bag in her room, Cilla stretched out across the bed. It had been such a nice weekend, she was almost sorry it had to end, but she couldn’t deny the thrill of the ride home. They had taken the helicopter in from the Hamptons. That sounded so extravagant, but it was the quickest way for Jon to get back to the City. And, it was still early enough in the day that she could relax awhile before having to worry about work.

Her fingers brushed across her lips before tracing them with her tongue. She could still taste him. He had left her with a mind-numbing kiss at her door before heading to his place to pack his bag for Ontario and Michigan. He would be back for the press conference and then it was off to Boston and the last dates of the tour.

She sat up, winced slightly then lay back down. Lightly she caressed her lower stomach. She wasn’t due for her period, but she felt a little bloated and achy. Closing her eyes, she tried to relax, hoping the feeling would pass. Jon had been a bit more amorous that morning and, as much as she didn’t want to admit it, it had been a little uncomfortable. Sitting up slower she made a mental note to call the doctor if she wasn’t feeling better in the morning.

After unpacking and swallowing two extra strength Tylenol, she grabbed her laptop and headed down to her shop. She wanted to take inventory and see what she would need for the upcoming week. She had a few surprises planned along with the cake she was doing and she didn’t want to run out of anything.

The kitchen was quiet, how she liked it best. Skimming her fingers across the head of the sweet pink bear she booted up her laptop and inspected her shelves of supplies. It looked like everything was in order.

Checking her list she chuckled quietly to herself. She was going to make cannolis for Richie for his birthday and, whether the Soul won or lost the championship game, she was going to make cookies and decorate them to look like the team jersey, complete with each player’s name and number; she was going to do one for each band member too. With any luck they would be Arena Bowl bound.

Then there was the cake.

She sat back on her stool. The cake. She hoped Jon and the guys liked what she had come up with. They hadn’t said they didn’t so she was going to go ahead with it. She was also going to have to make an executive decision about the flavor if Jon didn’t let her know in the next couple of days.

Looking over her calendar there were a few other cakes and cookie/dessert trays that needed to be attended to as well, she might have to put in some extra hours, but she would get everything done. She really needed to consider bringing someone else in, especially now. What if she got calls from everyone she gave business cards to this weekend? What would she do if she didn’t have any help? She’d have Sid start on that in the next day or so. He had a good feel for people.

Turning on her CD player, Jon's voice, Richie’s guitar, David’s keys, Hugh’s bass and Tico’s drumbeat filled the room. She stopped and listened for a moment. Jon sang of busting loose and letting go, traveling the open road.

Smiling and humming along Cilla decided she may as well get a few things started for the next day. She mixed up cookie dough while Jon sang to her of summertime, the top being down and having nothing but time. She stirred brownie batter while he crooned about making memories.

By the time she had cleaned up and was shutting down for the night Jon was putting the boy back in cowboy and she had to smile at the image that formed in her head. She'd have to see if she could get him to wear his Shady Brady for her.

Just the Shady Brady.

Laughing at that thought she headed up the stairs, wondering if they had landed safely and what time the show started. She was excited about the upcoming shows at Central Park and Madison Square Garden. Sid would be too when he found out.

She closed the door behind her. Sid. He was going to be pissed that she didn’t tell him beforehand about Central Park. But, she promised Jon she wouldn’t so she would suffer the wrath of Sid and not say anything. She would just have to bring her television down so they would watch the press conference together. Then she would explain to Sid why she hadn’t told him. He’d forgive her. He always did.

Walking into her bedroom she stepped out of her shoes and looked at her bed. It was going to be a very long night tonight. After spending the last several nights wrapped up with Jon, how was she supposed to sleep alone again? She sighed and looked up her gaze landing on the poster that hung over her bed.

Never in a million years had she ever thought her life would take the turn it had. Now, instead of harboring secret fantasies of the long-haired young front man of her favorite band, she was living them out. And he was no longer that young, long-haired kid. He was a grown man, though there was still a bit of that boy in him. She had seen that this weekend while he was around his kids. More than that though, he was smart, hard working, sexy, charming and appealing on so many levels.

How had she gotten so lucky?

Stripping off her clothes she wondered, as she filled her tub and poured a glass of wine, if the fates had conspired for her instead of against her this time. Maybe this was her reward for all the years spent with her ex. Clipping her hair up, she sipped her wine and sank down into the bubbles. It didn’t really matter. She was just glad that Sid had made her make that delivery by herself that afternoon.