Chapter Thirty-two, Separated
Posted by DiF on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Title: Midnight Shift: Chapter Thirty-two, Separated
Rating: PG-13 [language, innuendo, drinking]
Summary: Jimmy has to return to London. Robert resists Peter's demands. Summer makes a friend.
With Summer out walking Queenie on her own, a feat Jimmy initially resisted until she pouted, Jimmy prepared their luggage for the voyage across the Atlantic. Though he did not have confirmation that Summer was indeed travelling with him, he presumed she was – even with the pooch. Continuing with this in mind, he closed up another suitcase full of clothing he purchased her and moved to pack her shoes. As he passed the phone on a circuit of searching the penthouse for shoes, the telephone rang. With little pause, he stopped and picked up the receiver.
“Jimmy, I’m glad I caught you before the car arrives,” Benji spoke.
“It is not due to pick us up for over an hour,” Jimmy stated.
“Yeah… about that…”
“What is the nature of your call, Benji?”
“Well… I do not know exactly how to tell you this, Jimmy, but… Summer cannot… there is no bloody easy way to say this, Jimmy. Summer’s passport is still stuck somewhere. I haven’t been able to find out where and… she can’t come, Jimmy.”
Jimmy was silent for a long moment, “What did you just say?”
“Summer is not coming to England. She will have to remain behind.”
He swore under his breath, “Where?”
“Um, well… I suppose there in New York, in the hotel? I don’t really know, Jimmy. I can’t talk any more. I need to head down to the venue to check in on the light guys. I’m sorry. I really am. Maybe Bob will take her?”
Before Jimmy could respond, the line went dead. Sighing he replaced the receiver on the base and stepped away from the phone. Walking back over to the suitcases, Jimmy stared down at her mostly packed clothing. Did he unpack it and see if she noticed? Or did he leave her suitcase as is and let her decide? Summer did not have to remain in the hotel room, as Bob had offered her a place at his house. However, to be completely honest, though she was his daughter, Jimmy did not want to… lose contact with her.
However, the door to the hotel room opening, allowing a puppy and a young woman to burst in, interrupted his decision. Jimmy quickly turned and captured the dog, snapping off her leash. A moment later Summer threw her arms around his neck and kissed his mouth quickly.
“We had the loveliest walk, Jimmy. I found this little bench hidden from view of the path. I sat there while Queenie did her business and I swear, I completely forgot I was in such a big city!” she enthusiastically declared.
He smiled crookedly, “That sounds delightful, princess.”
“I’ll show you when we walk Queenie before going to the airport,” Summer stated.
Jimmy briefly looked away, “Um… about that…”
“What?”
He sighed, “Your passport hasn’t come through, Summer. I can’t take you with me.”
Her smile instantly disappeared, replaced by a frown, “Oh.”
His hands framed her face and he kissed her softly, “Princess, I will not be gone long. You and Queenie will be quite all right here… unless of course you wish to go stay at Bob’s house.”
“I… no…” her eyes dropped and remained focused on the floor.
“Why not, Summer? You wouldn’t be alone then.”
“Yes, I would. I don’t know Bob’s new family. And… and he doesn’t know I’m pregnant. I don’t… I would rather…”
He kissed her forehead, “Then you shall remain here. I will not ring Bob. And I will make certain that the staff knows to cater to your every desire. I will also leave you money, should you wish to venture out into the city.”
“Jimmy, you don’t… you don’t have to do that.”
His arms folded around her, embracing her tightly, “I most certainly do. I promised to take care of you and that is exactly what I shall do. I will be absent only a few days and then I will return promptly to you. You will hardly notice I am gone.”
“I will notice the moment you close the door, Jimmy. And I will cry.”
He pulled back again, his hands surrounding her face once more, “Do not cry, princess. Please do not cry.”
“But… but you’re leaving me,” she muttered.
Jimmy looked into her eyes, “Summer, look at me.”
Her tear-rimmed eyes fully met his, “But… Jimmy…”
“I am not leaving you. I am merely going to work for a few days. I will be back to you in a mere few days. I will ring you every night and in the morning as well. You will not be alone here for long at all. You will have Queenie and perhaps Bob will visit. But I will not be gone long at all. I am not leaving you. I… I will be back. You have my word,” he declared.
“Jimmy…”
“Let me… show you, my princess...”
Leaving Summer nude and asleep in the bed forty minutes later, Jimmy silently dressed and finished his packing. He patted the dog on the head, distracting her with a chew toy while the bellhop carried the last of the suitcases out of the suite. Returning briefly to her side, Jimmy kissed her forehead, brushing his thumb across her bottom lip.
“I will return to you, my love. I will return,” he breathed before slipping out of the hotel suite, a frown darkening his eyes.
Back once more in London, Robert sulked in a hotel room. As far as he knew, Jimmy and Summer had yet to arrive. It was too late to ring up the lawyer to see how separation from Maureen was faring and he did not wish to bother any friends that may be in the city. So instead, he smoked and drank a beer, bemoaning the fact one of his best mates had stolen his girl – quite literally.
His blue eyes looked out over the city. He had fully expected to have Summer curled up in his lap the next time he looked on London. But she was with fucking Jimmy Page – no she was fucking Jimmy Page. It made his soul seethe. Of anyone that she would choose, why did it have to be Jimmy? The longer he thought about it, the further he got from the thought that it was his fault for leaving her behind with Jimmy. It was Jimmy’s fault for seducing Summer away and Robert would never forgive him for it. Ever.
The shrill ring of the phone on the nightstand interrupted his thoughts. Setting down his beer bottle, he slowly approached the phone and snatched it from its base. Not expecting anyone, he barely muttered a greeting.
“Great to hear you, Rob. How was your flight?”
His nose crinkled, “Just fine, Grant. What do you want?”
“Nothing. Nothing at all. I was wondering if perhaps you wanted to meet with me for a drink?”
He glanced at his beer, “No, not really.”
“But I insist.”
“I really just planned to sleep.”
Peter laughed, “Nonsense, Rob. The car will be there shortly.”
Before Robert could protest further, the line went dead. Swearing to himself, he dropped the phone on the base, ran his fingers through his hair, and headed towards his suitcase. He did not want to go out with the band manager, not in the least. However, Peter had not left him the choice and he had not the energy to protest. Instead, he changed his clothes into something more fashion-forward before dragging his feet downstairs. He arrived in the lobby mere moments before Peter headed in. The large man grinned, holding out his hand. Though he accepted the hand, Robert did not smile or pat Peter’s back too. He followed silently as the manager chatted about the stage setup at Earls Court, barely paying any attention at all.
They ended up at one of the most exclusive gentlemen’s clubs in London. Robert practically sneered at the fact the manager brought him to club with strutting nude women. He settled in a chair with his back towards the girls, caring nothing at all about them; none of them would even hold a candle to Summer.
Waiting until drinks were delivered, the large man lit a cigar and glanced at the singer, “You cannot divorce your wife.”
Robert slowly set his glass down and stared at the manager, “I do not see how that is any of your business.”
“Ah but it is. You are my business, thusly your marriage is my business,” he declared. “You will not leave your wife who has supported you all this time, merely for a fuck you found on the road.”
His eyes narrowed, “Summer is not just a fuck.”
“Sure she’s not. That’s why she sucked Cole’s cock and is wiggling on Jimmy’s as we speak,” he commented.
Robert pushed away from the table, “Fuck you, Grant. Fuck you. Cole attempted toforce himself on her. You fucking know that.”
“Ah,” he puffed on the cigar, “but you cannot deny that she spreads her legs for Jimmy now.”
“Fuck you,” he growled. “She is not–”
“Maureen has always been true to you, always. You’re not leaving her.”
“You know what? You can go fuck yourself, Grant. My marriage is none of your business. My relationship is none of your business. And after these few shows, I’m fucking done with this band. Done,” he declared and attempted to stomp off.
“Sit back down, Plant,” he growled.
Robert stopped but did not turn around. While he knew that the band manager was certainly the kind of man to fear, he knew Peter would not lift a finger against him. He was too precious a commodity to the band. Instead, he glanced coolly over his shoulder at him, saying nothing.
“You would throw away your career for pussy?”
He spun around and stalked back over to the manager, leaning over the table towards him, “I love Summer. It is not about sex at all. Not at all.”
“Oh really?” Peter stared at him.
He snatched the cigar out of Peter’s mouth and dunked it into the manager’s drink, “Absolutely. And if you fucking get in the way, I will–”
“What, Rob? What will you do?”
Staring at the manager, his blue eyes widened slightly, “You’ve done something. You’ve done something to Summer.”
The manager merely smirked, “Have I?”
Robert slapped his hand on the table, “If you hurt her in any fashion, you will regret even thinking of it. I vow this to you now.”
“Sure, Percy, sure,” he pulled out another cigar and lit it. “Whatever you say.”
Eyes narrowing into a glare, he turned around and stalked out of the club. Instinct said the manager had done something to his girlfriend. All of his rage and jealousy towards Jimmy completely abated. Peter was now the enemy. He just needed to figure out what had been done to Summer. Then he would retaliate somehow.
Waking in a completely empty bed, save for the dog curled around her bare feet, Summer instantly broke down into tears. He had left her. After promising repeatedly, he had left her. While logically she understood, emotionally she could not even begin to understand. She was alone and abandoned, an idea she did not even fathom a few months before. While she understood that the place her mother had taken her to was not an ideal location, Summer still longed for those innocent days back at the compound. At least then she was not alone.
Seemingly noticing her melancholy, Queenie walked over the sheets covering the nude young woman and began to happily lick her face. Unable to help it, Summer began to giggle within a few minutes. The puppy barked happily and jumped off the bed, turning and wagging her little tail. Turning over on her side, Summer gazed down at the little dog. Queenie barked again before happily suddenly chasing her tail. Again, Summer erupted into laughter.
She reached down when the puppy flopped down on her side, scratching her exposed belly, “Do you want to go on a walk, Queenie? Do you need to go potty?”
The dog barked.
“Okay, sweetie. Let me get dressed and we’ll go on a little walk,” Summer declared.
As she rolled out of the bed, the scent of Jimmy still on her skin though he left hours before, a wave of nausea hit Summer. She nearly tripped over her dog rushing into the bathroom. She slumped against the toilet a few moments later, wishing Jimmy would step into the room and offer her water and a towel. Instead, she sighed and got to her feet. She washed her face and brushed her teeth before pulling on the fluttery dress she wore earlier. Queenie barked again, happily running over to her leash.
After clicking on the purple leash bought months before with Robert, Summer forced a smile and headed out of the suite with her puppy. The dog happily trotted to the end of her leash, heading towards the elevator. Instructing the dog to wait while she locked the door, Summer smiled slightly when the young pup instantly sat down. The two headed down the corridor a moment later and soon left the hotel.
They briefly visited Queenie’s favorite grassy spot before heading further into the park. Realizing she had not eaten in hours and that she should probably be more often on account of her pregnancy, Summer decided to seek out a park vendor. With the dog pausing to sniff at things every now and then, the young woman dug into the purse gifted to her by John Paul, searching out the small purse of money she saw Jimmy drop into it. As Queenie plopped down in the grass to roll in something, Summer located the smaller purse and pulled it out. Clicking it open her eyes widened. Naturally, Jimmy did not leave her a few dollars to make it through the next week without him. He had shoved more cash into the tiny purse than she had ever seen before. Her blue eyes glanced up and around, feeling a bit awkward with that much cash, but there was nothing she could do at that point. Instead, she pulled out the smallest bill she could see and returned the smaller purse to the bowels of the larger one.
With money to buy lunch and perhaps a dozen more in hand, Summer whistled to get Queenie’s attention. The puppy yipped and got back to her feet, prancing happily down the pathway. They wandered for a while until both Queenie and Summer suddenly smelt some kind of food. Seeing a chubby man behind a white cart around which various people lined up, she decided that must be the source of the smell. She did not know what it was, but her stomach grumbled all the same, and so she slipped into the end of the line. Inching up, her wide blue eyes watched as people passed with their purchases. All she could see for the most part was bread filled with oozing something or other. It seemed pleasant enough.
Stepping up to the white cart, her eyes quickly glanced over whatever it was the rotund man offered, “Um, one please.”
“You want it all?”
She glanced at the various items he pointed at, figuring that he meant to put the slop on top of the reddish cylinder between the bread, “Um, yes, please.”
Summer watched carefully as he squirted and scooped various things before handing the paper wrapped thing to her, “That’ll be five dollar.”
Handing the bill to him, she reached for the item. The man held it out of her reach, causing her eyes to go back to his.
“What do you think this is, The Ritz?” he growled.
“But I don’t have anything else.”
“Too bad, princess.”
Summer’s mouth dropped open slightly, unsure what to do. By now, she was starving, even if she did not understand what a hot dog was. In addition, it was not as if she did not have the money. He simply would not take her money.
“But–”
“Excuse me,” a young man spoke up behind her. “I’ll pay for her dog, sir. Here’s ten.”
Waiting while the man made up another hot dog, Summer glanced at the man who had stepped in to save her meal. He seemed very unassuming, even a bit awkward, yet despite that, she sensed he had seen things others had not. But mostly he seemed genuine and kind. She did not think many would have stepped in as he had.
He stepped away with two paper-cupped hot dogs, holding one out to her.
“Thank you,” she stated softly, looking down at the food. “You must let me pay you back.”
“It’s not a big deal,” he muttered before holding up his own dog and taking a messy bite of it.
Watching him intently as she had no clue how to eat it, she giggled when it dripped down his chin. He laughed awkwardly and wiped his chin with a paper napkin, before motioning to a nearby bench. Seated next to him, with Queenie at her feet, Summer briefly grinned before biting into the hot dog. They ate mostly silently, laughing at each other when food dripped from their mouths. After they both managed to wipe their faces and hands cleaned, Summer once again thanked the young man before mentioning how she had never had a hot dog before.
“You mean like that, right?” he asked.
“No… like ever. Where I grew up… there weren’t things like that,” she responded vaguely.
“Well what did you think?” he smiled.
“That… I probably won’t need to eat another one for quite some time.”
He laughed, “That’s probably true. And there’s nothing quite like them outside New York. I’m Cameron, by the way.”
“Summer,” she smiled again. “And thank you again. I don’t understand why he made such a big deal about it.”
“Either he couldn’t break a fifty, which I doubt, or he thought it was fake,” Cameron claimed.
“Thank you all the same. You must let me buy you lunch or dinner or something,” she stated.
“It’s okay.”
Her eyes dropped to her lap, the glimmer of hope of having a companion later dying.
“What’s your dog’s name?” he asked, noticing her shift of mood.
“Queenie.”
Cameron smirked, “I know a bitch by that name too.”
Her eyes went back to his, “You do?”
He nodded, “But she isn’t half as pretty as you.”
Summer instantly flushed, “Uh… thank you.”
“And she’s a whore. She claims she doesn’t sleep with the bands, but that’s a lie. All the groupies do. Or try to.”
Her eyes went back to his, “Groupies?”
“Yeah. The girls who group around rock stars in hopes of sleeping with them. Some of them are nice girls, but most of them… aren’t,” he claimed.
“You know them?”
Cameron nodded again, “I write for the Rolling Stone, so I’ve seen things and been around things that you wouldn’t believe.”
“Oh, I think I might,” she commented. “Are you here on… assignment?”
“Kinda. Just finished up a tour and am working on the piece now. Hit some writers block and felt like a walk would do me some good. And here we are,” he said. “What brings a girl like you to the park alone?”
“Just walking Queenie and… finding ways to kill time.”
“Why’s that?”
“My boyfriend left me here alone for a week and I don’t know anyone…”
“Well… I wouldn’t want to upset your boyfriend, but maybe I should take you up on your offer.”
Her eyes lit up and she smiled, “Really? You’ll have dinner or lunch with me?”
He smiled crookedly, a sheepish glance sent her way, “I will.”
Landing after nightfall in London, having been sequestered in first class in a jet for over eight hours, Jimmy stretched and yawned. He pulled on his jacket and gathered up his things before languidedly departing the plane, not caring that he was holding up the business class passengers. Strolling into the airport, he glanced around and smirked slightly upon seeing Peter waiting for him. After shaking hands and exchanging greetings, the two men headed to the waiting car, while someone else collected Jimmy’s luggage.
Seated in the back of the luxury car, the pair discussed the upcoming concerts and the possibility of booking studio time in a few months. Jimmy expressed desire for a few weeks rest after the concert, predominantly so he could figure out things with Summer, though he did not mention her at all. Peter suggested that he and Robert wander about once again, searching out the next sound. Promising to consider it, though he instantly discarded the thought in his own mind, Jimmy glanced out the window and realized the car was stopping in front of his house.
Noticing lights on, he sighed, “She knows I’m coming home?”
Peter smiled slightly, “Of course she does. Why would your lady not be expecting you?”
“Yes of course,” he reached for the door handle. “I shall see you on the morrow, Peter.”
Stepping out of the car, he barely glanced as the driver gathered his luggage from the trunk before heading up to the house. Opening the front door, he nearly sighed in relief that it did not seem that Charlotte was going to pounce on him the moment he stepped in. Softly thanking the driver for bringing his suitcases in, Jimmy closed and locked the door, hoping he could get up to the bedroom with his cases before being noticed.
He nearly succeeded, as she did not step out into the corridor until he was on his second trip to the bedroom.
“James.”
He turned slowly, “Good evening, Charlotte.”
“Were you intending to not speak to me or our daughter?”
“Of course not, Charlotte. I merely thought you asleep as it is late. I myself, am tired,” he responded.
Her eyes narrowed, “Why do I not believe you?”
“I cannot answer that, love.”
“Love? Love? How dare you call me your love when I know very well why you remained in America when the rest of the band came home to their families,” she hissed.
Jimmy sighed, “I am not going to discuss things while you are behaving irrationally. And I am tired. Might we discuss this in the morning once we have both had a chance to rest?”
“Who is she, Jimmy?”
He sighed again, “No one. No one important.”
Rating: PG-13 [language, innuendo, drinking]
Summary: Jimmy has to return to London. Robert resists Peter's demands. Summer makes a friend.
With Summer out walking Queenie on her own, a feat Jimmy initially resisted until she pouted, Jimmy prepared their luggage for the voyage across the Atlantic. Though he did not have confirmation that Summer was indeed travelling with him, he presumed she was – even with the pooch. Continuing with this in mind, he closed up another suitcase full of clothing he purchased her and moved to pack her shoes. As he passed the phone on a circuit of searching the penthouse for shoes, the telephone rang. With little pause, he stopped and picked up the receiver.
“Jimmy, I’m glad I caught you before the car arrives,” Benji spoke.
“It is not due to pick us up for over an hour,” Jimmy stated.
“Yeah… about that…”
“What is the nature of your call, Benji?”
“Well… I do not know exactly how to tell you this, Jimmy, but… Summer cannot… there is no bloody easy way to say this, Jimmy. Summer’s passport is still stuck somewhere. I haven’t been able to find out where and… she can’t come, Jimmy.”
Jimmy was silent for a long moment, “What did you just say?”
“Summer is not coming to England. She will have to remain behind.”
He swore under his breath, “Where?”
“Um, well… I suppose there in New York, in the hotel? I don’t really know, Jimmy. I can’t talk any more. I need to head down to the venue to check in on the light guys. I’m sorry. I really am. Maybe Bob will take her?”
Before Jimmy could respond, the line went dead. Sighing he replaced the receiver on the base and stepped away from the phone. Walking back over to the suitcases, Jimmy stared down at her mostly packed clothing. Did he unpack it and see if she noticed? Or did he leave her suitcase as is and let her decide? Summer did not have to remain in the hotel room, as Bob had offered her a place at his house. However, to be completely honest, though she was his daughter, Jimmy did not want to… lose contact with her.
However, the door to the hotel room opening, allowing a puppy and a young woman to burst in, interrupted his decision. Jimmy quickly turned and captured the dog, snapping off her leash. A moment later Summer threw her arms around his neck and kissed his mouth quickly.
“We had the loveliest walk, Jimmy. I found this little bench hidden from view of the path. I sat there while Queenie did her business and I swear, I completely forgot I was in such a big city!” she enthusiastically declared.
He smiled crookedly, “That sounds delightful, princess.”
“I’ll show you when we walk Queenie before going to the airport,” Summer stated.
Jimmy briefly looked away, “Um… about that…”
“What?”
He sighed, “Your passport hasn’t come through, Summer. I can’t take you with me.”
Her smile instantly disappeared, replaced by a frown, “Oh.”
His hands framed her face and he kissed her softly, “Princess, I will not be gone long. You and Queenie will be quite all right here… unless of course you wish to go stay at Bob’s house.”
“I… no…” her eyes dropped and remained focused on the floor.
“Why not, Summer? You wouldn’t be alone then.”
“Yes, I would. I don’t know Bob’s new family. And… and he doesn’t know I’m pregnant. I don’t… I would rather…”
He kissed her forehead, “Then you shall remain here. I will not ring Bob. And I will make certain that the staff knows to cater to your every desire. I will also leave you money, should you wish to venture out into the city.”
“Jimmy, you don’t… you don’t have to do that.”
His arms folded around her, embracing her tightly, “I most certainly do. I promised to take care of you and that is exactly what I shall do. I will be absent only a few days and then I will return promptly to you. You will hardly notice I am gone.”
“I will notice the moment you close the door, Jimmy. And I will cry.”
He pulled back again, his hands surrounding her face once more, “Do not cry, princess. Please do not cry.”
“But… but you’re leaving me,” she muttered.
Jimmy looked into her eyes, “Summer, look at me.”
Her tear-rimmed eyes fully met his, “But… Jimmy…”
“I am not leaving you. I am merely going to work for a few days. I will be back to you in a mere few days. I will ring you every night and in the morning as well. You will not be alone here for long at all. You will have Queenie and perhaps Bob will visit. But I will not be gone long at all. I am not leaving you. I… I will be back. You have my word,” he declared.
“Jimmy…”
“Let me… show you, my princess...”
Leaving Summer nude and asleep in the bed forty minutes later, Jimmy silently dressed and finished his packing. He patted the dog on the head, distracting her with a chew toy while the bellhop carried the last of the suitcases out of the suite. Returning briefly to her side, Jimmy kissed her forehead, brushing his thumb across her bottom lip.
“I will return to you, my love. I will return,” he breathed before slipping out of the hotel suite, a frown darkening his eyes.
Back once more in London, Robert sulked in a hotel room. As far as he knew, Jimmy and Summer had yet to arrive. It was too late to ring up the lawyer to see how separation from Maureen was faring and he did not wish to bother any friends that may be in the city. So instead, he smoked and drank a beer, bemoaning the fact one of his best mates had stolen his girl – quite literally.
His blue eyes looked out over the city. He had fully expected to have Summer curled up in his lap the next time he looked on London. But she was with fucking Jimmy Page – no she was fucking Jimmy Page. It made his soul seethe. Of anyone that she would choose, why did it have to be Jimmy? The longer he thought about it, the further he got from the thought that it was his fault for leaving her behind with Jimmy. It was Jimmy’s fault for seducing Summer away and Robert would never forgive him for it. Ever.
The shrill ring of the phone on the nightstand interrupted his thoughts. Setting down his beer bottle, he slowly approached the phone and snatched it from its base. Not expecting anyone, he barely muttered a greeting.
“Great to hear you, Rob. How was your flight?”
His nose crinkled, “Just fine, Grant. What do you want?”
“Nothing. Nothing at all. I was wondering if perhaps you wanted to meet with me for a drink?”
He glanced at his beer, “No, not really.”
“But I insist.”
“I really just planned to sleep.”
Peter laughed, “Nonsense, Rob. The car will be there shortly.”
Before Robert could protest further, the line went dead. Swearing to himself, he dropped the phone on the base, ran his fingers through his hair, and headed towards his suitcase. He did not want to go out with the band manager, not in the least. However, Peter had not left him the choice and he had not the energy to protest. Instead, he changed his clothes into something more fashion-forward before dragging his feet downstairs. He arrived in the lobby mere moments before Peter headed in. The large man grinned, holding out his hand. Though he accepted the hand, Robert did not smile or pat Peter’s back too. He followed silently as the manager chatted about the stage setup at Earls Court, barely paying any attention at all.
They ended up at one of the most exclusive gentlemen’s clubs in London. Robert practically sneered at the fact the manager brought him to club with strutting nude women. He settled in a chair with his back towards the girls, caring nothing at all about them; none of them would even hold a candle to Summer.
Waiting until drinks were delivered, the large man lit a cigar and glanced at the singer, “You cannot divorce your wife.”
Robert slowly set his glass down and stared at the manager, “I do not see how that is any of your business.”
“Ah but it is. You are my business, thusly your marriage is my business,” he declared. “You will not leave your wife who has supported you all this time, merely for a fuck you found on the road.”
His eyes narrowed, “Summer is not just a fuck.”
“Sure she’s not. That’s why she sucked Cole’s cock and is wiggling on Jimmy’s as we speak,” he commented.
Robert pushed away from the table, “Fuck you, Grant. Fuck you. Cole attempted toforce himself on her. You fucking know that.”
“Ah,” he puffed on the cigar, “but you cannot deny that she spreads her legs for Jimmy now.”
“Fuck you,” he growled. “She is not–”
“Maureen has always been true to you, always. You’re not leaving her.”
“You know what? You can go fuck yourself, Grant. My marriage is none of your business. My relationship is none of your business. And after these few shows, I’m fucking done with this band. Done,” he declared and attempted to stomp off.
“Sit back down, Plant,” he growled.
Robert stopped but did not turn around. While he knew that the band manager was certainly the kind of man to fear, he knew Peter would not lift a finger against him. He was too precious a commodity to the band. Instead, he glanced coolly over his shoulder at him, saying nothing.
“You would throw away your career for pussy?”
He spun around and stalked back over to the manager, leaning over the table towards him, “I love Summer. It is not about sex at all. Not at all.”
“Oh really?” Peter stared at him.
He snatched the cigar out of Peter’s mouth and dunked it into the manager’s drink, “Absolutely. And if you fucking get in the way, I will–”
“What, Rob? What will you do?”
Staring at the manager, his blue eyes widened slightly, “You’ve done something. You’ve done something to Summer.”
The manager merely smirked, “Have I?”
Robert slapped his hand on the table, “If you hurt her in any fashion, you will regret even thinking of it. I vow this to you now.”
“Sure, Percy, sure,” he pulled out another cigar and lit it. “Whatever you say.”
Eyes narrowing into a glare, he turned around and stalked out of the club. Instinct said the manager had done something to his girlfriend. All of his rage and jealousy towards Jimmy completely abated. Peter was now the enemy. He just needed to figure out what had been done to Summer. Then he would retaliate somehow.
Waking in a completely empty bed, save for the dog curled around her bare feet, Summer instantly broke down into tears. He had left her. After promising repeatedly, he had left her. While logically she understood, emotionally she could not even begin to understand. She was alone and abandoned, an idea she did not even fathom a few months before. While she understood that the place her mother had taken her to was not an ideal location, Summer still longed for those innocent days back at the compound. At least then she was not alone.
Seemingly noticing her melancholy, Queenie walked over the sheets covering the nude young woman and began to happily lick her face. Unable to help it, Summer began to giggle within a few minutes. The puppy barked happily and jumped off the bed, turning and wagging her little tail. Turning over on her side, Summer gazed down at the little dog. Queenie barked again before happily suddenly chasing her tail. Again, Summer erupted into laughter.
She reached down when the puppy flopped down on her side, scratching her exposed belly, “Do you want to go on a walk, Queenie? Do you need to go potty?”
The dog barked.
“Okay, sweetie. Let me get dressed and we’ll go on a little walk,” Summer declared.
As she rolled out of the bed, the scent of Jimmy still on her skin though he left hours before, a wave of nausea hit Summer. She nearly tripped over her dog rushing into the bathroom. She slumped against the toilet a few moments later, wishing Jimmy would step into the room and offer her water and a towel. Instead, she sighed and got to her feet. She washed her face and brushed her teeth before pulling on the fluttery dress she wore earlier. Queenie barked again, happily running over to her leash.
After clicking on the purple leash bought months before with Robert, Summer forced a smile and headed out of the suite with her puppy. The dog happily trotted to the end of her leash, heading towards the elevator. Instructing the dog to wait while she locked the door, Summer smiled slightly when the young pup instantly sat down. The two headed down the corridor a moment later and soon left the hotel.
They briefly visited Queenie’s favorite grassy spot before heading further into the park. Realizing she had not eaten in hours and that she should probably be more often on account of her pregnancy, Summer decided to seek out a park vendor. With the dog pausing to sniff at things every now and then, the young woman dug into the purse gifted to her by John Paul, searching out the small purse of money she saw Jimmy drop into it. As Queenie plopped down in the grass to roll in something, Summer located the smaller purse and pulled it out. Clicking it open her eyes widened. Naturally, Jimmy did not leave her a few dollars to make it through the next week without him. He had shoved more cash into the tiny purse than she had ever seen before. Her blue eyes glanced up and around, feeling a bit awkward with that much cash, but there was nothing she could do at that point. Instead, she pulled out the smallest bill she could see and returned the smaller purse to the bowels of the larger one.
With money to buy lunch and perhaps a dozen more in hand, Summer whistled to get Queenie’s attention. The puppy yipped and got back to her feet, prancing happily down the pathway. They wandered for a while until both Queenie and Summer suddenly smelt some kind of food. Seeing a chubby man behind a white cart around which various people lined up, she decided that must be the source of the smell. She did not know what it was, but her stomach grumbled all the same, and so she slipped into the end of the line. Inching up, her wide blue eyes watched as people passed with their purchases. All she could see for the most part was bread filled with oozing something or other. It seemed pleasant enough.
Stepping up to the white cart, her eyes quickly glanced over whatever it was the rotund man offered, “Um, one please.”
“You want it all?”
She glanced at the various items he pointed at, figuring that he meant to put the slop on top of the reddish cylinder between the bread, “Um, yes, please.”
Summer watched carefully as he squirted and scooped various things before handing the paper wrapped thing to her, “That’ll be five dollar.”
Handing the bill to him, she reached for the item. The man held it out of her reach, causing her eyes to go back to his.
“What do you think this is, The Ritz?” he growled.
“But I don’t have anything else.”
“Too bad, princess.”
Summer’s mouth dropped open slightly, unsure what to do. By now, she was starving, even if she did not understand what a hot dog was. In addition, it was not as if she did not have the money. He simply would not take her money.
“But–”
“Excuse me,” a young man spoke up behind her. “I’ll pay for her dog, sir. Here’s ten.”
Waiting while the man made up another hot dog, Summer glanced at the man who had stepped in to save her meal. He seemed very unassuming, even a bit awkward, yet despite that, she sensed he had seen things others had not. But mostly he seemed genuine and kind. She did not think many would have stepped in as he had.
He stepped away with two paper-cupped hot dogs, holding one out to her.
“Thank you,” she stated softly, looking down at the food. “You must let me pay you back.”
“It’s not a big deal,” he muttered before holding up his own dog and taking a messy bite of it.
Watching him intently as she had no clue how to eat it, she giggled when it dripped down his chin. He laughed awkwardly and wiped his chin with a paper napkin, before motioning to a nearby bench. Seated next to him, with Queenie at her feet, Summer briefly grinned before biting into the hot dog. They ate mostly silently, laughing at each other when food dripped from their mouths. After they both managed to wipe their faces and hands cleaned, Summer once again thanked the young man before mentioning how she had never had a hot dog before.
“You mean like that, right?” he asked.
“No… like ever. Where I grew up… there weren’t things like that,” she responded vaguely.
“Well what did you think?” he smiled.
“That… I probably won’t need to eat another one for quite some time.”
He laughed, “That’s probably true. And there’s nothing quite like them outside New York. I’m Cameron, by the way.”
“Summer,” she smiled again. “And thank you again. I don’t understand why he made such a big deal about it.”
“Either he couldn’t break a fifty, which I doubt, or he thought it was fake,” Cameron claimed.
“Thank you all the same. You must let me buy you lunch or dinner or something,” she stated.
“It’s okay.”
Her eyes dropped to her lap, the glimmer of hope of having a companion later dying.
“What’s your dog’s name?” he asked, noticing her shift of mood.
“Queenie.”
Cameron smirked, “I know a bitch by that name too.”
Her eyes went back to his, “You do?”
He nodded, “But she isn’t half as pretty as you.”
Summer instantly flushed, “Uh… thank you.”
“And she’s a whore. She claims she doesn’t sleep with the bands, but that’s a lie. All the groupies do. Or try to.”
Her eyes went back to his, “Groupies?”
“Yeah. The girls who group around rock stars in hopes of sleeping with them. Some of them are nice girls, but most of them… aren’t,” he claimed.
“You know them?”
Cameron nodded again, “I write for the Rolling Stone, so I’ve seen things and been around things that you wouldn’t believe.”
“Oh, I think I might,” she commented. “Are you here on… assignment?”
“Kinda. Just finished up a tour and am working on the piece now. Hit some writers block and felt like a walk would do me some good. And here we are,” he said. “What brings a girl like you to the park alone?”
“Just walking Queenie and… finding ways to kill time.”
“Why’s that?”
“My boyfriend left me here alone for a week and I don’t know anyone…”
“Well… I wouldn’t want to upset your boyfriend, but maybe I should take you up on your offer.”
Her eyes lit up and she smiled, “Really? You’ll have dinner or lunch with me?”
He smiled crookedly, a sheepish glance sent her way, “I will.”
Landing after nightfall in London, having been sequestered in first class in a jet for over eight hours, Jimmy stretched and yawned. He pulled on his jacket and gathered up his things before languidedly departing the plane, not caring that he was holding up the business class passengers. Strolling into the airport, he glanced around and smirked slightly upon seeing Peter waiting for him. After shaking hands and exchanging greetings, the two men headed to the waiting car, while someone else collected Jimmy’s luggage.
Seated in the back of the luxury car, the pair discussed the upcoming concerts and the possibility of booking studio time in a few months. Jimmy expressed desire for a few weeks rest after the concert, predominantly so he could figure out things with Summer, though he did not mention her at all. Peter suggested that he and Robert wander about once again, searching out the next sound. Promising to consider it, though he instantly discarded the thought in his own mind, Jimmy glanced out the window and realized the car was stopping in front of his house.
Noticing lights on, he sighed, “She knows I’m coming home?”
Peter smiled slightly, “Of course she does. Why would your lady not be expecting you?”
“Yes of course,” he reached for the door handle. “I shall see you on the morrow, Peter.”
Stepping out of the car, he barely glanced as the driver gathered his luggage from the trunk before heading up to the house. Opening the front door, he nearly sighed in relief that it did not seem that Charlotte was going to pounce on him the moment he stepped in. Softly thanking the driver for bringing his suitcases in, Jimmy closed and locked the door, hoping he could get up to the bedroom with his cases before being noticed.
He nearly succeeded, as she did not step out into the corridor until he was on his second trip to the bedroom.
“James.”
He turned slowly, “Good evening, Charlotte.”
“Were you intending to not speak to me or our daughter?”
“Of course not, Charlotte. I merely thought you asleep as it is late. I myself, am tired,” he responded.
Her eyes narrowed, “Why do I not believe you?”
“I cannot answer that, love.”
“Love? Love? How dare you call me your love when I know very well why you remained in America when the rest of the band came home to their families,” she hissed.
Jimmy sighed, “I am not going to discuss things while you are behaving irrationally. And I am tired. Might we discuss this in the morning once we have both had a chance to rest?”
“Who is she, Jimmy?”
He sighed again, “No one. No one important.”
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