Chapter 16

Jon placed a tentative hand on his daughter's lower back to guide her out to the car. She didn't flinch away initially but the second they were out of her mother's line of site she shrugged away from him.

"Look," she turned on him, "I agreed to let you drive me home for Mom's sake…it doesn't mean I have to like it. And I certainly don't need you to pretend being all fatherly with me either, especially when it's just to win her over."

Jon clenched his teeth, took a deep cleansing breath and waited several seconds, calming down before he responded, leading Frankie to believe she had gotten the best of him. By the time he spoke they were seated in his car, and his voice was cool and controlled – quite an effort given that his sometimes volatile temper had already been tested.

"Frankie…I'm not pretending anything. I am a father, and have been actively so, for the last fifteen years. And beyond that…I am your father…and fortunately that is something you can't dispute."

"You seriously see something fortunate in that fact?" Frankie replied contemptuously.

"Of course I do. How could I not see the gift of a child as being fortunate?" He glanced over at her briefly as he pulled out into the traffic, "All of my children are blessings Frankie…all of you. I was so proud of you tonight…getting up there to honor your Dad the way you did. It showed a level of maturity that quite frankly I thought was beyond you…and then you go and pull that little stunt at the end…"

"I didn't pull…"

Jon held up a finger and spoke over his daughter effectively cutting her off. "Let me finish please…now while it wasn't the most mature way to broach the issue I do appreciate the fact that you are so protective of your mother."

Frankie sat beside him dumfounded. He grinned as he spoke again…he liked the fact that he'd been able to throw her of balance like that. "Seriously Frankie, I'd like to think that if my wife and daughter were ever in a similar situation, that Stephy would be looking out for her Mom just as you did tonight. Having said that though…don't take it as an admission that there was a need for you to look out for Beth where I am concerned. My relationship…no my friendship,'" he corrected, "with your mother, while pleasurable, is just a means to an end for me. That end being you. You are so God damn resistant to me Frankie…I have to do something to get to know you…I have already missed so much…too much of your life…"

"Well," Frankie said as she gazed out the window, unwilling to meet her father's eyes, "I promised Mama so I won't comment on that any further...I've already made my thoughts clear."

"Honestly sweetie…I can't even think about your mother in that way," as the words left his mouth Jon felt a flush rise to his cheeks, and was thankful for the cover of darkness and the cool night air blowing in the slightly open window, as the recurring dream came to mind.

It had been like this for weeks. At the start the dreams surprised him…sometimes Gina was the subject, sometimes Beth. But as the days and weeks passed they became essentially the same…always him and Beth alone and naked, reveling in the pleasures of each other's bodies…only the positions and the locations would change. Last night's dream had been particularly vivid and extremely erotic.

Beth had come to him in the middle of the night. He had woken in his bed in the guest room and she was standing beside the bed looking over him. She wore nothing but La Perla lingerie; a black balconnette lace bra and a Chantilly lace garterbelt-thong, both of which left very little to the imagination. He had opened his mouth to speak, but she had shushed him with a finger on his lips. He reached up and held her hand where it was, tenderly kissing her fingertips, before taking each one into his mouth to suck on it. While his mouth was occupied, he reached for her with his other hand, running it up the back of her silk clad thigh from her knee, until he felt the pleasure of her skin and the tight supple curve of her ass, where he gave a gentle squeeze to a handful of flesh.

Jon threw back the covers exposing his naked form and raging arousal to her hungry gaze, and pulled her down to lay beside him. She engaged him in a deep passionate, breathtaking kiss before immediately going to work on him, her gentle hands flittered over his flesh…tantalizing, teasing; her skilful mouth nibbled on his neck and suckled on his earlobe as she whispered in his ear, "I'm so wet for you, Jon…only you…I can't wait to feel you deep inside me."

His cock surged in response to her words, and his pulse quickened in anticipation of what was to come. Beth left his ear and laid a trail with her tongue down to his fur camouflaged nipples. She grazed over one, then the other with gentle teeth and then sucked in deeply to flick at the tight little bud with her tongue. When her work was done and both nipples were tight and straining she followed the path of hair down the centre dip of his abdomen and let her tongue flitter into his navel. Jon felt the nerves pull at his very core and jumped slightly at the sensation. He felt Beth's satisfied smile against his flesh and couldn't help grinning himself.

All he wanted to do was lay back and enjoy the sensations she was evoking, but as she kissed her way down further, he could not resist the urge to watch. Adjusting the pillows so that he was now semi reclined, he could not tear his eyes away as she wrapped that deliciously dirty mouth around his rock hard cock. Her scarlet lips circled the top of his cock, and he marveled at the light fluttery sensation her tongue provoked on the tip and over his slit. She looked up and held eye contact as she slipped down his silky length, tracing her tongue down the large vein on the underside.

"Fuck me… Beth…" he strangled out.

Beth increased suction drew up his length until she came off the top with an audible 'pop', "Oh don't worry…I intend to… until your begging for mercy," she had said and went right back to work, this time taking him so deep he could feel her throat contract around him as she swallowed. She teased him like this for what seemed like an eternity, alternately deep-throating, then concentrating only on his head, taking him to the brink over and over again until he was thrashing wildly, his hands desperately trying to gain purchase on anything they could, one coming to rest tangled in her hair, the other in the sheets.

Just when he thought he could take it no more, Beth took him deep in her throat once more and with a perfectly timed groan, that vibrated down the length of his cock and into his balls, Jon came harder than he ever remembered cumming in his life, pumping thick streams down her welcoming throat. Beth didn't waste a drop of his essence, licking and sucking him clean as his body calmed and the contractions eased. As soon as he was able, Jon gathered her into his arms, holding her close so that her head rested on his chest, until he was ready for the next round.

"Are you listening to me?" Frankie's aggravated tone interrupted his memory.

He had never seen the second round in the dream either. He had woken to find himself alone in the guestroom, but instead of Beth the only other thing in his bed was a wet patch. It was the first wet dream he had had since he was a teenager.

"Jon?" Frankie took in his bemused expression, and wondered what had him confused.

"Sorry...I guess I spaced out for a minute. Listen Frankie, please just let me try to reassure you, that while your mother is a very beautiful woman, we are just friends. Friends with many common interests, and one of them just happens to be you, so you have nothing to worry about from me, I don't have any designs on your Mom. Now if you hear of anyone else who does…you just let me know and I'll take care of it…I know some guys in jersey," he chuckled at his lame joke and watched as Frankie merely rolled her eyes.

"Oh I love this song..."she said reaching to turn up the radio, that had been providing some quiet background music. The gravelly voice of the lead singer of Frankie's favorite band infiltrated the car. "I love the band actually… they're are HOT. More importantly that lead singer is to die for!"

As Jon watched his daughter bob away to the music in the seat next to him a plan began to formulate in his mind. He wondered just how much of a fan she was. "They're very talented…great bunch of guys too," Jon shouted over the din and waited for her to bite.

"You know them?" She asked excitedly, and then realizing what she had done, took it down a notch, "Well of course you know them."

"Yeah…when you've been around as long as we have you tend to 'know'" he made quotation marks with one hand keeping the other on the wheel, "a lot of people. But these guys supported us on the last tour for a few shows, so I actually got to know them pretty well."

"Wow!"

There…the seed was planted. Now he just had to wait to see what it would grow into. He hoped she would ask him for a favor…ask him for tickets. He wasn't gullible enough to think that that was likely, however he would sure as hell have them waiting for her if she did.

Jon gave an amused little laugh, "Hmph!"

"What's so funny?" Frankie asked confused, as she reached to lower the volume just enough for them to conduct a conversation.

"You are!"

"Why?" she asked, brow furrowed.

"You're not impressed that your old man has had international success in the music industry, platinum albums, sell out tours, millions of fans, has met and performed with the best this industry has to offer." He chucked, shaking his head. "No… you…you're impressed that I got to know some Jonny-come-lately band that supported us on tour."

"They're a good band!" Frankie defended.

"Granted…they are," he confirmed, "I just find it amusing that you're so unimpressed by me and my 'Rock n Roll' lifestyle and yet you practically worship them for the same thing. I mean…don't get me wrong...I know how it is... our fans have been lusting after us for near on twenty-five years …I don't know I just find it a little…hypocritical… maybe." He said.

Frankie opened her mouth to defend herself, but promptly realized that he was right. She was being hypocritical, holding him to a different standard. "Yeah, but he isn't my father," she finally spat.

Jon worked hard to conceal the grin that threatened to dominate his features, she had just referred to him as her father…there was hope for them yet.

"Oh and Jon?"

"Yes Frankie?"

"I really don't need images of fans lusting after you in my head if you don't mind. It's something I'd rather not have to think about."

Yep…there was definitely hope.

The song came to an end and Frankie turned the radio down further, "I tried to get tickets for their show. I was sooo bummed when I missed out." Frankie hinted.

Again Jon suppressed a grin and silence descended in the car for the rest of the short ride home. Jon knew that she wanted the tickets and that he could get them for her. Frankie knew that Jon knew she wanted the tickets. Both waited for the other to make the first move. Neither did.

A few minutes later Jon pulled up to the curb in front of Frankie's apartment. There was an awkward silence as they each waited for the other to speak.

Finally Jon broke it, "Well I have to get back and get your Mom. I don't want her any madder at me than she is now."

"No, you don't want that," Frankie agreed, "I wouldn't necessarily mind it though." A small smile softened her words.

Was she actually teasing him, Jon wondered? Another moment of silence, "Well…"

"Oh sorry." Frankie said as she reached for the door, "Thank you for the ride. I'll see you at Mom's through the week no doubt."

As Frankie got out of the car, Jon sat shaking his head, marveling at the difference that one small piece of information had made to her demeanor. She wanted those tickets bad…real bad, but he knew there wasn't a hope in hell she'd ask for them.

"Frankie?"

"Yeah?" she replied, excitement tinged the tone.

Jon grinned. For the first time he had her right where he wanted her, "You know…if you want tickets all you have to do is ask."

Frankie offered him a tight smile, "Goodnight Jon!," she said before closing the car door hard in exasperation.

Jon couldn't help chuckling as he watched her stalk into her building. It appeared his little girl was finally recognizing the doors he could open for her. Now she just had to relinquish that stubborn streak of hers to take advantage of it. Jon knew that that wasn't something that would happen easily. Perhaps a little more temptation would be necessary.

***

The smile on Jon's face and the pleasure of the small victory he had had with his daughter disappeared the second he pulled up to the hotel and found Beth waiting for him with the valet. Her posture, the stiff set of her shoulders, immediately told Jon that nothing had happened to change her mood. She clearly still had her mad on…and it wasn't going to be pretty. As she approached the he wracked his brain for reasons to excuse his behavior. Under the intensity of her stern stare, anything he came up with suddenly seemed very feeble and childish. He decided pulling out the charm was his best option…it had always worked before.

He plastered his million watt smile on his face as she slipped into the passenger seat beside him, "Hey Bethie."

Beth did not look at him, or respond in any way to the affectionate nickname. Instead she turned to the valet, "Thank you." She said simply as he secured the door closed, then nodded.

The silence was deafening. Jon could stand it no longer, "Beth look I'm sorry about.."

"Oh no you don't," She interrupted, "You sir are not allowed to speak first. How dare you Jon? I am so very thankful I didn't hear the full context of that conversation. But I have to say, I am incredibly disappointed in you tonight."

"In me? What was I supposed to do?" Jon was more than a little surprised at the vehemence in her voice.

"You were supposed to recognize that this was a very difficult night for both me and for Frankie, and you should have kept your mouth shut. I don't care if she accused you of being an axe murderer, you should have just nodded your head and indulged her." Even as Beth spoke the words she realized that what she was expecting of him was unreasonable, but she was just so mad she couldn't think straight.

"So I'm not allowed to defend myself?" he asked incredulous.

"Jon, how do you expect to ever win her over," she softened slightly, "Did it even cross your mind how hard this evening was for her? Did you consider the possibility that she's seeing these things that obviously aren't there because she misses her father so badly?"

"So you think I should have stood there and agreed with her when she was telling me I had designs on you?"

Beth paused to consider her answer for a moment before responding, "No… but… I do think you could have disagreed with her in a manner which wouldn't have gotten her temper stirred up like that."

"Beth...you know Frankie," Jon took his eyes off the road momentarily to look at her. Damn…even angry she was beautiful. "Is there any way you can disagree with that child without getting her temper up?" he asked defeated.

Beth let out a slow sigh, "Perhaps it is a learned skill, but yes…there is. And I'm sure you will acquire it with time," she replied, "but the thing is Jon, it makes me very sad that on this night, of all nights…"

Her voice trailed off and in his peripheral vision he caught her wiping a tear from her eye. "You could have stepped away Jon."

"Awe God Beth...please don't cry!" he implored.

She gave a weak little laugh as the tears continued to fall and she struggled to remain composed. She stiffened her shoulders and continued, "You know to a certain extent I think Frankie is right. You are just as stubborn as she is and you are absolutely relentless in going after what you want and I'm sure to an extent I'm just a stepping stone along the path."

"You agree with her? You think I have designs on you?" Jon asked, amazed at this turn in the conversation.

"Absolutely not!" Beth shook her head fervently, to reinforce her position. Why would someone like him be interested in her? "But, I do think you are being solicitous because I have been willing to defend you with Frankie."

Jon ran his hand through his short hair, would he ever get used to it being this length, "Beth I just want a relationship with her so badly…"

"I know you do, Jon," Beth replied sympathetically, "and I am so very, very thankful for that and for the fact that you are a decent and honorable man. But Jon, arguments like that will only push her further away."

"I know," Jon pulled to the curb in front of Beth's building and slumped in his seat, "It's just...it's just that she's so damned infuriating...she know just what buttons to push."

"I'm starting to think it might be something genetic," Beth smiled teasingly

"Hmmm, perhaps" he considered, "though you don't push my buttons." Not those ones anyway.

"Why would I?" Beth asked confused.

Jon considered for a moment what he just said, and his stomach lurched. He had been thinking of Beth as Frankie's mother…Frankie's biological mother. Where did that leave Gina? How could he forget her importance in this? He couldn't think about that now. His feelings were confused enough.

"Oh..sorry my mistake you just said it's something genetic. I…oh never mind…" he fumbled. And Beth suddenly realized where his train of thought had taken him, and a flush of pleasure spread through her. It was very flattering that he thought of her that way.

Jon jumped out of the car in an effort to hide his embarrassment and ran around to get her door. He helped Beth out of the car and walked her to the foyer. "Mind if I come up for a coffee?" He asked not quite ready for the night to end.

Beth however had other ideas. "I really don't think that's a good idea Jon."

A brief flicker of hurt crossed Jon's face before he managed to smooth his features, but Beth caught it. "It's been a wonderful evening, but a sad one in many ways for me, and I'd just like some time alone. Another time, ok?"

Beth watched as Jon obviously struggled with something he wanted to say. "What is it Jon? What's bothering you?"

"You don't hold any store in what Frankie said do you? I mean that's not why you don't want me to come up is it? Because honestly Beth I never…" He couldn't meet her eyes as he spoke and was glad when she interrupted and prevented him from completing the lie.

"Oh Jon." She chuckled, "please, I know you have women throwing themselves at your feet all the time. I certainly would never think that..." her words trailed off as she looked into his eyes.

"Never like you Bethie...never like you"

The intensity of his gaze and the fervor of his words had her rambling nervously, "besides we are entirely wrong for each other, we're complete opposites in some ways and…"

Without thinking Jon stepped forward, laced his fingers into the hair at the nape of her neck and cut off her words with a tender kiss on her lips. His tongue flicked out briefly to taste her before he pulled back. The pair stood face to face, only inches apart for a long moment, both stunned by what had just occurred.

Jon recovered first, "Beth I'm sorry…I shouldn't…"

"No no…It's fine." She interrupted, "I'm sure you meant to kiss me on the check and just …missed…or something…"

Jon studied Beth's face and wondered if his face wore an identical expression of bewilderment and awe. The atmosphere around them was electric. Had she seen fireworks too?

Beth most certainly had, and it had made her decidedly uncomfortable. Tonight was supposed to be about honoring her dead husband. How could she be feeling like this about another man?

"Good night Jon," she whispered and was gone.

He stood dumfounded and watched her until she entered the elevator and then turned to go, exhaling deeply as he considered what had just transpired. He was sure she had felt it too. What did this mean for them? Was Frankie right?

Chapter 15

Jon knew the exact second when Frankie realized he was comforting her. He felt her frame stiffen beneath his fingers just seconds before she flinched away from him. He reluctantly dropped his hand to his side. He knew exactly where he stood with her but the rejection still stung. She was his family, and by extension so was Beth, but they were also a family unit of their own. He wondered if he would ever be accepted into it. Rejection was not something he was accustomed to, and truth be told he really didn't know how he should deal with it.

"I'm proud of you honey. You did a great job out there…you did your Daddy proud." He said softly.

She turned to face him, and he waited for the tirade…it didn't come.

"Thanks, and thank you for what you said about daddy out there too, I appreciate it." She tried for a smile but he could tell she was fighting off another wave of tears. He supposed his presence wasn't helping…he would forever be a reminder of the father she had lost.

Frankie turned towards Beth who was looking upon her with an approving smile, "I think I might go for a walk."

"I'll come with you," Jon offered.

"NO," Frankie said…it came out a little more abruptly than she intended, "Sorry …I just need a little fresh air. I'll be fine in a few."

Beth pulled her daughter in for a brief hug whispering in her ear as she did. "Thank you."

Frankie smiled weakly at her mother, nodded towards Jon and walked away.

"I should follow..." Jon's eyes followed his daughter.

He had taken no more than a step in her direction when he felt Beth's hand on his sleeve.

"Jon, I know our daughter better than you do, she needs this time alone and if you interrupt her now it will only make her angry."

Jon let out a frustrated huff, "How am I ever going to get her to accept me?"

"It's only been a few weeks, you always knew that this wasn't something that was going to happen overnight." she reminded him gently. She took in his defeated expression, "I can see you need some distracting…and this is one of my favorite songs. Would you please dance with me? It's been a long time since I've been this dressed up and I'd love to have a proper dance with you."

Jon's face broke into a breathtaking smile, how could it not with the thought of her in his arms, despite the discord he felt in regards to Frankie. "It would be my pleasure."

Beth linked her arm through the one that he offered and followed him out to the dance floor. Only a few couples swayed in time as the orchestra played a long introduction to the Etta James classic 'At Last'. Jon led her to the centre of the floor and spun her out with a flourish before pulling her back into the warmth of his embrace, his right arm circling her waist, holding her at a close yet respectable distance. His thumb traced small circles in the flesh of her back, where the fabric of her gown draped artfully low to her waist. Chills ran through her at his touch, and he felt goose flesh rise under his fingertips.

As the music flowed from the speakers and the gentle tempo soothed them, they melted slowly into each other, her delicate right hand entwined in his left and held loosely against his heart. He hoped she could not feel the thudding of his heart that her proximity had caused. She leaned into him then and rested her head on her shoulder as they swayed, the other couples circling the floor around them. And then he began to sing, for only her to hear, his voice a whisper in her ear, his breath a warm caress on her skin.

In Jon's arms Beth forgot the pressures of her life. For the first time in she didn't know how long, she could just be. It had been so long since she had been able to let her guard down and relax, to get back to the person she was before… But she couldn't even think about that now…it seemed like a lifetime ago, now that she was here wrapped securely in this beautiful mans protective, nurturing arms.

Jon inhaled deeply, her scent infiltrated his senses, as he sang to her softly. He was sure she could hear his heart pounding now – even as he sang – with her ear pressed to his chest. This delicate flower in his arms was such a contradiction, so fragile… yet strong and as fierce as a lioness when it came to their daughter. As they danced he had an epiphany – he wanted to spend the rest of his life holding her just like this…protecting her. But that was not the half of it. The true epiphany was in that he realized that he would have wanted to do this even if she not been his daughter's mother. It was becoming fast apparent, much to his surprise, that this unusual captivating creature was fast capturing his heart.

As they danced, both lost in their own thoughts and each other, Jon and Beth failed to recognize the attention they had unconsciously garnered. Nearby a photographer snapped off a rapid fire round of photos. If he could just get the right shot he would be set for life. The money shot came for him as the music faded. He couldn't believe his luck, when in a moment so tender…so personal, the rock star pressed his lips to the woman's forehead, and left them there just a second longer that propriety allowed for a married man and a grieving widow. That photo, coupled with the information he had overheard earlier, should guarantee him that staff position he had been vying for.

Not so close, but potentially more dangerous was another spectator. Frankie watched in horror as her mother succumbed to the letch's charms, as she seemed to meld herself to him until they were practically one being. She couldn't believe her mother was that gullible, so susceptible to his charms? She had always thought her to be an intelligent woman…surely she could see his intent.

Above the dismay she felt in regards to her mother's situation, was the annoyance she felt at herself. For a little while earlier in the evening, when he had spoken of her father so respectfully, she had actually begun to…well not like him exactly…but she had begun to empathize with his situation. That empathy had dissipated the second he had taken her mother in his manipulating arms. She would show him that the way to her heart was not through her mother's bed.

"Thank you for the dance Jon," Beth smiled at him warmly as she drew back from his embrace, nervously fixing her hair. The kiss he had just placed on her forehead had left her tingling in places that had no right to tingle. "It was nice to let go for a while."

Despite her best efforts, Jon sensed Beth's sudden discomfort at the lack of distance between them, and took a step back. "It was my pleasure Bethie. It's been a long time since I enjoyed something so much."

"Thank you. That's kind of you to say," he certainly is a charmer, she thought. "Now if you'll excuse me I see a few of the guests are leaving, and I have to say my goodbyes and thank yous. I guess I should make you my first though. No need for you to hang around now that work is over with. So thank you for your support and your kind words about Branson, it meant a great deal to me, and I'll see you next week for our usual dinner." She pressed a brief kiss to his cheek and was gone before he even had an opportunity to respond.

Jon moved off to the side of the room, but did not leave. He watched as Beth worked the room, saying her goodbyes and courting the big donors. He was hoping to get the opportunity to talk to her again before leaving, perhaps even drive her home.

While Jon watched Beth, Frankie watched him. She was astounded at the audacity of this man who would come to her father's memorial only to flirt with her mother. In only a few long strides she was at his side. He was so enthralled in watching her mother he didn't notice her presence until she spoke.

Frankie's words were barely above a whisper. "I know what you're up to."

Jon chose to ignore his daughter's veiled accusation. He turned towards her,"Frankie, you were really amazing tonight. I am so proud of you sweetheart, that couldn't have been easy for you."

"Did you hear what I said?" she asked through gritted teeth.

"Uh, what am I up to?"

"I see how you look at mom."

Jon did not speak but a single brow inched high on his forehead.

"You're not going to get away with it you know."

"Be careful that you don't say something here that you will eventually regret Frankie," he cautioned her. "Besides, I really have no idea what you're talking about."

"I am talking about…" Frankie surveyed the room and lowered her voice, "I am talking about you taking advantage of my mother."

Jon's eyes widened in shock, a grin spread across his face and he burst into laughter.

She crossed her arms defensively and her brow furrowed, "Don't laugh at me," she said, with so much petulance he almost expected her to stamp her foot.

Jon suppressed a chuckle to speak. "How exactly do you think I'm taking advantage of your mom?"

"You are using her venerability to manipulate her into helping you get what you want."

"And what is it that I want?" he asked still smirking, he couldn't help it…she was quite cute when she was like this.

"Me for one thing!" She stated matter-of-factly. "As for what else you want from her…well those motives aren't quite clear yet but may I remind you that you are a married man."

"You know something Frankie? I find it amazing that you've turned into such an egocentric princess given how grounded your mother is," he chided, "You should be ashamed of yourself. Just because I'm a married man doesn't mean I can't have female friends, besides…did it ever occur to you that your mother and I may share some interests other than YOU?"

"That makes it even worse," she sulked.

"What makes it even worse? Does your mother not deserve to have a life now that your father is gone?" Jon rationalized, his amusement of the situation rapidly waning.

"Well you haven't been looking at her like a friend tonight…" she was right about this. She knew she was.

"Frankie honey, why don't you get a little life experience before you start saying shit like this? I'm not going to have some nineteen year old kid tell me how I'm looking at a woman. My relationship with your mother started because I wanted to learn more about you and you're such a stubborn little brat I figured it would be easier to go through her. Now we have forged a friendship and to be honest I really don't care what you think about that." He wondered why he was rationalizing this to her, could it be because he was trying to justify his behavior to himself.

"I'm old enough to know what that look means Jon...I'm not some innocent little kid."

"Oh c'mon Frankie…give me a fucking break. Are you telling me I'm not allowed to look at her now?" He asked exasperated.

"Not like that you're not!"

"Like what Frankie? Please enlighten me because as far as I'm concerned we were just sharing a lovely evening honoring your late father. Jesus kid…give me credit for having a little decency would you?" He could see this conversation deteriorating fast.

"Maybe when you show me a reason why I should…" She trailed off.

Jon let out a sigh of exasperation "Seriously Frankie…please tell me when I was supposedly giving her this 'look'. Describe it for me?"

"Oh I'm sure you don't really need me to do that for you, but since you asked, it's the look that says you want to slam her up against a wall with her legs around your waist...believe me I know that look well…I get it all the time."

Fuck but she enjoyed pushing his buttons. "Ok, seriously, Frankie that is so uncalled for. First of all, I really don't care to hear about you receiving those looks because like it or not I am your father, at least by birth, and the thought of anyone giving you looks like that really makes me want to rip someone's head off."

That elicited a smirk from her.

"Secondly," he continued, "and this is the one that really pisses me off young lady… what you just said is not only disrespectful to me, it is disrespectful to your mother, and I don't allow any of my children to be disrespectful of their mother. I can assure you that the last thing in the world I was thinking of tonight was…"he paused momentarily, "well…that. Do you want to know what I was thinking when I looked at your mom?"

"I'd rather not"

He spoke over her, "I was thinking what an amazing woman she is to organize all of this in your father's name. And you will listen to what I have to say because it's time somebody started telling you the shit that you don't want to hear. You are a fucking spoiled brat who doesn't have her head screwed on straight and I'm just thankful you have a mom as strong as Beth is to deal with you because lord knows if I was having to, I wouldn't be quite as patient as she is."

Frankie flinched at his harsh assessment of her, and then retaliated the only way she knew how. "Yeah well I'm sorry Mr. Bon Jovi but despite what you say, tonight your eyes and body were telling another story."

"My body??" He shook his head incredulous. "What the fuck were you looking at?"

"You wrapped around her on the dance floor...could you have gotten any fucking closer??" she spat.

"Frankie!!!!" Beth approached from the direction of the exit. She had said goodnight to the last of her major donors, now only a few stragglers remained. Both Frankie and Jon tuned towards the sound of her voice. "Francesca Gina Carol McKenzie…"

"It's ok Beth…I have this" Jon stood erect, his shoulders squared.

Beth glared at up at him, "No you most certainly do not have this, but I'll deal with you in a moment." She spun on Frankie so fast the girl didn't see what was coming. She was too busy being amused by her mother's treatment of him. "Frankie, what on earth were you just saying to him?"

"Nothing!" Oh fuck!

"Don't give me that attitude young lady." Here it comes.

"It was nothing. Don't worry about it."

"You're damned right I'm going to worry about it. Now tell me what you just said because I want to make sure I heard it clearly."

"But I didn't say anything wrong Mama," Frankie replied sweetly.

Beth flashed a glance at Jon, who was standing by with a stern paternal look on his face.

"Don't think you can play that Mama card with me right now, Francesca. Tell me what you said…Now young lady."

"I don't like that he's manipulating you to get to me." Frankie blurted quickly.

There was a sharp intake of breath from Beth. Jon just stood by silently and shook his head, he was enjoying watching Frankie wedge her foot further into her mouth.

"Ok…but I know that's not what you were saying when I walked up…and I want to know how exactly you think he is manipulating me?"

"By being all adoring and flirty."

"I am ashamed of you Frankie," Beth said, with an apologetic glance in Jon's direction.

"Why? What did I do wrong? He started this."

"First of all, did it ever occur to you that Jon and I might be friends? That perhaps I enjoy his company. And I would hardly classify the way he behaves around me as adoring and flirty and even if it were, don't you think I have enough sense to know the difference?"

"Really Mom…I don't think you do at the moment. Look at what just happened on the dance floor." Frankie reasoned.

"We were dancing Frankie. I asked him to dance. It's what friends do in settings like this where there is music." Beth explained indulgently, as if she was speaking to a small child.

"But Mom you're still grieving for daddy." As the words were spoken aloud, Frankie realized they now held little truth. Of course her mother loved her father, and missed him dearly but she was no longer actively grieving him, not like she did in the beginning. She was finally getting back to living…to being happy. She wondered how much of that could be attributed to Jon. Beth had started coming back to herself when he had come into their lives. A moment of doubt gripped her. Maybe he was good for her. No! I can't think like that…I'm right about this, she thought.

"You leave your father out of this conversation right now. I can't believe I'm even having this discussion on this night when we are supposed to be honoring him."

"Tell me about it. You might have been dancing Mama but he," Frankie thumbed in Jon's direction, "was wishing it was more."

Off to the side Jon shifted uncomfortably, the movement was infinitesimal, but it was there.

Beth stared down her daughter incredulously, "You are being ridiculous Frankie. I appreciate the fact that you feel you have to be protective of me but really I'm a big gi…"

"Beth I…" Jon interrupted, but stopped the second Beth turned to him, glaring sternly.

"You," she pointed in his direction, "You need to be quiet for a moment please."

Jon took a step backwards, making a quick sweep of the room to see how much attention the altercation had attracted. Thankfully, from what he could see, those remaining were all engaged in their own conversations.

Beth shot another quick glance at Jon, who was looking more than a little uncomfortable now as he scanned the room, before turning her attention back to her daughter. "Frankie I'm assuming I'm not going to need you to take care of me for at least another fifty years or so. In the meantime, I would appreciate it if you could give me the respect that is due your mother. I have always tried to treat you like an adult except when you act like a child and right now you're acting like a six year old."

"Mama...you know I respect you." Frankie replied abashed, she hated that she made her mother feel disrespected. "I just don't trust him," she defended.

"You don't trust him because of your own personal feelings about his relationship with your birth mother, but that has nothing to do with me." Beth rationalized. "I am a forty two year old woman, Frankie, I can assure you that I know how to judge whether someone is trustworthy or not. Jon has been nothing but a good friend to me. Aren't I allowed to have good friends in my life again? Was I supposed to stop living as well when your father died Frankie?"

"Mama I didn't mean..."

Beth put a hand up to stop her daughter "I am sure you didn't. But as far as I'm concerned this conversation is closed and if you ever bring it up again…and most importantly, if I ever hear you being rude to my friend Jon again, I will take you straight to the bathroom and wash your mouth out with soap just like I did when you were six."

"I'm sorry Mama." Guess I just have to make sure you don't hear me then, she thought to herself as she dropped her eyes to the floor, shooting a sideways scowl in Jon's direction.

Beth turned her attention back to Jon, "You and I need to have a private conversation Jon." How could he have been so thoughtless as to engage their daughter in that conversation…and here of all places?

"Beth I'm sorry I was just..." This time the hand was directed at him, and he had the exact same reaction as his daughter…he paused mid sentence.

"Stop, right now, this instant," Beth said firmly. "I am too angry to think clearly and I still have more guests to thank. I would appreciate it if you would stay put until I finish that because there is something I need to say to you."

Despite the threat of confrontation in her words, Jon couldn't help the little thrill that ran through him at the thought of getting to spend more time with her.

"Frankie, it has been a long night and you need to get home."

"Yes Mama," she said quietly.

Once again Beth turned to Jon, "would you please call a car for her?"

"It's ok Beth...I'll take her myself." Jon immediately offered. He wasn't looking forward to driving with the sullen teen, but he had to do something to get back into her mother's good graces.

"I can get myself home," Frankie protested, but one piercing glare from her mother stopped her dead. "Fine!" she glowered.

Jon continued as if Frankie hadn't spoken, "By the time I get her home you should be done. I'll come straight back for you. We can talk then."

"Thank you Jon that will be fine." She offered him what had the promise of a smile before turning to her daughter for the last time that evening. "Frankie, I will consider excusing you for your rudeness this evening if you can manage to show him the young lady I raised you to be on your trip home."

"Yes Mama"

Beth reached for Frankie and pulled her into a warm hug, taking the opportunity to whisper in her ear. "Honey I know you're just trying to look out for me, and really, I appreciate the fact that you want to protect me, but you're all wrong about this. So please, don't be rude to Jon any more, ok? At least not on my behalf, what happens between you and him is between you and him but I will not tolerate rudeness from you."

"Yes Mama...but I am right...there is something there…at least there is for him."

"Stop! You're being ridiculous. Jon is a married man with a family. We are just friends. Stop reading things into the situation that aren't there." Beth replied. The strength of her conviction surprised her. Especially given that she had caught a glimpse of what her daughter was so vehemently promoting.

"If you say so Mom."

"Now go, and be nice!" Beth said.

"Of course Mama," Frankie pulled away and kissed her mother on the cheek.

Beth smiled a small tight smile at Jon, and nodded as she turned back to her guests.

Jon stared after Beth with a bemused expression. Without looking at his daughter he addressed her, "I didn't realize your mother had such a temper."

"That was nothing. You just wait. We had an audience for my dressing down, you won't be so lucky." Frankie replied smugly.

"Great!" was all he could muster. "Did you bring a coat or a wrap or anything?"

"It's in the cloak room."

"Give me the ticket and wait here."

Frankie handed him the ticket begrudgingly, but she thought it was best to play nice. She watched him walk away and followed.

Jon heard the click of her heals behind him, but the time he turned she was at his shoulder. "Didn't I tell you wait? Don't you ever do as you're told?"

"Not often...and certainly not by you," she grinned sardonically.

Jon let out an exasperated sigh, "Let's get you home. I don't want to be late in getting back for your Mom."

Chapter 14

 

Jon stood at the bar of the Mandarin Oriental's Ballroom, amused by the eclectic group gathered to pay tribute to the late Branson McKenzie. It was coming up on a year since Branson had passed in just a few short weeks, and Beth had thought it fitting to organize a Gala in his honor. Her hope was to raise funds for a new scholarship program in Branson's name, to help aspiring young artists from underprivileged backgrounds. Of course, when asked, Jon had agreed to perform at the event – anything to help get his daughter on side.

He and Frankie were making progress but it was slow and hard going. She was civil to him now, and they even managed the occasional conversation but not much more could be said beyond that. He made a point to see her at least once a week besides their weekly dinners, if only for a few minutes at Beth's house, where he seemed to be spending more and more time. After Beth's car accident and Jon's subsequent dismissal from her house – at least that was how he had seen it – she had called to apologize and explained it was only because she had felt guilty for monopolizing the time he should have been spending with his kids. Of course he told her there was nothing to forgive, and their budding friendship was restored.

The 'family' dinners were going very well. Jon was enjoying immensely the opportunity to get to know his daughter from the woman who raised her – all the little quirks and tidbits of information that Frankie herself would not consider important but yet were so vital to the person she had become.

Frankie herself had joined them for every dinner thus far, and Jon wondered if it was because she wanted to get to know him as she claimed, or to chaperone him and Beth. He often caught her looking between them, a bemused expression on her face.

Beyond the knowledge of his daughter that he was gaining, and the time spent with her, Jon enjoyed the dinners simply for Beth's company. They had fallen into an easy rapport, both of them having Frankie's best interests at heart. Their dinners were very comfortable now. Conversation flowed as easily as the wine they drank, often to Frankie's annoyance. She did not comprehend her mother's compulsion to help this stranger, to grant him access to their lives, and she made no secret of it. She still had no knowledge of Beth's accident, and so didn't understand the bond that had formed between the two of them so quickly.

While all was going well in his relationship with Beth and Frankie – as well as could be expected with the later – his home life had fallen into a steep decline. His relationship with the children was fine, great in fact – they were curious about Frankie, and the older two often came to see him after his dinner with her for a full briefing. They had, only the day before, asked when it would be possible for them to meet her. He had explained that he didn't think Frankie was quite ready for that yet.

It was his relationship with his wife that was posing the problem. Despite her best efforts to conceal it, her resentment of the time he spent with Frankie was obvious and her snide remarks about his relationship with Beth had become intolerable. It was becoming harder for him to be around her. Even when she was trying to be nice, there was a falseness about it that he could no longer stomach. He found himself avoiding her now as much as possible, arranging his schedule so that he would have time with the kids when she was otherwise occupied.

Jon found it was difficult to resolve his feelings where his wife was concerned. He still loved her. How could he not? She had given him four beautiful children, had supported him throughout his career and all of his indiscretions. But that support was no longer there, and it seemed the more time he spent with Beth, the more he remembered what a relationship should be like…what a partnership should be like. Reliving with her memories of her life with Branson and Frankie, he could see what a family could be…should be.

And that was where the difficulty lie, because in seeing that, he recognized that a lot of the problems in his marriage were his fault. He wasn't there like Branson had been. Sure he provided his family with a nice life…hell, a great life…but what was that life if he wasn't there with them. He could see now how Dot had evolved into the person she had become. Looking back, sharing his own memories with his new family, he recognized it as the slow gradual change that it was, a change that could possibly have been prevented with just a little more care and attention from him. He also recognized, with sadness, that now it was too far past the point where it could be rectified.

He focused his attention on the present. The black tie event had attracted a strange mix of people; quite different from the Gala's he was used to. He nodded politely and tried to suppress a grin, as a rather robust woman with bright blue spiky hair paraded in front of him and winked salaciously in his direction.

On closer inspection, for the most part the crowd really was rather ordinary but for the few brave standouts - such as his new found friend – that made him feel as though he was in an alien world. He scanned the room for any sign of his daughter but came up short. Then on the other side of the room he spotted her, she was far from being his daughter. She was however, by far the most beautiful woman in the room. Elegant and graceful and swathed in a deep blue Satin sheath that clung enticingly in all the right places and flowed fluidly in all the rest. Sleeveless with a plunging neckline that enhanced enticingly the gentle curve of her breasts, the dress perfectly complimented her ivory skin and dark curls.

The woman turned to smile at him, and in his mind the crowd all but disappeared as she floated across the room. There was no other way to describe the way she moved, so fluid and smooth. It wasn't until she was right in front of him that Jon was able to reconcile exactly what he was seeing. This stunning ethereal creature was Beth – his Bethie. He was so used to seeing her in casual day clothes that it was hard for him to believe it was the same woman.

"Good evening Jon," she greeted him formally but leant forward to place a soft familiar kiss on his cheek.

Neither of them was aware of the camera that flashed bright as her ruby lips made contact with his skin.    

Jon silently breathed out the word whoa. "Beth…you look…well stunning just doesn't seem to cover it really…exquisite perhaps. Yet I don't think even that does you justice tonight. I am a wordsmith lost for words."

Beth blushed under his intense gaze and flattery but accepted it gracefully. "Thank you very much Jon. I must say this is quite the departure from your usual jeans and T-shirts." She said grasping his lapel between her thumb and forefinger and running them down its length. "You look very dashing. Oh my, do people even say that anymore?" She giggled…how was it exactly that he was managing to make her this nervous, she felt tipsy but hadn't had so much as a sip of wine.

Jon grinned at her lopsidedly, "Bethie honey, looking like that, I am most positive you could get away with saying anything you wanted, to anyone and most definitely to me." Shit…shit, shit…maybe that was a bit too full on. Tone it down you idiot. You're still married and this is her husband's memorial for fucks sake.

Oh my God…is he actually flirting with me? Beth wondered. She was very out of practice with the whole singles scene… her and Branson had been high school sweethearts who had married straight out of college. Thoughts of her husband triggered feelings of guilt within her. It seemed she had been feeling that way a lot lately. What was it about this man that had her emotions so bamboozled all the time?

The silence stretched on as both of them were lost in their own thoughts. It was Jon that finally spoke first to break it, sticking to a safer topic.

"Is Frankie here? I haven't seen her." He asked as he once again scanned the room for his daughter.

Beth let out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. "She is, yes. She ducked out the back when she saw you come in. Sorry." Beth tilted her head slightly and gave a little shrug of her shoulders in resignation.

Jon shook his head, "Do you think she'll ever really come around?"

Beth placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and squeezed lightly, marveling at the hard muscle beneath her fingers. "Give her time Jon…she's your daughter, she will come around eventually. I just think that it is particularly hard for her today because she wishes things could have been different …that Branson was here to see all this."

"And that I wasn't….right?" Jon said sadly.

"I'm not going to lie to you Jon and say she isn't having…" Beth paused to find the right word, issues… no, that wasn't right, "…difficulty accepting you being here. In some small way she is still holding you responsible…" At Jon's look of distress she explained, "Oh Jon, please don't take that the wrong way. She knows it's irrational…that it isn't really your fault. She just needs someone to blame, and at the moment, you're a convenient target."

"Well, I wish someone would take the bull's-eye off my back so we can get past it and she can allow me to be a father to her. I'm not trying to take Branson's place Beth, God knows I never could even if I wanted to, but I think I've been a pretty good father to the rest of my kids…I just want the chance to be that for her now. I've already missed so much…" There was an edge to his voice…a hint of desperation.

Beth knew he was sincere in his sentiments but her daughter's decisions were her own to make. If Frankie chose not to see Jon, she… and Jon would just have to respect that. After the year her daughter had suffered, Beth had no intention of forcing her into a relationship she quite simply wasn't ready for.

"I know Jon…just keep the faith…okay? It will all come in good time." Beth was surprised to see a grin playing at the corner of those gorgeous lips of his.

"You trying to make a funny Beth?" He asked amused.

"Huh?"

"Keep the Faith…" He replied pointedly.

"Ohh…yeah. That was one of yours wasn't it? Sorry, it really wasn't intentional." Beth's smile took his breath away. "So what are you singing for us tonight?"

"Hmmm I really hadn't decided…any requests?" He asked.

"Sorry… I'm not all that familiar with your work. " Beth replied, seemingly abashed.

He smiled gently, "You know, I can sing other songs…"

"Ummm… do you know 'Lean on Me'? It was one of Branson's favorites."

Thank God she picked one he knew, he thought. "Sure thing…anything else?"

"He was a huge Beatles fan," she offered.

"Good…good. I have the perfect song for that."

"Oh and…" she paused.

"Yes?"

"Well…I do like that new one of yours that been playing on the radio…what's it called?"

"Make a Memory?" He suggested. He was pleased to know she'd been paying attention.

In reality she had come to know a lot more of his music. Over the last couple of months she had gathered a rather extensive Bon Jovi catalogue and his CD's were a constant in her player of late but she didn't want him to know that.

"Yes that's it...perfect." She beamed up at him. She was positively glowing. His heart skipped a beat.

"Um… I think I have time for a couple more…Do you want me to pick them?"

"Sure…I trust you completely." As she spoke the words, she realized she meant the in more than just the context of the present conversation.

Over the last weeks he had earned her trust, she no longer had any reservations at all where Jon was concerned. She knew that he only had Frankie's best interests at heart, so she resolved herself to helping him in any way possible to forge a relationship with their daughter – now that was still an uncomfortable thought…their daughter.

"Alright then…when do you want me up there?" He was anxious to get the show on the road now.

Beth looked at her watch. "I guess in about an hour or so. I have to make a speech, and then Frankie's up before you."

"Frankie's speaking as well? I didn't know that." He looked towards the small stage in surprise.

"No Jon. Frankie is singing…I guess she didn't tell you after all…" Beth frowned.

"I…I didn't know she sang. I mean I knew she could, you told me about the lessons and I heard her at the…that one time I told you about," he still couldn't bring himself to say the cemetery, "but I didn't know she actually sang…in public, I mean."

"To be honest…she doesn't usually. She doesn't like drawing unnecessary attention to herself, but she wanted to do this for her Dad. It's her goodbye I guess...and she is determined to get through it." Beth watched Jon's face very carefully for any signs of discomfort but they just weren't there. His features were smooth…calm, if anything they only showed concern.

"I can understand that but it won't be easy for her. Richie and I did a concert in memory of his father earlier this year and Beth…it was tough. I mean it's hard to talk when you're emotional, right?" She nodded in response. "Well it's damn near impossible to sing. I had that lump in my throat all damn night and was on the verge of tears several times. Hell, I did cry a couple of them. And it was worse for Richie of course."

"Do you think I should stop her?"

Jon shook his head. "No. Not if it's what she feels she needs to do. If she is even a little like me…well that hard headed determination will get her through it. Just be there to support her when she comes off."

"Yes" Beth agreed. "I'd better get back to mingling. I'll see you backstage…just come back when I finish my speech so you're ready as soon as Frankie is done."

"No problem." Jon lifted a hand in goodbye and watched Beth's hips sway seductively as she crossed the room. He didn't think she was even aware of the sexual energy she exuded. It just came naturally to her. It wasn't the contrived sexuality that he was so often exposed to. This was subtle, but oh so intense.

***

Just shy of an hour later Jon made his way to the side of the stage. Frankie stood silently watching her Mom at the podium, a beat up old acoustic guitar case sat at her feet. Jon walked over to stand beside her.

"Hey baby." He whispered close to her ear.

Frankie's jaw clenched, "I. Am. Not. Your. Baby!"

"Sorry. She's doing well," he said indicating the stage with a slight nod.

"Shhhh" Frankie scowled at him and pointed at her mother who was just finishing up her speech.

"Sorry...of course." Jon clasped his hands loosely before him and waited for Beth to finish.

Her voice had remained calm and steady throughout the speech but broke slightly as she began to introduce Frankie. "All of you know what a wonderful man Branson was. He was my heart, my soul, my reason for living sometimes. But many of you may not know our daughter, Frankie. She was the light of Branson's life, and I know she misses him very much, as much as I do. She has a special song she'd like to dedicate to her 'Daddy'."

As her mother spoke Frankie retrieved a beautiful old Tamaki from its case and walked slowly out on to the stage. She took a seat on the high stool that had been placed in a spotlight just to the left of the podium, braced her right leg on the rung at the bottom and propped her guitar on her knee.

She took a deep breath and spoke clearly into the microphone, "I miss you Daddy, this one's for you."

Another deep breath and she began to sing…

For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through through it all

Her voice rang out clear and strong, Jon was impressed by its intensity. His eyes flicked between Frankie on stage, and Beth who stood beside him. He could see in the set her jaw that she was concerned for their daughter. He bridged the gap between them to offer her his hand, her fingers entwined in his grateful for the support and she offered him a small smile.

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all

 

Only a professional would have detected the strain in Frankie's voice, to Jon's practiced ear it was obvious. Beth also sensed Frankie's difficulty, and gripped Jon's hand just that little bit tighter.

 

I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you

Tears began to stream down Frankie's cheeks as she sang. Her voice broke and Jon took a step forward, but Beth restrained him whispering in his ear. "She needs to do this Jon. If you go out there now she will never forgive you."

Her voice was weak but Frankie managed to pull it together and carry on.

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

When the song was finished Frankie remained on the stool her head bowed. The room erupted in applause but she did not move. This time when Jon made to walk forward Beth allowed it. She smiled at him gently through her tears and nodded.

Jon walked over to Frankie and switched her mic off before he spoke, "Are you okay honey? Do you want me to help you off?"

She shook her head weakly indicating 'No'. He pulled the mic from the stand and turned it back on.

"Let's have another hand for Frankie McKenzie everyone." The applause was thunderous. Jon waited for it to die down before he spoke again and watched Frankie leave the stage and find the comfort of her mother's arms. A lump formed in his throat. "What an amazing daughter Branson had, I'm beginning to realize just how special and unique she is. It takes an exceptional individual to nurture a child – I know just how hard it is, I have four of my own – Branson and Beth have done a wonderful job with their daughter. Her courage and devotion, speak to the kind of man he was. I had the pleasure of meeting him on a few occasions, through various charities and business dealings. He was a family man, a man of great conviction, a community leader whose generosity of not only money, but time will be sorely missed. We gather here today to pay tribute to this great man and to honor him and his life by digging deep in our pockets to give to this worthy cause. To encourage you to do so, I am here to entertain you this evening. Now, I don't know that I can do the stage justice after Frankie's very moving performance, but I will do my best. Beth shared with me earlier a few of Branson's favorite songs. I'd like to begin with one of them now. Ladies and Gentlemen… 'Lean on Me'"

Frankie clung to Beth in the wings of the stage, obviously distressed, as Jon performed his set. It was short, only five songs. Even still on more than one occasion he considered leaving the stage. If Frankie could do it he could too. He drew from her strength and managed to complete the set comprising of 'Lean on Me', followed by the Beatles classic 'A Little Help From My Friends' and Jon's own 'Make a Memory' and 'Thank You For Loving Me'. He rounded out the set with Paul Simons' 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'.

He bowed graciously at the crowd's applause and promptly left the stage, it was the longest five songs of his life, knowing that his daughter was at the side of the stage in pain. He placed a gentle comforting hand on Frankie's back, and for once she did not shrink away from him, she was too caught up in emotion and the comfort of her mother to even notice he was there.

Chapter 13

By the time Jon got home after dropping Frankie off, it was late. The house was quiet as he let himself in and wandered through to the kitchen. He pulled a bottle of water from the fridge and chugged half of it down as he continued up the short hallway to Jake and Romeo's bedrooms. He looked in on each of them in turn, kissing them gently on the cheek and fixing their covers before moving to the other end of the apartment to check on the older kids. He found Jesse tangled in his sheets, but sleeping soundly. He eased the linens from beneath him and covered him over before going to check on Stephanie.

His daughter's room was usually off limits to him, along with the rest of the males in the house. She was a young woman now, she constantly reminded him, and needed her privacy. Stephanie was snuggled deep within her duvet. Her iPod was on the bed beside her, her headphones still in her ears. He plucked them out carefully so as not to wake her, she stirred a little but rolled over, her breathing still deep and even. Jon brushed the hair from her face, and bent down to kiss her on the forehead. He left her room closing the door quietly behind him.

He knew he was stalling. He just couldn't bring himself to go and climb into bed with his wife. Instead Jon climbed the narrow staircase that led to the top floor of the penthouse. It served as his office and a formal entertaining area. He pulled a blanket from the closet and lay down on the couch in his office to close his eyes but sleep would not come. He laid there awake for a long time reliving the evening, pleased at how well things had gone with Frankie and analyzing the reactions that Beth had provoked in him. Eventually he found sleep with thoughts of Beth's soft body pressed against his in their goodbye embrace and a smile on his lips.

Waking early the next morning, his back stiff, Jon headed back downstairs to shower and change. He could have accomplished the same upstairs but for the fact that all of his clothes were in the bedroom he shared with Dot, a situation he was beginning to believe was overdue for a change. The house was still quiet. It was too early for the kids to be up, especially on summer break. He padded down through the apartment to his bedroom, making as little noise as possible as he entered his bedroom. He was trying to avoid waking Dot at all costs, but she wasn't even in the room - she was probably in the gym – so he managed to slip into the bathroom unnoticed.

He turned on the shower and stripped out of his sleep rumpled clothes. Standing before the mirror as he waited for the water to run hot he ran his hands over his face. It looked tired and drawn, almost as bad as it did a month or so before, when he came off tour. How had it come to this?

He stepped into the shower, and stood there head lolled back, letting the hot spray ease away some of the week's tension, his hand tracing lazy circles across the taut muscles of his abdomen and kneading the knotted muscles in his neck. When he completed his morning ablutions he dried himself and ambled naked through to the wardrobe. He donned a pair of khaki cargos and a black fitted T-shirt and was leaning down into one of the lower draws to retrieve a pair of socks.

"Where have you been Jon?" Dot's voice from the doorway startled him, it was soft but she wasn't successful in concealing the accusatory tone.

"I slept upstairs on the couch. I'm sure it's still warm if you want to go check." He added bitingly. He tensed ready for the next onslaught.

"I…I'm sorry Jon. I was out of line. What I said about Gina…it was…inexcusable." Dot walked over to where he stood and placed a hand on his tense bicep. "I knew she loved you even back then…I really shouldn't have been surprised. It was just…well when you admitted you loved her too…that hurt Jon."

"I'm sorry Dottie," his demeanor softened, and his shoulders relaxed, "that wasn't my intent. I just needed you to know that I am serious about getting to know my daughter, and her getting to know us…all of us. Now if you don't want, or feel that you can't be a part of that, I'll understand. I know this can't be easy for you. But Frankie will be a part of my family and that includes our kids."

"I won't see them hurt Jon."

Jon let out a deep sigh, "Well Dot, as long as you don't turn this into some kind of tug of war they won't be."

"What are you saying Jon?" An edge of panic tainted Dots voice as she contemplated what situation would initiate a 'tug of war'. She could think of only one – divorce.

Jon shook his head a little. It was even a little amusing – the anxious tone of her voice. She had been giving him such a hard time of late. He wondered what she expected would come of it. But now wasn't the time for that. "Just that I want them to know Frankie, and as long as you are supportive of that and don't try to influence their opinions of her, there is no way they can get hurt in this. What has happened here hasn't changed my relationship with them - or with you for that matter, as long as you don't let it. And I'm not going to push the kids into anything they or Frankie aren't ready for." He explained.

"But Jon I…." Dot was cut off by the trill ring of Jon's phone. She waited while he took the call.

Jon grabbed his phone off the dresser in the large wardrobe, "Hello."

Beth's sweet voice was on the other end of the line, "Hello… Jon?"

Dot watched as her husband face filled with pleasure, "Hey…it sure is. I wasn't expecting a call so soon." Dot watched as his pleasure shift to concern, "Is everything ok?"

"Umm…not the best." Now that Jon was really listening he could detect some shakiness in Beth's voice. "I ah…I had a little car accident."

Panic gripped his gut at the thought of her hurt, "Are you alright? Where are you? I'll be right there." Jon was already gathering his things together – his shoes and his keys that had been sitting beside his phone.

"I'm fine Jon…really, just a little shaken. It's just a fender bender. You don't need to come out. I just didn't know who to call…and well your card was in my purse. I just need a tow truck. I was hoping you could arrange it for me."

"Give me a second to get a pen." He said, already out the door of the bedroom. "Where are you?"

Dot watched him rush out of the room and head to the kitchen. She followed in time to see him scrawl an address across a notepad.

"I'll be there in ten. I'll call the truck on the way. If he gets there before me, wait. I'll give you a lift home." He tore the top page off the note pad and sat on one of the kitchen stools as he pulled on his socks and shoes, the phone propped up on his shoulder.

"Jon really… please don't leave your family, just send the truck." Beth pleaded. She felt stupid now for calling him.

"Don't be silly. My family is fine, you however, are not. Wait for me ok!" It wasn't a question.

"Don't worry…I'm going anywhere." Beth sighed, acquiescent.

Jon snapped his phone shut.

"Frankie?" Dot guessed, unable to think of anyone else close by that would have him so alarmed.

"Um…no actually. It was her Mom." Jon realized that they hadn't had that discussion, the moment the words were out of his mouth.

"You said Gina was dead." Dot's voice raised an octave.

"For fucks sake Dot…I don't have time for this. Gina is dead. Frankie was adopted." He rolled his eyes, as if it wasn't obvious.

"Well why is she calling you? Where is her husband?" Dot asked immediately suspicious.

"Dead. Branson died last year. Look Dot I have to go. Beth's been in a car accident. I need to get down there." He rushed.

Dot was a little taken aback by the news, but not enough to silence her.

"Oh yeah," she said, her tone sarcastic, "we are apparently fine. Go Jon. Something coming before your family is nothing new to us."

"Nothing comes before my kids Dot… nothing!" He watched as she flinched at her occlusion from the sentiment. "But nobody here is hurt right now, and Beth may be so this discussion will have to be continued later." He grabbed his keys and started for the door. "Kiss the kids for me and tell them I'll see them this afternoon. See ya later." He shot over his shoulder as he walked out the door, leaving Dot stunned, hurt and once again, angry.

Jon almost ran to where his car was parked. Beth had seemed coherent enough, but that did not ease the concern he felt. Mingled with that concern was something he hadn't felt in a very long time. He felt needed. A warm glow of pleasure surged through him at the realization, he was needed…Beth needed him. It had been so long since he had been needed in that way – trusted to take care of something other than work or his own needs. Dot was fiercely independent and begrudged calling on him for anything anymore. More often than not, she thought of herself as a single mother and was not hesitant in sharing that view with anyone.

When Jon got to the scene of the accident the tow truck was just pulling up. Beth stood off to the side on the pavement, her arms wrapped around her body as if to still the trembling. A pimply faced teen, that Jon assumed was the driver of the other car since he looked just as shaken as Beth, stood with her. Jon looked to the road where the cars had been moved to the curb. Beth's car had been hit up the rear, the bumper bar and trunk, were both badly damaged. The kids' car, a shiny new truck with a thick nudge bar was barely touched.

The second he reached Beth, Jon drew her into his arms, pressing a long relieved kiss to the top of her head as he cradled it to his chest and stroked her hair soothingly. Beth melted into him, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, crushing him fiercely to her. She hated to admit it, but she was glad of the strength and support he offered – the accident had shaken her more than she would have him believe. And then there were the other benefits...like his warmth, his delicious clean spicy scent, his soft lips pressed into her hair, and the sound of his thudding heart racing – was it only out of concern for her?

He tried to pull back to look at her more closely but she only held on to him more firmly. "It's ok, Beth...I'm here now. I won't let you go." He placed his hands on the top of her arms and rubbed them up and down, soothing her further. "Shhh." He could still feel her tremble. He took a step back from her but she kept her hands on him, resting them lightly on his hips, reluctant to lose even the smallest amount of contact with him.

He searched her face and body for some sign of damage, "Thank God Bethie…" he sighed. "Are you sure you're ok?" He asked as he brushed a stray lock of hair from her eye.

"Yes Jon. Really, like I said on the phone, I'm just a little shaken. You didn't need to come down here." As soon as she confirmed she was ok, Jon was looking past her to the boy.

"What were you thinking man? Typical teenager! Let me guess you were on the phone, right?" He glared at the boy angrily.

"I…umm...I was…" the boy stuttered. If not for the shock of the accident, he would have been stuttering from the shock of who was standing there berating him. Jon Bon Jovi…his mom was obsessed with this guy. She had been to countless shows on the last tour…even dragging him to a couple when no one else would go – he'd even enjoyed them.

"Shhh Jon, it wasn't his fault. The car in front of me braked suddenly…I stopped, Ben didn't. No one's hurt. No harm, no foul. Please don't make a scene. People are already staring." Beth soothed.

He realized she was right. His attendance had drawn a larger crowd than the accident. As if to emphasize the point the kid looked at him and said, "I was at Central Park. Dude…you kicked ass!"

Jon smiled a tight smile at the kid, "Thanks!" he said before turning back to Beth and muttering under his breath, "Shit!" He dropped his hands from her, the last thing he needed now was for someone to snap a photo of them together. "Let's get you out of here. Did you exchange details already?"

"Uh huh…all taken care of." She smiled gently at the boy who wore an anxious expression as he watched his father approach, sure that he would have his truck confiscated.

"Ok…the green BMW is mine," he pointed up the street and handed her the keys, "go get in. I'll just have a quick word to the truck driver and we'll get you home."

Jon joined Beth in the car just a few minutes later. "I think we should take you to the hospital and get you checked out Beth. That was a pretty hard hit there." He watched her carefully as she spoke.

"Honestly Jon…I'm fine. I just want to go home have a cup of tea and forget all about this." She insisted.

"If you're sure," he wasn't, he couldn't draw his eyes away from her for fear he'd missed some injury…somewhere.

"I am Jon…really. You've already gone to too much trouble. You should be at home with your family. I imagine you get precious little time with them as it is." Beth fidgeted with the strap of her handbag. She suddenly felt very self conscious, here in this confined space under his intense scrutiny, where she could feel the heat radiate from his body…his very tight masculine body, and where his scent was overwhelming. Beth felt the blood rise to her cheeks and turned to look out the window. "Can we please just go home?"

"Of couse."

The short drive home was spent in silence. The radio was on, playing softly in the background. Jon sensed something was wrong with Beth, but had no idea what it was or how to fix it. Every now and again he would shoot a surreptitious glance in her direction, she had not moved once since they left the scene of the accident – she stared blankly out of the window and he wondered if she was reliving the memories of Branson's death…he knew at that moment it was forefront in his mind. Frankie wouldn't cope if she lost another parent. Hell, who was he trying to kid...he wasn't sure if he could cope with losing her either. And that made him wonder…how was it that in a matter of a few short days she had so completely infiltrated his life. He told himself it was Frankie. That was it...it was only her importance in his daughters life, that had caused this protective urge in him. It was nothing more than that. He was married…she was a grieving widow, as he had reminded Richie only a couple of days before. It's just because of Frankie, he reiterated in his mind, just
Frankie.

Beth sat in the passenger seat trying to come to grips with the emotions coursing through her. She was so grateful to Jon for dropping everything to come and help her, but that same action was causing her some distress, for in doing so he had ingratiated himself to her further and that was dangerous. She didn't even understand what had compelled her to call him in the first place. There were plenty of old friends or family who could have help just as easy…Branson's brother was just a few minutes up the road. But she had opened her purse to dig out her phone and there was his card, sitting right at the top where she had thrown it in the night before, never expecting to pull it out again. And then his words came back to her, as if he were there whispering them into her brain, 'If you need anything at all…anything…please call me,' and she had just picked up the phone and dialed. It wasn't until she heard his husky voice on the other end of the line, sounding so happy to hear from her, that she realized it probably wasn't a wise thing to do. Jon was married with a young family and she was dragging him away from them, and she was a recent widow. What on earth had possessed her, she wondered.

When he pulled up to the curb just a few hundred yards from Beth's building, Jon jumped out of the car and darted around to her side of the car to help her out. Her hand trembled as she placed it in his. He put a steadying arm around her waist and walked with her like that all the way home, ignoring the curious stare of the doorman as they entered her building. Beth did not speak until they were in her apartment and he had deposited her safely on the couch.

"Jon," she said her voice almost inaudible.

"Yes Beth?" He was just about to head into the kitchen to fix her that cup of tea.

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention what happened today to Frankie. She'll just worry about me, and she already has so much on her mind. It will be coming up on a year since Branson...since the accident and she doesn't need to be reminded of that earlier than necessary." A tear came to Beth's eye as the reality of what transpired hit her. She could have joined her husband today…she wasn't ready for that. She moved to get up and winced. Her abdomen was tender now where the belt had tightened across it and her neck was starting to stiffen. She braced her hands on the edge of the couch for a second attempt.

"What do you think you're doing?" Jon scolded, resting a hand on her shoulder to keep her down.

"I think I could use that cup of tea now…I'm just going to go make it." Beth explained. She patted his hand. "I'm fine Jon, just a little tender, it'll pass. You go back to your family, I've already corrupted too much of your time this morning."

"Listen to me. I'm not going anywhere unless there is someone here to take care of you," Jon said. "Now, we can do one of two things…the first I already know you are opposed to and that is calling Frankie. The other is me staying here with you to make sure you don't try to do anything stupid."

"No Jon! I won't have that," Beth disagreed vehemently, shaking her head. "I'm fine. You said last night you'd be spending today with your kids. I don't even know what possessed me to call you like that. Now you need to go. I'm just going to go and lay down for a little while. I didn't sleep very well last night and this morning is starting to take its toll."

"All the more reason I should stay. I'll help you your room and camp out here in the lounge for the day. You won't even know that I'm here unless you need something." He reasoned.

There was no way she would be able to relax with him in the house. Every cell in her body was conscious of his presence, and every glance at him bought her dream from the night before rushing to the forefront of her mind. Beth could see she was going to have to be firm with him. "Look Jon…I appreciate your help this morning. I really do. But I don't need a virtual stranger camping in my living room while I'm trying to sleep. So if you don't mind, I'd really rather if you just left. I'll be fine here by myself."

"Oh…ok… sorry. I didn't realize you felt that way. Ok Beth…no problem. If you need me you know where to find me." Jon pulled his keys out of his pocket; the sting of her words was clear in his eyes as he met hers for one last time before he turned for the door.

"Jon I…" Beth started. He turned towards her with an expression of hope. She had been about to say she didn't mean it, that she'd love for him to stay, needed him to even, but she knew it wasn't appropriate and that his family needed him more."… Thank you again." She said instead.

She watched his face fall for the second time. "No problem. Bye Beth." He said, and he was gone.

Beth rolled over onto her side on the couch and pulled her knees up to her chest. She was in the same position an hour later when the tears were finally exhausted and she fell to sleep.

Chapter 12

"Hey Mom," Beth heard Frankie call as she placed the roast back in the oven. "Mmmm that smells great…is there enough for me?" She asked as she kissed her mother on the cheek.

"There is always enough for you my darling…you know that. So you're staying for dinner then? I wasn't expecting you." Beth replied wrapping her daughter in a warm hug while wondering if she'd still like to stay once she knew who was coming for dinner.

"Yeah…I know, but since I missed out on seeing you last night and tonight freed up I thought I'd come by…maybe get a second home cooked meal for the week. I still don't know why you go to all this trouble when it's just you Mom…it seems kind of silly." Frankie observed as she nibbled at a piece of raw carrot she had snagged from the counter.

"Sweetie, I only go to this much trouble when I have visitors."

"Oh…so you have ESP now huh? Knew I was coming did you? Yeah right Mom…Face it, you just can't help yourself but go to the trouble of a three course meal on the off chance that I might drop by." Frankie chuckled as she bent down to see what else was cooking in the oven.

"Yeah that's it…you know me…I love to cook," Beth rolled her eyes playfully at her daughter. "But actually I do have a guest coming tonight. I'd still love for you to stay though."

"Oh…who is it?" Frankie was a little surprised; Beth really hadn't done much entertaining since Branson had died.

"Umm…it's Jon actually." Beth busied herself with the vegetables, as she braced for the impending explosion.

"John who?" Frankie asked, never contemplating the obvious.

"Your father Frankie."

"Oh no he is not." Yep, here it comes. Beth thought. "Why is he coming here? Who the hell does he think he is...coming here and disturbing you? That's not right Mom." Frankie fished her cell phone out of her pocket ready to call him and let him have it, but she realized that she didn't have his number. "Do you have his number?" She asked Beth.

"No honey I don't. What do you want his number for?" Beth already suspected the answer.

"Because I'm going to tell him he's not welcome here…today or any other." Frankie was seething.

"No honey…you're not." Jon is my invited guest and you will treat him as such." Beth placed her hands on Frankie's arms and turned her so they were face to face. "Listen to me honey…I wasn't planning for you to turn up tonight…but I'm glad you did. You need to get over this animosity towards your father…"

"He's. Not. My. Father!" Frankie interrupted through clenched teeth.

"Fine Frankie, you need to get over this animosity towards Jon," Beth used the name pointedly. "Because whether you like it or not, he is your father and he very much intends to be a part of your life."

"I don't…" Frankie began.

"No… you need to hear this, come and sit down." Beth pulled a chair out from the counter for her daughter and sat in the one adjacent. "I can't tell you how disappointed I was in you the other day Frankie. What you did to him was just plain cruel…"

"I know but…"

"Uh uh uh…I'm not done," Beth silenced Frankie by holding her forefinger up. "I'm glad you recognize what you did was wrong…but let me finish here. He's seems like a good man honey, and he really wants to be a part of your life. Now I know you don't want that now, but I want you to consider something. Life is so short baby…look at what happened to Gina and to Daddy. I don't want you to turn your back on Jon out of spite and regret it later on. What if something was to happen to him, and you never got the chance to know him, because you were too busy holding a grudge over something he had no control over? I want you to think this through rationally sweetie because it's not only about you and him either. He has family Frankie…four children…they are your brothers and sister. Are you ready to give up on that too?"

"I…I don't…I'm not sure…I…" Her mother's argument had all but deflated her temper. "I'm so confused Mom."

At that moment the intercom buzzed.

"Shit.." Frankie muttered under her breath.

"That will be him." Beth said, looking at her watch as she crossed to the phone on the wall. She listened and then spoke into the receiver, "Yes… thank you Ron. Send him up."

"Listen to me…I won't force you into this, though it would mean a lot to me if you stayed. But regardless of whether you do decide to stay for dinner or not, I didn't raise you to be rude…So you will be polite to my guest while you are here. Do you understand?"

Frankie nodded.

"And I think you should apologize for what you did to him the other day…but that, also, is up to you." Beth removed the apron from around her waist and smoothed out the black linen pants she wore beneath. She looked over the fitted red and grey print, short sleeve crossover top to make sure it was in order and fussed with the low knot in her hair.

If Frankie didn't know better, she would have sworn her mother was primping for a date. "You look nice Mom. It's good to see you like that again." Beth had always been very meticulous about her appearance, but since Branson had died she had been taking a little less care.

To an outsider the change was barely conceivable, but those close to her had noticed the little slips. To those in the know, the small things like the lack of a manicure - which had apparently been taken care of today, and the extra time spent smoothing her hair before twisting it into an elegant knot, had been very telling.

"Thank you sweetheart." Beth smiled. "It's a good day."

Frankie knew what her mother meant. The weeks following Branson's death consisted only of bad days, desolate days on which to merely get out of bed, was a struggle. But as the months had passed, those bad days were interspersed with good days, days on which a little ray of hope broke through the clouds. Those days – the good ones – were becoming more frequent now, finally outweighing the bad. But Frankie knew, that with the anniversary of her father's death and the holidays in the not too distant future, those bad days would soon come back to consume her.

Frankie shook her head to clear the thought. "I'm glad it's getting better Mom."

"Me too Frankie…me too!" Beth started down the hall, "Are you staying?"

"I won't promise…but I will try. That's the best I can offer." Frankie was unsure of how she would react seeing him again and she didn't want to give her mother false hope.

"That's all I can ask. Here we go." She said at the sharp rap on the door.

***

Jon waited at Beth's door for the third time in as many days. He had been right about Dot. It had not been a pretty scene and ended with him slamming the door in her face. She was being totally unreasonable, insisting that he not expose their children to 'that sluts spawn', and he had seen red.

He had not, however, managed to escape the apartment before being waylaid by his children. He had explained to the little ones that there was a new 'friend' they may be meeting soon. This information, once filtered back to the older kids, had been of great concern and the impetus for many more questions. He was bombarded with the 'who's' and the 'when's' and the 'why's'. And now that they were becoming accustomed to the idea, the 'what is she like's and the 'does she want to meet us's. That wasn't to say they were ready to meet her…far from it. It was just curiosity.

His heart began to pound as he heard the lock click. The door swung wide and she was standing there smiling at him, a warm look of welcome on her face.

"Hello Jon," she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek and his mind drifted to the not so chaste kisses of his dream, particularly given how lovely she looked. He could feel his cheeks starting to burn, but he gave her a quick one armed hug any way. Seeing her was the first bright spot in an otherwise brutal day.

"Hey, Beth," he replied, squeezing her gently and inhaling the sweet fragrance of her hair. "How was your day?"

"It was good actually," Beth said with a soft smile. "Frankie's here."

"No shit? Does she know I'm coming?" Jon grinned as butterflies flooded his abdomen. He was both excited and worried by the prospect of spending an evening with his daughter.

"Yes, I just told her. She wasn't wild about the idea, but I used my parental powers of persuasion and I think she's going to stay."

His smile was quick and easy. "This is what I love about you Bethie."

She blinked at his words and too late, he realized how that must have sounded, but she quickly recovered. "Come on in. I hope you like roast beef and mashed potatoes."

"What red-blooded American boy doesn't?" Jon replied as he followed her into the living room.

***

Frankie moved into the lounge and took a seat in the single armchair. On the coffee table before her, a selection of hors d'oeuvres sat next to a bottle of white wine left chilling in a bucket and two glasses. She frowned at the spread, and wondered how she had missed it on her way through to the kitchen earlier.

"Hi Frankie…" Jon said quietly as he entered the room. She assumed he had been forewarned of her presence for there was no surprise in his tone, and only pleasure lighted his features.

She looked up at the sound of his voice and fought back a smirk as she asked, "What in the heck happened to you?"

He touched his eye and winced. "Oh…this. Like I explained to your Mom yesterday, I got on the wrong end of a friends fist. He was a little protective of Gina back in the day, and wasn't too pleased to hear about the latest turn of events. Not you of course...that bit he liked." He wondered whether he should tell her that Richie was anxious to meet her, but thought better of it. He was grateful that she was even there and didn't want to overwhelm her.

"I think I'll like him," Frankie grinned, she wasn't at the point yet where she couldn't find some perverse enjoyment in his pain.

"I think you will too." He smiled back through for a different reason…he was actually conversing with his daughter.

"Let me take that, Jon" Beth said coming from behind him to snag the bottle of wine from his hand. "I'll just put this in to chill and check on the roast. Help yourself to some hors d'oeuvres and a glass of wine, I won't be a moment." She turned to her daughter with a gentle reminder, "Frankie, be gracious to our guest."

And then they were alone.

"What's that?" Frankie asked as Jon placed a heavyset book down on the end of the table.

"I uh…I bought some photos of the kids for your mother to see. Would you like to have a look?" He reached forward but let his hand drop at her response.

"Not right now thank you." She said stiffly. Though the curiosity over her siblings was eating her up, she would not give him that satisfaction.

"Maybe later?" He offered.

"Hmmm" She replied.

And that was the extent of their conversation. They sat stiffly in silence until Beth returned a few minutes later. Jon was concerned that saying the wrong thing now would have her bolting for the door…and he certainly didn't want that, so he occupied his mouth instead with the canapés.

"So how are we doing in here?" Beth asked brightly as she breezed into the room, to take a seat next to Jon on the couch. She knew exactly how things were doing. She had been standing at the door for the last few minutes hoping for some kind of interaction…but nothing.

"Great." Jon said enthusiastically. "The food is delicious Beth, as was last night's dinner. Thanks again."

"You were here for dinner last night as
well!?" Frankie scowled at him.

Jon opened his mouth to speak but Beth beat him too it. "Yes honey, he was. He came by to see if I could help him with you. When you cancelled our dinner plans, Jon stayed to keep me company. It was him that dropped the food off for you." She explained as she poured herself a glass of wine.

"Making a habit out of this aren't you." Frankie said, one eyebrow raised.

"Frankie…I will not tolerate you being rude to my guest." Beth admonished.

Frankie knew what was expected of her, "Sorry," she spat. It didn't mean she had to like it.

A buzzer went off in the kitchen. "That will be dinner ready."

"Can I help?" Jon rose as she did.

"No, I've got it. I'll just go serve up and then I'll call you in. Play nice." She cautioned Frankie as she was leaving the room.

Jon waited for Beth to leave before he sat back down. He attempted a small grin at Frankie and was met with a murderous stare.

"What are you playing at?" She hissed at him.

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"I mean…you are a married man. What do you think you are doing wining and dining my mother?"

"It's not like that Frankie. I'm here for you… not your Mom. She agreed to fill me in on your past since you were unwilling to do it yourself." He explained.

"Well if it's all innocent, does your wife know you're here?"

He cringed.

"Didn't think so." She muttered.

"It's not like that. There was a…problem at the house today. Stephanie, my eldest…well besides you I guess, overheard Dot and I discussing your mother – Gina not Beth – there was a misunderstanding and things got a little out of hand. The important thing is that the kids, the older two at least – the little ones wouldn't understand - know about you now, and understand that I want you in my life."

Beth stood quietly at the door. This was all news to her as well and she didn't want to interrupt.

"You told them about me?" Frankie looked at him perplexed.

"Yes."

"But why?"

"Why not?" He wanted to know why she found it so odd that he had told them.

"I thought you would be… ashamed."

"I could never be ashamed of you." He misunderstood.

"No not of me exactly…more of what you did." She clarified.

"Despite the circumstances of your conception Frankie, you are my daughter. My child as much as any of them are and I want you in my life. I am not and could never be ashamed of that." He replied fervently.

There was a long moment of silence as Frankie grappled with her thoughts. This changed so much. She had never expected him to want their relationship to be exposed. Never thought that he would let his kids find out about her...much less tell them himself. Beth's voice interrupted her contemplation.

"Dinner is served," she said formally as she moved to the coffee table to retrieve their wine glasses.

Over dinner Beth continued her stories of Frankie's childhood. It was different this time. The stories were punctuated with loud groans from Frankie as her mother disclosed some detail that was embarrassing. And Jon watched in amusement as his daughters cheeks flushed with the memory.

He told a few stories of his own. Some from the old days that included Gina, others more recent that centered on his home life and children. He was not interested in playing rock star for her; he doubted that it would have impressed her anyway. It was more than difficult enough to get her even remotely involved in the conversation when he was speaking.

Frankie sat at the table, disengaged for the most part from the conversation taking place around her. Her mind still wrestled with the implications of his children knowing. What did they think? Were they as curious about her as she now was about them? Did they want to meet her, to get to know her? She barely noticed when dessert was placed before her – her favorite crème brulee. It wasn't until her mother called her name – twice - that she snapped out of it.

"Frankie…Frankie…" Beth was standing in the doorway.

"What?" Frankie looked around her, the plates had been cleared and Jon was no longer in the room.

"Are you coming honey?"

"Oh… yeah…sorry."

"Are you ok sweetie? You're a little pale." Beth asked concerned, touching the back of her hand to her daughter's forehead.

"Yes Mom. I'm fine really." She said, removing her mother's hand from her forehead but holding it in hers. "It's just a little… overwhelming, I guess."

"Of course it is sweetheart. No one is expecting this to be easy, least of all Jon. But honey, I am just so proud of you for trying. Thank you."

"That's ok Mom. You know I'd do anything for you." She leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her mother's cheek.

"Come on…Jon's in the lounge. I think he has some photos to show us."

Frankie followed Beth into the room but did not go to sit near Jon and the photo album as her mother did. Her resentment of him had not faded that much, though she had to concede that he seemed like a fairly decent person. Under different circumstances she was sure she would probably even like him. Instead, she hovered around the room. First selecting some music and setting it to play, and then clearing the plates of hors d'oeuvres. But soon enough she found herself drawn to the back of the couch – curiosity getting the best of her - where she could look over his shoulder, while he pointed out her siblings and the rest of her new found family. Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts and cousins as well as brothers and a sister all smiled up at her from the pages of the family album. His wife was also there…her step mother.

"Jon," she said softly, her tone so different to anything he had heard so far - tentative, anxious.

He looked up her; her eyes were clouded with concern, her brow furrowed. "What did they say…the kids I mean…when you told them?

He stood and walked around the couch to stand beside her. "I won't lie to you Frankie. There has been enough deception already. They weren't happy about it. I mean, look at it from their point of view, no one wants to think about their dad with another woman."

She stood quietly for a moment worrying her bottom lip with her teeth. "Do they…hate me?"

"Oh honey…they don't even know you." He said softly, moved by the emotion in her voice. "They're in shock right now. We have to give them some time. They are already curious about you, but just like with you, I'm not their favorite person right now."

"Then we should all get along really well."

From the couch Beth gripped his hand and gave it an encouraging little squeeze. It was a move not completely lost on Frankie. She would make it a point to pay greater attention to that from now on. She was not going to have her mother fall victim to his charms. Her research about him had shown up some disturbing information, and while she didn't know if the rumors of his infidelities were true, she would not take that kind of risk with her mother's already broken heart.

Jon and Frankie left shortly after - together after she accepted his offer of a lift home. Beth stopped him at the door on the way out.

"I think this will work out Jon. She will come around, just be patient with her…she still needs time." She said softy.

"I know Beth. And I have all the time in the world." The smile that he gave her then was absolutely breathtaking and she knew it was the first time she was seeing him truly happy. "Thank you."

He pulled her in for a quick hug goodbye and her body responded in every way it shouldn't. Her cheeks flushed, her heart quickened and her breathing became shallow. He smelt so good, felt so good, so masculine, his hard body pressed up against hers. Branson hadn't been so hard…years in the gallery had softened him. He had always been fit but nothing like this.

"Are we going or what?" Frankie asked holding the elevator door, interrupting her moment. She hoped he hadn't noticed her reaction.

He hadn't, he was too busy trying to control and conceal his own.

"Can we do this again in a few days?" He asked, disengaging from the hug but keeping hold of her hand.

"Of course…just call me with the day." She smiled at him softly, an image he would carry with him well into the night.

Jon pulled one of his cards from his pocket. "I've put all my numbers on it. You can catch me at anytime. I always have my cell on, unless I'm on stage and then Cynthia, my assistant, has it. If you need anything at all…anything…please call me."

"Come on!" Frankie called impatiently.

Jon smiled an apologetic smile at Beth and was gone. She leaned heavily against the door frame and stared for a long moment at the spot he disappeared into the elevator, before moving inside and heading for bed. The dishes could wait until morning.

Beth's head had barely hit the pillow before she was sound asleep. She usually looked forward to the nights, because at night she could sleep, and with sleep came dreams and with dreams came Branson. It was the only place she could be with him now. But it was a restless night, images of Frankie and Gina and Jon and his children filled her head, whirling around in a kaleidoscope of color.

It wasn't until just before dawn that the images calmed. She was standing on her balcony, overlooking Central Park, Branson's arms were around her once more as he nibbled on her neck and hummed gently in her ear. She could feel his arousal press insistently against her rounded ass, felt her own arousal grow in response. He spoke softly in her dream. "You are so beautiful Beth…my Bethie." She spun in his arms at the use of the unusual nickname, to find herself pressed not against her husband, but Jon.

Beth started awake feeing ashamed and confused. She reached for Branson's pillow and hugged it tightly to her chest, trying to fill the hole he had left there, trying to purge the images of another from her head. His scent was almost gone from the pillow now…how long would it be 'til he was forgotten completely. She couldn't bear the thought and surrendered to the tears again for the first time in weeks.