Chapter Twelve, Bloody Mess
Posted by DiF on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Title: Midnight Shift: Chapter Twelve, Bloody Mess
Rating: R [language, alcohol, and violence]
Summary: There's issues on the flight back to LA that casts quite the long shadow. And Summer makes a new friend.
Staring down at the black and white board, covered with long narrow triangles, upon which small checkers rested, Summer’s brows furrowed. Playing John Paul’s explanation over in her head, she could not figure out at all what she was supposed to do, how she was supposed to move the pieces. And it had nothing to do with the champagne Robert mixed with her orange juice that morning. Or so she thought. Maybe it did. The bubbles that danced so lovely on her tongue tended to dance around inside her head a bit longer. Whatever the reason, she had no idea what she was supposed to do, if anything.
Her blue eyes rose to look across the board game to the bassist, “I don’t get it, John.”
“What’s that, Summer?” his eyebrows rose as he looked across the table to her.
“All of this,” she motioned at the board. “I don’t get what I’m supposed to do or what the point of it is.”
“Well first of all you need to roll the dice.”
“What dice?”
John Paul picked up a leather wrapped cup and held it out to her. Accepting it, Summer looked inside, seeing the very same dice he had been talking about. Cocking her head slightly to the side, she emptied the dice out onto the board. Her eyes went to John Paul, waiting for him to explain the next step. His mouth opened to do just that but before he could say anything, Bonzo appeared out of nowhere and plucked the girl out of the chair. Laughing he tossed her over his shoulder and bounded off with her. As they were on the plane heading back to LA after two more nights of shows up north, one in Vancouver and a final one in Seattle, he really had no where to go, or at least no where he could really hide the young girl – unless he was going to take her back to the bedroom. Deciding since he saw Jimmy quietly reading in a corner and Robert discussing something with one of the reporters on board that the room was empty, he headed that way. He made no secret of what he was doing, especially since Summer was wriggling and squealing on his shoulder as it was, Bonzo fully expected Robert to come charging after him. But when that didn’t happen, he slipped into the bedroom and pivoted to drop Summer on the bed.
And froze a moment before doing so.
Cole was writhing on the bed with one of the groupies. He looked up at Bonzo, grunted some form of a hello and invited the two to join in. Completely disgusted, not entirely sure why as he had done what Cole was suggesting before, Bonzo flopped Summer back over his shoulder and hurried out of the bedroom. Glancing in the small office and noticing that Peter was not occupying it, the drummer took the girl in there, carefully setting her down on a chair.
“What is this all about?” her wide eyes went to his.
He smirked, “I just wanted alone time with you.”
“Jesus, Bonzo, you could have just asked.”
“Nah, that was far more fun,” he closed the door to help halt any interruptions. “So kid, how are you?”
Her eyes merely looked into his, her mouth not muttering a word.
“I can see you and Robert are doing well,” he commented. “He really cares for you.”
“Of course,” she said cautiously. “What is this really about, John?”
“Well... before anyone else says anything, I want to be your baby’s godfather,” Bonzo claimed, plopping down in the chair next to her.
Summer looked at him for a long time before she burst out laughing, “That’s it? You want to be my baby’s godfather?”
He nodded eagerly, “You know I would be a good one. Don’t you dare deny it.”
“Um, sure. What exactly is a godfather anyways?”
It was Bonzo’s turn to fall completely silent. He blinked twice, trying to decide if she really did have no clue. Summer gave no indication that she did have any idea what he was talking about, her innocent eyes looking at him for an answer. Neither spoke for a few moments.
“Really,” she stated.
“Well should anything happen to you or Robert, I would take care of the child,” he answered simply. “It’s also a pretty fucking good movie.”
“Um, all right,” Summer responded. “So you would play daddy to the baby if something happened?”
“Wait, wait, wait,” Bonzo held up his hands. “You haven’t seen the movie?”
She rolled her eyes, “John, we didn’t have a TV on the farm much less a movie theater.”
He jumped up, opened the door and leaned out, “HEY! DO WE HAVE THE GODFATHERON THIS FLIGHT!?”
“John, it’s fine. I don’t need to watc—”
“Yes, you do,” he cut her off, turning back to the rest of the plane for some response. “But we’ll have to do it some other time. We don’t have it on the plane. Maybe you can spend the night with me and we can watch it.”
Humor glittered in her eyes and she looked to him as he returned to sitting next to her, “Like a sleepover? Can we eat popcorn and paint our nails and do makeovers?”
“YES!” he grinned and jumped back up to holler out of the office again. “PERCY, I’M STEALING YOUR WOMAN TONIGHT. WE’RE GOING TO DO MAKEOVERS AND WATCH THE GODFATHER!”
“You’re nuts,” Summer commented, smiling.
Again he returned to sitting next to her, “Percy can sleep with your teddy bear tonight. I claim you.”
“Huh. I didn’t know I was a piece of property to be claimed.”
His eyes instantly widened at the realization of his error, “Um, no. Of course not, sweet pea. I’m just... saying...”
She patted his knee, “It’s okay, Bonzo. I’m just teasing you anyways.”
“WELL DON’T BLOODY DO THAT, WOMAN,” he bellowed though he grinned.
The door that hadn’t been closed all the way was pushed abruptly open. Not Robert springing to rescue his girlfriend as expected, Richard Cole stood in the doorway. A completely feral glint sparked in his eyes. He launched towards Summer, pulling her bodily from the chair, making it tip over backwards. The drummer instantly launched after the tour manager as he hurried out of the office. Summer screamed and thrashed about, attempting to free herself. Every activity halted on the plane. Robert, Jimmy, and other men rushed after Bonzo. The door to the bedroom slammed shut, quickly locked before Summer was thrown onto the white fur bed. He fumbled with his pants as she scrambled as far from him as possible, slipping off the bed and onto the floor, hoping that barrier would protect her. Cole merely stomped around the bed, grabbed her by the hair, and thrust his cock in her face.
“Suck it, bitch,” he growled.
Wide eyes streaming tears looked up at him. Her lips did not open, she refused speech at all. Hearing the door fly open, Summer squeezed her eyes closed, not wanting to see whatever was about to happen. Yanking the blond girl forward as he was quickly pulled away by none other than Peter, Cole began to holler. His fingers were not about to release Summer at all, the act causing him to drag the girl with him. Abruptly released from Cole’s grasp when Bonzo punched him, Summer clutched her head as she bawled on the floor. Strong arms instantly circled her, pulling her protectively close. She knew who it was from his scent alone and clung to Robert, shaking and crying.
“It’s okay, baby,” he spoke softly. “It’s okay. Everything is fine. No one is going to hurt you. I’m right here. Everything is okay. You’re okay.”
“R-robert, h-he...”
“I know, baby,” he kissed her forehead. “You’re safe. I’m right here. No one is going to hurt you. Bonzo is here too, see? And Jimmy. And Jonesy. You’re safe, baby.”
“H-he...”
“I know,” he kissed her again. “Let’s get you out of here.”
Standing he pulled her into his arms, carrying her out of the room where the near assault happened. As they passed the office where Peter had taken Cole, they could hear the sounds of the larger man not only wailing at the tour manager, but on the tour manager. Robert carried Summer to the very front of the plane, finding chairs instantly clear as he approached with her. Jimmy threatened all of the media people on the plane that if they so much as uttered a word about what happened to anyone, even their pets, he would personally see that their lives became living hells. Keeping her in his arms, Robert sat, not caring at all that the rest of the band stayed close, Jimmy taking the seat next to the two of them. The singer whispered in the girl’s ear as she buried her face on his shoulder, his fingers gently stroking her long blond hair.
Needing to do something, anything, Jimmy looked around just as the plane began its descent. He clearly couldn’t console the girl as Robert had that firmly in his control. But he couldn’t do nothing either. He needed some kind of action, something to show he was still in control of something, could still do something for her.
He was going to have Cole fired. Right then.
Getting to his feet, Jimmy wavered as the pilot came on the loudspeaker, announcing that everyone needed to take a seat while they landed. Throwing the caution into the wind, even though everyone else took to the seats, the guitarist headed back to the office. He pounded on the door, demanding to be let in. The plane jostled, hitting a pocket of turbulence as it neared the airport, throwing Jimmy back from the door. Swallowing his fear, he knocked and shouted once more.
The door flew open, Peter’s angry eyes meeting Jimmy’s, “I’ve handled the situation, Pagey.”
Glancing at the bloodied manager, he nodded, “Be as that may, I want him gone.”
“Jimmy, he won’t be touching Summer ever again,” Peter stated. “He—”
“I do not bloody well care. He is done. Or we are,” Jimmy declared.
The color drained from Peter’s face, “Jimmy, I’m sure we can—”
“He is gone or we are. That is the only option,” he stated strongly and left, heading back up to the front of the plane where Summer was still cradled in Robert’s arms.
Before Jimmy could sit back down, the tires hit the pavement, bouncing the plane and the guitarist along. Again he stumbled, bumping into the back of the chair. Knuckles turning white, he gripped the neck rest as the plane came to a complete halt. Quickly sitting down, he reached out and touched Summer’s knee, drawing her eyes up quickly.
“Cole is never going to touch you again, princess,” he stated evenly. “I assure you.”
She nodded slightly.
“He will never touch you again.”
The mood at the Riot House was understandably somber. Richard Cole had been asked to leave residence, that alone tempered the troublemaking in the halls, but a dark pall hung over everyone anyways. Those who had been on the plane knew exactly why; those who had not were not about to be told. It was quiet and awkward and not at all like the Riot House at all. Jimmy was sulking with his bottle of Jack, still stonewalling Peter into getting rid of Cole permanently. Summer seemed permanently curled up in Robert’s lap, Bonzo sitting on the couch next to them, silently drinking himself. John Paul stood near the door of Jimmy’s suite, acting as the silent sentry, watching for... he wasn’t sure. Normally Jimmy’s room would be crawling with girls, but with the current circumstance, only Summer was allowed in the Led Zeppelin den, the silent den.
“Baby,” Robert whispered, “do you want to go home?”
She shook her head, her face still buried on his shoulder, “Stay here.”
“Baby,” he continued in the same hushed tone, though everyone could hear him anyways, “you know I can’t stay here. The management will—”
“Stay here,” she repeated.
Sighing, his arms tightened around her as his eyes glanced around the room quickly, “Of course, baby. Whatever you want.”
Jimmy tossed his bottle aside, getting up in frustration. Stalking over to the open door, he glanced down the hallway, no more sure what he was looking for than John Paul had been, but it seemed the prudent thing to do. He nodded once, motioning John Paul into the room so he could close the door. Closing the world away from the band, Jimmy headed over to Robert and Summer. He knelt on the floor in front of the two and reached up to gently touch Summer’s back. She stirred, pulling away from Robert slightly, the first time since the incident on the plane. Remaining fully safe in the singer’s embrace, she looked to Jimmy.
His hand dropped to her knee, “Summer, no one is ever going to hurt you. Not Cole. Not Lori. No one. Ever. Robert is never going to allow it to happen. Bonzo is never going to allow it to happen. Jonesy is never going to allow it to happen. I am never going to allow it to happen. No one is ever going to hurt you.”
“But, Jimmy, he...”
“I know, princess. I know,” he responded, reaching up to push hair from her eyes. “He is not going to hurt you. I promise. If he so much as even thinks about it, I will personally feed him his balls.”
Her eyes wavered some, “But, Jimmy...”
“No one is going to hurt you,” Jimmy repeated yet again, his hand caressing her cheek gently. “No one.”
Slowly she nodded.
“Give us a smile?” he requested.
Summer shook her head.
Standing Jimmy kissed her forehead quickly, “You’re safe.”
They all settled back down in silence, not entirely sure what to do or say. John Paul found a seat in a nearby chair, no longer the door sentry, and fiddled with the hem of his shirt. Bonzo tossed his empty bottle in the approximate direction of the trash can. Wiggling slightly, Robert adjusted Summer in his lap, though he really needed to get up and use the bathroom. He had a feeling the girl would not like that prospect at all, even if she was completely safe with the rest of the band.
“Baby,” he whispered in her ear, “I need to get up.”
“Why?” she muttered back.
“Well, um, I need to go to the loo.”
“Oh,” Summer replied, sitting up.
Her eyes quickly looked around the room as she apparently tried to decide who to flee to. Bonzo would have been Robert’s first choice or maybe John Paul. And yet she darted across the room and climbed into Jimmy’s lap. The guitarist looked to Robert to see if it was all right, who merely responded with a half-shrug. While he did not like her choice, this was not the moment to be questioning it. Tentatively Jimmy wrapped his arms protectively around Summer while Robert skirted to the bathroom.
“Why did he do it, Jimmy?” she asked softly.
He stroked her soft hair gently, “I don’t know. He’s just a messed up fuck, Summer.”
“Is he.... is he going to come back?”
“No,” he stated strongly. “No he is not.”
“Um, Jimmy, not that I think he should by any means, but who is going to take care of us now?” Bonzo asked.
The guitarist looked over to the drummer, “We don’t need anyone to take care of us, Bonzo. We’ll be fine without him.”
“Who will count tickets and make sure we get paid after every show?” John Paul brought up. “Or organize our travel and sleeping arrangements? Or—”
“Enough,” Jimmy interjected. “I understand that firing Cole does through us off a bit. I am sure that Peter will find someone acceptable in time for the next tour. We have three more shows here in America, right here in LA. Peter can handle everything that Cole did for those three concerts. Everything will be just fine.”
Realizing his words and the others’ questions, Summer pulled slightly away from Jimmy, “I’ll just go. You can unfire Cole. No need to put the band in jeop—”
“Like bloody hell you will,” Jimmy stated strongly, noticing Robert return from the bathroom. “You are staying right here with us. He is gone. He is not coming back.”
Robert approached the bed where Jimmy sat with Summer in his lap, kneeling before them, “Baby, why do you think you need to leave?”
“Because he did lots of things. Someone has to take care of the band,” she responded, turning to him.
“I’m sure Peter will work that out,” he declared. “Fuck, Benji can do Cole’s job. And probably won’t fuck up half as much.”
Light filled Jimmy’s eyes at Robert’s suggestion. He wanted to push Summer aside and ring Peter at once to suggest Benji in the road manager position. But the little girl curled up in his lap was far more important. Benji would be ideal for a number of reasons. Not only did he know how everything worked, having toured with them for awhile now, but removing Benji as Robert’s personal assistant in a promotion to fill the road manager shoes would place Summer in Steve’s hands during the show and that put her on his side again and—
Robert sat on the bed beside Jimmy and the blond girl quickly scrambled back into his lap. Though frustrated with the turn of events, Jimmy didn’t show it. Instead he picked up his phone and quickly dialed Peter’s room to pass along the Benji suggestion. He glanced over at the golden couple as she withdrew once more into herself, into Robert’s embrace. They would need to break her out of that before they lost her completely. But first things first.
“Baby, do you want something to drink or eat?” Robert asked softly.
“Yes she does!” Bonzo jumped up. “I will go get food! Jonesy, you’re coming with me. Someone has to buy the beer.”
John Paul sighed, “Send someone else, Bonzo.”
“Ye aren’t needed here, Jonesy, but I need you,” the drummer grabbed the bassist’s arm and tugged him towards the door. “Come on.”
A moment later the room only held Jimmy, Robert, and Summer. Ever so slowly the girl uncurled in Robert’s lap, her eyes glancing to Jimmy. She slipped out of Robert’s lap, but remained in his arms, stationed safely between both of them. The two men casually looked at her, trying to ascertain what to do for her.
“Do the other gir.... do the groupies suck his dick?” she asked suddenly.
“Uh, yeah,” Jimmy answered when Robert remained silent.
“So he thinks I’m a groupie.”
“Baby,” Robert warned.
Her eyes went to his, “I know I’m not. I know you say I’m not. But he think I am, doesn’t he?”
“Baby,” he sighed, but wouldn’t say any more.
“Yeah. I hazard he does,” Jimmy answered, meeting her eyes. “But you’re not, Summer.”
“Why?”
“Summer, you know why,” Robert interjected, though her attention was on Jimmy.
“Because a groupie would have tried to fuck us all by now,” the guitarist stated plainly. “A groupie wouldn’t have nearly been forced like you were, she would have done it willingly. A groupie fucks whoever, whenever, just to get whatever it is she wants or thinks she’s going to get out of it. You are not that at all, princess. I don’t know anything about your sexual history before you came here and very little about it since you joined us. That alone speaks loads. You’re not bragging about whoever you’ve bedded and you aren’t hopping beds as it is, though I did hear that you and Bonzo jumped on the beds in Seattle.”
She smiled slightly, “Yeah, we did.”
“Princess,” he reached over and covered her hand with his own, “you are not a groupie. At all. Cole is a fuckhead and he will pay for it, has already begun to. Do not let his daftness reflect upon you at all. You are a beautiful, loving, talented young woman. And all of our lives are better because you are in it. I don’t even know an eighth of those whores’ names. But you, Summer.... what’s your full name?”
“Uh... well... that’s hard to say.”
Though he had been listening to the conversation since the beginning, this shift captured Robert’s full attention, “Baby?”
“My... last name is a bit... dubious,” she responded. “So the answer is Summer Katrin Davis or Summer Katrin Marks or Summer Katrin Shumaker. I don’t know what my birth certificate would say, if I even have one.”
“You don’t have a birth certificate?”
Her eyes went to Robert’s, “Not as far as I know. I was born on the farm in the middle of the night. I think out in the middle of the woods. I don’t really know. But I don’t think I have a birth certificate.”
“That could complicate matters,” Robert stated.
“How so?” Jimmy interjected.
He glanced around his girlfriend, “To bring Summer back to England with us, she’ll need the paperwork.”
“Then that will be Benji’s task first thing in the morning,” he stated. “Prove his worth as tour manager.”
“He’s gonna do it?”
“Of course,” Jimmy’s eyes went back to the girl between them. “So you see, Miss Summer Katrin, you are so far ahead of the groupies. I know more about you right now than I’ll ever know about them. And you’re coming with us, not bouncing to the next group that comes through. You are no groupie, Princess. And any who thinks so is not only a fool but in danger.”
“In danger of what?” she asked.
As if on cue, Bonzo and John Paul returned, both laden with plastic bags full of items.
Jimmy motioned to the drummer with his head, “We’ll send Bonzo after them.”
“AFTER WHO!?” he quickly demanded, dropping his bags. “WHO HURT MY SUMMER!?”
“No one, Bonzo. No one,” Robert instantly assured him. “She’s been safe with us the entire time you were gone.”
“Phew,” he stooped down and picked up his dropped bags. “So I wasn’t sure what you guys were in the mood for...”
Stepping out of his room, Bonzo closed the door quietly. His eyes met Robert’s and he nodded. The blond singer fell instep with the drummer, heading up to the roof terrace. They didn’t speak at all while on the elevator nor once they arrived at their destination. Bonzo pulled up a plastic chair to the edge of the terrace, propping his feet up on the railing as soon as he sat down. Lighting a joint, he passed it to Robert once he was settled.
“She’s gonna be okay, Percy,” he commented.
Robert blew smoke out the side of his mouth before handing it back to Bonzo, “It never should have happened, Bonzo. Not to Summer, not to anyone.”
“We’ve all done some crazy, fucked up things on tour.”
“Never anything that anyone didn’t want to do.”
“I’m not excusing what he did. You know damn well if Peter hadn’t beat the shit out of him, I would have killed that motherfucker,” he proclaimed before inhaling the joint deeply and passing it back. “Do you really think Benji’s our man?”
“Yeah. I think he’ll do just fine,” Robert responded.
“Do you think touring will ever be fun again?”
Snorting, he looked sideways at Bonzo, “Has it ever been?”
“Sure, sure. It just gets worse the more they love us,” he motioned out to the city, before falling quiet.
Robert took another drag on the white blunt before handing it back, “You know though, if I had to live through all of this, just in order to meet her, then I would live through it a thousand times more just for her love and affection.”
Bonzo grinned before reaching over and patting Robert hard on the back, “That’s right, mate. I think we’re all lucky to have her around. You know, before that asshole stole her away from me, I asked to be your baby’s godfather.”
He stared at the drummer for a long moment, “Where in bloody name did you get the right to ask to be such? We’re supposed to ask you.”
“Well you hadn’t yet!” he bellowed, flicking the remainder of the joint over the edge of the hotel. “I can’t wait forever, Percy!”
Laughing, Robert shook his head, “And how did Summer take it?”
“She didn’t know what a godfather was. Hell, she didn’t bloody know what theGodfather is. We have a lot to teach her, Percy.”
Still shaking his head, he looked down at the city for a moment, “She’s the One, Bonzo.”
“I know, mate. I know,” he grinned. “Feels good, don’t it?”
“Oh yeah. I can’t really explain it. When I’m with her... even when I’m not... just knowing her is... amazing.”
Bonzo kept grinning as he shook his head some, “You're lucky, Percy. We don’t all find that special someone you know.”
“You and Pat are it right?”
“Oh yeah,” his grin took on a different air. “Oh yeah. She’s definitely the one for me. I would do anything for that woman. And god the things she’s put up with to be with me. Don’t you dare do half the things I’ve done to Summer or I’ll beat your head in.”
“I have no such intentions.”
“All you have to do is get rid of Maureen and you and Summer can live happily ever after and have lots of little blond babies,” he smirked. “Baby better not look like you. That would be such a shame.”
Robert sighed, “How am I going to break it to Maureen? She was by my side even when I had nothing. And we have two children. I just can’t—”
“I’ll give her a call and tell her that you met your forever woman and that she’s out. Simple as that,” Bonzo suggested. “You get the lawyers to draft the papers and deliver. Nothing you have to do at all.”
“You know I could never do that.”
“Maybe not. But you need to end it with her,” he pointed out. “The sooner the better, mate. The sooner the better.”
“I know,” he paused. “Do you think Summer will marry me?”
“I’m not the one to ask. The one you should ask is sleeping in my bed downstairs,” Bonzo replied.
“I should take her back to the beach house,” Robert said.
“Nah. Don’t wake her. Let her sleep where she is,” the drummer declared.
“Bonzo, you know I can’t—”
“You’re not registered here. They don’t know you’re here. Relax man,” he responded. “Ye can even sleep in the bed with her... and me.”
His eyes flicked to the drummer before he nodded, “Yea, okay. But no funny business.”
Bonzo met Robert’s eyes seriously and got to his feet, “You know me, Percy. You shouldn’t have to ask.”
“I do. And that’s why I’m telling you.”
Stretching the young girl yawned. She felt completely safe and warm and cozy all nestled... between two men. It took her a few seconds to figure out who lay beside her, other than Robert. But a deep inhalation confirmed it was Bonzo and that made her smile more, as if that were even possible. Turning on her side, facing him, she watched the drummer sleep for a long moment. He seemed so peaceful and so... sad. She did not wonder what sorrows touched his mind, she knew. And if she had a magic wand, she would wave it and bring his family to his side. But she could not do such, sadly, so she would just have to make his life as happy as she could until he was reunited with his family. And that would start right away.
Rolling over to the other man beside her, the one who really mattered, she smiled again. Pushing up Summer kissed his sleeping mouth gently before attempting to crawl over him. He inhaled strongly, his arms wrapping around her waist. Smiling she settled on top of him, deepening the kiss as he tightened his embrace. Pulling out of the kiss, her eyes went to his. He kept them close, pretending to still be sleeping. But his lips twitched slightly, his hands wandered; both indicating clearly that he was in fact awake. Without pause, Summer leaned back down and kissed him again, her lips parting to invite him to deepen the kiss but not initiating herself. Robert accepted the offer, his tongue rolling into her mouth as his hand slipped under the skirt she had fallen asleep wearing.
“Mmmm, not now, daddy,” Summer broke the kiss and quickly pulled away from him.
“But,” he whined softly.
“Not now,” she repeated, her toes finding the short carpet fibers.
Folding his hands under his head, Robert watched the young woman make her way quickly to the bathroom. Smiling crookedly to himself, he felt as if she was okay that morning, that the drama of the day before had faded away. He didn’t really expect that to truly be the case, that it probably left some mark on her soul, but at least she had felt comfortable enough that morning already. Things were looking up. His eyes flicked to the bathroom door as her shape was once more silhouetted by the bathroom light briefly before she flicked it off. But she didn’t move from the doorway at all. Concern filled him, causing Robert to quickly slip out of bed.
“Baby?” he reached out to her as he neared her.
“We need to go... um... we just need to go,” she stated softly.
“Where?” his concern began to change to panic.
“Um... a drugstore, I guess,” Summer replied.
“What? Why?”
He was certain he heard her sniffle, almost as if she was crying.
“Because... because... because I’m bleeding, Robert. My period came. We’re not... we’re not... having a baby,” she whispered.
His arms quickly circled her, his lips touching her forehead, “It’s okay, baby. It just wasn’t our time. It will come. I’m certain of it.”
“But... but...”
“I know,” he tilted her face to his and kissed her lips gently. “Our time will come. Let’s go take care of everything before Bonzo wakes up and wants to wrestle or something. And we’ll stop and have breakfast and tea some place nice, all right?”
“Robert?” she whispered as he lead her towards the door.
“Yes, sweetie,” he opened the door as quietly as possible.
“Does this mean you’re going to stop loving me?”
Without thought he pulled her into the hallway, closed the door and pulled her into an embrace. His lips lovingly touched hers, his hands framing her face. After kissing her lips, he showered her entire face with small kisses before kissing her mouth a final time and pulling away.
“I will never stop loving you. Ever.”
“But—”
“My love of you has never been conditional on the contents of your womb, Summer. Nor will it ever be. I love you for you. And someday we will have our baby. But not yet. Not until we’re ready. I have a lot to prove to you before we will be ready,” he declared. “I love you, you, you.”
Her eyes, still rimmed with tears, “But, Robert—”
“No buts allowed. I love you, Summer. Now and always.”
Wavering slightly, she nodded, her gaze dropping down to her own hands. Her eyes settled on the ring he gave her, the fingers from her right hand reaching to twist it. Twice she twisted it around her finger before she came to the realization he spoke to her from his heart, with full truth. She should not mourn a child that never was when she had a love that always would be standing right before her. Nodding slightly, she reached for his hand and kissed it gently.
“I love you too, Robert.”
His lips touched her forehead, “Let’s go to the drugstore and get some breakfast. Everything will seem better after food. I promise you.”
Not really knowing where a drugstore was and uncertain how Summer would react to him asking a cab to take them to the nearest locale for feminine products, Robert lead the girl to the country store at the base of Laurel Canyon. There at least he knew they would not likely be mobbed by squealing fans. Plus they always had hot tea available which would be very welcome since they left the hotel before Robert had his morning cup. The walk hadn’t been very long, the couple arriving before Summer finished explaining how they gardened at the farm.
Pulling from the singer while he waited for his tea, Summer wandered through the store. Finding the shelves with tampons, pads, and condoms, she stopped. Having never purchased such items before, as the women bled into handmade menstrual cloths at home, Summer had no clue at all how to make a selection, really how even to use such products. Picking up each box, she read each carefully before returning them to the shelf. She was completely clueless.
Apparently her face and body language expressed as much as a kind voice spoke, interrupting her confused internal battles. Her eyes turned to the speaker and instantly all thoughts drained from her brain. A blond woman with angular features, looked expectantly at her, clearly seeking some answer to some question from the silent girl. No words formed in Summer’s thoughts, much less her mouth. She had not been starstruck when meeting the band, but in that moment, she was completely frozen. TheJoni Mitchell stood near her, looking at her, and Summer was frozen.
“What’s your name, darling?” she asked sweetly.
“S-summer,” she managed to answer.
Joni smiled, “What a lovely name for a lovely girl. I’m Joni.”
“H-hello. Nice to meet you.”
“Pleasure to meet you too,” she responded, eyes flicking back to the shelf. “First time?”
“Kinda,” she admitted. “I... I’m from San Francisco... and I’ve never had to buy anything before.”
Joni nodded understandingly, “Perhaps I can help?”
Teacup in hand a few minutes later, Robert went in search of his girlfriend. Turning down the aisle he expected her to be in, he frowned finding it vacant of Summer. Worry began to touch his thoughts as he did not see her anywhere else in the store. Had someone stolen her while his back was turned? Had someone—
Stepping out of the bathroom with Joni, Summer felt so much better. With the help of the older woman, she had found the product best suited to her lifestyle and body. Together they headed up to the counter, the songstress amiably chatting with the younger girl. Placing her purchase on the counter as well as the box of sanitary napkins they had opened before Summer explained she had no way to keep them in place, Summer opened the purse John Paul gifted her and searched for her money. The shop owner set the box of pads aside after a quick and unobtrusive explanation by Joni. After paying for her item that was now tucked safely away in a paper bag, Summer thanked Joni.
The older woman happily embraced her, “You are very welcome, dear. And please do stop by. Friends are always welcome in my home.”
After promising to do so, she pulled away, her eyes quickly scanning the store for Robert. Seeing the back of his golden curly head, she skipped over to him, wrapping her arms around from behind. He chuckled and patted her hand, turning to face her once she released him.
“All taken care of?”
“Yep,” Summer responded. “And now I’m hungry. And I’d like to change out of these clothes and shower.”
“Well we can grab a bite here and then go to the beach house or—”
“Here’s fine,” she slipped his tea from his hand and sipped it. “Maybe we’ll meet someone cool.”
Robert chuckled again, “Perhaps.”
Rating: R [language, alcohol, and violence]
Summary: There's issues on the flight back to LA that casts quite the long shadow. And Summer makes a new friend.
Staring down at the black and white board, covered with long narrow triangles, upon which small checkers rested, Summer’s brows furrowed. Playing John Paul’s explanation over in her head, she could not figure out at all what she was supposed to do, how she was supposed to move the pieces. And it had nothing to do with the champagne Robert mixed with her orange juice that morning. Or so she thought. Maybe it did. The bubbles that danced so lovely on her tongue tended to dance around inside her head a bit longer. Whatever the reason, she had no idea what she was supposed to do, if anything.
Her blue eyes rose to look across the board game to the bassist, “I don’t get it, John.”
“What’s that, Summer?” his eyebrows rose as he looked across the table to her.
“All of this,” she motioned at the board. “I don’t get what I’m supposed to do or what the point of it is.”
“Well first of all you need to roll the dice.”
“What dice?”
John Paul picked up a leather wrapped cup and held it out to her. Accepting it, Summer looked inside, seeing the very same dice he had been talking about. Cocking her head slightly to the side, she emptied the dice out onto the board. Her eyes went to John Paul, waiting for him to explain the next step. His mouth opened to do just that but before he could say anything, Bonzo appeared out of nowhere and plucked the girl out of the chair. Laughing he tossed her over his shoulder and bounded off with her. As they were on the plane heading back to LA after two more nights of shows up north, one in Vancouver and a final one in Seattle, he really had no where to go, or at least no where he could really hide the young girl – unless he was going to take her back to the bedroom. Deciding since he saw Jimmy quietly reading in a corner and Robert discussing something with one of the reporters on board that the room was empty, he headed that way. He made no secret of what he was doing, especially since Summer was wriggling and squealing on his shoulder as it was, Bonzo fully expected Robert to come charging after him. But when that didn’t happen, he slipped into the bedroom and pivoted to drop Summer on the bed.
And froze a moment before doing so.
Cole was writhing on the bed with one of the groupies. He looked up at Bonzo, grunted some form of a hello and invited the two to join in. Completely disgusted, not entirely sure why as he had done what Cole was suggesting before, Bonzo flopped Summer back over his shoulder and hurried out of the bedroom. Glancing in the small office and noticing that Peter was not occupying it, the drummer took the girl in there, carefully setting her down on a chair.
“What is this all about?” her wide eyes went to his.
He smirked, “I just wanted alone time with you.”
“Jesus, Bonzo, you could have just asked.”
“Nah, that was far more fun,” he closed the door to help halt any interruptions. “So kid, how are you?”
Her eyes merely looked into his, her mouth not muttering a word.
“I can see you and Robert are doing well,” he commented. “He really cares for you.”
“Of course,” she said cautiously. “What is this really about, John?”
“Well... before anyone else says anything, I want to be your baby’s godfather,” Bonzo claimed, plopping down in the chair next to her.
Summer looked at him for a long time before she burst out laughing, “That’s it? You want to be my baby’s godfather?”
He nodded eagerly, “You know I would be a good one. Don’t you dare deny it.”
“Um, sure. What exactly is a godfather anyways?”
It was Bonzo’s turn to fall completely silent. He blinked twice, trying to decide if she really did have no clue. Summer gave no indication that she did have any idea what he was talking about, her innocent eyes looking at him for an answer. Neither spoke for a few moments.
“Really,” she stated.
“Well should anything happen to you or Robert, I would take care of the child,” he answered simply. “It’s also a pretty fucking good movie.”
“Um, all right,” Summer responded. “So you would play daddy to the baby if something happened?”
“Wait, wait, wait,” Bonzo held up his hands. “You haven’t seen the movie?”
She rolled her eyes, “John, we didn’t have a TV on the farm much less a movie theater.”
He jumped up, opened the door and leaned out, “HEY! DO WE HAVE THE GODFATHERON THIS FLIGHT!?”
“John, it’s fine. I don’t need to watc—”
“Yes, you do,” he cut her off, turning back to the rest of the plane for some response. “But we’ll have to do it some other time. We don’t have it on the plane. Maybe you can spend the night with me and we can watch it.”
Humor glittered in her eyes and she looked to him as he returned to sitting next to her, “Like a sleepover? Can we eat popcorn and paint our nails and do makeovers?”
“YES!” he grinned and jumped back up to holler out of the office again. “PERCY, I’M STEALING YOUR WOMAN TONIGHT. WE’RE GOING TO DO MAKEOVERS AND WATCH THE GODFATHER!”
“You’re nuts,” Summer commented, smiling.
Again he returned to sitting next to her, “Percy can sleep with your teddy bear tonight. I claim you.”
“Huh. I didn’t know I was a piece of property to be claimed.”
His eyes instantly widened at the realization of his error, “Um, no. Of course not, sweet pea. I’m just... saying...”
She patted his knee, “It’s okay, Bonzo. I’m just teasing you anyways.”
“WELL DON’T BLOODY DO THAT, WOMAN,” he bellowed though he grinned.
The door that hadn’t been closed all the way was pushed abruptly open. Not Robert springing to rescue his girlfriend as expected, Richard Cole stood in the doorway. A completely feral glint sparked in his eyes. He launched towards Summer, pulling her bodily from the chair, making it tip over backwards. The drummer instantly launched after the tour manager as he hurried out of the office. Summer screamed and thrashed about, attempting to free herself. Every activity halted on the plane. Robert, Jimmy, and other men rushed after Bonzo. The door to the bedroom slammed shut, quickly locked before Summer was thrown onto the white fur bed. He fumbled with his pants as she scrambled as far from him as possible, slipping off the bed and onto the floor, hoping that barrier would protect her. Cole merely stomped around the bed, grabbed her by the hair, and thrust his cock in her face.
“Suck it, bitch,” he growled.
Wide eyes streaming tears looked up at him. Her lips did not open, she refused speech at all. Hearing the door fly open, Summer squeezed her eyes closed, not wanting to see whatever was about to happen. Yanking the blond girl forward as he was quickly pulled away by none other than Peter, Cole began to holler. His fingers were not about to release Summer at all, the act causing him to drag the girl with him. Abruptly released from Cole’s grasp when Bonzo punched him, Summer clutched her head as she bawled on the floor. Strong arms instantly circled her, pulling her protectively close. She knew who it was from his scent alone and clung to Robert, shaking and crying.
“It’s okay, baby,” he spoke softly. “It’s okay. Everything is fine. No one is going to hurt you. I’m right here. Everything is okay. You’re okay.”
“R-robert, h-he...”
“I know, baby,” he kissed her forehead. “You’re safe. I’m right here. No one is going to hurt you. Bonzo is here too, see? And Jimmy. And Jonesy. You’re safe, baby.”
“H-he...”
“I know,” he kissed her again. “Let’s get you out of here.”
Standing he pulled her into his arms, carrying her out of the room where the near assault happened. As they passed the office where Peter had taken Cole, they could hear the sounds of the larger man not only wailing at the tour manager, but on the tour manager. Robert carried Summer to the very front of the plane, finding chairs instantly clear as he approached with her. Jimmy threatened all of the media people on the plane that if they so much as uttered a word about what happened to anyone, even their pets, he would personally see that their lives became living hells. Keeping her in his arms, Robert sat, not caring at all that the rest of the band stayed close, Jimmy taking the seat next to the two of them. The singer whispered in the girl’s ear as she buried her face on his shoulder, his fingers gently stroking her long blond hair.
Needing to do something, anything, Jimmy looked around just as the plane began its descent. He clearly couldn’t console the girl as Robert had that firmly in his control. But he couldn’t do nothing either. He needed some kind of action, something to show he was still in control of something, could still do something for her.
He was going to have Cole fired. Right then.
Getting to his feet, Jimmy wavered as the pilot came on the loudspeaker, announcing that everyone needed to take a seat while they landed. Throwing the caution into the wind, even though everyone else took to the seats, the guitarist headed back to the office. He pounded on the door, demanding to be let in. The plane jostled, hitting a pocket of turbulence as it neared the airport, throwing Jimmy back from the door. Swallowing his fear, he knocked and shouted once more.
The door flew open, Peter’s angry eyes meeting Jimmy’s, “I’ve handled the situation, Pagey.”
Glancing at the bloodied manager, he nodded, “Be as that may, I want him gone.”
“Jimmy, he won’t be touching Summer ever again,” Peter stated. “He—”
“I do not bloody well care. He is done. Or we are,” Jimmy declared.
The color drained from Peter’s face, “Jimmy, I’m sure we can—”
“He is gone or we are. That is the only option,” he stated strongly and left, heading back up to the front of the plane where Summer was still cradled in Robert’s arms.
Before Jimmy could sit back down, the tires hit the pavement, bouncing the plane and the guitarist along. Again he stumbled, bumping into the back of the chair. Knuckles turning white, he gripped the neck rest as the plane came to a complete halt. Quickly sitting down, he reached out and touched Summer’s knee, drawing her eyes up quickly.
“Cole is never going to touch you again, princess,” he stated evenly. “I assure you.”
She nodded slightly.
“He will never touch you again.”
The mood at the Riot House was understandably somber. Richard Cole had been asked to leave residence, that alone tempered the troublemaking in the halls, but a dark pall hung over everyone anyways. Those who had been on the plane knew exactly why; those who had not were not about to be told. It was quiet and awkward and not at all like the Riot House at all. Jimmy was sulking with his bottle of Jack, still stonewalling Peter into getting rid of Cole permanently. Summer seemed permanently curled up in Robert’s lap, Bonzo sitting on the couch next to them, silently drinking himself. John Paul stood near the door of Jimmy’s suite, acting as the silent sentry, watching for... he wasn’t sure. Normally Jimmy’s room would be crawling with girls, but with the current circumstance, only Summer was allowed in the Led Zeppelin den, the silent den.
“Baby,” Robert whispered, “do you want to go home?”
She shook her head, her face still buried on his shoulder, “Stay here.”
“Baby,” he continued in the same hushed tone, though everyone could hear him anyways, “you know I can’t stay here. The management will—”
“Stay here,” she repeated.
Sighing, his arms tightened around her as his eyes glanced around the room quickly, “Of course, baby. Whatever you want.”
Jimmy tossed his bottle aside, getting up in frustration. Stalking over to the open door, he glanced down the hallway, no more sure what he was looking for than John Paul had been, but it seemed the prudent thing to do. He nodded once, motioning John Paul into the room so he could close the door. Closing the world away from the band, Jimmy headed over to Robert and Summer. He knelt on the floor in front of the two and reached up to gently touch Summer’s back. She stirred, pulling away from Robert slightly, the first time since the incident on the plane. Remaining fully safe in the singer’s embrace, she looked to Jimmy.
His hand dropped to her knee, “Summer, no one is ever going to hurt you. Not Cole. Not Lori. No one. Ever. Robert is never going to allow it to happen. Bonzo is never going to allow it to happen. Jonesy is never going to allow it to happen. I am never going to allow it to happen. No one is ever going to hurt you.”
“But, Jimmy, he...”
“I know, princess. I know,” he responded, reaching up to push hair from her eyes. “He is not going to hurt you. I promise. If he so much as even thinks about it, I will personally feed him his balls.”
Her eyes wavered some, “But, Jimmy...”
“No one is going to hurt you,” Jimmy repeated yet again, his hand caressing her cheek gently. “No one.”
Slowly she nodded.
“Give us a smile?” he requested.
Summer shook her head.
Standing Jimmy kissed her forehead quickly, “You’re safe.”
They all settled back down in silence, not entirely sure what to do or say. John Paul found a seat in a nearby chair, no longer the door sentry, and fiddled with the hem of his shirt. Bonzo tossed his empty bottle in the approximate direction of the trash can. Wiggling slightly, Robert adjusted Summer in his lap, though he really needed to get up and use the bathroom. He had a feeling the girl would not like that prospect at all, even if she was completely safe with the rest of the band.
“Baby,” he whispered in her ear, “I need to get up.”
“Why?” she muttered back.
“Well, um, I need to go to the loo.”
“Oh,” Summer replied, sitting up.
Her eyes quickly looked around the room as she apparently tried to decide who to flee to. Bonzo would have been Robert’s first choice or maybe John Paul. And yet she darted across the room and climbed into Jimmy’s lap. The guitarist looked to Robert to see if it was all right, who merely responded with a half-shrug. While he did not like her choice, this was not the moment to be questioning it. Tentatively Jimmy wrapped his arms protectively around Summer while Robert skirted to the bathroom.
“Why did he do it, Jimmy?” she asked softly.
He stroked her soft hair gently, “I don’t know. He’s just a messed up fuck, Summer.”
“Is he.... is he going to come back?”
“No,” he stated strongly. “No he is not.”
“Um, Jimmy, not that I think he should by any means, but who is going to take care of us now?” Bonzo asked.
The guitarist looked over to the drummer, “We don’t need anyone to take care of us, Bonzo. We’ll be fine without him.”
“Who will count tickets and make sure we get paid after every show?” John Paul brought up. “Or organize our travel and sleeping arrangements? Or—”
“Enough,” Jimmy interjected. “I understand that firing Cole does through us off a bit. I am sure that Peter will find someone acceptable in time for the next tour. We have three more shows here in America, right here in LA. Peter can handle everything that Cole did for those three concerts. Everything will be just fine.”
Realizing his words and the others’ questions, Summer pulled slightly away from Jimmy, “I’ll just go. You can unfire Cole. No need to put the band in jeop—”
“Like bloody hell you will,” Jimmy stated strongly, noticing Robert return from the bathroom. “You are staying right here with us. He is gone. He is not coming back.”
Robert approached the bed where Jimmy sat with Summer in his lap, kneeling before them, “Baby, why do you think you need to leave?”
“Because he did lots of things. Someone has to take care of the band,” she responded, turning to him.
“I’m sure Peter will work that out,” he declared. “Fuck, Benji can do Cole’s job. And probably won’t fuck up half as much.”
Light filled Jimmy’s eyes at Robert’s suggestion. He wanted to push Summer aside and ring Peter at once to suggest Benji in the road manager position. But the little girl curled up in his lap was far more important. Benji would be ideal for a number of reasons. Not only did he know how everything worked, having toured with them for awhile now, but removing Benji as Robert’s personal assistant in a promotion to fill the road manager shoes would place Summer in Steve’s hands during the show and that put her on his side again and—
Robert sat on the bed beside Jimmy and the blond girl quickly scrambled back into his lap. Though frustrated with the turn of events, Jimmy didn’t show it. Instead he picked up his phone and quickly dialed Peter’s room to pass along the Benji suggestion. He glanced over at the golden couple as she withdrew once more into herself, into Robert’s embrace. They would need to break her out of that before they lost her completely. But first things first.
“Baby, do you want something to drink or eat?” Robert asked softly.
“Yes she does!” Bonzo jumped up. “I will go get food! Jonesy, you’re coming with me. Someone has to buy the beer.”
John Paul sighed, “Send someone else, Bonzo.”
“Ye aren’t needed here, Jonesy, but I need you,” the drummer grabbed the bassist’s arm and tugged him towards the door. “Come on.”
A moment later the room only held Jimmy, Robert, and Summer. Ever so slowly the girl uncurled in Robert’s lap, her eyes glancing to Jimmy. She slipped out of Robert’s lap, but remained in his arms, stationed safely between both of them. The two men casually looked at her, trying to ascertain what to do for her.
“Do the other gir.... do the groupies suck his dick?” she asked suddenly.
“Uh, yeah,” Jimmy answered when Robert remained silent.
“So he thinks I’m a groupie.”
“Baby,” Robert warned.
Her eyes went to his, “I know I’m not. I know you say I’m not. But he think I am, doesn’t he?”
“Baby,” he sighed, but wouldn’t say any more.
“Yeah. I hazard he does,” Jimmy answered, meeting her eyes. “But you’re not, Summer.”
“Why?”
“Summer, you know why,” Robert interjected, though her attention was on Jimmy.
“Because a groupie would have tried to fuck us all by now,” the guitarist stated plainly. “A groupie wouldn’t have nearly been forced like you were, she would have done it willingly. A groupie fucks whoever, whenever, just to get whatever it is she wants or thinks she’s going to get out of it. You are not that at all, princess. I don’t know anything about your sexual history before you came here and very little about it since you joined us. That alone speaks loads. You’re not bragging about whoever you’ve bedded and you aren’t hopping beds as it is, though I did hear that you and Bonzo jumped on the beds in Seattle.”
She smiled slightly, “Yeah, we did.”
“Princess,” he reached over and covered her hand with his own, “you are not a groupie. At all. Cole is a fuckhead and he will pay for it, has already begun to. Do not let his daftness reflect upon you at all. You are a beautiful, loving, talented young woman. And all of our lives are better because you are in it. I don’t even know an eighth of those whores’ names. But you, Summer.... what’s your full name?”
“Uh... well... that’s hard to say.”
Though he had been listening to the conversation since the beginning, this shift captured Robert’s full attention, “Baby?”
“My... last name is a bit... dubious,” she responded. “So the answer is Summer Katrin Davis or Summer Katrin Marks or Summer Katrin Shumaker. I don’t know what my birth certificate would say, if I even have one.”
“You don’t have a birth certificate?”
Her eyes went to Robert’s, “Not as far as I know. I was born on the farm in the middle of the night. I think out in the middle of the woods. I don’t really know. But I don’t think I have a birth certificate.”
“That could complicate matters,” Robert stated.
“How so?” Jimmy interjected.
He glanced around his girlfriend, “To bring Summer back to England with us, she’ll need the paperwork.”
“Then that will be Benji’s task first thing in the morning,” he stated. “Prove his worth as tour manager.”
“He’s gonna do it?”
“Of course,” Jimmy’s eyes went back to the girl between them. “So you see, Miss Summer Katrin, you are so far ahead of the groupies. I know more about you right now than I’ll ever know about them. And you’re coming with us, not bouncing to the next group that comes through. You are no groupie, Princess. And any who thinks so is not only a fool but in danger.”
“In danger of what?” she asked.
As if on cue, Bonzo and John Paul returned, both laden with plastic bags full of items.
Jimmy motioned to the drummer with his head, “We’ll send Bonzo after them.”
“AFTER WHO!?” he quickly demanded, dropping his bags. “WHO HURT MY SUMMER!?”
“No one, Bonzo. No one,” Robert instantly assured him. “She’s been safe with us the entire time you were gone.”
“Phew,” he stooped down and picked up his dropped bags. “So I wasn’t sure what you guys were in the mood for...”
Stepping out of his room, Bonzo closed the door quietly. His eyes met Robert’s and he nodded. The blond singer fell instep with the drummer, heading up to the roof terrace. They didn’t speak at all while on the elevator nor once they arrived at their destination. Bonzo pulled up a plastic chair to the edge of the terrace, propping his feet up on the railing as soon as he sat down. Lighting a joint, he passed it to Robert once he was settled.
“She’s gonna be okay, Percy,” he commented.
Robert blew smoke out the side of his mouth before handing it back to Bonzo, “It never should have happened, Bonzo. Not to Summer, not to anyone.”
“We’ve all done some crazy, fucked up things on tour.”
“Never anything that anyone didn’t want to do.”
“I’m not excusing what he did. You know damn well if Peter hadn’t beat the shit out of him, I would have killed that motherfucker,” he proclaimed before inhaling the joint deeply and passing it back. “Do you really think Benji’s our man?”
“Yeah. I think he’ll do just fine,” Robert responded.
“Do you think touring will ever be fun again?”
Snorting, he looked sideways at Bonzo, “Has it ever been?”
“Sure, sure. It just gets worse the more they love us,” he motioned out to the city, before falling quiet.
Robert took another drag on the white blunt before handing it back, “You know though, if I had to live through all of this, just in order to meet her, then I would live through it a thousand times more just for her love and affection.”
Bonzo grinned before reaching over and patting Robert hard on the back, “That’s right, mate. I think we’re all lucky to have her around. You know, before that asshole stole her away from me, I asked to be your baby’s godfather.”
He stared at the drummer for a long moment, “Where in bloody name did you get the right to ask to be such? We’re supposed to ask you.”
“Well you hadn’t yet!” he bellowed, flicking the remainder of the joint over the edge of the hotel. “I can’t wait forever, Percy!”
Laughing, Robert shook his head, “And how did Summer take it?”
“She didn’t know what a godfather was. Hell, she didn’t bloody know what theGodfather is. We have a lot to teach her, Percy.”
Still shaking his head, he looked down at the city for a moment, “She’s the One, Bonzo.”
“I know, mate. I know,” he grinned. “Feels good, don’t it?”
“Oh yeah. I can’t really explain it. When I’m with her... even when I’m not... just knowing her is... amazing.”
Bonzo kept grinning as he shook his head some, “You're lucky, Percy. We don’t all find that special someone you know.”
“You and Pat are it right?”
“Oh yeah,” his grin took on a different air. “Oh yeah. She’s definitely the one for me. I would do anything for that woman. And god the things she’s put up with to be with me. Don’t you dare do half the things I’ve done to Summer or I’ll beat your head in.”
“I have no such intentions.”
“All you have to do is get rid of Maureen and you and Summer can live happily ever after and have lots of little blond babies,” he smirked. “Baby better not look like you. That would be such a shame.”
Robert sighed, “How am I going to break it to Maureen? She was by my side even when I had nothing. And we have two children. I just can’t—”
“I’ll give her a call and tell her that you met your forever woman and that she’s out. Simple as that,” Bonzo suggested. “You get the lawyers to draft the papers and deliver. Nothing you have to do at all.”
“You know I could never do that.”
“Maybe not. But you need to end it with her,” he pointed out. “The sooner the better, mate. The sooner the better.”
“I know,” he paused. “Do you think Summer will marry me?”
“I’m not the one to ask. The one you should ask is sleeping in my bed downstairs,” Bonzo replied.
“I should take her back to the beach house,” Robert said.
“Nah. Don’t wake her. Let her sleep where she is,” the drummer declared.
“Bonzo, you know I can’t—”
“You’re not registered here. They don’t know you’re here. Relax man,” he responded. “Ye can even sleep in the bed with her... and me.”
His eyes flicked to the drummer before he nodded, “Yea, okay. But no funny business.”
Bonzo met Robert’s eyes seriously and got to his feet, “You know me, Percy. You shouldn’t have to ask.”
“I do. And that’s why I’m telling you.”
Stretching the young girl yawned. She felt completely safe and warm and cozy all nestled... between two men. It took her a few seconds to figure out who lay beside her, other than Robert. But a deep inhalation confirmed it was Bonzo and that made her smile more, as if that were even possible. Turning on her side, facing him, she watched the drummer sleep for a long moment. He seemed so peaceful and so... sad. She did not wonder what sorrows touched his mind, she knew. And if she had a magic wand, she would wave it and bring his family to his side. But she could not do such, sadly, so she would just have to make his life as happy as she could until he was reunited with his family. And that would start right away.
Rolling over to the other man beside her, the one who really mattered, she smiled again. Pushing up Summer kissed his sleeping mouth gently before attempting to crawl over him. He inhaled strongly, his arms wrapping around her waist. Smiling she settled on top of him, deepening the kiss as he tightened his embrace. Pulling out of the kiss, her eyes went to his. He kept them close, pretending to still be sleeping. But his lips twitched slightly, his hands wandered; both indicating clearly that he was in fact awake. Without pause, Summer leaned back down and kissed him again, her lips parting to invite him to deepen the kiss but not initiating herself. Robert accepted the offer, his tongue rolling into her mouth as his hand slipped under the skirt she had fallen asleep wearing.
“Mmmm, not now, daddy,” Summer broke the kiss and quickly pulled away from him.
“But,” he whined softly.
“Not now,” she repeated, her toes finding the short carpet fibers.
Folding his hands under his head, Robert watched the young woman make her way quickly to the bathroom. Smiling crookedly to himself, he felt as if she was okay that morning, that the drama of the day before had faded away. He didn’t really expect that to truly be the case, that it probably left some mark on her soul, but at least she had felt comfortable enough that morning already. Things were looking up. His eyes flicked to the bathroom door as her shape was once more silhouetted by the bathroom light briefly before she flicked it off. But she didn’t move from the doorway at all. Concern filled him, causing Robert to quickly slip out of bed.
“Baby?” he reached out to her as he neared her.
“We need to go... um... we just need to go,” she stated softly.
“Where?” his concern began to change to panic.
“Um... a drugstore, I guess,” Summer replied.
“What? Why?”
He was certain he heard her sniffle, almost as if she was crying.
“Because... because... because I’m bleeding, Robert. My period came. We’re not... we’re not... having a baby,” she whispered.
His arms quickly circled her, his lips touching her forehead, “It’s okay, baby. It just wasn’t our time. It will come. I’m certain of it.”
“But... but...”
“I know,” he tilted her face to his and kissed her lips gently. “Our time will come. Let’s go take care of everything before Bonzo wakes up and wants to wrestle or something. And we’ll stop and have breakfast and tea some place nice, all right?”
“Robert?” she whispered as he lead her towards the door.
“Yes, sweetie,” he opened the door as quietly as possible.
“Does this mean you’re going to stop loving me?”
Without thought he pulled her into the hallway, closed the door and pulled her into an embrace. His lips lovingly touched hers, his hands framing her face. After kissing her lips, he showered her entire face with small kisses before kissing her mouth a final time and pulling away.
“I will never stop loving you. Ever.”
“But—”
“My love of you has never been conditional on the contents of your womb, Summer. Nor will it ever be. I love you for you. And someday we will have our baby. But not yet. Not until we’re ready. I have a lot to prove to you before we will be ready,” he declared. “I love you, you, you.”
Her eyes, still rimmed with tears, “But, Robert—”
“No buts allowed. I love you, Summer. Now and always.”
Wavering slightly, she nodded, her gaze dropping down to her own hands. Her eyes settled on the ring he gave her, the fingers from her right hand reaching to twist it. Twice she twisted it around her finger before she came to the realization he spoke to her from his heart, with full truth. She should not mourn a child that never was when she had a love that always would be standing right before her. Nodding slightly, she reached for his hand and kissed it gently.
“I love you too, Robert.”
His lips touched her forehead, “Let’s go to the drugstore and get some breakfast. Everything will seem better after food. I promise you.”
Not really knowing where a drugstore was and uncertain how Summer would react to him asking a cab to take them to the nearest locale for feminine products, Robert lead the girl to the country store at the base of Laurel Canyon. There at least he knew they would not likely be mobbed by squealing fans. Plus they always had hot tea available which would be very welcome since they left the hotel before Robert had his morning cup. The walk hadn’t been very long, the couple arriving before Summer finished explaining how they gardened at the farm.
Pulling from the singer while he waited for his tea, Summer wandered through the store. Finding the shelves with tampons, pads, and condoms, she stopped. Having never purchased such items before, as the women bled into handmade menstrual cloths at home, Summer had no clue at all how to make a selection, really how even to use such products. Picking up each box, she read each carefully before returning them to the shelf. She was completely clueless.
Apparently her face and body language expressed as much as a kind voice spoke, interrupting her confused internal battles. Her eyes turned to the speaker and instantly all thoughts drained from her brain. A blond woman with angular features, looked expectantly at her, clearly seeking some answer to some question from the silent girl. No words formed in Summer’s thoughts, much less her mouth. She had not been starstruck when meeting the band, but in that moment, she was completely frozen. TheJoni Mitchell stood near her, looking at her, and Summer was frozen.
“What’s your name, darling?” she asked sweetly.
“S-summer,” she managed to answer.
Joni smiled, “What a lovely name for a lovely girl. I’m Joni.”
“H-hello. Nice to meet you.”
“Pleasure to meet you too,” she responded, eyes flicking back to the shelf. “First time?”
“Kinda,” she admitted. “I... I’m from San Francisco... and I’ve never had to buy anything before.”
Joni nodded understandingly, “Perhaps I can help?”
Teacup in hand a few minutes later, Robert went in search of his girlfriend. Turning down the aisle he expected her to be in, he frowned finding it vacant of Summer. Worry began to touch his thoughts as he did not see her anywhere else in the store. Had someone stolen her while his back was turned? Had someone—
Stepping out of the bathroom with Joni, Summer felt so much better. With the help of the older woman, she had found the product best suited to her lifestyle and body. Together they headed up to the counter, the songstress amiably chatting with the younger girl. Placing her purchase on the counter as well as the box of sanitary napkins they had opened before Summer explained she had no way to keep them in place, Summer opened the purse John Paul gifted her and searched for her money. The shop owner set the box of pads aside after a quick and unobtrusive explanation by Joni. After paying for her item that was now tucked safely away in a paper bag, Summer thanked Joni.
The older woman happily embraced her, “You are very welcome, dear. And please do stop by. Friends are always welcome in my home.”
After promising to do so, she pulled away, her eyes quickly scanning the store for Robert. Seeing the back of his golden curly head, she skipped over to him, wrapping her arms around from behind. He chuckled and patted her hand, turning to face her once she released him.
“All taken care of?”
“Yep,” Summer responded. “And now I’m hungry. And I’d like to change out of these clothes and shower.”
“Well we can grab a bite here and then go to the beach house or—”
“Here’s fine,” she slipped his tea from his hand and sipped it. “Maybe we’ll meet someone cool.”
Robert chuckled again, “Perhaps.”
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