Chapter 13

Friday morning found david sitting in his room waiting for the doctor. After almost two long weeks he was ready to go home. April was sitting right next to him. Richie and Jon were standing next to each other. Richie had his hands on his pockets while Jon crossed his arms on his chest. Time to time Jon was looking at Richie and he was smiling. David on the other side of the room he was watching them but he didn't say anything.

"Richie are you okay?" April asked him. She has an amizing talent kowing when someone was in deep thinking. And Richie was. He raised his head and looked at her. "Yeah, i'm fine." he answered. "So, you'll tonight in the house to selebrate that Dave is okay?"

Richie looked at David. He felt like he was in the middle on nowhere and there are only two roads in front of him, one on the right and one on the left. He recall the conversation he had with Kate's father in the morning. He had invited them the very same night in his house for dinner. And on the other hand there is David. He's his best friend, his bandmate. He's been throught Hell right after the Tour finished. He wanted to be with David after what happend but he also wanted to be with Kate's family.

The other three were keep looking at him. Richie sighed knowing he has to tell them. "I don't know. Kate's father invited us in his house tonight." he said. "You too are going fast." Jon jumped in. "Maybe, i guess. We had and our first fight." "Richie everybody fights. It's very normal." David said. "I know. I know. It was my fault. She didn't do anything." Richie answered. "Did she forgave you?" the only woman in the room asked. "She did, eventually." "She's a good person, Richie." David said. He meanted it. Kate had been his doctor since he got in the hospital and her actions were way more that kindness.

"I know, David. That's why i don't know what to do." Richie moved and sut on a chair. "You should be with Kate. I remember when i met April's father..." David laughed at that memory while April was looking at him. "You should go, you'll see my face for the rest of oyur life. You have the night off." David turned to Richie. "Are you sure, Dave?" Richie asked back. "Sure like Hell." he answered and smiled.

Richie stood up and highed five with David. "You move your ass of my room and go buy something good." David didn't give up. "I have clothes." Richie told him. "Have you been in your closet resently? He is a well-known doctor!" "And i am a well-known rock star." Richie answered. "Rich please don't do anything stupid. David is right. Go find Kate. She knows her father." Jon jumped in. "Yeah, you got a point." Richie thought out loud. "Thank you guys!" he turned to them. "I have to go now." he added. "Good luck for tonight." david wished him as Richie closed the door behind him.

Kate was sitting on her desk checking some results when she heard a knock at the door. "Come in." she said without looking away from the file. "Helen, please go check on Mr Jackson." she said and looked at the door where Richie was standing instead of Helen. "What are you doing here?" she asked him and left the file on her desk. "I just wanted to see you." Richie answered. He moved closer and kissed her. "How do you remember the office?" she asked when they broke apart.

"Do you think i don't know where your office is? I have a very good memory my darlin'." he answered. "Have you spoken with your father lately?" Richie asked and sut on a chair. "No, not really. Why?" "I thought he'd called you already." he paused and looked at her. "This morning he came to my apartement. And he invited us to his house tonight." "Are you kidding me?" Kate almost screamed. "No, i am not." "Great!" Kate answered furiusly as she was walking across the office.

"Kate can you please calm down? Is not the end of the world." "You don't know my father, Richie." she answered. "You haven't see him." she turned her back on him trying to think what she'll do next. "I did see him." he answered with low voice. Kate turned slowly. "What do you mean you saw him?" she asked. "He came to my place this morning and we talked. He did a test on me. He said he had people follwing me and he knows everything about me." "We are all dead!"

"I didn't finish Kate." "And? You're a rock star Richie! Every rock star has a bad past." "And that's what you think about me too?" he asked back. "No, of course not." Kate almost yelled this time. She was looking at Richie regreting what she said before. "I am sorry. I shouldn't had said that." she told him and walked closer. She hugged him. He hugged her back. "It's not your fault Kate. It's what i do." Richie answered.

Kate pulled away and looked at him. "Richie there is none to blame.I love you for what you are and not what you do." she was looking deep in the chocolate brown eyes of his as her hands gently cover his waist. He pulled her close and placed and gentle but yet passionate kiss on her mouth. That's what she loves about him, he kows when actions are better than words.

"So, that means we are going?" Richie asked when they broke apart. "Of coirse and we are going. He ants to meet you." she answered. "Okay. There is one more thing." Richie started. "What should i wear?" Kate was starring at him. "What do you mean? What you usually wear, obviously." "You wouldn't say that if you have seen my closet." he said and laughed. "Nah, just wear i pear of jeans, the best you have and a shirt with be okay, i think." she told while she was looking at him from bottom to top.

"Maybe i can wear a suit." "What? But you never wear suits. You hate them." Kate answered. "I don't hate them. There are not my first choice, that's all." he replied. "When was the last time you wear a suit?" Kate asked him not knowing if she wanted to hear the answer. "In Jon's wedding in 1989." "Oh..." "But i still have it!" "You will not meet the President. Just my father." Kate answered. "Trust me when i met the President i was wearing jeans."

Kate looked at him. "What? Meeting your father is much more important to me that meeting the President." She smiled while she was thinking that her brother and father only see the way he is making money to live and not who he truly is. That's what pisses her off the most. They didn't gave him a chance. They only judge by the cover and not for the inside.

"Okay you can wear whatever you want." she gave up on this. Richie smiled. "I'll pick up at seven, is that okay?" "Sounds good." "I'll leave you to work. See you tonight." he said and kissed her goodbye. Kate saw Richie walking away. There was something about him that made her miss him already. Maybe is the chemistry they both have, she thought. Or she was deeply in love with him.

Richie parkeked outside of Kate's house. In a few seconds he rung the bell ring. He fixed his suit, hoping he was looking good, not to himself but to Kate and her family. Kate opened the door wearing a black dress. "Hey, you look gorgeous!" he told her with eyes opened. "Thank you" she replied and closed the door. She looked back at him one more time. She wanted to see him again with this suit. "And you look really..." she was keep staring at him and no words came out of her mouth. She had never felt like this with any other man.

"Really?" he looked her in the eyes. He wasn't sure what she ment. "Really hot." His face lighted up. He had heard those words many times from different women. But none of them said it like Kate did. That moment something changed inside him. "Shall we my lady?" he asked her and took her hand. Once they sut in Richie asked "Do you remember where it is, right?" "Of course and i do. Please drive now and i'll tell you." Kate answered.

After some driving minutes they finally arrived at Kate's house. Richie parked next to the machive doors. He was looking the property like he had never seen a house before. Kate saw him and asked "Let's go inside." Richie looked at it one more time before Kate rung the bell.

They wait a few seconds and then the doors opened. Kate looked again at Richie who was lost. "Be yourself." she told him and took his hand. Together they walked hand in hand all the sidewalk. Richie was more exited to be there than Kate which was her house. As they were walking closer to the main house Kate was praying and hoping that everything will be alright.

A batler was wating for them in the door. "Hello mrs Jones. Mr Sambora. Please follow me." he said and Richie with Kate did as he told them. They walked in a long coridor decorated with unique paintings from famous painters. Richie was thinking he was in a museum or something like that. The batler walked them in the great dining room, which was decorated like the rest of the house.

Kate's father was sitting next to the fireplace. When he saw them he got up and walked to their side. "Kate, Richie please come in." he said. They young couple walked in as the batler closed the door to give them some privacy. "Are you ready for dinner? Jackson will be there in a minute." Timothy said as they three of them sut in the dinner table.

"You didn't say Jackson will be there." Kate told him when they sut. Her father sut on the top, while Kate and Richie sut on the left side leaving the right side to Jackson. "It's a family dinner Cathrine. What made you think that your brother will be absent?" her father asked her.

The french doors opened and Jackson came in wearing a suit like his father. "I am sorry delay, i have some paper work to do." her 28 year old brother said and sut next to his father. "Kate is good to have you back." he looked at her with looking the man who was sitting next to her. Richie didn't mind. he thought it will be better if Jackson doesn't talk to him. But Kate has a different opinion. "I am not alone Jackson. You remember Richie?" she looked at her brother.

Jackson looked at the suited man next to his sister. He had never thought that a rock star will ever wear a suit like this one. Of course and he will never admit it in front of them. "Oh yes. Richie boy." Jackson looked at Richie with a contemptuous look. Richie didn't want to start a fight in favor of Kate. So he remeaned silent. Kate looked at him and felt that he didn't answer in order not to pick up a fihgt with her brother. She placed her right hand on his knee showing him that Jackson was annoying her too.

Timothy watched the scene and felt that was the right moment to bring the food. He called a batler and in a few minutes the dinner was served. They were eatting in silence when Jackson asked "So, Richie where do you live?" Jackson wasn't stupid, instead he was very smart and good at reading people. He knew what he said before pissed his sister but Richie didn't say a thing. "I live in New York." he answered. "New Yorker huh?" Jackson asked again.

"No, i am from Woodbridge, New Jersey." Richie answered. He was proud about that. "Hmm." Jackson replied and shaked his head. Kate looked at her little brother with not a plesant look. "What is it Kate?" Jackson asked her. "Stop asking him questions!" "I thought he came here to meet each other." he turned on Richie. "Right Richie?" "Yes." he answered.

Jackson took a sip of his red wine. "Have you studied anything or you just play the guitar?" "I went to College for two years to study psycology but was too much for me and i came back." Richie answered. "You give up very easily Richie, don't you?" "Psycoligy wasn't his thing. He is one of the best guitarists on the planet." Kate jumped in. She wanted to make Jackson asking his annoying questions. She knew what he had in mind but she won't let him.

"Still, even a guitarist is way more worth it that a guitarist with a diploma." Jackson was like a lion on a hunting mood. He loved so much playing around with him. It was an easy target. He will accept everything he says just make Kate happy.

"It must be really cool to be a rock star. I mean there are lots of women who will die to have you for one night." Richie froze. "What does he want me to say?" he thought. "I don't know. Maybe." he tried. "You know i've never expected my sister to date a rock star, it's too bad for her reptutation, but if she doesn't mind other women around your legs is fine by me." Jackson added. "Jackson stop it!" "Shut up you bitch! Men are talking!"

Okay that was it. The puck came to shove. Richie got angry now. "If you ever talk to her like this again you'll have to deal with me." he told him with voice hard as a stone. "I will call my sister whatever i want do you understand or do i have to draw it for you?" Jackson attacked again.

Kate left her fork next to the plate and got Richie's hand. "We are leaving." "Oh come on. He's so good pretending to be nice. He even wear a suit to impress us! But guess what rock star these kind of staff doesn't work here!" they all got up.

"Your mother must has been an amazing woman but she did one mistake, she didn't teach her son some manners." Richie finally spoke. He didn't say a word like this one before but he had to defent Kate.

Jackson looked at Richie and walked in front of him "You son of a bitch don't talk this way for my mother. You don't know her you asshole!" he yelled in front of his face. "You see you are proving it again." Richie answered.

"Watch your language boy! You came in my house to offend my son and the memory of my wife?" Timothy jumped in. He was silent before but he has to make things straight. "You all dressed up with a suit trying to change your image and what we will think about you. You didn't even finish College and you think that i will let my only daughter to date a guy like you? Who do you think you are?" Timothy added. He was angry about all these that happend tonight.

"What did you just say to him?" was now Kate's turn to attack. "You don't know a shit about him and you're talking to him like that? I thought you were men not little girls! Don't try to bother us again or i swear to God i'll call the police!" Kate told them looking to her father and brother.

"Let's go Richie!" turned to Richie who was just standing there not knowing what to do or say. Kate grabbed his hand and together they walked out of house and then the property.

Kate was about to open the door of the car but Richie turned and hugged her tight hopping her broken pieces will come back together. She didn't say a word but that was exactly what she was needed. "Let's get out of here." he whispered in her ear.

Chapter 12

Kate walked out of the hospital like she was hitted by a car. Even at her beggining with her relatonship with Richie things got worse. She was trying to understand why he put her to choose between him and her brother. Of course and he has every right to be upset but a dellima like that, is not what she was hoping.

Kate looked around as the cold wind of the winter made her cold. She couldn't find him. She wanted to talk to him. She was sure he didn't mean any of those words he said to her at her office, he was just upset. Kate was thinking where he might be. If she was him where she will go? She was keep asking herself. She stopped when she felt a drop of water on her head. She looked up at the dark sky. It was start snowing.

Kate walked faster to the back of the hospital. There she found him leaning against the wall wearing on of his hats. He was smocking a cigarette and Kate hated it. But she wanted to talk to him so badly than her hate for cigarette smock didn't stand a chance. While she was walked towards him she was looking at him. So tall, so good, so hurted and yet so beautiful. Her steps were leading to him even she didn't want it. But she wanted it very bad.

Richie was just standing there after she dropped his cigarette butt. he was feelling a weight on his chest. It was a time he was alone and all he got to do is think, and he did a lot. He regreted what he said. He was only thinking himself. But in a relatonship you have to think about the other person you hurt with your actions. And Kate was hurted as he was. He wanted to talk to her, apologize to her. But he knew she needed some time and space. he looked up to the night sky. he hoped he will see the stars but he faced dark clouds. Some snowflakes had already covered his coat as long as his hat. He need to go home before it get worse.

Richie looked at his left and there was where Kate was standing. He didn't think that she will want to see him or talk to him after the momment in her office. But there she was. Standing in front of him wearing only her doctor's robe and it was snowing.

"Richie..." she started. His fingers covered her mouth in the matter of seconds. "Shhh." he said and pulled her close. "You don't have to talk darlin'. I've been an ass earlier and i'm sorry. You don't have to choose your brother or myself. I was being shelfish and i'm sorry." Richie told her. He was looking in her eyes. His chocolate brown eyes were wearming her heart even it was snowing.

"Do you forgive me, Kate?" Kate placed his hand on his cheek. "What i am going to do with you, my little rockstar?" "I don't know Doctor. You give the orders, i just make them happen." he smiled and he kissed right there in the back of the hospital while it was snowing. "But this time i'll give you an order." he said and took of his coat. "What are you doing?" He placed it over her shoulders. "I am giving you my coat. It's snowing." he answered.

"Thank you." Kate answered and Richie smiled. He turned his back on her and walked to where he parked his car. "When i'll see you again?" she asked. "You have my coat darlin', just one more reason to see you." he asnswered as he arrived to his car. His answer made a big smile on Kate's face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kate woke up next morning facing her snowing backward. It was snowing all night after she came back from the hospital. She hated night shifts because you loose the whole next morning but she got used to it. She made a hot coffee for herself and opened the curtains of the living room windows. It was snowing anymore. 

The kids were outside builting snowmans and just fooling around. Everybody loves snow. Kate loved it too. She remember when she was little how many snowmans she had built at their backyard in New York. She had missed her family like it was back then, before her mother passed. 

The bell rung. Kate smiled knowing who was behind that door. Her smile froze at her lips when she faced her father instead of Richie. "Good morning Cathrine. Can i come in?" Timothy asked his only daughter. "Yes." Kate answered and closed the door when her father walked in. 

"You have a very nice place here." he said looking around. "I am sure your son have showed you pictures of my house before." Kate answered and sut on hte couch. Her father was just standing there looking at her. "I have no idea what Jackson was up to. You have to believe me Kate." "No, Dad i won't. You rised him like that. All these are your fault. If Mum was here things will be different." Kate said and looked away. 

Timothy sighed and sut next to his daughter. "Kate, you were so young when your mother left. I did everything i could to make this work." "And you failed." Kate answered quickly. "Maybe but i tried to make things like they were before." her father added. "You didn't try enough, dad. You were gone the most of the time. I grow up with batlers. If i had a problem they will listen to me. I never saw you like a father, a real father. All it's left is the name." Kate answered.

Timothy heard his heart broke. he had no idea how his own daughter was feelling about him. All those years he thought that she loved him. He thought that she left home because she was wanted to be intipentent.But from what it seems, he was wrong. 

"Do i deserve a second chance? Jackson and you, Kate are the most presious human beings to me. Everything i did i did it for you. I wanted us to be a family again after your mother's death." he paused and looked at his daughter. "Do you remember our Christmass in Australia?" he asked her. She smiled. "How can i forget that? We were a family back then, dad. I don't know what we are now." 

"We are still a family sweetie. Let me proove it. Friday night dinner at our house. I am dying to meet Richie." "Leave Richie out of our family drama." Kate replied. She didn't want Richie to get involved. "You are dating him. That makes him a part of our family." Timothy got up. "I will be waiting, Kate." he added and walked out of the house leaving Kate alone with a mess in her head.

Timothy got in the car which was waiting him outside of Kate's house. "Back home, sir?" the driver asked. "No." Timothy answered from the backseat and gave the adress top the driver. "We leave right now, sir." the driver said and drove away.

Minutes later Timothy arrived at his destination. "Thank you, Oscar. Please wait here." Timothy ordered the driver as he opened the door. "As you wish sir." Oscar replied. Timothy walked in the entrance of the huge building. He searched the names on the bells and rung when he found Richie's name.

Back in the 13th floor Richie was sleeping. He opened both eyes when he heard the bell. He got up and walked to the small tv sreen next to the door. "Hello?" he asked the man he had never seen before. "Mr Sambora i am Kate's father. Can i come in?" Timothy asked. Richie froze. Her father? What in the world Kate's father want from him? He crealed his throat and answered. "Yes, of course Mr Jones." Richie answered and opened the door for Kate's father to come in.

He looked back to the living room which looked like a battle field. With quick moves he took everything from pizza boxes to some lyrics it didn't make any sense and threw them to the trash bin in the kitchen. Walking back to thebedroom Richie put on a pair of jeans and a shirt. He knew her father was on the best doctors in the country and he must give him a very good impresion to him.

Once he was ready he walked back to the living room and fixed the pilows on the couches. The bell rung. Richie lifted his head and checked the whole living room before he opened the door. "Good morning Mr Sambora." Timothy said. "Good morning Dr Jones. Please come in." Richie said trying not to sound nervous because he was. He closed the door behind him and asked. "Would you like anything to drink?" "A glass of water will be perfect. Thank you." Timothy replied. "Have a seat and i'll be right back." Richie answered and disappeared at the kitchen.

Timothy was looking around at the young man's living room. Two huge windows with a breathtaken view to New York City. Down of the windows a huge table too with framed pictures of his family and the band. Timothy was looking at them from the couch when Richie returned with his water. After gaving him the glass Richie sut on the oppisite couch.

"Look Mr Sambora." Timothy started. "You can call me Richie." he interupted him. Timothy looked back at him with his stink eye, he hated when he was interupted. "Mr Sambora is better." "As you wish." "As i was saying i know you are dating my only daughter. She was hurted in the past i don't want to see her hurt." Timothy looked at Richie. "I know what are you thinking. Because my daughter didn't want me in her life doesn't mean i don't want her either. I know what she did all those years." he paused.

"As well as you." Richie's eyes opened wide. "What do you mean? You have people watching me?" he asked. "You see, you're a smart man." "With all the respect you have no right to do such a thing." Richie repplied angrily. "What did you say?" Timothy asked back with the very same sound in his voice. "I said that you have no right to put people watching me!" Richie was pissed. He understands that he wants to protect his daughter, but this was unexeptable.

Timothy was pissed too. This has nothing to do with what he was expecting to meet. "Do you know who i am, boy?" Timothy asked with his indext finger raised. "I know, very well. You are trying to piss me off. But i know the game you're playing. I like your daughter and that's why i am dating her. There is a connection between Kate and myself. From my part i will do whatever i can to make her happy as long as we are together. So, you and your detectives can do and know whatever they want. I have nothing to hide either to you either to Kate. I am clean Mr Jones and i have nothing to fear." Richie stop to find his breath.

He wasn't even thinking these words. He just felt them. These words were like a tsunami and he named them not fearing the conciquences in the beach. He was waiting now Kate's father to expload. Timothy taking a deep breath he stood up and held his hand out. "Congratulations Richie!"

Richie was keep looking at him like a lost puppy. "You passed the test. I am so glad you said what you believe. That's why i am a big fan of yours. Good job, Richie." "I don't get it. You planned all this? And how do you know how i was going to react?" Richie asked. "I placed my bets, Richie. But the point is you a man who i admire and this is what i want for my little girl. She's been through a lot since she was a kid. I hope you don't give her a hard time too." "No, no. I just want to start a family now. I'm grown up." Richie answered.

"That's what i wanted to hear. Let me ask you something. This Friday night are you free?" "Yes." "Great. I will wait Kate and you for dinner in my house. It's time for Jackson to apologise to you. i am sorry about these." Timothy said. "It's fine now." "So, see you on Friday, Richie." Timothy made his way to the door and Richie followed him till there.

"And one more thing." he stopped and looked at him. "If you ever hurt Kate i woun't be so nice. Did i make myself clear?" Timothy asked. "Absolutly, sir." Richie answered with confidence. He was sure, he will never hurt Kate. Richie nodded yes. Timothy answered with a smile and walked away as Richie closed the door.

Chapter 11

Richie was sitting on the kitchen while Kate was taking some ice cubes from the frost. After taking a small towel too she placed it gently in Richie's showllen eye. She sut next to him and she couldn't help herself of crying. Richie saw her with his better eye and said. "Hey, Kate don't cry darlin'." "And what i'm supposed to do? Sit here and pretend that nothing happend?" she asked him back.

"Just don't pay so much attetion." Richie replied as he let a small voice of pain when he changed the place on his eye. "Richie are you listening to yourself?" she asked him. "You're like you just came here from a gang war." "If i was in a gang war i will be dead by now." he tried to smile but the pain on his stomack and lip were too much to take. 

Kate will see that he was suffering and it was all her fault. She sighed. Richie saw how broken she was. He let the towel with the ice cubes on the table and said. "Kate don't worry about me. I'll be fine." he lifted her head with his thumb and saw her crying. Her eyes were red and hot tears were running to her cheek. "Kate listen to me." he paused while she looked at him. "You can't blame yourself about this. I was looking for truble on the first place. I could stay in the house and nothing could ever happen. So, you are not the one to blame okay?" she nodded. 

"Great. I should get going." he got up. "Thank you for taking care of me." he said and hugged her close. "You can manage to get home safe?" Kate asked him when the broke the hug. "Yes. I'll pass to see David the afternoon. You will be there?" "Yes, i will be there." Kate answered. Richie smiled and left her house.

Kate watched him walking away and she was falling in love with him even more now. While she was hating her brother second after second. She wanted him and her father to stay out of her personall life but the obsesion to protect her of something she wanted to lost herslef in didn't count. they had the final word to everything she did. But not anymore. 

Full of michief she took the car keys and slapped the door on her way out. Minutes later she was standing there where she promised she will never come back, her house in New York. When she gratuated from High School she didn't tell anyone where she was going. She finished Medical School in Los Angeles. Then an apotrunity in a hospital in New Jersey appeared and she took it.

Kate was standing on the doorstep. Her hands was shaking but she found the strength to ring the bell. A man dressed in a suit opened the door. "Hello. What can i do for you?" "I want to see my family. Are my father and brother home?" Kate said looking at him. The man rolled his eyes. Nobody have ever seen her since 1982 when she gratuated. It's been 10 years now.

"Yes, miss Cathrine. Please come in." "Thank you." Kate answered and walked her house. As the door closed behind her she felt that warmth. It was almost snowing outside. "Do you want me to inform them?" the batler asked. "No, just tell me where they are." "In the great living room." he answered and saw Kate almost running to it.

The house was huge. It was like a palace. Afterall her family was always one of the welthiest of the state since the begging. Money and glory were always something that Kate grow up with. Famous guests, expensive trips, jowelry and cars was the everyday routine for her and her family.

Kate walked furious on the great living room where she found her brother and father talking in front of the fireplace. "How could you Jackson?" she screamed and stopped in front of him. Her brother left the glass of whiskey on the table and answered. "Oh come on Cathrine! You're still pissed about that?" "Of course and i am! You kicked his butt if you remember." "I wanted to protect you!" he slapped back at her.

"Who said i need your protection, Jackson?" she yelled again. Jackson came closer to her. "I am your brother and i always protect you. This is what i swear to our mother and that is what i'm going to do." he answered with raised his voice.

"Both of you stopped it!" their father jumped in. Timothy walked closer to hug his only daughter and she pulled away. "Hello father." she said with no emotions. "Cathrine, my daughter!" he said. "You have no idea how much i have missed you." "You pushed me away father, with your actions." Kate turned to him.

"I know. I know. Do i deserve a second chance?" Timothy asked looking in daughter in her eyes. Kate laughed. "Are you kidding me both?" she asked. "Both of you. I left this house father because i couldn't take sumch any more of you." she looked at him. "And i don't regret it."

She walked to where her brother was standing. "As far for you Jackson you don't deserve me looking at you." she said with all of hate a woman like her could have. "This is the first and the last time i come to this house." she turned and looked at them both. "Oh and one last thing..." she turned to her brother. "How did you find me?"

"Do you really think that all those years we didn't know where you were?" Jackson asked. Black, big shadows filled Kate's eyes. All those years she thought that she was alone. "We know everything and about everyone. And about that little rockstar you care so much about i know everything about him too." Jackson answered.

Kate walked in front of her little brother with her finger on his chest she said. "You Jackson Nathan Jones you have no right to talk to him like that, did i make myself clear?" she was looking him in his blue eyes with all the hate she had for all those years. Jackson laughed. Then Kate pussed his finger on his chest a little more. "Did i make myself clear, you bastard?"

"Oh easy Kate! I didn't kill him... i just hope he learnt his lesson." Jackson answered and foxed his tie. "Oh yes he did and i did." those were the last words she told them. As she was walking away she heard her brother saying "I have warned you Cathrine..." he paused and she stopped. "That man is not for you." Jackson finished as Kate closed the door of the great living room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Richie arrived at his parents house but thankfully they were there. He didn't want to see him like this and of course he wasn't in the mood of answering their questions. After collecting all the staff he has on his bedroom he walked down the stairs. he was about to leave when he heard his mother. "Oh Richard there you are. Where have you been? I was worried about you." 

he didn't turn. "I'm sorry mum. I was with David on the hospital." he answered. His mother was waiting him to turn back but he didn't. "Richie turn around." she told him. "I should get going." Richie walked a few steps. "Richard Stephen Sambora." came from behind. Adam told his son. "You heard your mother."

Richie sighed. He knew he couldn't escape from them. Slowly he turned to see her mother's eyes to poen wide. "Oh my God! How did this to you? Are you alright? Do you want to go to the hospital?" Joan said as she walked closer to her son. "Mum i'm fine. Is really nothing to worry about." Richie answered looking to his mother. "Who did this to you." Joan asked again. "I have told you many times to stay away from trouble and in some way you always find some." his mother added.

"Look, i don't want to talk about it. I'll go home and then to see David in the hospital." Richie said. "Your mother asked you something Richard. You should answer." Adam said as he walked next to his wife. "I told you i don't want to talk about it, okay?" Richie answered yelling. "Watch the tone of your voice boy! We are your parents not some street junk. Show some respect!" Adam took a step forward and looked his son as he said those words.

"I do respect you!" Richie answered. "Then show it! We didn't raised you like this. I guess money, fame and glory changed you, my son." his father said disappointed. Richie looked at him. That was the last thing he wanted to do, disappoint his parents. "Dad, i'm  not changed, i'm still the same and because of that i have these." Richie answered and showed his face with his finger.

"You know vilonce doesn't solve our problems, Richie." his mother told him. "I know." he turned to his mother. "But he couldn't listen and i have to make him leave." "And you did make him leave?" his father asked him. "Yes, i did." "Okay, just be carefull out there Richie." came the advise from his father. "I will Dad." Richie answered and left the house.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Richie knocked David's door at the hospital. "Enter." David answered a second later. Richie opened the door and saw David sitting on a chair. "Hey, Lemma how are you doing?" he asked and closed the door behind him. David looked at him. "Why are you wearing sunglasses?" David asked. "Because fo this." Richie said and took off his sunglasses. "What the hell happend to you?" "It's a very long story." Richie answered.

"I'm here..." "I'm here to see how you are doing, remember?" Richie said. "Richie i'm fine. I'm leaving in Friday." David said and Richie sut next to him. "How are things with Kate?" he asked. "Awesome until this morning." "Did she kick your ass?" David asked trying not to laugh. "No, of course not." Richie paused. "Her brother did."

"Her brother why?" "Beacuse according to him i am not suitable for Kate." he answered with raised voice. "He was so arrogant wearing his suit pretented a noble man, bullshit!" Richie continued. "Richie calm down. He just wanted to protect his sister. You will have done the same thing." "I will never have done the same thing. I will never had kicked my sister's boyfriend, if i have one." he paused.

"Look at this, Dave! How i'm supposed to go out like that? My mother almost had a heart attack when she saw me. My father thinks i'm not grown up and on the top i have these in my face!!" Richie said again with raised voice. "Richie i know you're upset. You have every right but please remember you are in a hospital. In any time Kate can walk throught that door." David answered and saw Richie standing up.

"I know. I know." he said calmy. "I'm sorry you have to listen my fucked up life again." "If you say that again i'll cut your fingers one by one." David answered. "Thanks Dave." Richie said and smiled. "Have you seen the rest of the guys?" Richie asked seconds later. "Yes, Alec came yesterday with Jon." "Oh cool. How are you feeling?" "Awesome. I can't wait to go back home. I've miss April so much." David said sad and looked down for a second.

"Anyway, just two more days in hell and i'm be back in paradise." he said and both men laughed. "So, you still stay in your parents house?" David asked him. "No, i just got back in my place. I need to be alone. You know with all of these going on, is better in New York." Richie answered. "Yeah, sure it is."

"Jon said in afew weeks we have a meeting for the new album. He said he has some ideas for a some new songs." David added seconds later and got. "I wrote some staff too." he said and passed Richie a notebook. Richie took a fast look in all of the written pages. He read the first page.

Come on, come on, come on
Give me something for the pain
Give me something for the blues
Give me something for the pain
When i feel i've been danglin' from a hang-man's noose
Give me something i can use
To get me throught the night
Make me feel all right, 
Something like you

"That's cool." Richie said and looked at David. "It was the first night..." David answered. Richie gave him back the notebook. "I should get going. I'll be back tommorow." he said. "Okay, man. I'm glad you stopped by." David said and smiled. Richie smiled back and left.

Richie closed the door behind him and put on his sunglasses. He walked a few steps and stopped when he heard his name been called. "Richie!" he turned around and saw Kate almost running towards him. When she stopped in front of him she asked. "Hey, how are you doing?" "I've been better." Richie answered. Kate notised something different about him. "Are you okay? Something wrong?" she asked.

"Are you asking me what is wrong? You know what is wrong!" he answered angrily. "Richie please! You're in a hospital." she tried to calm him. "Please, follow me in my office." Kate added and start walking to her office followed by Richie.

Kate opened the door and closed it whan Richie walked in too. He put away his sunglasses as he said  "Bringing me here doesn't change anything, Kate." "I know it doesn't. I just wanted to have some privasy." she paused. "I went in my house in New York when you left." Kate said and looked at him. "And?" "And i talked to my brother." "And?" Richie asked again with the same look on his face. "And he doesn't change his mind. He said he did this to protect me." she said. "As i thought he would." Richie  said and shaked his head.

"Look Kate i want to be honest with you." he walked closer to her. "If we're going to be together you need to stay away from your brother." he told her. "Stay away from my brother? Why?" "because he kicked my fucking ass!" Richie said with anger in his voice. "If every time we fight i end up like this, is not i want." "How can you ask me such a thing?" "Think about it Kate." he paused for a second. "You were the one who said stop controling your life. And if he can't see you he can't do that." Richie answered a little calmer this time.

"Jackson is my brother i can not do that!" "Yes, you can! You can stay with me in my place. We can go together on the tours. You will love it!" he said. Kate was thinking for more than ten seconds. She raised her head and asked him. "Are you asking me to choose you or my brother?" she looked at him. "I give you the matches. Is your choice if you light them up." Richie said and walked away.

"I've never thought you'll be so shelfish and so coward, Richie Sambora!" the strong voice Kate made him stop. "I have no idea what came to me and let you in. I thought you were different. I should have not listen to Helen." she paused. "Get out of my office. You make me sick." those words hurt but he was no right to make her choose between them.

Richie turned back to her and grabbed her arm. "Well i thought the same about you. I thought that i will forget anything else and get lost in you. You should haven't stopped that night on the highway." he told her looking in her eyes. "Let go of my arm! You are hurting me!" she almost yell. Richie let her go.

Kate saw him walking away. "Where are you going?" she asked him. "I need a cigarette!" Richie answered and slapped the door on his way out.

Chapter 10

Kate woke up next morning hearing a sleeping heartbeat. She looked up and saw him sound sleeping. She smiled now knowing that yesterday night wasn't a dream of hers. It really happend and he really is here. His left hand was hunging her as his head was turned to the right side.

Kate checked the time on the clock on the nightstand next to her. It was getting noon. She couldn't remember when was the last time she slept so much. That was the best way to start her day off. And she was planning to spend it with Richie. She didn't knew if this weird combination will work but she was willing to give it a try.

When she likes someone she knows it from the first time. But with Richie was different. She left that something is between them the night she saw him for the first time. She laughed remembering Helen's warning to watch that tall darkhaired guy. It seems that she's been trapped.

Richie opened his eyes as he heard her laughter. And yes he was there in her bed with her in his arms. They just spend their first night together. It was obvious to him that it is a bond between the two of them. It's like they were meant to be together.

He turned his head and kissed her head. "I'm sorry i didn't mean to wake you up." she said to him as she faced him. "Oh darlin' you didn't." Kate moved closer to kiss him goodmorning. "You slept good?" she asked him. "I can't remember when was the last time i fall alseep right away. You?" "Me too." Kate answered. Kate wanted to ask the question she was bothering her. But she wasn't sure if she wanted to hear his answer. She wanted to be with him but will he feel the same way?

"Richie?" she looked at him. "What is it?" he answered looked back at her. "What about now? I mean we did what we did last night but is this it?" and now the conversation is getting more and more surious. "That depense on you. I had a very good time last night, the whole night, not just the sex. I want to be with you." he paused to look at her light blue eyes. "Do you?"

Kate was just looking at his chocolate brown eyes and she knew that he wanted this like she did. "I do but..." "Look Kate there are no buts. Is just you and me and noone else, okay?" he touched her face with hand. "We will find a way. I know what are you thinking and i just want you to know that there are no perfect couples. I know we are different but we fall in love with what we don't have." he kissed her forehead.

"I promise you everything is going be amazing as long as you want it." he added. "Okay." "Great! I'll go use a bath for a second." he said and stood up. Kate was watching him walking away wearing only his underwear. Even though she wanted to stay in the bed for the next 100 years her hunger took over.

She pulled away the covers and get up. Wearing her robe she walked down the stairs. Even though there is almost noon the living room and the kitchen are dark. She opened all the widnows and let the fresh sunlight find its way to her house. She walked to the kitchen and start making some breakfast.

Several minutes later they are having breakfast when the bell rung. Kate annoyied and stood up and go answer the door. Kate opened it and came face to face with a big smile. "Hello sister!" Jackson said with a smile and bed over to hung and kiss his only sister. "You not seem too happy for seeing me." he asked when they broke the hug.

"I am but i wasn't expecting you. What are you doing here? You were supposed to be in Chicago." "I'll explaine everything over coffee. Can i come in?" he asked and tryied to look inside of the house. "Can we do this an another time? I have to go to the hospital." Kate answered back. "Why? Anything to hide from your big brother?" Jackson slapped back with erogant in his voice.

"No, of course not." Kate defent herself. "Then let's go inside." Jackson doesn't give up. From the kitchen Jackson saw a black silluette coming closer. As the silluette was coming closer he saw a tall man coming. "What is going on here? Who are you?" Richie asked looking to the man.

"Who are you and what are you doing in my sister's house?" Jackson asked back. "So, you are the big brother. I'm Richie." he said and held out his hand. For his suprise Kate's brother didn't shaked it. Richie looked at Kate who was suprised too. "You still are not answering to my question." "I'm her boyfriend."Richie answered to that man. Kate looked on the man on her left and smiled. She was feelling very weird being his girlfriend. Thinking about  these she tottaly forgot about her brother who was heiy breathing.

"Jackson are you okay?" she asked with a little conserne in her voice. Jackson was trying to proccess what he just heard. He took some deep nreathes and answered. "Kathrine did you realize what he just said?" "Yeah..." Kate said. "Great." he turned to Richie. "Now, mr...?" "Sambora." Richie answered not being sure what to expect. "I'm sorry to inform you that my sister will not keep seeing you. You can take your belongings and never come back." Jackson states and put his left hand on the pocket of his suit.

"And if i don't?" Richie asked back without being pleased of his proposal. "If you don't." he looked down and smiled. He faced Richie in the eyes and said. "You had to dea with me." Richie smiled and looked down too. "Well, mr Jones, right? I will not leave this house until Kate and i are not together anymore. So, telling me what to do doesn't working here."

The push came to shove. Richie's answer was what made Jackson mad. Pointing one figner in front of him and the devil's look on his face, Jackson said. "You will not tell me what is right for my sister. Kate needs to focus on her job right now. Not in a one night love, right Kate?" for the first time Kate heard her name.

Kate wanted to speak but Richie did the talking from her side. "Do you really think that Kate cares about what are you saying? She told me that her brother was very protective but i think the suitable word for you is asshole." he said meaning every word that came out of him mouth. "Shut up or the next thing that will come out of your mouth will be your teeth." Jackson answered being on the edge of loosing control.

"Unless your teeth come out first!" Richie said and he speedily punched him on the face. Kate didn't see that coming. As soon as she saw Richie's hand on her brother's face she let a scream out. Jackson took some steps back. He hit him very hard. Jackson looked at Richie with no expression in his eyes. Kate knew her brother and knew he was very mad. But he had gave his word not to pick up a fight with anyone who doesn't know kick boxing. But in the case he was just protecting his siter.

Kate knew that face and she froze a little more. "No, Jackson!" she said a tremble voice. "Don't worry Kate i won't hurt him that bad." he said with a cocky voice. Richie rolled his eyes as he heard those words. But Jackson didn't gave him a lifetime to think. He layied his both hands on his chest and pulled him to his side. With a strong push Richie was on the fround. Before he could stood up he saw Jackson coming furious over him.

He knent down to meet him and hit his face twice. Richie tried to stand up but he couldn't. Jackson feeling more furius than before he help him to stand up, just because with a punch on his stomack to be on ground once again. He was keep biting him Kate managed to pulled her brother away from bleeding Richie.

"Go!" she yelled. "Why are you doing this to me? I just met him and i love him okay? Stop fucking control who i'm dating. I don't want to see you again." "But Kate that man is not for you. He will probably have not more than 5 dollars on his pocket." Jackson answered laughing. "Well, Jack he may not have more that 5 dollars on his wallter but his bank account overcome the money you and your father have together!" She saw Jackson froze and continue. "Leave now!" she yelled.

Jackson knew she was meaning those words. Before he left he said. "I may fall for him now but when he'll leave, because he will, you'll come to me, mark my words Kate!"

Kate didn't pay nay attetion to her brother's words. She run to where Richie laying. She knelt down and said. "Richie are you okay?" Richie opened one of his both swollen eyes and tried to speak but he was on so much pain that his voice couldn't come out of his troath. Kate looked to his bleeding mouth and nose. That could only made her cry. She hugged him close and said. "I'm sorry i shouldn't had let this happen. I knew her had three Dans in kick boxing and i couldn't stop him. I'm sorry!" As he was hugging him she let the tears roll.

Richie found some strength enough to lift one hand and hugged her back. When she left his hand on her back she shaddered. She had never been in that situation before and didn't know what to do. All she could do was just stay there with him.

Chapter 9

Kate walked in the entrance of the hospital with a smile in her face. It's been a very long while since she could feel something strong like that. She didn't sleep. She couldn't sleep. He was all over her mind and all over the house. In every corner that she looks, she could see him. She could smell him.

On any other day Kate would go to her office, but not today. The more closer she was getting to her best friend the more exited she was. She couldn't keep it to herself anymore. She needed someone to share it with. She arrived at Helen's office and walked in with that huge smile on her face. "Gooood morning.....!!!!" she yelled. Helen was writting down some documents and looked up to the door. She saw her best friend Kate. But not the old Kate, the new one.

"Good morning to you too. Tell me what happend last night?" Helen said and put aside the documents. Kate sut on the chair opposite to Helen. "We had dinner in a very good restaurant. We talk about everything in the world." Kate started with enthousiasm in her voise. "And?" "And he left me in my house. At first i didn't want him to come inside. You know i didn't want to think that i'm a girl like all the others..." "Uh, i get it. He didn't come inside, didn't he?" Helen answered and lost that sparkle in her eyes.

"He came in and he..." Helen looked up and Katewhile she said. "And he...?" "I mean we..." "You did it?" Helen asked and her eyes rolled. "No, who do you think i am? But we did the first step... we kissed." Kate finally said. "Oh my God! Well done Kate! Oh my God i'm so so happy!" Helen said and stood up from the chair and hugged her best friend.

"Thank you!" "And what are you planning to do?" Helen asked her friend as she broke the hug. "I don't know! Didn't think about that. What am i supposted to do?" "Well, since he kissed you and you didn't slap him at his face..." Helen started. "Oh come on. You know i couldn't do that to him..." "Yes, so maybe you can invite him to your house and eat again...?" "That sounds great! Do you think he'll come today?" Kate asked.

"I think i'll be sick of seeing him. But i'm never going to be...." "Smartass...." Kate answered. "Now, why don't you go to pay a visit to David and see if he's here?" Helen offered. "I was going to see him one way or another. I checked his file, he's doing so much better. He'll leave the next week." Kate said and stood up from the chair. "I'll miss him. Now go! I have some work to do..." Helen said and looked down to some folders she had open on her desk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Richie knocked on David's door and walked in with a huge smile on his face. "Hey, Sambora is the first time in my whole that i'm that happy to see you!!!" David said from the bed. "Really Lemma? Should i go back home?" Richie teassed him a little. "No! No! I'm only joking.... Have a seat." David spoke and Richie sut on the chair.

While Richie sut that smile never leave his lips. David smiled and asked him. "So, what was your date with Dr Jones?" "It was great. I mean more than great. It was awesome." "So, you slept with her?" was the question David wanted to ask. "Jesus, no Dave. I didn't sleep with her. I did something better than that...." Richie said and sut back in the chair.

"There nothing better than this, Rich. But i really want to hear. So, tell me..." David asked waiting for an answer. "I kissed her." Richie answered. He could still feel her lips on his. He could still smell her perfume in the air. "Seriously? So much noise for a kiss? You let down your fans...." David said annoying. "I'm not letting my fans down. And how this has to do with my fans? They love me for what i am, not for what i do..." "Whatever." "Anyway, Dave..." Richie said without looking at David.

"What?" "I-I think i love her. Since i left her house she's the only one i'm thinking. I close my eyes and i think i'll see her when i opened them. I think about her every single second. I almost kill someone to my way here..." Richie admited. "She's a good woman, Rich. I think she's great for you... You should do something to win her. Is she single?" David asked "I have no idea. But when i kissed she didn't pull back or say anything. So, i guess she is single." "Great! Then ask her to go out again. If she liked that kiss as much as you did she won't say no." David said from the bed.

"You think?" "Yes, but don't rush things." David said. "Okay, i won't." Richie answered. The door opened and Kate alone walked in tha room. "Good morning Mr Rashbaum. How are you feeling today?" Kate asked him with the brightest smile on her face. "I'm fine Dr Jones. When i can go home?" "Judging by your tests next week you'll be in your house." "Great! I can't wait." David answered and smiled.

David was watching them looking at each other with the corners of their eyes. "I"ll come to check on you after the lunch, mr Rashbaum have a beautiful day." Kate said and walked out of the room. Back in the room David looked at Richie and Richie looked at David. "Are you going to stary at me all the time? Go talk to the girl!" "But right now?" Richie asked back. "What? Do you need a personal invitation? Go ahead!" david said and pointed to room to Richie with his hand.

"Okay, i'm going." he said and left David's room. Richie closed the door behind him and look first on theright bu t there was no mark of Kate. then he looked on the left and her talking with an another doctor. Armed with a smile on his face Richie walked closer to her. Kate spotted him with the corner of her eye and left that doctor alone.

"Hey." Richie said first when they got face to face. "Hey." she answered back feeling absultle akaward and didn't know what to do or say. All she could do was looking at him. Judjing by the look on his face the situation was the same on his side too. Suddenly he cleared his throat and started. "I had a very good time the other day. I was thinking if we can do this again, if you're okay with that."

"I had a very good time too. Tommorow i have  a morning sift. Do you want to come over? I'll cook dinner." she said without thinking. "That will be great. I'll bring some wine." "Great. Do you have any favourite food, something you don't like?" "I eat everything. I'm not alergic to anything, so i don't have any problem." "Okay, i'll keep that in mind." after that there were  seconds of silence. Richie broke it. "What time can i come?" "Around 20.00 will be great." Richie shaked his head and answered. "I'll be there. See you tommorow night." "See you tommorow night." Kate answered and saw Richie walking away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next night Kate's house was filled with wonderful smells of what she had cooked all the day. salads were ready as long as the dessert. The main course will be ready in a few minutes so that gives Kate the time to get dressed. 

A few minutes later Kate walked down to the kitchen fully dressed and waiting for him. It was the 20t time that she was checking her watch, she was kind of nervous. Her foot was pounding. But as soon as she heard the bell runing she stoud up and opened the door.

There she found Richie always with a smile on his face and with two bottles of wine. "Hey, Richie come in." she said smiling and let him walked in the house. Closing to door behind her she said "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Give me the wine." Richie passed her the wine and asked. "Can i help you with anything?" "No, everything is ready. I'll just turn off the oven and we can eat." Kate said while she was walking back to kitchen, Richie was following her.

"Please, have a seat." she told him and he sut. Looking to the table in front of he thought that he was in a luxurious restaurant. Everything was perfect. "You spend all the day in the kicthen?" he asked when Kate was serving the meat on the plate. She smiled and answered "Not all the day but some hours." "We should had went on a restaurant. You spend your day off cooking for me." "I don't regret it, Richie." she said and placed in front of him the main course.

Momments later they found each other on the couch watching a movieand drinking what was left of the wine. When the movie ended Kate said "I liked it. I've never saw it before, did you?" "Yeah." he answered and looked at her. "Then why didn't you tell me?" "Because you haven't see it before. You seemed to love the start and i didn't want to ruined it." "Thank you for not saying anything." she said and looked away.

"You know i think i enjoy it because i have a very good company. You're very good company Richie." she said and turned to face him. "You're a very good company too, Kate." he answered and moved closer. He placed his hand on her cheek and kissed her soflty. She didn't pulled away or moved. She stayied there and moved her hand on the back of his neck. They stopped kissing for a second but she wanted more.

This time she was the one who kissed him and that caught him out of guard. He was suprised and she know it. And that was what she liked about him. Richie was about to lay her dwon on the couch but then he remembered David's words on don't rushing things and he stopped. Kate looked at him with a suprised look on her face. "What happend?" "Look, Kate i like you but i don't want to rush things." he said. "Richie i like you too and i don't want to rush things either. But right now i know what i need. And what i need is you." she said and kissed him again.

Richie was trying to understand what her words ment and he felt her lips on his. Juding by the way she was kissing him, she wanted this as bad as he want it. He broke the kiss and took her in his arms. With her on his arms he climped the stairs and arrived at her bedroom. He layied her gently on the bed and he layied on the top of her. "Are you sure about that? I can stop." he asked. "No, please don't stop." she whispered.

Kate didn't regret cooking for him, as long as leaving him taking advantage of her in the bedroom.