Chapter Eight, Candles
Posted by DiF on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Title: Midnight Shift: Chapter Eight, Candles
Rating: NC-17 [language, alcohol, and sex]
Summary: It's someone's birthday. And that someone is not Bonzo.
While falling asleep had been awkward, waking had not. In fact Bonzo could not remember waking so peacefully, so happily, so sober in ages. He didn’t think Robert would allow it, but he certainly meant to ask. He wanted to sleep beside Summer always.
As sun filtered through curtains, Bonzo turned on his side. His eyes dropped to the sleeping princess snuggled up against his best friend. She looked like she perfectly fit into his arms, was made just for him. It filled him with a warm glow. Even though he liked Maureen plenty, there was something far more perfect between Summer and Robert. He wanted to never see it fall apart or change. And Bonzo certainly didn’t want to wake either. It was too dream-like to interrupt.
Robert’s eyes fluttered open, looking across Summer to meet his best friend’s eyes, “It’s her birthday.”
Bonzo instantly grinned. His eyes flashed with mischievous thoughts, making Robert shake his head slightly. However he drummer completely ignored him and leaned over to the blond girl. Without delay Bonzo began to shower any visible patch of skin with kisses. His actions instantly lit jealousy in Robert’s soul and eyes.
“Robert, stop,” Summer muttered.
There was some vindication in the fact she thought it was him. Smiling slightly he leaned over and kissed her mouth. Her lips curved into a smile, her arms looping around his neck to hold him in the kiss. Frowning Bonzo rolled out of the bed and quickly left before things became more heated. Not knowing how long they would be, Bonzo discarded the idea of cooking breakfast. However he presumed others would be up and could aid in planning a party for Summer.
Lighting a cigarette he collapsed onto the couch, phone pulled in his lap. Bonzo quickly called the hotel and rang Jimmy’s room. Unsurprisingly the guitarist did not answer. Frowning he tried John Paul’s room. A brief conversation with the bassist determined they needed a location and a cake. John Paul volunteered to find a location and to remind Jimmy while Bonzo worked on the cake and other such details. With the band planning a party, it was certain to be a riot. When Robert emerged from the bedroom nearly an hour later, the entire thing was all set, leaving Bonzo to grin like a cat with a canary.
Stopping in the kitchen entrance, Robert looked at his best friend, suspicion in his eyes, “I don’t know that I like that look.”
“What look?”
“What have you done, Bonzo?”
He grinned, “I planned a party for Summer.”
Robert remained quiet for a minute, “You did?”
Bonzo nodded, “Yes. Tonight at eight we’re all heading to Laurel Canyon to celebrate her birth.”
Figuring there was nothing he could do, Robert merely shook his head and headed into the kitchen. A moment later Bonzo bounded in after him and puttered around, helping prepare breakfast. With coffee percolating and bacon sizzling, Summer was seduced out of the bedroom. Her entrance instantly changed Bonzo’s focus and he left his assigned task to embrace her.
“Happy birthday, Summer!” he exclaimed.
“Thanks,” she grinned before looking to Robert. “You cooked for me again?”
“Of course, baby,” he smiled.
Extricating herself from the drummer, Summer quickly kissed her man. Happily sitting at the table her eyes watched the two men finish their cooking. There certainly was a different feeling than the previous cooking session. Maybe it had to do with the men’s friendship or maybe just Bonzo’s personality. Most likely it had to do with the fact Bonzo made shaped pancakes.
Setting a plate in front of her, Robert smiled as Bonzo stuck a small candle in the stack of heart-shaped pancakes and lit it. Summer looked at the candle, completely confused by its presence. The two men didn’t realize it until they sat on either side of her.
“Aren’t you going to make a wish?” Bonzo asked.
“Huh?” she looked at him.
“Baby, haven’t you ever had birthday candles before?” Robert questioned.
“Uh no.”
“Well, on your birthday you get a cake with candles on it to blow out. If they all go out then your wish comes true,” he explained.
“What could I possibly wish for? I have more than I could ever want, right here, right now,” Summer proclaimed and pinched out the flame before plucking the candle from the pancakes.
While he was saddened that she apparently missed out on birthday candles, Robert was touched that she wished for nothing. Something told him it had everything to do with him. Which could mean that he could completely skimp on a gift for her – only he had no intentions of doing so. He would make her birthday absolutely unforgettable.
“What do you normally do on your birthdays?” Bonzo asked.
Summer shrugged as she chewed a bite of pancake, “Nothing all that different. Daily chores, daily life. A gift from my mother and supposed father. Sometimes dessert after dinner. Nothing big.”
“Did they already give you your gift this year?”
“Yes.”
“What?”
“Tickets to four shows of this little band from England no one seems to know about,” she claimed.
Bonzo grinned, “Lucky girl.”
“Sadly it’s kinda a wasted gift,” she frowned.
Robert did as well, “Has this not been a great experience?”
“Oh most certainly. But its not easy for my parents to come up with forty dollars to buy four tickets,” she explained.
That too piqued his interest, “How did you come by the cash you paid for the room with?”
Summer winked and shoved another bite of food in her mouth. He knew from the look in her eyes that getting an answer from her would be near impossible. Bonzo however didn’t catch that.
“You suck someone off or something?”
“Bonzo!” Robert exclaimed.
“No,” Summer stated. “But I’m not denying nudity was involved.”
Robert’s eyes whirled to hers, “Summer, how did you come by that money?”
“Nevermind. What are we doing today? I know you don’t have a show tonight or tomorrow,” she attempted to shift focus.
“Summer, how did you get that money?” he repeated.
“Bonzo, I want to go some place today. Will you take me somewhere?”
“Sure, sweetie. Where do you want to go?”
“Hollywood?”
“That can be—”
“Summer, where did you get the money?” Robert interrupted.
Her eyes flicked to his, “I modeled some. Now I’m going to go shower. Are you coming with?”
He frowned, “What kind of modeling involves nudity?”
“Showering alone then,” she picked up her empty plate, eyes flicking to Bonzo. “I’ll be ready to go in an hour.”
Being known in the guitar world was certainly advantageous. Anyone he wanted, welcomed him into their studios, into their workshops. It certainly opened up many paths. However it did not help with the decision-making process. He found each guitar presented to him was beautiful, had particular charms, but not a single one was what he searched for, not a single guitar was perfect.
To be honest he knew precisely what he compared those with: one of his beloved acoustics back at home. That one with its pretty honey-colored finish was perfect. And there was not enough time to get it flown over, if even his assistant could locate it in storage. Whatever he chose would be second rate.
Sighing Jimmy shook his head. Thanking the luthier, he left the guitar workshop and slipped into the back of his limo. Richard Cole and Peter Grant were both along for the ride, the former carrying the money for the guitar, the latter to discuss other business matters. Jimmy paid little attention to either man, his thoughts upon finding the guitar. It had to be perfect – or at least near perfect before he would even consider it at all.
“Jimmy,” Peter interrupted his thoughts, “why are you so focused on a guitar? You already have—”
“I do not have need to explain these things to you,” Jimmy responded.
“But—”
“I bet its for a girl,” Cole spoke up. “You’re trying to impress a girl.”
Jimmy stared at the tour manager blankly, blinking. Shaking his head his dark eyes turned back to the window, watching the colorful store fronts breeze by. He often bought guitars while out on tour, it was nothing abnormal. True, he normally purchased them for himself, but this time it was for someone special. She deserved to have a guitar of her own, not a beat-up hand-me-down. But something beautiful and petite, just like her. Nothing wrong with that.
Two hours later with both Peter and Cole grumbling, Jimmy entered yet another luthier’s workshop. Three steps into the room, his gaze landed on it, his ears blocking out the greeting by the luthier and Peter’s frantic scramble to smooth over the man’s ego when Jimmy ignored him. Stepping around everyone, his fingers reached out to touch the guitar. Lightly touching the pale spruce guitar, Jimmy traced over the inlaid hearts circling the heart-shaped sound hole. He knew without a doubt, without picking it up, that it was an authentic Zemaitis guitar. The fingerboard and bridge were a shiny ebony, contrasting perfectly with the light body of guitar. Silver hearts ran up the mahogany neck, leading up to the florets made from the heart icons on the tuning head. It was perfect, even better than the one he compared it to back home.
“How much?” Cole asked the man, recognizing Jimmy’s quick infatuation.
“It’s not for sale,” the luthier declared.
Cole pulled out a roll of hundred dollar bills and repeated, “How much?”
Again the man responded, “It’s not for sale.”
Jimmy turned to the guitar maker, his fingers still touching the wooden body of the guitar, “May I speak with you alone?”
Cole immediately bristled from Jimmy’s stepping in but Peter grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the workshop. His dark eyes flicked to the beautiful guitar once more before he focused his attention on the luthier. Eying the man carefully he tried to figure out how best to woo the man. It wasn’t about money. The guitar was special. Jimmy knew that, the guitar maker knew that. It just had a special aura; it was golden.
“You bought this guitar for someone special, didn’t you?”
“Not you,” the luthier declared defensively.
Jimmy nodded, “And I do not shop for myself.”
The man folded his arms across his chest, looking at Jimmy with disdain.
“Have you ever known someone whose mere presence in your life brightens it? Have you ever known someone who sparkles more than the stars and the sun? Have you ever—”
“You have no need to romance me,” he declared gruffly. “I ain’t sleeping with you.”
Jimmy blinked harshly, “I am not looking for the perfect guitar to get into a girl’s pants, sir. I have been searching all day for the perfect guitar for a friend for her birthday. That guitar outshines all that I have seen today, much like my friend does to those around her. There can be no other guitar for her.”
“You can throw around as much money as you want, I am not selling this guitar to you.”
“Why not?”
“I would never sell her to any rock star. Oh yes, I know who you are. I will not sell to you. Anything.”
While the man’s defiance rubbed him so poorly, Jimmy nodded once and withdrew from the workshop. His eyes flicked to the two burly men before he climbed into the vehicle silently. Peter and Cole both joined him, looking at him expectantly for instructions.
“I want that guitar. Before tonight.”
While a part of him was ever curious as to what Bonzo and Summer were up to, Robert pushed it aside as he entered yet another store. He had only agreed to letting the drummer take his girl around Hollywood for awhile because he needed to shop for her himself. As the first extended period he had apart from her, Robert found focus unbearable. He really needed to stop thinking about her and start thinking about shopping for her. A quick glance around the store and he knew it wasn’t for her. Too stuffy.
Exiting the fourth store in twenty minutes, Robert paused on the sidewalk and lit a cigarette. Why was shopping such an ordeal? It was just a birthday present... for the single most important person in his life. It had to be special, not some run-of-the-mill birthday card or anything. Something special as she was so very special.
Though he didn’t think he would find anything in a Hollywood jewelry store, Robert stepped through the glass doors anyways. His eyes quickly looked around, glossing over the sparkling gems and shiny metals. Finding nothing spoke to him at all, he began to leave, hoping to avoid the sweet talk of any of the salespeople. However before he stepped towards the exit, his eyes lit upon a single bauble in a well-lit case. Inexplicably drawn to it, he approached the glass enclosure.
On a red satin pillow under a harsh white spotlight, a large pearl glimmered. A serpentine gold chain snaked around the pillow, disappearing under the pearl. The jewel itself was quite likely the largest one he had ever seen, not much smaller than a wine grape, and perfectly formed. He didn’t even realize it until his nose nearly touched the glass, but the pearl had completely entranced him. And he could picture it on no one but Summer.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” a voice broke his intense silent conversation.
“Oh yes,” Robert agreed.
“I find not every woman can wear pearls, even fewer a single one of that quality. There is a diamond for every woman but not a woman for every pearl,” the salesman declared.
His eyes went back to the case, “May I see it closer?”
The man appraised Robert silently. Attired in slim jeans and a white shirt emblazoned with his band’s name, he appeared little better than any other street vagabond in worn tennis shoes. The salesman did not recognize Robert at all, as he listened to classical music rather than popular music. All of his training forbade him from pushing the selling relationship any further, just knowing the street rat with long hair would not have the money nor the culture to purchase such. However his instincts fought strongly against the stereotype.
“But of course,” he heard his voice utter without forewarning.
Robert watched carefully as the man moved around the case, a jingle of keys freed from his pocket. Two sets of locks were turned before the pearl could be reached. Only then did Robert wonder of its cost – and then quickly discarded the thought as folly as Summer was worth even more. Focusing on the jewel, he watched the salesman slide it from the case and set it on the nearby counter. Robert followed eagerly, leaning in to look at it carefully. It was absolutely flawless. Even the gold setting was perfect, a gentle flower-shaped cage holding the pearl.
Reaching for it, he paused, “May I?”
The salesman nodded.
Plucking the pearl from the satin pillow, he held it up by the chain. As the necklace swung gently from his finger, he knew it was the one, was precisely what he had been looking for. This would be Summer’s birthday gift.
“How much?”
Rather than verbally reply the salesman reached below the counter and pulled out a small notebook and pen. He quickly scribbled a figure upon it. Turning the paper around, the salesman watched Robert’s expression carefully. Nodding the singer picked up the pen and scratched the number out. Scribbling another, he turned the paper back to the salesman. Frowning the man wrote another number and again Robert repeated his actions.
“This is my final offer,” the salesman declared.
Picking up the piece of paper, Robert held it up, knowing full well anyone who passed behind him could read it. Deciding the figure was still too high, he crumpled the paper and shook his head.
“Sorry for wasting your time,” Robert proclaimed, turned, and headed towards the door.
Fully expecting to be stopped before he exited, he frowned when he pushed the door open and still no one spoke to him. The necklace had been absolutely perfect, however overpriced. He could have afforded the first asking price without an issue but Robert honestly did not think the necklace worth that much. It broke his heart to walk away but perhaps he could send Cole back for it later. Until then he would seek another gift.
Wandering the streets again, his eyes glanced at store fronts an window displays. Nothing tempted him at all. None of the other pretty baubles even neared the pearl pendant. He would turn around and—
A display window off a side street caught his eyes. Heading away from the main drag and out of the glaring sunlight, he remained focused on the window. Filled with rich reds and brilliant pinks, a few sparkling rings were nestled amongst hearts and silken roses. A tiny hand-printed sign declared the rings “promise rings.” While he was familiar with the term and idea, he didn’t find the particular rings to fit his idea of such. That meant further investigation.
The moment he entered the store, Robert knew it was different. He was instantly greeted warmly and offered a snack and a cup of tea. The salespeople chatted with each other, other customers, and him as they bustled about. One girl approached him, tea cup in hand. He quickly glanced down and noted the girl wore no shoes and a few handmade anklets circled her ankles, tinkling of little bells with each step. Apparently by going off the major street, he stepped into a different world; a world more like him and Summer.
“Are you looking for something for you or your sweetie?” she asked, holding out the tea.
“It’s my girlfriend’s birthday,” he proclaimed.
“Ah,” she nodded. “Anything you have in mind?”
“Well,” he sipped the tea, smiling. “This is quite good. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Anyways, the window display intrigues me.”
“Ah, a promise ring,” she grinned. “Tell me a bit about your girl.”
“She’s cute and loving and bubbly and playful and sexy and...”
The salesgirl nodded, “Is she from here?”
“No. Outside San Francisco.”
“And today is her birthday?”
Robert nodded.
“Aquamarine then,” the girl declared. “I have just the thing.”
Following the barefoot salesgirl across the store, he smiled his thanks as the teacup was swept from his hands by a passing salesman in velor bell bottoms and a white linen shirt. Robert’s eyes flicked to the glass-less case the girl stopped in front of. Before she even reached in to lift a black velvet tray, he saw it. It was a simple silver band with leaves spiraling around a sparkling light blue-green gem, almost as if it was a flower bud. It was simple, organic, and beautiful; much like his Summer. That ring was the one.
He did not hear the salesgirl pitch other rings. Her words did not penetrate his thoughts at all. He only snapped to attention when she spoke no more, waiting for his response.
“That one,” he pointed at the center ring that caught his gaze.
She blinked apparently surprised by his selection. Recovering with a nod, her delicate ring-covered fingers plucked it from the black velvet. Holding it out to him, she smiled warily. Robert accepted the ring and held it up to the light. He smiled at how much it sparkled. Close up he was even more certain.
“How much?” he asked, handing it back.
“Nine hundred,” she instantly responded. “Its hand-fashioned of white gold.”
He nodded, eyes flicking to the other rings. The craftsmanship of his chosen ring was superior. There seemed to be a greater feeling to the ring. It was the one. But he had no shame in bartering.
“Six hundred – cash,” he countered.
The girl met his eyes. For a moment she remained silent. Suddenly a smile lit her face and she accepted his offer. With a quick handshake, she disappeared with the ring to wrap it up. Pulling out his billfold, Robert counted his money. Finding himself three hundred short, panic seized him. His worried eyes flicked to the bodyguard who trailed him everywhere. With a nod the man pulled pulled out his band-supplied wallet. By the time the salesgirl returned with the daintily wrapped box, Robert held the exact cash.
Triumphant he thanked the girl and exited the store. Handing the ring box to the bodyguard for safekeeping, he wondered where to find his girl and best friend.
Giggling Summer ducked down the aisle. Rather than venture down it to look at the other toys, she waited near the apex for Bonzo to hurry around. The moment he rounded the corner, she jumped on his back. Chuckling his arms linked under her knees, supporting her position. As she laughed he trotted down the aisle, making his way to the back of the store where large toys were scattered about for children to play with. Without pause, he released Summer onto a large beanbag chair, spinning about to tickle her. Squealing she attempted to escape him. Picking up random small toys, she threw them at him, hoping to keep him from his pursuit. Tossing a small stuff animal at him, she burst into laughter when he caught one in his mouth.
His arms eventually encircled her waist. She wiggled for a little bit, but soon gave into her fate. Wrapping herself around him, Summer playfully bit him as he carried her from the play area.
“You’re crazy,” she proclaimed.
“Oh, I know.”
“Good,” Summer nodded. “Where to now?”
“First you have to pick a present,” Bonzo declared, still holding onto her.
“No,” she instantly refuted.
He frowned, looking around the toy store, “What if I pick something you don’t like?”
“I doubt you will. You know me pretty well.”
“Hmmm,” he released her and scratched his chin. “Okay. Go wait outside and figure out where we’re gonna have lunch.”
“What about Robert?”
“He’ll find us,” he replied, nudging her towards the door. “Go.”
Sitting on a bench outside the Hollywood toy store, Summer swung her bare feet slightly. She had felt all of the condescending stares in earlier stores. Even though she was dressed in a brand new pink halter top and hip hugging jeans, everyone looked to her bare feet. It had never been a big deal in her life before. Most didn’t wear shoes back home. She understood that she was in LA, in Hollywood even, but she hadn’t expected to be so ostracized by her lack of footwear. Maybe she would have to ask Bonzo for her sandals back.
“SUMMER!” Bonzo shouted as he bounded towards her.
Her eyes flicked from her dirty feet to him. In his arms he held the largest stuffed bear she had ever seen.
“Is that for me?” she asked as he plopped down beside her, wiggling the bear between them.
“Nope. I’m tired of sleeping alone. We’ll get your present later,” he proclaimed.
Summer instantly frowned, “That’s not nice.”
“Well... I guess you can borrow him. But only if I get to sleep with Robert,” Bonzo offered.
“Sure.”
“Fantastic!” the drummer grinned. “Shall we go find my new bedmate?”
Linking his arm with hers after handing over the overlarge bear to her, Bonzo started down the street. He noticed more looked at them but he neither cared nor spoke of it. Instead he chattered happily about the toy store, taking Summer’s suggestion of buying toys and shipping them home to his kids. It was only two in the afternoon and he was certain the day was fantastic. He had every high hopes for the party that night as well.
“John?” she asked seriously.
“Uh oh. You have serious face,” he declared.
Summer shrugged slightly, “Do you think there’s something wrong with me?”
He stopped in his tracks, eyes snapping to hers, “Are you serious?”
“Everyone has been staring at me.”
“Well you are carrying the largest bear I’ve ever seen.”
“Before this though. Anytime we entered some place, they started at me.”
“Well... I wasn’t going to say anything, but...”
“What? What’s wrong?”
He turned to face her completely, “You have to be the cutest, sexiest girl in all of California, maybe even in all of America.”
She flushed, “I am not.”
“You are too. I’ve met most of them. You are far superior to all the plastic girls.”
“I am not. And that’s precisely the look they give me, one of superiority. As if I’m less than them.”
“They’re just jealous. They all want your teddy bear.”
Summer rolled her eyes, “You don’t understand, Bonzo.”
“You are right about that. I don’t understand why you give a fuck about what all those strangers say or even think about you. You’re adorable and bright and—”
“Different,” she interjected.
Bonzo frowned, “Summer, baby, why do you care so much?”
Her eyes dropped to the sidewalk, her dirty bare toes in her sights, “I don’t belong any where.”
Reading a far more serious discussion in her statement than standing on a sidewalk in front of a designer lingerie store allowed, he glanced around for a safe place to retire to. Spotting a bench under a palm tree, he grasped her hand and lead Summer over to it. Instructing his bodyguard to look for Robert and his, Bonzo plucked the bear from Summer’s arms, placing it on the opposite side of himself from Summer. Scooting over on the bench, he picked up her hand and studied her palm for a long moment before kissing her fingertips.
“I think you’ve found where you belong,” he proclaimed.
“You do?”
“I would wager everything in my possession that you have. Actually I would even bet my family,” he declared.
“What makes you say that?”
“Because in five short days you’ve become a part of this band’s inner soul,” he stated.
“I’m not really a part of it,” she argued. “I’m just Robert’s grou—”
“Like bloody hell you are,” he interrupted. “He loves you. I can’t explain it any more than he can. But I’ve seen it in his eyes when he looks at you. He loves you. You’re more than even just a girlfriend.”
“Uh huh.”
“Summer, why do you doubt his love?”
“No one has loved me before.”
Bonzo frowned, “I’m sure your parents—”
“No. My mother has not shown much affection in years. And I do no believe Jerry is my father at all,” she interrupted.
“Why is that?”
“I look nothing like him nor any of my siblings,” she replied.
“So why does that make you unloved?”
“I don’t know,” Summer said. “It does however make me feel like I don’t belong. I don’t really fit in with my family or the others in my house. I only marginally get along with everyone else. Communal life... is not as ideal as so many think.”
“Why?”
She looked down at her hands, “I want to be seen as an individual, not a piece of a greater machine. I mean, I know that doesn’t fit with my statement of wanting somewhere to belong. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so—”
“You belong with us, Summer. We value your individuality,” he reached for her foot and pinched her big toe lightly. “You belong with us.”
Finally finding Summer and Bonzo seated under a palm tree talking, Robert smiled in relief. He thought he would never find them. But then he turned a corner and there they were. It took not a moment to convince them down the street for lunch. It was here Bonzo broke the news of the party to Summer. And that completely explained the reasoning behind their being in a clothing shop once more: she needed a party dress.
Again fate worked against him. Having the drummer along meant no dressing room sex; though Robert had little to complain about after waking her to lovemaking earlier. Yet each time she pranced out of the fitting room in a cute party dress, Robert yearned to follow her back in. A particular red and black dress nearly ended his every resolve.
“Oh man,” Bonzo muttered as Summer turned about in the mirror. “If she wears that one, I might have to re-think the little sister relationship.”
“Uh huh,” Robert mumbled, not really hearing his best friend’s words.
A lace-up bodice made the dirndl-style sundress cling to her small curves, peeking hints of the swells of her breasts through the lacing. In bold, bright red floral and black cotton fabric, three layers danced over her body: the lace-front bodice with a peplum, the red overskirt, and the black ruffled taffeta underskirt, trimmed at the hem with the visible black cotton ruffle. Dainty loops of black trimming edged the bodice and the red overskirt.
“Well?” her eyes went expectantly to Robert’s.
“Oh baby,” he groaned.
“You don’t like it?” she pouted.
“Oh no, baby. I like. A lot.”
“John?”
“I’m going to have to recommend against it,” he stated.
“What? Why?”
“Because I’m not supposed to lust for you and you’re making that very hard right now,” Bonzo answered.
Her eyes flicked to his crotch, “Oh really now?”
“Summer! Change!” Robert quickly directed.
“You’re no fun, daddy,” she pouted and turned around to head back to the dressing room.
With that statement, Robert jumped up and chased her into the room. She squealed as he whirled her around, mouth devouring hers. Mumbling something about him not ruining the dress he hadn’t paid for, Summer put up little protest when he stripped her. Her objections fell silent, swallowed in his kiss as he pressed her bare back up against the wall. With a groan, he looped her leg around his waist and quickly pushed into her. Quickly they plateaued, something the entire store heard building, at least until Bonzo began to drum on anything loudly and sing gruffly in hopes of covering his best friends’ moans.
“So, I guess...” Summer breathed as Robert buckled his pants “... I can’t have the dress?”
“Oh no, baby. We are certainly buying it,” he grinned. “Certainly buying it.”
Having spoken with Jimmy, at least as much as the currently angsty guitarist would communicate, John Paul was faced with the prospect of purchasing a gift for Robert’s golden girl. While it was odd for everyone to clamor around someone who caught any of the band member's wandering eyes, he actually understood the ruckus. He was not as close to the girl as Bonzo but he certainly appreciated her effect on the drummer. Even Jimmy had a fairly decent connection with her already, something he attributed to their love of the guitar. While John Paul wasn’t all that close with her, he could blame on disappearing from the band’s party scene almost as soon as they arrived in LA. John Paul did not particularly find that a bad thing at all; at least never had before. He also blamed it on everyone else usurping her time. Yes, she was Robert’s girl, so clearly he had every right to takeover her time. But he hadn’t yet figured out Bonzo’s and Jimmy’s claims to her. Though the more he thought about it, the more he realized all he was doing was making himself foolishly jealous. All because he suddenly felt the need to compete with the rest of the band over a birthday gift for Summer.
Shaking his head, John Paul thanked his friends and headed out of the house. If they were surprised he was attending a band party, they were too stoned to show. He merely waved and left them behind. He knew of a few nearby shops that might provide the perfect gift for a girl he barely knew. If not he was not going to worry about it.
Walking into a store smelling strongly of patchouli and incense, John Paul paused and inhaled. There was something about the aroma of the shop. It was heady and intoxicating. And not helping him shop at all. Eyes opening he glanced around. He drifted to the jewelry first, figuring it was a decent gift for a girl. But nothing spoke to him and he thought Robert might have issues with that kind of gift.
Thinking over what he knew of her, John Paul trailed through the rest of the store. He honestly wished he knew her better. Even knowing her favorite color would be helpful. But alas, he did not so he would have to wait for serendipity to intervene.
Turning around to head back to the front of the store, John Paul’s eyes briefed over beaded and imprinted leather bags. At first he thought nothing of them, until the image of her rifling through her large shoulder bag shot through his mind. Ah yes, he would buy her a smaller bag, something utilitarian and certainly platonic. It was perfect.
As he fingered through the purses, a salesgirl approached him, “Heya, Jonesy. Shopping for the wife?”
“Nah,” he responded. “Percy’s girlfriend’s birthday is today.”
“Oh?”
“You and Bill should come to the party tonight.”
“Sure,” she nodded. “You sure about that bag for one of Robert’s girls?”
“Yeah,” he nodded. “She’s not from here. She’s from a commune outside San Francisco.”
“Oh? Bill and I would love to get out of the city.”
“Talk to her about it tonight,” he suggested, choosing a purse. “What do you think of this one?”
She rolled her eyes, “Men should never pick purses. Come with me, Jonesy. I’ll show you the good ones.”
Tying the halter around her neck, Summer’s eyes flicked to Robert as he entered the bedroom. He wore a blue button-down shirt, which naturally he left partially unbuttoned, and a pair of new jeans. Fashionable clunky boots ended the ensemble, giving him a few extra inches boost in height. With his hair shiny and fully and turquoise jewelry curving about his throat, wrists, and fingers, Summer suddenly felt so very out-of-place. She couldn’t do this. At all.
“Oh no,” Robert stepped in front of her, tilting her chin up. “No frowning on your birthday.”
“I... I appreciate everyone’s effort but... but I don’t think this is a good idea,” she claimed.
“What? Why?”
“Look at you, Robert. You’re beautiful, gorgeous, god-like. I’m just a girl, a plain girl,” declared Summer.
Grabbing her hand he lead her over to the mirror. Turning Summer to face her reflection he slipped behind her, his fingers brushing her long honey-colored hair from her shoulder. Lightly he kissed her bare flesh, meeting her eyes in the mirror.
“Summer, you are most certainly not just a plain girl. You are beautiful. A veritable Venus,” he proclaimed. “Just look at your reflection. Tell me you know a more beautiful woman than you.”
“Bebe is far more beautiful than me. Far more beautiful.”
“Whyever would you say that? You are truly beautiful. Why can’t you believe that? You have the most amazing eyes that I know I could get lost in for days. Your lips are a perfect curve and color, making me want to kiss them always. Oh baby, you are beautiful,” he declared, kissing her shoulder again. “You are.”
“I don’t even fill out this dress,” she proclaimed, cupping her small breasts.
“Baby,” he turned her around, eyes meeting hers, “you are beautiful.”
“But—”
“You are. Absolutely. Inside and out. You are.”
“I’m just a k—”
“Summer,” he warned.
“I’m fifteen, Robert. Practically half your age.”
He kissed her frown, “I don’t give a fuck. I love you. Fuck your age.”
“But—”
“No, Summer. No arguments allowed. Come with me,” he turned and lead her from the bathroom.
Shifting through his jewelry box, he found a necklace purchased in New York for Maureen. Though he had not thought it appropriate for his wife, the simple silver beaded necklace screamed for his purchase. And now he knew why: It had been for Summer. Quickly looping it around her throat, he kissed her shoulder once more.
“You are beautiful. How I got so lucky to have such a jewel choose me, I don’t know. Come and sparkle through the night with me,” he muttered, kissing her ear.
“I’m not going to fit in.”
“Of course not. You’re above everyone,” he stated. “Everyone is going to be jealous of you.”
“No, they won’t.”
“Fine. But they will be jealous. Maybe not of you, but certainly of me. I do not doubt they all wish to be in my place,” Robert said.
“Uh huh.”
He tilted her chin up and kissed her mouth lovingly, “Will you honor me by allowing me to escort you to the party?”
“Robert, I—”
“Bonzo worked hard on this.”
Summer sighed, “Fine.”
Robert kissed her again, “Do you want your birthday present now or later?”
Her eyes locked with his, “You didn’t.”
He nodded, smiling, “You didn’t think I would let the day pass without a gift?”
“You’ve already bought me so much, Robert. I could never repa—”
“It is enough repayment to see you smile,” he quickly interrupted. “So now or later?”
“This necklace...?”
“Now or later?” he repeated.
“Will it make us late?”
Robert pondered her question, “Well that all depends on you.”
Tilting her head in curiosity, Summer responded, “Now you’re making me wonder. So... now.”
Flashing her a smile, he kissed her and hurried out of the room. Summer trailed behind him, meeting him in the living room. Grinning her bade her to sit on the couch. As he sat beside her, her eyes flicked to his closed hand. Her thoughts focused completely on that, forgetting her previous insecurities.
“I... I love you, Summer. Completely. I can’t explain it. At all.”
“I know,” she replied cautiously.
He opened his hand, revealing a small box tied with a pale pink satin ribbon. Having never seen a ring box before, Summer did not jump right to conclusions. In fact if anything she found herself more confused. Tentatively she reached for the small gift, eyes flicking to him.
“I can’t... I can’t give you everything yet,” he claimed. “But this is my promise that I will try.”
Brow furrowing in confusion, she slipped the ribbon off, letting it fall into her lap. Opening the small, hand-carved wooden box, her eyes dropped down to the contents. A soft gasp left her lips upon seeing the ring. While many do not marry on the farm, Summer understood the symbolism of the ring greatly. Her emotions were instantly mixed. It was touching, made her heart flutter, but he was a married man. With kids.
“Robert, I...”
He quickly plucked the ring from the box and reached for her hand, “I know it’s soon. And I know we’ve moved so very quickly. But I do want to give you the world and this is the first step.”
“But you’re mar—”
“I’m going to work on that.”
“What?” she whispered.
“I want to be with you and you alone,” Robert proclaimed, slipping the ring on her left middle finger, the only one it fit. “This is my promise to you.”
“Robert, I...”
“I love you, Summer,” his fingers intertwined with hers. “I love you.”
Suddenly all her insecurities disappeared. A soft smile danced on her face, happy tears sparkled on her eyelashes. Leaning forward, her lips brushed his lightly. And she knew in that moment: Bonzo had been right; she belonged there.
Pacing nervously Bonzo’s eyes darted to the door. Everyone was already there, at least anyone he cared to be there. Except the guest of honor and her love. Jimmy had arrived earlier, carrying a guitar case Bonzo presumed to serenade Summer with. John Paul even lead a few of his friends into the backyard nearly an hour before. Roadies, groupies, and other friends filled the backyard and house. Music blared loudly, booze flowed freely. By all accounts it was already a great party. Except Bonzo, who still fretted over Summer and Robert’s arrival.
The door suddenly opened as he paced away from it. Whirling about Bonzo instantly grinned as his eyes met hers. Before he bounded towards her, intent on sweeping her into his arms, he glanced over her. And didn’t move an inch. Though he had been present for the shopping hours before, he had not seen her in the dress she now wore. A deep blush knit halter dress clung to her slight curves, leaving very little to the imagination. Her long golden hair hung unbound about her shoulders in waves. And naturally her feet were completely bare.
Taking a moment to pick his jaw off the floor, he finally closed the space between them and kissed her cheeks, “You are absolutely stunning.”
“Thank you,” she flushed.
“Stunning,” he repeated.
Robert cleared his throat.
Bonzo looked to his friend, “Glad to see you could make it, Percy. Now if you don’t mind, I have a few people who want to see this beautiful woman.”
Before the singer could object he swept her from the entryway. Most of the party goers had congregated in the backyard, so he ignored those indoors. A hush fell over the crowd when he lead her outside. Instantly Summer felt self-conscious as everyone looked at her, so unaccustomed to massive attention.
Stepping out of the crowd, Jimmy approached her, “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”
And with that the tense bubble was broken and the party kicked back into gear. Jimmy instantly wanted to introduce Summer to people, as did Bonzo. Somehow sensing that Robert twirled her away from both men and headed to get food and drink with her. So instead Summer and Robert held court, sitting at a table eating while other were brought to them.
After an hour of that treatment, Summer’s head hurt from introductions. Bonzo’s declared an end to it and decided time for presents had come. Again surprised the girl’s eyes widened as a dozen wrapped gifts were placed before her. Roadies gifted her with a couple of band shirts and an official jacket. A couple of the groupies wrapped up girlie items like jewelry, makeup and the like. Each present she unwrapped made her feel more special and more embarrassed at the same time, especially when she reached the last two gifts. In one box Summer uncovered high heels, nylons, and garters. The final box had lingerie. Neither gift was she comfortable with, but she thanked the girls regardless.
“Of course we saved the best for last!” Bonzo exclaimed, producing another wrapped package.
“Mine as well,” John Paul held out his as well.
Quickly unwrapping the larger of the two, she grinned upon seeing the intricate leather purse. It was about the size of a large book, with a flap decorated with large beads and feathers. Flipping the flap open she peered inside. Her eyes instantly widened upon seeing something inside.
“Jonesy?” she looked up at the bassist.
He merely nodded.
Pulling on the small oval wooden box, her fingers caressed the inlaid floral motifs. With a quite a bit of hesitation, she opened the box. A small wooden flute no longer than six inches laid inside on a bed of dried rose petals. Instantly snatching it up, her lips blew gently on the instrument. A soft, sweet note filled the air.
“Thank you, Jonesy,” she smiled at him. “Truly.”
“Open mine!” Bonzo exclaimed.
Tearing off the paper, her brows knitted at the sight of the plain brown box, especially since it had holes in it. Bonzo did not buy her something living had he? Removing the lid, she peered into the box and erupted into giggles. All that was in the box was a simple note reminding her of their trade.
Reaching into the box, Robert picked up the sheet of paper, “Should this concern me?”
“More than you know,” Bonzo winked at him.
“Summer?”
She shrugged in response.
“Anyways, here’s your real present,” the drummer held out a much smaller box.
Tearing it open, Summer grinned. Necklaces and bracelets filled the box, all made of hard candies strung on elastic. Bonzo indicated she should dig around a little. Shifting through the candy jewelry she discovered the box was padded with a silk scarf she eyes when they were shopping. Grinning she pulled it out and quickly tied her hair back with it.
“Thank you, John,” she grinned.
With those two final gifts unwrapped, disinterested guests drifted off. Summer noted Jimmy had been silent, had not approached her with a gift, not that she had expected anything. But he was watching her intently. Her eyes turned to his, almost defying his gaze. With a lupine smile, he stood up, picked up the case near his feet, and headed towards her. Slipping on the chair opposite her as Robert, the guitarist set the case down on the table, turning its opening towards her.
“Jimmy, is...?”
“Open it, sweetheart.”
Robert tensed as Summer clicked open the black leather case. Inside lay a small-bodied guitar with a heart-shaped sound hole. While he could instantly see Summer in the guitar, his jealousy raged. How dare Jimmy buy her such a gift. How dare he spend so much on some who was not his girlfriend. How dare he—
A single plucked note on the still encased guitar interrupted his thoughts. His eyes flicked to Summer. The awe in her eyes nearly overcame the jealousy in his heart. Nearly.
“Jimmy, this is gorgeous,” she breathed, pulling her head away. “But I can’t accept this.”
“Of course you can. I purchased it just for you.”
Summer closed the guitar case, “I’m touched, Jimmy, but—”
“No one else belongs with that guitar, Summer. No one.”
Her eyes flicked to Robert’s. She could see the jealousy and concern on his face. She couldn’t accept such a gift from Jimmy, not without hurting Robert’s ego in some fashion. It was a beautiful guitar and spoke to her like no other. But she could not accept it. But not accepting it would be bad too. Oh to be conflicted because of an instrument.
Seeing her internal struggled dancing on her face, John Paul moved around the table. He leaned down to whisper in the ear separating her and Robert. His hand gently touched her shoulder, making her gaze break away from Jimmy.
“Accept it, Summer,” he muttered. “Accept it.”
“But—”
“The instrument belongs with you.”
Nodding her eyes went back to Jimmy’s, “Thank you, Jimmy. Is she in tune?”
“You should check for yourself,” Jimmy responded.
Summer clicked the case back open. Her fingers wrapped around the neck of the instrument. Gently she lifted it out of the case. Shifting in the seat, she turned the guitar around. Caressing the strings but without making a sound Summer realized how natural the guitar felt in her arms. Glancing to her man she smiled and strummed the guitar. Sweet notes, slightly out of tune, filled the air. Quickly her fingers adjusted the tension on the strings. While she had no desire to play at the moment, a quick look around determined that she should. A glance to Jimmy and then Robert filled her with enough confidence to play a single song.
After the last note of the Elvis song ended, Summer returned the instrument to the case, “Thank you, Jimmy.”
“What about you, Percy?” Bonzo shifted the attention to the jealous singer. “Where’s your gift for Summer?”
The girl brightened and held up her left hand, “Right here!”
John Paul’s mouth dropped open. Jimmy shifted in his seat, covering his own surprise with his hand. Bonzo, however, wasn’t about to be discrete.
“Holy fucking shit!” he exclaimed, looking from the sparkling ring to Robert. “Really?”
The singer nodded slowly.
Bonzo grinned, practically jumping over the table to embrace Summer, “Congratulations!”
“Um thanks,” she muttered, trying to wiggle away.
Bonzo looked to Robert, “You better not fuck this up. Or I’ll have to beat some sense into you.”
Perhaps if she hadn’t spent the past five days with the men of Led Zeppelin, Summer might have been more starstruck by the guests at her birthday party. George Harrison from the Beatles was particularly entertaining – and kept far away from her birthday cake. Apparently at a previous birthday party, George had instigated something with throwing cake at Bonzo. No one wanted to tempt the drummer’s ire, even if it wasn’t his birthday.
Slipping into the house in search of a restroom, Summer passed people snorting blow in the living room. Even though one of the girls beckoned her over, she shook her head and continued on. Opening the door of what should have been an empty bathroom, Summer froze. Bebe was pushed against the counter, her dress around her waist. A man who Summer vaguely recognized, thought his name might have been Todd, pummeled into Jimmy’s girlfriend. For a few long moments she was frozen in shock, watching the two fuck. Suddenly she snapped out of it as Bebe tossed her head and glanced towards the door. Her hand wrapped around the man’s ass, halting his movements.
“Heya, birthday girl. You come to join?” she purred.
“Uh... no,” she quickly closed the door.
Taking a moment to regain her composure, Summer turned to find another restroom. Finding an empty one upstairs, she was certain to lock the door. Looking at her reflection in the large mirror she couldn’t help flashing back to what she had seen. And the more she thought about it, the more aroused she became. While she had heard sex before, had participated in mutual masturbation and oral sex, and was no longer a virgin, she had never seen people so engaged. Shaking her head she pushed away from the counter and sat on the toilet. Realizing how aroused she was as she wiped, she decided the time had come to urge Robert to leave. She needed him.
Returning to the backyard, she spotted Robert sitting in the grass smoking with John Paul and his friends. Without a moment’s pause, she weaved through the party. With a smile, Summer stepped over Robert’s lap and sat down, facing him as her legs straddled him. Her arms wrapped his neck, waiting for him to hand over the joint. Her mouth covered his after his exhalation.
“Well, hello, baby,” he smiled, arms circling her waist.
“We need to go,” Summer muttered.
“But we haven’t had cake yet.”
“We need to go, Robert.”
“Why?”
Her hand slipped between them and she groped her crotch, “Because I need you.”
His eyes widened, “Oh baby.”
“So can we go?”
“Maybe...” he lost his thoughts momentarily as she kept touching him “...maybe we can just... find some place more private...”
Images of Bebe bent over the sink flashed in her head. It suddenly seemed like a very good idea. Nodding Summer agreed. But as she felt his pants tighten against her palm, she came to a quick decision: they weren’t going anywhere. Kissing him, Summer’s other hand slipped between them. He groaned into the kiss as she realized what she was about to do. The moment her hand slipped into his jeans and discreetly released him, the hint of refusal disappeared from his mind.
All previous lovemaking sessions Robert was in charge. She knew not what to do while on top, but their combined arousal wouldn’t wait for anything else.
Her lips moved to his ear, “Robert, what do I do?”
Smiling slyly, he answered, “Lift yourself up and move your skirt out of the way. Then sit back down.”
Gathering the long skirt up between them, Summer’s eyes met his. One hand remained on her hip, his other hand reached between them and grasped his cock. Holding it steady he kissed her as she slowly sank down.
“Oh baby,” he moaned softly.
As his other hand returned to her hip, Summer’s mouth went to his again. Kissing him sweetly she relished how very full and complete she felt. She never wanted to move but knew doing so would be fantastic too. So she remained stationary, kissing him.
“Baby,” he pulled out of the kiss slightly, “you need to move.”
“Don’t want to. Perfect just like this.”
Smirking Robert kissed her again before replying, “Baby, we can’t just stay like this forever.”
Her wide eyes went to his, “But won’t everyone know what we’re doing then?”
He glanced around, “Hardly anyone is paying us any attention. And I’m pretty sure they already know what we’re doing.”
While part of her wanted to look around and see for herself, Robert pulled her into a deep kiss once more. He shifted slightly below her, causing more pressure within her body. His hands remained on her hips and slowly he pushed her back. Summer groaned at the feelings shooting up her body from that simple movement. Her eyes went to his and she understood completely. Slowly with his hands’ guidance, Summer found a slow, steady, grind. Pleased with her quick taking to moving, Robert removed his hands from her hips. One pressed to her lower back, the other snaked between them to cup one of her breasts.
As Robert’s fingers rolled her nipple, Summer felt her body begin to tense. Maybe it was the new position or maybe it was the danger of the fact they were fucking where everyone could watch or maybe it was her intense arousal that lead to that very act. Whatever it was, she was so very close already.
“Robert,” she moaned as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
“Me too, baby,” he whispered.
Her teeth bit lightly into his shoulder as she shifted forward and her body clamped down around him. Robert’s arms circled her waist, holding her close while he too climaxed. He knew from that quick, dangerous taste of her, he would not last long before needing her again. Once recovered, Robert completely intended to get the birthday cake over and done with so he could take his vixen home and properly love her.
Keeping her head on his shoulder, Summer shifted slightly. She could still feel him filling up all of her. Even though their hearts beat ferociously in union, racing to recover from their, Robert remained fairly hard inside of her. How were they ever going to separate?
“Robert, you’re still...” she muttered.
“I know,” he responded, kissing her forehead.
“How are we...”
“Shift back, baby,” he instructed. “Your skirt will cover me.”
Doing as he instructed, Summer bit her bottom lip to keep from moaning. That simple action instantly re-lit her smoldering fires. She nearly shifted forward before he slipped completely out of her to recapture him. But instead her eyes held his and she leaned forward to kiss him. As they kissed sweetly, Robert reached between them and regretfully tucked his still glistening cock back into his pants.
“I think we need some cake,” he declared as he pulled from the kiss.
Nodding, Summer got to her feet before offering her hands down to him. Pulling Robert up, she kissed him again, wondering how he managed to keep his cool so well. But then she realized his jeans he wore were not tight like jeans he wore on stage. Any who looked would notice he was aroused, but it wasn’t thrust into their faces. Hopefully in a few moments he would calm down more as well.
“I’m going to visit the loo and tell Bonzo it’s cake time. I’ll be right back, baby,” he muttered and kissed her before peeling away from the girl and heading into the house.
Alone she headed back to the table they sat at for dinner. Jimmy noticed she was alone and soon slipped into the same chair as before. Her eyes flicked to Jimmy. Though her lips curved into a smile the image of Bebe in the bathroom flashed in her mind. She wanted to tell Jimmy what she had seen, but the words would not come.
“That was quite a performance,” he commented softly.
Her brows furrowed, thinking he meant the guitar playing hours before, “You’ve heard me play that song before, Jimmy.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about,” he sipped his beer.
“Then what do you mean?” she asked innocently.
Jimmy leaned over, his lips near her ear, “The duo with Percy on the grass just now.”
Her eyes widened and her lips parted slightly as a flush crept into her cheeks, “You...”
“Worry not, sweetheart,” his hand rested on her thigh, “you were discreet. It took me a few moments to realize what you were doing.”
She blinked, eyes still somehow on his, “I saw Bebe fucking someone in the bathroom.”
Jimmy smiled slyly, his hand inching up some, “And it made you so hot, you had to have Percy right then?”
“I... I... Jimmy,” she muttered.
“Just thinking about it is making you wet, isn’t it?” he asked softly, his hand nearing the fabric-covered juncture of her thighs.
“No!” she instantly refuted, her hand plucking his from her lap. “Doesn’t it bother you that she was—”
“Not at all, sweetheart. Not at all.”
“But she’s your—”
“CAKE TIME!” Bonzo shouted as he pushed a butler’s cart with a large tiered cake upon it.
Merely shifting back in his seat, Jimmy’s fingers curved around Summer’s. His thumb lightly traced her palm as Robert approached the table and kissed her forehead. John Paul soon appeared and lit the few candles on the cake. As Robert wouldn’t confide in her age, Bonzo had just stuck as many candles in the top tier as he could find. Because of their breakfast together that morning, Summer knew what to do this time. Extracting her hand from Jimmy’s, even though it had disturbingly excited her as he traced her skin, Summer stood up. Eyes flicking to Robert’s, she leaned towards the cake, both palms flat on the table. Briefly glancing at Bonzo, she took a deep breath. With minimal effort, she blew out the assorted candles.
“Dammit!” Bonzo exclaimed. “We forgot to sing! Light ‘em again, Jonesy!”
“It’s okay,” Summer responded.
“No no. Let’s do this right,” the drummer proclaimed.
As the candles were lit once more the drunken and high party crowd attempted to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ for the young girl. By the second blowing of the candles, they nearly burned out. But this time Bonzo was pleased an set to plucking the candles from the frosting in order to slice the cake.
Sitting beside her, Robert glanced at Jimmy, “Bebe left with Todd.”
“I know,” the guitarist responded. “But I have my eye on someone else.”
“Oh?”
“A pretty little blond,” he answered. “Over by the beer.”
Robert smirked, “Well go get her, Pagey.”
Eyes going to Summer, Jimmy stated, “Happy birthday, sweetheart. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Jimmy,” she nearly whispered.
“Cake!” Bonzo announced again, setting a plate with three different slices in front of Summer. “You can’t leave till you try it all.”
Rating: NC-17 [language, alcohol, and sex]
Summary: It's someone's birthday. And that someone is not Bonzo.
While falling asleep had been awkward, waking had not. In fact Bonzo could not remember waking so peacefully, so happily, so sober in ages. He didn’t think Robert would allow it, but he certainly meant to ask. He wanted to sleep beside Summer always.
As sun filtered through curtains, Bonzo turned on his side. His eyes dropped to the sleeping princess snuggled up against his best friend. She looked like she perfectly fit into his arms, was made just for him. It filled him with a warm glow. Even though he liked Maureen plenty, there was something far more perfect between Summer and Robert. He wanted to never see it fall apart or change. And Bonzo certainly didn’t want to wake either. It was too dream-like to interrupt.
Robert’s eyes fluttered open, looking across Summer to meet his best friend’s eyes, “It’s her birthday.”
Bonzo instantly grinned. His eyes flashed with mischievous thoughts, making Robert shake his head slightly. However he drummer completely ignored him and leaned over to the blond girl. Without delay Bonzo began to shower any visible patch of skin with kisses. His actions instantly lit jealousy in Robert’s soul and eyes.
“Robert, stop,” Summer muttered.
There was some vindication in the fact she thought it was him. Smiling slightly he leaned over and kissed her mouth. Her lips curved into a smile, her arms looping around his neck to hold him in the kiss. Frowning Bonzo rolled out of the bed and quickly left before things became more heated. Not knowing how long they would be, Bonzo discarded the idea of cooking breakfast. However he presumed others would be up and could aid in planning a party for Summer.
Lighting a cigarette he collapsed onto the couch, phone pulled in his lap. Bonzo quickly called the hotel and rang Jimmy’s room. Unsurprisingly the guitarist did not answer. Frowning he tried John Paul’s room. A brief conversation with the bassist determined they needed a location and a cake. John Paul volunteered to find a location and to remind Jimmy while Bonzo worked on the cake and other such details. With the band planning a party, it was certain to be a riot. When Robert emerged from the bedroom nearly an hour later, the entire thing was all set, leaving Bonzo to grin like a cat with a canary.
Stopping in the kitchen entrance, Robert looked at his best friend, suspicion in his eyes, “I don’t know that I like that look.”
“What look?”
“What have you done, Bonzo?”
He grinned, “I planned a party for Summer.”
Robert remained quiet for a minute, “You did?”
Bonzo nodded, “Yes. Tonight at eight we’re all heading to Laurel Canyon to celebrate her birth.”
Figuring there was nothing he could do, Robert merely shook his head and headed into the kitchen. A moment later Bonzo bounded in after him and puttered around, helping prepare breakfast. With coffee percolating and bacon sizzling, Summer was seduced out of the bedroom. Her entrance instantly changed Bonzo’s focus and he left his assigned task to embrace her.
“Happy birthday, Summer!” he exclaimed.
“Thanks,” she grinned before looking to Robert. “You cooked for me again?”
“Of course, baby,” he smiled.
Extricating herself from the drummer, Summer quickly kissed her man. Happily sitting at the table her eyes watched the two men finish their cooking. There certainly was a different feeling than the previous cooking session. Maybe it had to do with the men’s friendship or maybe just Bonzo’s personality. Most likely it had to do with the fact Bonzo made shaped pancakes.
Setting a plate in front of her, Robert smiled as Bonzo stuck a small candle in the stack of heart-shaped pancakes and lit it. Summer looked at the candle, completely confused by its presence. The two men didn’t realize it until they sat on either side of her.
“Aren’t you going to make a wish?” Bonzo asked.
“Huh?” she looked at him.
“Baby, haven’t you ever had birthday candles before?” Robert questioned.
“Uh no.”
“Well, on your birthday you get a cake with candles on it to blow out. If they all go out then your wish comes true,” he explained.
“What could I possibly wish for? I have more than I could ever want, right here, right now,” Summer proclaimed and pinched out the flame before plucking the candle from the pancakes.
While he was saddened that she apparently missed out on birthday candles, Robert was touched that she wished for nothing. Something told him it had everything to do with him. Which could mean that he could completely skimp on a gift for her – only he had no intentions of doing so. He would make her birthday absolutely unforgettable.
“What do you normally do on your birthdays?” Bonzo asked.
Summer shrugged as she chewed a bite of pancake, “Nothing all that different. Daily chores, daily life. A gift from my mother and supposed father. Sometimes dessert after dinner. Nothing big.”
“Did they already give you your gift this year?”
“Yes.”
“What?”
“Tickets to four shows of this little band from England no one seems to know about,” she claimed.
Bonzo grinned, “Lucky girl.”
“Sadly it’s kinda a wasted gift,” she frowned.
Robert did as well, “Has this not been a great experience?”
“Oh most certainly. But its not easy for my parents to come up with forty dollars to buy four tickets,” she explained.
That too piqued his interest, “How did you come by the cash you paid for the room with?”
Summer winked and shoved another bite of food in her mouth. He knew from the look in her eyes that getting an answer from her would be near impossible. Bonzo however didn’t catch that.
“You suck someone off or something?”
“Bonzo!” Robert exclaimed.
“No,” Summer stated. “But I’m not denying nudity was involved.”
Robert’s eyes whirled to hers, “Summer, how did you come by that money?”
“Nevermind. What are we doing today? I know you don’t have a show tonight or tomorrow,” she attempted to shift focus.
“Summer, how did you get that money?” he repeated.
“Bonzo, I want to go some place today. Will you take me somewhere?”
“Sure, sweetie. Where do you want to go?”
“Hollywood?”
“That can be—”
“Summer, where did you get the money?” Robert interrupted.
Her eyes flicked to his, “I modeled some. Now I’m going to go shower. Are you coming with?”
He frowned, “What kind of modeling involves nudity?”
“Showering alone then,” she picked up her empty plate, eyes flicking to Bonzo. “I’ll be ready to go in an hour.”
Being known in the guitar world was certainly advantageous. Anyone he wanted, welcomed him into their studios, into their workshops. It certainly opened up many paths. However it did not help with the decision-making process. He found each guitar presented to him was beautiful, had particular charms, but not a single one was what he searched for, not a single guitar was perfect.
To be honest he knew precisely what he compared those with: one of his beloved acoustics back at home. That one with its pretty honey-colored finish was perfect. And there was not enough time to get it flown over, if even his assistant could locate it in storage. Whatever he chose would be second rate.
Sighing Jimmy shook his head. Thanking the luthier, he left the guitar workshop and slipped into the back of his limo. Richard Cole and Peter Grant were both along for the ride, the former carrying the money for the guitar, the latter to discuss other business matters. Jimmy paid little attention to either man, his thoughts upon finding the guitar. It had to be perfect – or at least near perfect before he would even consider it at all.
“Jimmy,” Peter interrupted his thoughts, “why are you so focused on a guitar? You already have—”
“I do not have need to explain these things to you,” Jimmy responded.
“But—”
“I bet its for a girl,” Cole spoke up. “You’re trying to impress a girl.”
Jimmy stared at the tour manager blankly, blinking. Shaking his head his dark eyes turned back to the window, watching the colorful store fronts breeze by. He often bought guitars while out on tour, it was nothing abnormal. True, he normally purchased them for himself, but this time it was for someone special. She deserved to have a guitar of her own, not a beat-up hand-me-down. But something beautiful and petite, just like her. Nothing wrong with that.
Two hours later with both Peter and Cole grumbling, Jimmy entered yet another luthier’s workshop. Three steps into the room, his gaze landed on it, his ears blocking out the greeting by the luthier and Peter’s frantic scramble to smooth over the man’s ego when Jimmy ignored him. Stepping around everyone, his fingers reached out to touch the guitar. Lightly touching the pale spruce guitar, Jimmy traced over the inlaid hearts circling the heart-shaped sound hole. He knew without a doubt, without picking it up, that it was an authentic Zemaitis guitar. The fingerboard and bridge were a shiny ebony, contrasting perfectly with the light body of guitar. Silver hearts ran up the mahogany neck, leading up to the florets made from the heart icons on the tuning head. It was perfect, even better than the one he compared it to back home.
“How much?” Cole asked the man, recognizing Jimmy’s quick infatuation.
“It’s not for sale,” the luthier declared.
Cole pulled out a roll of hundred dollar bills and repeated, “How much?”
Again the man responded, “It’s not for sale.”
Jimmy turned to the guitar maker, his fingers still touching the wooden body of the guitar, “May I speak with you alone?”
Cole immediately bristled from Jimmy’s stepping in but Peter grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the workshop. His dark eyes flicked to the beautiful guitar once more before he focused his attention on the luthier. Eying the man carefully he tried to figure out how best to woo the man. It wasn’t about money. The guitar was special. Jimmy knew that, the guitar maker knew that. It just had a special aura; it was golden.
“You bought this guitar for someone special, didn’t you?”
“Not you,” the luthier declared defensively.
Jimmy nodded, “And I do not shop for myself.”
The man folded his arms across his chest, looking at Jimmy with disdain.
“Have you ever known someone whose mere presence in your life brightens it? Have you ever known someone who sparkles more than the stars and the sun? Have you ever—”
“You have no need to romance me,” he declared gruffly. “I ain’t sleeping with you.”
Jimmy blinked harshly, “I am not looking for the perfect guitar to get into a girl’s pants, sir. I have been searching all day for the perfect guitar for a friend for her birthday. That guitar outshines all that I have seen today, much like my friend does to those around her. There can be no other guitar for her.”
“You can throw around as much money as you want, I am not selling this guitar to you.”
“Why not?”
“I would never sell her to any rock star. Oh yes, I know who you are. I will not sell to you. Anything.”
While the man’s defiance rubbed him so poorly, Jimmy nodded once and withdrew from the workshop. His eyes flicked to the two burly men before he climbed into the vehicle silently. Peter and Cole both joined him, looking at him expectantly for instructions.
“I want that guitar. Before tonight.”
While a part of him was ever curious as to what Bonzo and Summer were up to, Robert pushed it aside as he entered yet another store. He had only agreed to letting the drummer take his girl around Hollywood for awhile because he needed to shop for her himself. As the first extended period he had apart from her, Robert found focus unbearable. He really needed to stop thinking about her and start thinking about shopping for her. A quick glance around the store and he knew it wasn’t for her. Too stuffy.
Exiting the fourth store in twenty minutes, Robert paused on the sidewalk and lit a cigarette. Why was shopping such an ordeal? It was just a birthday present... for the single most important person in his life. It had to be special, not some run-of-the-mill birthday card or anything. Something special as she was so very special.
Though he didn’t think he would find anything in a Hollywood jewelry store, Robert stepped through the glass doors anyways. His eyes quickly looked around, glossing over the sparkling gems and shiny metals. Finding nothing spoke to him at all, he began to leave, hoping to avoid the sweet talk of any of the salespeople. However before he stepped towards the exit, his eyes lit upon a single bauble in a well-lit case. Inexplicably drawn to it, he approached the glass enclosure.
On a red satin pillow under a harsh white spotlight, a large pearl glimmered. A serpentine gold chain snaked around the pillow, disappearing under the pearl. The jewel itself was quite likely the largest one he had ever seen, not much smaller than a wine grape, and perfectly formed. He didn’t even realize it until his nose nearly touched the glass, but the pearl had completely entranced him. And he could picture it on no one but Summer.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” a voice broke his intense silent conversation.
“Oh yes,” Robert agreed.
“I find not every woman can wear pearls, even fewer a single one of that quality. There is a diamond for every woman but not a woman for every pearl,” the salesman declared.
His eyes went back to the case, “May I see it closer?”
The man appraised Robert silently. Attired in slim jeans and a white shirt emblazoned with his band’s name, he appeared little better than any other street vagabond in worn tennis shoes. The salesman did not recognize Robert at all, as he listened to classical music rather than popular music. All of his training forbade him from pushing the selling relationship any further, just knowing the street rat with long hair would not have the money nor the culture to purchase such. However his instincts fought strongly against the stereotype.
“But of course,” he heard his voice utter without forewarning.
Robert watched carefully as the man moved around the case, a jingle of keys freed from his pocket. Two sets of locks were turned before the pearl could be reached. Only then did Robert wonder of its cost – and then quickly discarded the thought as folly as Summer was worth even more. Focusing on the jewel, he watched the salesman slide it from the case and set it on the nearby counter. Robert followed eagerly, leaning in to look at it carefully. It was absolutely flawless. Even the gold setting was perfect, a gentle flower-shaped cage holding the pearl.
Reaching for it, he paused, “May I?”
The salesman nodded.
Plucking the pearl from the satin pillow, he held it up by the chain. As the necklace swung gently from his finger, he knew it was the one, was precisely what he had been looking for. This would be Summer’s birthday gift.
“How much?”
Rather than verbally reply the salesman reached below the counter and pulled out a small notebook and pen. He quickly scribbled a figure upon it. Turning the paper around, the salesman watched Robert’s expression carefully. Nodding the singer picked up the pen and scratched the number out. Scribbling another, he turned the paper back to the salesman. Frowning the man wrote another number and again Robert repeated his actions.
“This is my final offer,” the salesman declared.
Picking up the piece of paper, Robert held it up, knowing full well anyone who passed behind him could read it. Deciding the figure was still too high, he crumpled the paper and shook his head.
“Sorry for wasting your time,” Robert proclaimed, turned, and headed towards the door.
Fully expecting to be stopped before he exited, he frowned when he pushed the door open and still no one spoke to him. The necklace had been absolutely perfect, however overpriced. He could have afforded the first asking price without an issue but Robert honestly did not think the necklace worth that much. It broke his heart to walk away but perhaps he could send Cole back for it later. Until then he would seek another gift.
Wandering the streets again, his eyes glanced at store fronts an window displays. Nothing tempted him at all. None of the other pretty baubles even neared the pearl pendant. He would turn around and—
A display window off a side street caught his eyes. Heading away from the main drag and out of the glaring sunlight, he remained focused on the window. Filled with rich reds and brilliant pinks, a few sparkling rings were nestled amongst hearts and silken roses. A tiny hand-printed sign declared the rings “promise rings.” While he was familiar with the term and idea, he didn’t find the particular rings to fit his idea of such. That meant further investigation.
The moment he entered the store, Robert knew it was different. He was instantly greeted warmly and offered a snack and a cup of tea. The salespeople chatted with each other, other customers, and him as they bustled about. One girl approached him, tea cup in hand. He quickly glanced down and noted the girl wore no shoes and a few handmade anklets circled her ankles, tinkling of little bells with each step. Apparently by going off the major street, he stepped into a different world; a world more like him and Summer.
“Are you looking for something for you or your sweetie?” she asked, holding out the tea.
“It’s my girlfriend’s birthday,” he proclaimed.
“Ah,” she nodded. “Anything you have in mind?”
“Well,” he sipped the tea, smiling. “This is quite good. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Anyways, the window display intrigues me.”
“Ah, a promise ring,” she grinned. “Tell me a bit about your girl.”
“She’s cute and loving and bubbly and playful and sexy and...”
The salesgirl nodded, “Is she from here?”
“No. Outside San Francisco.”
“And today is her birthday?”
Robert nodded.
“Aquamarine then,” the girl declared. “I have just the thing.”
Following the barefoot salesgirl across the store, he smiled his thanks as the teacup was swept from his hands by a passing salesman in velor bell bottoms and a white linen shirt. Robert’s eyes flicked to the glass-less case the girl stopped in front of. Before she even reached in to lift a black velvet tray, he saw it. It was a simple silver band with leaves spiraling around a sparkling light blue-green gem, almost as if it was a flower bud. It was simple, organic, and beautiful; much like his Summer. That ring was the one.
He did not hear the salesgirl pitch other rings. Her words did not penetrate his thoughts at all. He only snapped to attention when she spoke no more, waiting for his response.
“That one,” he pointed at the center ring that caught his gaze.
She blinked apparently surprised by his selection. Recovering with a nod, her delicate ring-covered fingers plucked it from the black velvet. Holding it out to him, she smiled warily. Robert accepted the ring and held it up to the light. He smiled at how much it sparkled. Close up he was even more certain.
“How much?” he asked, handing it back.
“Nine hundred,” she instantly responded. “Its hand-fashioned of white gold.”
He nodded, eyes flicking to the other rings. The craftsmanship of his chosen ring was superior. There seemed to be a greater feeling to the ring. It was the one. But he had no shame in bartering.
“Six hundred – cash,” he countered.
The girl met his eyes. For a moment she remained silent. Suddenly a smile lit her face and she accepted his offer. With a quick handshake, she disappeared with the ring to wrap it up. Pulling out his billfold, Robert counted his money. Finding himself three hundred short, panic seized him. His worried eyes flicked to the bodyguard who trailed him everywhere. With a nod the man pulled pulled out his band-supplied wallet. By the time the salesgirl returned with the daintily wrapped box, Robert held the exact cash.
Triumphant he thanked the girl and exited the store. Handing the ring box to the bodyguard for safekeeping, he wondered where to find his girl and best friend.
Giggling Summer ducked down the aisle. Rather than venture down it to look at the other toys, she waited near the apex for Bonzo to hurry around. The moment he rounded the corner, she jumped on his back. Chuckling his arms linked under her knees, supporting her position. As she laughed he trotted down the aisle, making his way to the back of the store where large toys were scattered about for children to play with. Without pause, he released Summer onto a large beanbag chair, spinning about to tickle her. Squealing she attempted to escape him. Picking up random small toys, she threw them at him, hoping to keep him from his pursuit. Tossing a small stuff animal at him, she burst into laughter when he caught one in his mouth.
His arms eventually encircled her waist. She wiggled for a little bit, but soon gave into her fate. Wrapping herself around him, Summer playfully bit him as he carried her from the play area.
“You’re crazy,” she proclaimed.
“Oh, I know.”
“Good,” Summer nodded. “Where to now?”
“First you have to pick a present,” Bonzo declared, still holding onto her.
“No,” she instantly refuted.
He frowned, looking around the toy store, “What if I pick something you don’t like?”
“I doubt you will. You know me pretty well.”
“Hmmm,” he released her and scratched his chin. “Okay. Go wait outside and figure out where we’re gonna have lunch.”
“What about Robert?”
“He’ll find us,” he replied, nudging her towards the door. “Go.”
Sitting on a bench outside the Hollywood toy store, Summer swung her bare feet slightly. She had felt all of the condescending stares in earlier stores. Even though she was dressed in a brand new pink halter top and hip hugging jeans, everyone looked to her bare feet. It had never been a big deal in her life before. Most didn’t wear shoes back home. She understood that she was in LA, in Hollywood even, but she hadn’t expected to be so ostracized by her lack of footwear. Maybe she would have to ask Bonzo for her sandals back.
“SUMMER!” Bonzo shouted as he bounded towards her.
Her eyes flicked from her dirty feet to him. In his arms he held the largest stuffed bear she had ever seen.
“Is that for me?” she asked as he plopped down beside her, wiggling the bear between them.
“Nope. I’m tired of sleeping alone. We’ll get your present later,” he proclaimed.
Summer instantly frowned, “That’s not nice.”
“Well... I guess you can borrow him. But only if I get to sleep with Robert,” Bonzo offered.
“Sure.”
“Fantastic!” the drummer grinned. “Shall we go find my new bedmate?”
Linking his arm with hers after handing over the overlarge bear to her, Bonzo started down the street. He noticed more looked at them but he neither cared nor spoke of it. Instead he chattered happily about the toy store, taking Summer’s suggestion of buying toys and shipping them home to his kids. It was only two in the afternoon and he was certain the day was fantastic. He had every high hopes for the party that night as well.
“John?” she asked seriously.
“Uh oh. You have serious face,” he declared.
Summer shrugged slightly, “Do you think there’s something wrong with me?”
He stopped in his tracks, eyes snapping to hers, “Are you serious?”
“Everyone has been staring at me.”
“Well you are carrying the largest bear I’ve ever seen.”
“Before this though. Anytime we entered some place, they started at me.”
“Well... I wasn’t going to say anything, but...”
“What? What’s wrong?”
He turned to face her completely, “You have to be the cutest, sexiest girl in all of California, maybe even in all of America.”
She flushed, “I am not.”
“You are too. I’ve met most of them. You are far superior to all the plastic girls.”
“I am not. And that’s precisely the look they give me, one of superiority. As if I’m less than them.”
“They’re just jealous. They all want your teddy bear.”
Summer rolled her eyes, “You don’t understand, Bonzo.”
“You are right about that. I don’t understand why you give a fuck about what all those strangers say or even think about you. You’re adorable and bright and—”
“Different,” she interjected.
Bonzo frowned, “Summer, baby, why do you care so much?”
Her eyes dropped to the sidewalk, her dirty bare toes in her sights, “I don’t belong any where.”
Reading a far more serious discussion in her statement than standing on a sidewalk in front of a designer lingerie store allowed, he glanced around for a safe place to retire to. Spotting a bench under a palm tree, he grasped her hand and lead Summer over to it. Instructing his bodyguard to look for Robert and his, Bonzo plucked the bear from Summer’s arms, placing it on the opposite side of himself from Summer. Scooting over on the bench, he picked up her hand and studied her palm for a long moment before kissing her fingertips.
“I think you’ve found where you belong,” he proclaimed.
“You do?”
“I would wager everything in my possession that you have. Actually I would even bet my family,” he declared.
“What makes you say that?”
“Because in five short days you’ve become a part of this band’s inner soul,” he stated.
“I’m not really a part of it,” she argued. “I’m just Robert’s grou—”
“Like bloody hell you are,” he interrupted. “He loves you. I can’t explain it any more than he can. But I’ve seen it in his eyes when he looks at you. He loves you. You’re more than even just a girlfriend.”
“Uh huh.”
“Summer, why do you doubt his love?”
“No one has loved me before.”
Bonzo frowned, “I’m sure your parents—”
“No. My mother has not shown much affection in years. And I do no believe Jerry is my father at all,” she interrupted.
“Why is that?”
“I look nothing like him nor any of my siblings,” she replied.
“So why does that make you unloved?”
“I don’t know,” Summer said. “It does however make me feel like I don’t belong. I don’t really fit in with my family or the others in my house. I only marginally get along with everyone else. Communal life... is not as ideal as so many think.”
“Why?”
She looked down at her hands, “I want to be seen as an individual, not a piece of a greater machine. I mean, I know that doesn’t fit with my statement of wanting somewhere to belong. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so—”
“You belong with us, Summer. We value your individuality,” he reached for her foot and pinched her big toe lightly. “You belong with us.”
Finally finding Summer and Bonzo seated under a palm tree talking, Robert smiled in relief. He thought he would never find them. But then he turned a corner and there they were. It took not a moment to convince them down the street for lunch. It was here Bonzo broke the news of the party to Summer. And that completely explained the reasoning behind their being in a clothing shop once more: she needed a party dress.
Again fate worked against him. Having the drummer along meant no dressing room sex; though Robert had little to complain about after waking her to lovemaking earlier. Yet each time she pranced out of the fitting room in a cute party dress, Robert yearned to follow her back in. A particular red and black dress nearly ended his every resolve.
“Oh man,” Bonzo muttered as Summer turned about in the mirror. “If she wears that one, I might have to re-think the little sister relationship.”
“Uh huh,” Robert mumbled, not really hearing his best friend’s words.
A lace-up bodice made the dirndl-style sundress cling to her small curves, peeking hints of the swells of her breasts through the lacing. In bold, bright red floral and black cotton fabric, three layers danced over her body: the lace-front bodice with a peplum, the red overskirt, and the black ruffled taffeta underskirt, trimmed at the hem with the visible black cotton ruffle. Dainty loops of black trimming edged the bodice and the red overskirt.
“Well?” her eyes went expectantly to Robert’s.
“Oh baby,” he groaned.
“You don’t like it?” she pouted.
“Oh no, baby. I like. A lot.”
“John?”
“I’m going to have to recommend against it,” he stated.
“What? Why?”
“Because I’m not supposed to lust for you and you’re making that very hard right now,” Bonzo answered.
Her eyes flicked to his crotch, “Oh really now?”
“Summer! Change!” Robert quickly directed.
“You’re no fun, daddy,” she pouted and turned around to head back to the dressing room.
With that statement, Robert jumped up and chased her into the room. She squealed as he whirled her around, mouth devouring hers. Mumbling something about him not ruining the dress he hadn’t paid for, Summer put up little protest when he stripped her. Her objections fell silent, swallowed in his kiss as he pressed her bare back up against the wall. With a groan, he looped her leg around his waist and quickly pushed into her. Quickly they plateaued, something the entire store heard building, at least until Bonzo began to drum on anything loudly and sing gruffly in hopes of covering his best friends’ moans.
“So, I guess...” Summer breathed as Robert buckled his pants “... I can’t have the dress?”
“Oh no, baby. We are certainly buying it,” he grinned. “Certainly buying it.”
Having spoken with Jimmy, at least as much as the currently angsty guitarist would communicate, John Paul was faced with the prospect of purchasing a gift for Robert’s golden girl. While it was odd for everyone to clamor around someone who caught any of the band member's wandering eyes, he actually understood the ruckus. He was not as close to the girl as Bonzo but he certainly appreciated her effect on the drummer. Even Jimmy had a fairly decent connection with her already, something he attributed to their love of the guitar. While John Paul wasn’t all that close with her, he could blame on disappearing from the band’s party scene almost as soon as they arrived in LA. John Paul did not particularly find that a bad thing at all; at least never had before. He also blamed it on everyone else usurping her time. Yes, she was Robert’s girl, so clearly he had every right to takeover her time. But he hadn’t yet figured out Bonzo’s and Jimmy’s claims to her. Though the more he thought about it, the more he realized all he was doing was making himself foolishly jealous. All because he suddenly felt the need to compete with the rest of the band over a birthday gift for Summer.
Shaking his head, John Paul thanked his friends and headed out of the house. If they were surprised he was attending a band party, they were too stoned to show. He merely waved and left them behind. He knew of a few nearby shops that might provide the perfect gift for a girl he barely knew. If not he was not going to worry about it.
Walking into a store smelling strongly of patchouli and incense, John Paul paused and inhaled. There was something about the aroma of the shop. It was heady and intoxicating. And not helping him shop at all. Eyes opening he glanced around. He drifted to the jewelry first, figuring it was a decent gift for a girl. But nothing spoke to him and he thought Robert might have issues with that kind of gift.
Thinking over what he knew of her, John Paul trailed through the rest of the store. He honestly wished he knew her better. Even knowing her favorite color would be helpful. But alas, he did not so he would have to wait for serendipity to intervene.
Turning around to head back to the front of the store, John Paul’s eyes briefed over beaded and imprinted leather bags. At first he thought nothing of them, until the image of her rifling through her large shoulder bag shot through his mind. Ah yes, he would buy her a smaller bag, something utilitarian and certainly platonic. It was perfect.
As he fingered through the purses, a salesgirl approached him, “Heya, Jonesy. Shopping for the wife?”
“Nah,” he responded. “Percy’s girlfriend’s birthday is today.”
“Oh?”
“You and Bill should come to the party tonight.”
“Sure,” she nodded. “You sure about that bag for one of Robert’s girls?”
“Yeah,” he nodded. “She’s not from here. She’s from a commune outside San Francisco.”
“Oh? Bill and I would love to get out of the city.”
“Talk to her about it tonight,” he suggested, choosing a purse. “What do you think of this one?”
She rolled her eyes, “Men should never pick purses. Come with me, Jonesy. I’ll show you the good ones.”
Tying the halter around her neck, Summer’s eyes flicked to Robert as he entered the bedroom. He wore a blue button-down shirt, which naturally he left partially unbuttoned, and a pair of new jeans. Fashionable clunky boots ended the ensemble, giving him a few extra inches boost in height. With his hair shiny and fully and turquoise jewelry curving about his throat, wrists, and fingers, Summer suddenly felt so very out-of-place. She couldn’t do this. At all.
“Oh no,” Robert stepped in front of her, tilting her chin up. “No frowning on your birthday.”
“I... I appreciate everyone’s effort but... but I don’t think this is a good idea,” she claimed.
“What? Why?”
“Look at you, Robert. You’re beautiful, gorgeous, god-like. I’m just a girl, a plain girl,” declared Summer.
Grabbing her hand he lead her over to the mirror. Turning Summer to face her reflection he slipped behind her, his fingers brushing her long honey-colored hair from her shoulder. Lightly he kissed her bare flesh, meeting her eyes in the mirror.
“Summer, you are most certainly not just a plain girl. You are beautiful. A veritable Venus,” he proclaimed. “Just look at your reflection. Tell me you know a more beautiful woman than you.”
“Bebe is far more beautiful than me. Far more beautiful.”
“Whyever would you say that? You are truly beautiful. Why can’t you believe that? You have the most amazing eyes that I know I could get lost in for days. Your lips are a perfect curve and color, making me want to kiss them always. Oh baby, you are beautiful,” he declared, kissing her shoulder again. “You are.”
“I don’t even fill out this dress,” she proclaimed, cupping her small breasts.
“Baby,” he turned her around, eyes meeting hers, “you are beautiful.”
“But—”
“You are. Absolutely. Inside and out. You are.”
“I’m just a k—”
“Summer,” he warned.
“I’m fifteen, Robert. Practically half your age.”
He kissed her frown, “I don’t give a fuck. I love you. Fuck your age.”
“But—”
“No, Summer. No arguments allowed. Come with me,” he turned and lead her from the bathroom.
Shifting through his jewelry box, he found a necklace purchased in New York for Maureen. Though he had not thought it appropriate for his wife, the simple silver beaded necklace screamed for his purchase. And now he knew why: It had been for Summer. Quickly looping it around her throat, he kissed her shoulder once more.
“You are beautiful. How I got so lucky to have such a jewel choose me, I don’t know. Come and sparkle through the night with me,” he muttered, kissing her ear.
“I’m not going to fit in.”
“Of course not. You’re above everyone,” he stated. “Everyone is going to be jealous of you.”
“No, they won’t.”
“Fine. But they will be jealous. Maybe not of you, but certainly of me. I do not doubt they all wish to be in my place,” Robert said.
“Uh huh.”
He tilted her chin up and kissed her mouth lovingly, “Will you honor me by allowing me to escort you to the party?”
“Robert, I—”
“Bonzo worked hard on this.”
Summer sighed, “Fine.”
Robert kissed her again, “Do you want your birthday present now or later?”
Her eyes locked with his, “You didn’t.”
He nodded, smiling, “You didn’t think I would let the day pass without a gift?”
“You’ve already bought me so much, Robert. I could never repa—”
“It is enough repayment to see you smile,” he quickly interrupted. “So now or later?”
“This necklace...?”
“Now or later?” he repeated.
“Will it make us late?”
Robert pondered her question, “Well that all depends on you.”
Tilting her head in curiosity, Summer responded, “Now you’re making me wonder. So... now.”
Flashing her a smile, he kissed her and hurried out of the room. Summer trailed behind him, meeting him in the living room. Grinning her bade her to sit on the couch. As he sat beside her, her eyes flicked to his closed hand. Her thoughts focused completely on that, forgetting her previous insecurities.
“I... I love you, Summer. Completely. I can’t explain it. At all.”
“I know,” she replied cautiously.
He opened his hand, revealing a small box tied with a pale pink satin ribbon. Having never seen a ring box before, Summer did not jump right to conclusions. In fact if anything she found herself more confused. Tentatively she reached for the small gift, eyes flicking to him.
“I can’t... I can’t give you everything yet,” he claimed. “But this is my promise that I will try.”
Brow furrowing in confusion, she slipped the ribbon off, letting it fall into her lap. Opening the small, hand-carved wooden box, her eyes dropped down to the contents. A soft gasp left her lips upon seeing the ring. While many do not marry on the farm, Summer understood the symbolism of the ring greatly. Her emotions were instantly mixed. It was touching, made her heart flutter, but he was a married man. With kids.
“Robert, I...”
He quickly plucked the ring from the box and reached for her hand, “I know it’s soon. And I know we’ve moved so very quickly. But I do want to give you the world and this is the first step.”
“But you’re mar—”
“I’m going to work on that.”
“What?” she whispered.
“I want to be with you and you alone,” Robert proclaimed, slipping the ring on her left middle finger, the only one it fit. “This is my promise to you.”
“Robert, I...”
“I love you, Summer,” his fingers intertwined with hers. “I love you.”
Suddenly all her insecurities disappeared. A soft smile danced on her face, happy tears sparkled on her eyelashes. Leaning forward, her lips brushed his lightly. And she knew in that moment: Bonzo had been right; she belonged there.
Pacing nervously Bonzo’s eyes darted to the door. Everyone was already there, at least anyone he cared to be there. Except the guest of honor and her love. Jimmy had arrived earlier, carrying a guitar case Bonzo presumed to serenade Summer with. John Paul even lead a few of his friends into the backyard nearly an hour before. Roadies, groupies, and other friends filled the backyard and house. Music blared loudly, booze flowed freely. By all accounts it was already a great party. Except Bonzo, who still fretted over Summer and Robert’s arrival.
The door suddenly opened as he paced away from it. Whirling about Bonzo instantly grinned as his eyes met hers. Before he bounded towards her, intent on sweeping her into his arms, he glanced over her. And didn’t move an inch. Though he had been present for the shopping hours before, he had not seen her in the dress she now wore. A deep blush knit halter dress clung to her slight curves, leaving very little to the imagination. Her long golden hair hung unbound about her shoulders in waves. And naturally her feet were completely bare.
Taking a moment to pick his jaw off the floor, he finally closed the space between them and kissed her cheeks, “You are absolutely stunning.”
“Thank you,” she flushed.
“Stunning,” he repeated.
Robert cleared his throat.
Bonzo looked to his friend, “Glad to see you could make it, Percy. Now if you don’t mind, I have a few people who want to see this beautiful woman.”
Before the singer could object he swept her from the entryway. Most of the party goers had congregated in the backyard, so he ignored those indoors. A hush fell over the crowd when he lead her outside. Instantly Summer felt self-conscious as everyone looked at her, so unaccustomed to massive attention.
Stepping out of the crowd, Jimmy approached her, “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”
And with that the tense bubble was broken and the party kicked back into gear. Jimmy instantly wanted to introduce Summer to people, as did Bonzo. Somehow sensing that Robert twirled her away from both men and headed to get food and drink with her. So instead Summer and Robert held court, sitting at a table eating while other were brought to them.
After an hour of that treatment, Summer’s head hurt from introductions. Bonzo’s declared an end to it and decided time for presents had come. Again surprised the girl’s eyes widened as a dozen wrapped gifts were placed before her. Roadies gifted her with a couple of band shirts and an official jacket. A couple of the groupies wrapped up girlie items like jewelry, makeup and the like. Each present she unwrapped made her feel more special and more embarrassed at the same time, especially when she reached the last two gifts. In one box Summer uncovered high heels, nylons, and garters. The final box had lingerie. Neither gift was she comfortable with, but she thanked the girls regardless.
“Of course we saved the best for last!” Bonzo exclaimed, producing another wrapped package.
“Mine as well,” John Paul held out his as well.
Quickly unwrapping the larger of the two, she grinned upon seeing the intricate leather purse. It was about the size of a large book, with a flap decorated with large beads and feathers. Flipping the flap open she peered inside. Her eyes instantly widened upon seeing something inside.
“Jonesy?” she looked up at the bassist.
He merely nodded.
Pulling on the small oval wooden box, her fingers caressed the inlaid floral motifs. With a quite a bit of hesitation, she opened the box. A small wooden flute no longer than six inches laid inside on a bed of dried rose petals. Instantly snatching it up, her lips blew gently on the instrument. A soft, sweet note filled the air.
“Thank you, Jonesy,” she smiled at him. “Truly.”
“Open mine!” Bonzo exclaimed.
Tearing off the paper, her brows knitted at the sight of the plain brown box, especially since it had holes in it. Bonzo did not buy her something living had he? Removing the lid, she peered into the box and erupted into giggles. All that was in the box was a simple note reminding her of their trade.
Reaching into the box, Robert picked up the sheet of paper, “Should this concern me?”
“More than you know,” Bonzo winked at him.
“Summer?”
She shrugged in response.
“Anyways, here’s your real present,” the drummer held out a much smaller box.
Tearing it open, Summer grinned. Necklaces and bracelets filled the box, all made of hard candies strung on elastic. Bonzo indicated she should dig around a little. Shifting through the candy jewelry she discovered the box was padded with a silk scarf she eyes when they were shopping. Grinning she pulled it out and quickly tied her hair back with it.
“Thank you, John,” she grinned.
With those two final gifts unwrapped, disinterested guests drifted off. Summer noted Jimmy had been silent, had not approached her with a gift, not that she had expected anything. But he was watching her intently. Her eyes turned to his, almost defying his gaze. With a lupine smile, he stood up, picked up the case near his feet, and headed towards her. Slipping on the chair opposite her as Robert, the guitarist set the case down on the table, turning its opening towards her.
“Jimmy, is...?”
“Open it, sweetheart.”
Robert tensed as Summer clicked open the black leather case. Inside lay a small-bodied guitar with a heart-shaped sound hole. While he could instantly see Summer in the guitar, his jealousy raged. How dare Jimmy buy her such a gift. How dare he spend so much on some who was not his girlfriend. How dare he—
A single plucked note on the still encased guitar interrupted his thoughts. His eyes flicked to Summer. The awe in her eyes nearly overcame the jealousy in his heart. Nearly.
“Jimmy, this is gorgeous,” she breathed, pulling her head away. “But I can’t accept this.”
“Of course you can. I purchased it just for you.”
Summer closed the guitar case, “I’m touched, Jimmy, but—”
“No one else belongs with that guitar, Summer. No one.”
Her eyes flicked to Robert’s. She could see the jealousy and concern on his face. She couldn’t accept such a gift from Jimmy, not without hurting Robert’s ego in some fashion. It was a beautiful guitar and spoke to her like no other. But she could not accept it. But not accepting it would be bad too. Oh to be conflicted because of an instrument.
Seeing her internal struggled dancing on her face, John Paul moved around the table. He leaned down to whisper in the ear separating her and Robert. His hand gently touched her shoulder, making her gaze break away from Jimmy.
“Accept it, Summer,” he muttered. “Accept it.”
“But—”
“The instrument belongs with you.”
Nodding her eyes went back to Jimmy’s, “Thank you, Jimmy. Is she in tune?”
“You should check for yourself,” Jimmy responded.
Summer clicked the case back open. Her fingers wrapped around the neck of the instrument. Gently she lifted it out of the case. Shifting in the seat, she turned the guitar around. Caressing the strings but without making a sound Summer realized how natural the guitar felt in her arms. Glancing to her man she smiled and strummed the guitar. Sweet notes, slightly out of tune, filled the air. Quickly her fingers adjusted the tension on the strings. While she had no desire to play at the moment, a quick look around determined that she should. A glance to Jimmy and then Robert filled her with enough confidence to play a single song.
After the last note of the Elvis song ended, Summer returned the instrument to the case, “Thank you, Jimmy.”
“What about you, Percy?” Bonzo shifted the attention to the jealous singer. “Where’s your gift for Summer?”
The girl brightened and held up her left hand, “Right here!”
John Paul’s mouth dropped open. Jimmy shifted in his seat, covering his own surprise with his hand. Bonzo, however, wasn’t about to be discrete.
“Holy fucking shit!” he exclaimed, looking from the sparkling ring to Robert. “Really?”
The singer nodded slowly.
Bonzo grinned, practically jumping over the table to embrace Summer, “Congratulations!”
“Um thanks,” she muttered, trying to wiggle away.
Bonzo looked to Robert, “You better not fuck this up. Or I’ll have to beat some sense into you.”
Perhaps if she hadn’t spent the past five days with the men of Led Zeppelin, Summer might have been more starstruck by the guests at her birthday party. George Harrison from the Beatles was particularly entertaining – and kept far away from her birthday cake. Apparently at a previous birthday party, George had instigated something with throwing cake at Bonzo. No one wanted to tempt the drummer’s ire, even if it wasn’t his birthday.
Slipping into the house in search of a restroom, Summer passed people snorting blow in the living room. Even though one of the girls beckoned her over, she shook her head and continued on. Opening the door of what should have been an empty bathroom, Summer froze. Bebe was pushed against the counter, her dress around her waist. A man who Summer vaguely recognized, thought his name might have been Todd, pummeled into Jimmy’s girlfriend. For a few long moments she was frozen in shock, watching the two fuck. Suddenly she snapped out of it as Bebe tossed her head and glanced towards the door. Her hand wrapped around the man’s ass, halting his movements.
“Heya, birthday girl. You come to join?” she purred.
“Uh... no,” she quickly closed the door.
Taking a moment to regain her composure, Summer turned to find another restroom. Finding an empty one upstairs, she was certain to lock the door. Looking at her reflection in the large mirror she couldn’t help flashing back to what she had seen. And the more she thought about it, the more aroused she became. While she had heard sex before, had participated in mutual masturbation and oral sex, and was no longer a virgin, she had never seen people so engaged. Shaking her head she pushed away from the counter and sat on the toilet. Realizing how aroused she was as she wiped, she decided the time had come to urge Robert to leave. She needed him.
Returning to the backyard, she spotted Robert sitting in the grass smoking with John Paul and his friends. Without a moment’s pause, she weaved through the party. With a smile, Summer stepped over Robert’s lap and sat down, facing him as her legs straddled him. Her arms wrapped his neck, waiting for him to hand over the joint. Her mouth covered his after his exhalation.
“Well, hello, baby,” he smiled, arms circling her waist.
“We need to go,” Summer muttered.
“But we haven’t had cake yet.”
“We need to go, Robert.”
“Why?”
Her hand slipped between them and she groped her crotch, “Because I need you.”
His eyes widened, “Oh baby.”
“So can we go?”
“Maybe...” he lost his thoughts momentarily as she kept touching him “...maybe we can just... find some place more private...”
Images of Bebe bent over the sink flashed in her head. It suddenly seemed like a very good idea. Nodding Summer agreed. But as she felt his pants tighten against her palm, she came to a quick decision: they weren’t going anywhere. Kissing him, Summer’s other hand slipped between them. He groaned into the kiss as she realized what she was about to do. The moment her hand slipped into his jeans and discreetly released him, the hint of refusal disappeared from his mind.
All previous lovemaking sessions Robert was in charge. She knew not what to do while on top, but their combined arousal wouldn’t wait for anything else.
Her lips moved to his ear, “Robert, what do I do?”
Smiling slyly, he answered, “Lift yourself up and move your skirt out of the way. Then sit back down.”
Gathering the long skirt up between them, Summer’s eyes met his. One hand remained on her hip, his other hand reached between them and grasped his cock. Holding it steady he kissed her as she slowly sank down.
“Oh baby,” he moaned softly.
As his other hand returned to her hip, Summer’s mouth went to his again. Kissing him sweetly she relished how very full and complete she felt. She never wanted to move but knew doing so would be fantastic too. So she remained stationary, kissing him.
“Baby,” he pulled out of the kiss slightly, “you need to move.”
“Don’t want to. Perfect just like this.”
Smirking Robert kissed her again before replying, “Baby, we can’t just stay like this forever.”
Her wide eyes went to his, “But won’t everyone know what we’re doing then?”
He glanced around, “Hardly anyone is paying us any attention. And I’m pretty sure they already know what we’re doing.”
While part of her wanted to look around and see for herself, Robert pulled her into a deep kiss once more. He shifted slightly below her, causing more pressure within her body. His hands remained on her hips and slowly he pushed her back. Summer groaned at the feelings shooting up her body from that simple movement. Her eyes went to his and she understood completely. Slowly with his hands’ guidance, Summer found a slow, steady, grind. Pleased with her quick taking to moving, Robert removed his hands from her hips. One pressed to her lower back, the other snaked between them to cup one of her breasts.
As Robert’s fingers rolled her nipple, Summer felt her body begin to tense. Maybe it was the new position or maybe it was the danger of the fact they were fucking where everyone could watch or maybe it was her intense arousal that lead to that very act. Whatever it was, she was so very close already.
“Robert,” she moaned as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
“Me too, baby,” he whispered.
Her teeth bit lightly into his shoulder as she shifted forward and her body clamped down around him. Robert’s arms circled her waist, holding her close while he too climaxed. He knew from that quick, dangerous taste of her, he would not last long before needing her again. Once recovered, Robert completely intended to get the birthday cake over and done with so he could take his vixen home and properly love her.
Keeping her head on his shoulder, Summer shifted slightly. She could still feel him filling up all of her. Even though their hearts beat ferociously in union, racing to recover from their, Robert remained fairly hard inside of her. How were they ever going to separate?
“Robert, you’re still...” she muttered.
“I know,” he responded, kissing her forehead.
“How are we...”
“Shift back, baby,” he instructed. “Your skirt will cover me.”
Doing as he instructed, Summer bit her bottom lip to keep from moaning. That simple action instantly re-lit her smoldering fires. She nearly shifted forward before he slipped completely out of her to recapture him. But instead her eyes held his and she leaned forward to kiss him. As they kissed sweetly, Robert reached between them and regretfully tucked his still glistening cock back into his pants.
“I think we need some cake,” he declared as he pulled from the kiss.
Nodding, Summer got to her feet before offering her hands down to him. Pulling Robert up, she kissed him again, wondering how he managed to keep his cool so well. But then she realized his jeans he wore were not tight like jeans he wore on stage. Any who looked would notice he was aroused, but it wasn’t thrust into their faces. Hopefully in a few moments he would calm down more as well.
“I’m going to visit the loo and tell Bonzo it’s cake time. I’ll be right back, baby,” he muttered and kissed her before peeling away from the girl and heading into the house.
Alone she headed back to the table they sat at for dinner. Jimmy noticed she was alone and soon slipped into the same chair as before. Her eyes flicked to Jimmy. Though her lips curved into a smile the image of Bebe in the bathroom flashed in her mind. She wanted to tell Jimmy what she had seen, but the words would not come.
“That was quite a performance,” he commented softly.
Her brows furrowed, thinking he meant the guitar playing hours before, “You’ve heard me play that song before, Jimmy.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about,” he sipped his beer.
“Then what do you mean?” she asked innocently.
Jimmy leaned over, his lips near her ear, “The duo with Percy on the grass just now.”
Her eyes widened and her lips parted slightly as a flush crept into her cheeks, “You...”
“Worry not, sweetheart,” his hand rested on her thigh, “you were discreet. It took me a few moments to realize what you were doing.”
She blinked, eyes still somehow on his, “I saw Bebe fucking someone in the bathroom.”
Jimmy smiled slyly, his hand inching up some, “And it made you so hot, you had to have Percy right then?”
“I... I... Jimmy,” she muttered.
“Just thinking about it is making you wet, isn’t it?” he asked softly, his hand nearing the fabric-covered juncture of her thighs.
“No!” she instantly refuted, her hand plucking his from her lap. “Doesn’t it bother you that she was—”
“Not at all, sweetheart. Not at all.”
“But she’s your—”
“CAKE TIME!” Bonzo shouted as he pushed a butler’s cart with a large tiered cake upon it.
Merely shifting back in his seat, Jimmy’s fingers curved around Summer’s. His thumb lightly traced her palm as Robert approached the table and kissed her forehead. John Paul soon appeared and lit the few candles on the cake. As Robert wouldn’t confide in her age, Bonzo had just stuck as many candles in the top tier as he could find. Because of their breakfast together that morning, Summer knew what to do this time. Extracting her hand from Jimmy’s, even though it had disturbingly excited her as he traced her skin, Summer stood up. Eyes flicking to Robert’s, she leaned towards the cake, both palms flat on the table. Briefly glancing at Bonzo, she took a deep breath. With minimal effort, she blew out the assorted candles.
“Dammit!” Bonzo exclaimed. “We forgot to sing! Light ‘em again, Jonesy!”
“It’s okay,” Summer responded.
“No no. Let’s do this right,” the drummer proclaimed.
As the candles were lit once more the drunken and high party crowd attempted to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ for the young girl. By the second blowing of the candles, they nearly burned out. But this time Bonzo was pleased an set to plucking the candles from the frosting in order to slice the cake.
Sitting beside her, Robert glanced at Jimmy, “Bebe left with Todd.”
“I know,” the guitarist responded. “But I have my eye on someone else.”
“Oh?”
“A pretty little blond,” he answered. “Over by the beer.”
Robert smirked, “Well go get her, Pagey.”
Eyes going to Summer, Jimmy stated, “Happy birthday, sweetheart. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Jimmy,” she nearly whispered.
“Cake!” Bonzo announced again, setting a plate with three different slices in front of Summer. “You can’t leave till you try it all.”
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