Chapter Forty-Six

Callie arrived at O’Hare International Airport a little after six, she collected her case and made her way to grab a taxi. The band still didn’t know it was her defending them, she told Mr Manning she had it under control, once she had the hotel that they were staying.

She popped her knuckles as the taxi made its way into the city, the chill of the fall biting through the poorly insulated cab. What if this was a mistake? She’d never hear the end of it from her father; especially that she borrowed ten thousand dollars for bail money. He thought it was for medical school, so he already had given her the lecture on how it was a waste of money, convinced she’d always come back to law.

If he knew her as well as he should have, she wasn’t borrowing a dime off him for her study that would solely be her responsibility and her success. The car rounded the corner and slowed in front of the hotel. Well, they’ve certainly moved up a little in style. She paid the driver and grabbed her case, and headed for the front desk. She could see out of the corner of her eye a few men mingling around with note pads. She’d bet her bottom dollar they were reporters, Jon was so not going to be happy if this was already in the media.

“Hi, I’m Callie Richards, I’m here for -“God, did she say Jon, Doc or the band? Jon wasn’t expecting her, and neither was Richie, but he’d be easier. “Richie Sambora. He’ll be expecting me.”

The receptionist eyed her carefully, thankfully Callie figured her suit and the way she presented herself was a far off cry from any groupies trying to get in.

“Just one moment please m’am.” She made the call and then nodded, “you can wait just through in the bar if you don’t mind.”

She nodded, “not a problem, Thanks.” She made her way to the bar and waited at a
table. She smoothed her hands down her skirt. God, it was only Jon.

Only Jon who had turned her world upside down.

Only Jon who she’d shared the best sex she’d ever damn had with.

Only Jon who had been the one to believe in her.

Only Jon who she’d given her mind, soul and heart to.

Only Jon who she’d accidently fallen in love with.

Only Jon who had broke her heart.

“So can I buy you a drink? Or are you looking for something a little more serious?”

Warm brown eyes and a cheeky grin beamed down at her.

“Richie!” She leapt up and he wrapped his arms around her tight.

“I’ve never been so happy to see you.” He pulled her back, still in his embrace.

“But why are you here, when you said—“

“I changed my mind. Don’t ask.”

“I already know babe.”

“No- it’s not like that, I don’t-“

“Come on, let’s go and see Jonny and Doc, see if you can’t sort this mess out.” He rested his arm around the top of her shoulders, took her bag and led her to the elevator. Two girls, who were waiting for him, grew restless as they came closer.

“Hey girls. Want me to sign anything?” He laughed when the blonde one, slicked with hot red lipstick and big blue eyes pulled her top down to reveal her bra. “Ok, signing the boobs it is.”

Callie amused, shook her head. Richie loved the attention, he was so relaxed around these girls where as that was very different to how Jon was, she noted. They slipped into the elevator and he grinned back out at them.

“Don’t worry she’s more like my sister.”

Callie punched his arm as the doors slid shut. “Gee thanks. You’re saying I’m not hot now?”

Richie cocked his brow, “actually no. In that killer suit and those shoes, I was going to say earlier you look like you’re ready to do some damage.”
Pleased with herself she smiled. “Why thank you.”

Her belly twisted as they reached the floor, what would she say, how would Jon react? “He doesn’t know you called me does he?” She asked as they reached the door.

“Nope, he doesn’t. Or that you’re here now. This is Jon’s room.” He rapped his knuckles against the door.

God, no need for time to prepare myself. Sheesh.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me Jon, Rich.”

“Alright, come in then.”

Richie turned the doorknob swinging it open.“Ladies first.”

She took a deep breath, gripped her purse and walked in. “Hello Jon.”

~

His head snapped up at the sound of her voice. “Callie?” He shifted off the couch to his feet, “W-what are you doing here?” And how did you become even hotter? The dark brown suit hugged her figure perfectly, and the skirt showed off just enough of her long legs, down to the matching heels she was wearing. Damn and he always did like heels.

Her hair was wrapped up, back from her face, and her face prettied with some makeup that made her blue eyes shine. He stuffed the need to go to her away, she looked incredible.

She set down her briefcase. “I heard you might need some help.” He watched Richie appear in the doorframe slowly behind her.

He rolled his eyes, “you rang her? After I told you—to”

“Yes he did ring me Jon, and I gave him the name of the lawyer that visited you, Sherwood Manning. He was one of my father’s top associates.”

Jon’s brow winged. That made sense why he didn’t like the guy, he was pompous, and clearly in it for the money and any possible fame he might gain out of it. He folded his arms, “so then why are you here. Mr Manning seemed to know what he was doing.”

She unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it off her shoulders, the creamy blouse she was wearing accentuated the soft curve of her breast, one he’d once known well.
“You couldn’t afford him Jon, and when I spoke to him...I didn’t trust he was going to do this for the right reasons.”

There it was, straight in the gut and he didn’t even deserve her. She cared enough to know how much this meant to him, and how ridiculously relieved he was but at the same time, guilty. “You did huh? Was it you that posted the bail money?”

Her eyes softened, “yes it was.”

“Dammit Callie.” He raked his hands through his hair, he was pissed that she had to bail them out, more pissed at himself for not being able to.

“Told you she was a keeper.” Richie’s eyes danced as he slipped out of the room.

“I asked Dad for it, he doesn’t know what it’s for.”

His jaw clenched, “And how is father dearest?” He cursed himself for sounding so ungrateful. But the thought of that man, even though in foresight he’d done something just as bad to her, made his blood boil.

“He’s ok Jon. So do you want to tell me about what happened?” She snapped open her briefcase and pulled out a pad. She was being professional, and how clipped and confident she was glowing, was just driving him more insane.

“I don’t know what happened Callie, one minute I was finishing one of the best concerts in my life and the next I was tied up in a drug ring, with that son of a bitch who I should have never trusted.” He swore as he kicked over the small coffee table sending its contents flying.

“Ok, Ok, look just calm down. Look...” she walked across the room, Christ the way she moved so undeterred. She clicked open the liquor cabinet and pulled out a bottle of scotch. “I’ll pay for it, so don’t worry. Here... Drink it and sit down for a second.” She held it out to him and smiled.

She was so calm and so not fazed by him? Was she over all that happened in their past? There was something so different about her, and it was bugging the shit out of him. He took the glass and sat down. He felt the warm liquid burn to his belly, “mind if I have a smoke?”

She shook her head. “Go right ahead.”

He dug for his cigarettes and swiftly lit one. “How’s it all been going, anyway?” He had to assume since she was here, she was still practicing law and working for her father.

“Fine, it has its moments. What about you, Mr Hot Shot Rock star?” She smiled genuinely. “I see you’ve made quite the name for the band over the last year.”

He grinned and took a long pull from his cigarette. “Yea. We’re in demand. Demand is great, not quite where I want to be, but we’re not far off it.” He blew out another breath, “and we’re working our asses off for it.”

She moved to the chair near his and sat crossing her legs. Her hair, neat and woven up leaving the long line of her neck exposed, made his mouth water. “You’re looking good Callie.

“Thanks.” She checked her watch. “Look, if you’re not ready to talk, I’ll head up to my room and freshen up. I’m starving as well; it’s been a long night for you I understand. So maybe we meet up in a couple hours or so? And you can tell me what happened, and then I’ll need to talk to Doc.”

He nodded, “sure. No problem.” She collected her things and his belly growled, man he hadn’t eaten in hours either. Was it too much to expect them to get a meal together? “I haven’t eaten either,” he quickly blurted out, but the small smile and nod was as good as a slap in the face.

“See you in a couple of hours Jon.”

He couldn’t blame her, hell she was here, ready to defend his honor after everything that had happened. What else could he possibly expect of her?