Chapter 12 Date night

Let me apologize for this being so long in posting. My beta reader has had some issues and never got around to my stuff. Speaking of that, I edited this not my editor so please forgive the errors.

 - Teri

Lounging in her suite Teri is on the phone.

“Hey Richie.”

“Teri, Welcome to California. How was your flight?” 

“Well, I made it here no problem. I didn’t know if you still had any time to get together before that damned event we have this week.”

Teri noticed she slipped in a we instead of I. She held her breath, it was way too early to consider them a we. She doesn’t know what made her say that.

“I’m still free for dinner Tuesday night.  He didn’t even acknowledging if he heard Teri’s Freudian slip.

“Sounds good. And let me say once again a big thank you for doing the event this week. Don’s receiving an award and I just don’t want to be a third wheel with him and his wife AGAIN.”

“No problem. It’s fine. I’ve done one or two of those things.” He said with a smirk at how understated the comment was.

Tuesday night arrived quickly. So much so, Susan had to push her employer into the bedroom so she could shower and dress for her dinner with Richie. Teri, when reading scripts gets lost in the story 

line and usually is so engrossed in it that she loses all track of time.

Teri had showered, dressed, and was putting on her jewelry when there was a knock on the suite’s door.

“I got it.” Susan yelled

She opened the door to Richie who had some flowers in his hand.

“Hey Rich, how are ya?” Susan asked as he entered the foyer. After a brief hug hello, Susan motioned with her hand for Richie to proceed her into the living room. He went and sat on the couch.

“Can I get you anything to drink?” Susan asked.

“I’m good thanks.”

Oh, I bet you are, Susan thought.

Teri walked into the living room of her suite. She was wearing a cobalt blue dress that stopped just below mid-thigh. It was soft flowing silk. The color of blue was a good choice.

Richie was in a leather jacket, shirt unbuttoned half way down his chest, and jeans.

They looked cute. Susan thought as she asked if she could snap a few pictures to help remember the occasion. The couple obliged and were quickly on their way.

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As they made their way back to Teri’s, the two decided to forego the hotel bar which they talked about stopping in at for a night cap in the comfort of her suite those award things can go on forever. 

Richie grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses from the small bar. They made themselves comfortable on the couch. Teri kicked off her heels and Richie took off his tux jacket.

“As far as award shows go this one was pretty good.” Richie said as he put his jacket on a chair in the room.

“It was. I am so happy for Don. He deserved to win.”

“And, his win is your win. What are you going to do?”

“Well, the extra money Don is going to throw at the theatre and show is appreciated. I can give raises to my key staff and up the budget per department. “

“Don brought up a good point tonight.”

“Which point was that?” Teri inquired.

“He said you haven’t taken a vacation in at least 2 years.”

“Has it been that long? I didn’t realize that. Wait, where was I when this conversation took place?” Teri asked with a smile.

“You were doing the ladies room thing with Don’s girlfriend. I think you should take a vacation.”

The wheels were turning in Richie’s head.

“When is this show done and the next one begin?” He wanted to know.

“Well, we have 3 more weeks until it closes.”

“How about doing a little traveling?”

“Mmm, I was just thinking of that. It’s only a few weeks break so I can’t do anything to crazy but I was thinking of maybe sitting on the beach somewhere exotic like Tahiti or Hawaii.”

“How about coming on tour with us?”

“Tour?  Seriously?” Teri questioned. It sounded great.

The two talked about logistics and made their plans. Teri would hook up with the band right after the show closed for a week.

After they talked about fligts and looked at Richie’s tour schedule the two moved on to other subjects.

“So tell me something Richie. I’ve been wondering ‘bout this. Best and worst of a Bon Jovi show?”

“Huh?” Richie’s mind was on … other things.

 “I was thinking about my shows tonight and every time one closes I ask myself best and worst. The best for this show is… The worst is… So tell me about Bon Jovi and the best and worst for you."

Richie sat back on the couch and Teri snuggled in under his arm. They were comfortable and content as they talked over a nightcap of a great bottle of red the hotel always provided for Teri’s stay. 

 “Best is performing.  Always. The worst has a few layers. First of course, is being away from your family as much as I am. I worry about Ava all the time. Especially now after the divorce. Her grades are slipping a bit. When I am home, I really work hard on her studies with her. I am strict and sometimes that doesn’t follow through as well as I would like when I am not around.”

“The second is the travel. I’m so used to flying, and sleeping almost anywhere I can. It’s un-natural and fucks you up. You don’t know day, or night anymore everything is upside down. This must be what it’s like working third shift when you work overnight and sleep all day.”

“The worst of all is the silence. After tens of thousands of screaming fans singing along to your songs, partying and having a great time with you, boom as suddenly as it started it ended. You go back to the hotel and get into bed. Then, nothing. Not a sound. It is the worst. To be alone and know that it’s just you. You tend to look at your life, what you are doing with it. You know what I mean. You feed into the loneliness and self-doubt about yourself as a person, not a performer or a celeb. You can see it all, the bad all of it. Self-doubt creeps in. Am I really a good performer? Can I go out again and do this on my own? I miss that man. I miss being the front man. I have for all the groups I’ve ever been in besides the damn Jovi machine. “

Teri moved closer and snuggled under his arm.

“Tell me about the guys.” She said.

He understood what was going on. She wanted to know if they would accept her. She wanted to know what to expect. If, their relationship got to that point of course.  They have all had significant others or a casual hook up ask the same question. It’s a legitimate question. Richie got comfortable 

and started to tell her about the guys.

“Well, let’s start with David. He is the class clown. The first one to think up pranks and the first to execute them. Good or bad it doesn’t matter. It’s all about the laugh for him. Oh, and FYI he LOVES sweets. We always have cake, or cookies, or whatever on the plane for David. He’s happiest when he’s eating. “

“Tico? He’s the “father figure” of the group. He’s older and tolerates David on the outside but on the inside he loves him. They are the best of friends. He is the one we all go to for sound advice. The one who keeps us sane.

“And then there’s Jon. My best friend. The guy who holds the group together. Since Doc was let go Jon has been making all the decisions. He is to blame for extra performances and he is to thank for the money we make. There was a little trouble with what we made financially a while ago but we got that all straightened out. “

“What about you?” Teri asked Richie. She was interested in his response.

Richie thought for a moment. He knew his answer had to be truthful but not. There are things that the guys agreed they would take to the grave.

“Me? I’m Jon’s right hand. I’m the one he bounces things off on. The one out of all of us that takes a lot of interviews either alone or with Jon. I produce the albums with him, and am just around when he needs me. A consigliere if you will. “

“I hear you like a good practical joke too. I also hear you are the master mind behind quite a few pranks on the road.”

Richie grinned. He forgot for the moment she was a fan.

“And, you like oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.”

Richie looked at her.

She smiled.

“I read it in some magazine. Teen Beat I think.”

Laughter poured out of Richie.

“Teen Beat magazine? You read Teen beat?”

Teri blushed a little.

“Sure, there was this article about the band I saw it on line, so, I found the issue on eBay and bought it to read the whole thing.”

“Was it good? He asked.

“Nah, it was stuff I already knew.”

She snuggled in even more and Richie kissed the top of her head.

They were content to sit their quietly in their own thoughts.

Chapter 11 Dance me to the end of love

Chapter 11

Encased in the back of the car hired for the evening, Richie slid the privacy glass up so they could be alone. Within seconds of that glass in place, they both reached for each other with their quick-to-lock lips.

Richie bent his head and went to kiss her. He held her neck, and head in the crook of his arm. She placed a hand on his shoulder and the other on his chest inside his open shirt.

As the car turned to get on the highway, they broke the kiss. Neither wanted to have this happen in the back of a hired car.

“Hi.” He said.

“Hi.” She replied as she leaned back into Richie’s chest.

Richie adjusted her so they would both be more comfortable. His hands wandered round her body as they talked

 “I really enjoyed myself. I loved your vision of “Little Shop”. Richie said.

“Thanks Rich. It seemed to go over well. We’ll find out in the next few days once word of mouth gets out, to see how ticket sales do. Don’s a numbers guy. He bases many of his decisions on my box office totals. So keep those fingers crossed.”

As she said that, she kissed each fingertip. Paused a moment then went back and started to suck his fingers one at a time. Richie groaned. He knew this is the prelude to what the rest of their evening was about, and if his hard-on was any indication, it’s going to be a fantastic night.

Back at Teri’s place, after Richie tipped the driver he grabbed his guitar and her waist, they walked up to the house. Teri, with shaking hands as she anticipated their evening ahead, couldn’t get the key into the lock. After she dropped her keys for the second time, Richie grabbed them from the ground and opened the door for Teri. They entered; Teri shut the door quietly and threw the dead bolt into place.

She slowly turned to face Richie but he wasn’t there. She expected him to be all over her the minute the door closed. She saw him in the kitchen. He had found the wine glasses and had grabbed a bottle of red.  Teri smiled as she leaned against the doorway into the room and waited for him to join her.

“How about a fire, and some wine?” Richie asked. The look in his eyes told her that that was not ALL they were doing that evening.

They settled on the couch. Both thought of lighting a fire. Both dismissed that idea. They started to kiss. Slow, passion filled kisses. It started small. Little kisses. A sigh. A movement. A hand. A nuzzle

Teri shifted so she could get better access to Richie’s mouth. His hand went under her top. He played with her nipples through her sheer bra. They stood at attention in seconds. Her hand roamed its way under his open shirt.

“Bedroom.” She stated and stood.

She grabbed the wine. He grabbed the glasses. They headed up the stairs. There was moonlight through the French doors to her private balcony. Enough to light the way to the fireplace in the master bedroom. She knelt, opened the flue, and lit a fire that always sat at the ready. When it caught, she stood and faced Richie. His breath was in his throat.

She looks so beautiful. He thought as he put down the glasses on the bedside table and slowly walked toward Teri.

Teri’s mind screamed. Walk faster damn it.  

He was at her side. Took her in his arms, they kiss. His hands roamed her body. Hers did the same. This time she undid the two buttons that were done up and wrapped her arms around his bare waist. He took her top off as she stood there and undid her jeans. In a matter of moments, she was in panties and bra. She kicked the clothes out of her way

 “Where is that wine?” She asked.

“Way over there by the bed”.

“Why don’t we head that way? My bed is very comfortable.”

“I know. Had the pleasure of using it the other night.” They smiled.

Teri walked over and climbed on the bed on her side. Richie did the same after he handed Teri a glass of the wine.

She got comfortable with the wine and Richie in bed. As they sipped, he started to nuzzle her neck.

“You have too many clothes on.” She stated.

“Oh yeah? What should we do about that?”

She took his wine glass and with her own placed them on the night stand.

He started with his shirt and slid it off. He then took her into his arms. He loved the feeling of her silky body against his bare skin. So sensual. He started to kiss her. Slow kisses full of promise. They got deeper. His tongue roamed around to explore and taste the wine she had recently sipped. Richie started to kiss her chin, then, ran his tongue down her neck to her pleasure point just above her shoulder blade. She moaned. He knew he hit a good spot, and explored the area further. She put her head back to give him full access.

He whispered sweet nothings into her ear. His words warmed by his breath. He continued down her throat. Then he stopped. His lips locked with hers. They kissed. Slow, full of promise tongue kisses. Exploring and tasting. He reached over for the wine. She propped up on an elbow as she thought he was to give her some. No. Instead, he drizzled a bit on her breast then swirled his tongue as he licked the wine. Slowly. She laid back down. She was too emotionally charged by the sensual act, to do more than lay there as he sipped from her body.

 He asked if she liked it.

 She just moaned in pleasure. It was such a turn on to have him ask what she liked. He seemed to know what she needed.

As he worked his way south, he started to insert his fingers into her wetness. She was ready for him.

She put her hands on his shoulders to stop him. It was too early for her. She wanted to wait before she came.

“My turn.” Was all she said.

She pushed his shoulders to let him know he was to lay back. He did.

She swung her legs over and straddled his hips.

A kiss.

 A taste. 

A nuzzle. 

A smile.

She leaned back. He raised his knees so she rested her upper body.

His hands went for her breast. Her hands grabbed his chest.

She leaned forward and pinned his hands around the sides of his head.

She kissed. A long deep kiss that held promise of things to come.

A quick scoot back and a flick of her hand had his pants unbuttoned. She went slowly with the zipper one tooth at a time. You could hear each one release. He sprang out of his jeans fast. Full attention stared back at her.

He raised his hips. She pulled the jeans off.

She raised hers he pulled off her panties.

Her bra was a non-issue. A flick of his wrist was all it took.

Both now deep with desire.

Both now started to manipulate their partner.

The pleasure was intense. She wanted all of him.

He demanded all of her.

The ballet they danced in bed wasn’t choreographed.

 It was real.

The moans were deeper.

The cries of ecstasy were intense.

The ultimate dance.

Beautiful.

The final moment came.

It was fireworks. It was beautiful. It was making love.

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After, they laid in bed with Teri’s head on Richie’s chest. He stroked her hair as they basked in the afterglow of another round of amazing sex. They watched the dying embers in the fireplace. Both too stated to move. Their own fire of passion extinguished. They were exhausted.

“What time is it?” Teri inquired.

Richie looked over at the alarm clock on his side of the bed.

“Close to three.” He replied.

“Susan and Denise should be here around eight to get us up and off to my matinee. I still have to pack.”

“Tell me when you will be in L.A. again?” Richie wanted to know.

When Teri told him last time, he just dismissed the information as not important as she was still only a good lay.

“We fly out at ten or 11 tonight I think. I know we are landing at un-Godly o’clock in LA tomorrow.”

Richie grinned. He had seen way too many un-Godly o’clock landings in his life.

“And how long are you there?”

“Till Wednesday morning, in time to get to brush up rehearsal. I hate it when flights don’t coincide with my schedule.”

Teri gave a cute little pout after she said that as she raised her head and looked at Richie. He kissed her little pout. She smiled.

“Too bad we couldn’t get the same flight back.  I have Ava’s soccer game at three. My flight is at eleven in the morning. As it is, three p.m. LA time is cutting it close to get to the game on time.”

“Mmm. That wouldn’t work then. But good idea about the same flight my friend.” Teri said

They lay in contented silence for a few moments.

“Can we hook up when you are in LA? I don’t know my schedule this week but Deni does and we can figure it out in the morning. Well, it IS morning, but you know what I mean.”

“Hey Rich, This is kinda early in this “thing” we have going on, but I’d love to bring a date to the awards event I have in a couple of days. It’s at The Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. Would you be interested in filling the role of my date that night? Don’s a great guy but I would feel like a third wheel again going with him and HIS date. That happens a lot out here. ”

“What day? I go back on the road this week.”

“It’s on Tuesday.”

“I leave Thursday morning. I know I have dinner with Ava Wednesday night but let me ask Deni when she gets here just to be sure before I say yes.”

“You’d go?” Teri was so happy to hear this.

“Sure, let’s just make sure I have no conflicts. Deni will know.”

“In the morning it is then.”

 Teri got comfortable next to Richie who pulled her close. He started to play with her hair as they both fell into content sleep.

Chapter 10 Opening Night

Teri pulled into the almost empty parking lot of the theatre. It was three in the afternoon; the only people there were box office personnel and a couple of people working in the offices. She left her change of clothes in the car, and proceeded in the front door with her hands full of goodies from her favorite bakery, and a fresh box of Joe from the near-by Dunkin Donuts.

After she was buzzed in by a staffer who hit the security button which let her into the hub of the theatre, she deposited her food on a near-by table in the phone room, and found her way to the staff who were in since noon. Working on drawer balancing and box office duties the staff welcomed her warmly. A couple even kissed her when she announced the nourishment she brought in as they passed her on their way to grab something to eat and drink. Teri ALWAYS brought treats to the box office. They were one of the main reasons that the theatre existed.

Teri hopped on a stool in the small office, which housed four windows for patrons to purchase their tickets in the lobby and chatted with staff. At that moment, a rush happened. People purchasing tickets for other performances, and others there to pick up their tickets for that night. She opened the fourth window and helped with will-call ticket pick-ups to move the lines along. The Box Office Manager stopped in when she saw four windows open as she entered the theatre. She knew only three should be manned. When she saw Teri was at the last window, she smiled. Teri has been known to pitch in wherever needed. She was an all-around director who has worked her way up the food chain and knew how to sell a ticket or double check I.D. for a pick-up.

Once things calmed down, Teri and the Manager Nancy went into Nancy’s office to talk about numbers, on how tickets sales were doing. Nancy got a call from Susan at her home Friday. She kept the knowledge that Richie F’n Sambora was going to be in the house that night to herself. Susan didn’t tell her about Teri’s “relationship” with Richie, just that the Bon Jovi guitarist would be attending the event and a couple of the “Oh Shit” tickets were needed and not a word to Teri as Susan didn’t need her any more nervous about opening night having the knowledge he would be in attendance. Teri and the Manager always held tickets for just this reason.

Susan showed up with Teri’s clothes in hand. Teri, once again, forgot to lock her car doors. Susan smiled. She really had her hands full with this Director. She had worked for Teri for four years now, and knew what to look for, and what to do. It was a cushy job at times. They flew to L.A. first class about four to six times a year for meetings with their producer. Susan considered these trips mini ‘vacations’. There was always an extra couple of days built in to their schedule to compensate for the time difference. In actuality, it was to give both of them a little break from life so they could come back home refreshed and ready to start the next show. The Merry-go-round of every three to four months is a new show can get old quick if not broken up.

She stopped at Teri’s car on a hunch. Yup, she forgot to lock it again. Looking in the back, she saw Teri’s carry-on bag and her change of clothes on a hanger. The PC grabbed the clothes and with a firm hand and a grin, she closed and locked Teri’s car.

“Hey girl, got your crap, I’ll put it in your office.” Susan said as she greeted the two in Nancy’s office.

“Thanks Susan. Forgot to lock my car again huh?”

All three grinned at Teri’s forgetfulness it tends to be worse during hell week.

After Susan returned, they said goodbye to Nancy, then proceeded into the theatre hitting lights along the way in the dark house. The ghost light was on in the center of the stage, which only a stagehand could turn off. That’s fact. No one but official stagehands can touch a ghost light. It’s part of the contract. Stagehands are more superstitious than the rest. It was theatre folklore; the light was to help the ghosts see their way around the dark stage. Just like, you never say “Good Luck” as good luck was bad luck in the performing arts world. It’s always “Break a Leg.”

They sat in a couple of seats in the center of the audience and looked at the set. Teri’s mind was on the production ahead. Susan sat quietly. Her mind was on Richie. She still wondered if he had any single friends.

After a bit, Al joined the girls. This had become their “thing” a few years ago.  They would sit and look at the stage, and then Teri would turn to Al.

“This is the hardest part. Al, I am officially turning the show over to you. Take care of my baby.”

The show becomes the Stage Manager’s on opening night. Technically, the director sits back. Her job done. Not Teri though, she was always back stage helping out with this or that, and never seemed to get herself ready until AFTER the first act was up and running.

“As always.” Al said in return.

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Chaos, as only a theatre can produce reined extreme that evening. There were costume malfunctions, which needed addressing and sound system issues. All the norm for theatre. Teri along with everyone else was all over the place. Susan was right behind her, helping with whatever she could. The two were still in jeans as Al made his five minute call on the walkie-talkie to staff and yelled backstage to the cast in the dressing rooms.

“This is your five minute call, your five minute call. Please and thank you.” Al stated.

 He had known about the tickets Richie requested as Susan had called to ask if he had a couple of spares from his supply and wondered if Richie was in the house yet.

Later on closer to performance time, Al saw Richie in the lobby as they were on their way to their seats. Taken back by Richie being with another woman, he wasn’t sure what to say if anything, to Richie or Teri for that matter. After a quick hello to Richie, Al was introduced to his date Denise. Susan happened by as Al had moved on to the box office to see how close they were to ticket pickups so he would know if he had to hold the curtain. He saw Susan. Al grabbed her arm and pulled her out the front door faster than should be humanly possible. He peppered her with questions.

“What the hell is Richie Sambora doing here with another woman?"

"I thought he was with Teri."

" Did you tell her?"

" How can he do that?"

" Who is she?”

“Did you talk to him?” Susan asked.

“Yeah, he introduced her as Denise. That’s it. No explanation.”

“I don’t know Al. He told me not to let Teri know he’s here as he wanted to surprise her.”

“Oh, she’s gonna be surprised all right.”

With that, they both went back in through the stage door. They had walked around to the side to keep others from hearing their conversation. They entered the back stage area just in time to see Teri accept a huge bouquet of yellow and white roses from a stagehand. She had just opened the envelope when the pair walked over to her.

“Susan, hold these please while I get the card?” Teri asked as she handed over the huge two dozen rose bouquet.

She pulled out the card and read the note. A broad smile engulfed her face as she read.

Bright eyes,

Break a Leg tonight.

From what I saw you have a hit on your hands.

Richie

“He remembered.” Teri said with a soft smile as she ran a finger over the words on the card.

“Of course he remembered! He left your place a day ago.” Susan replied a little huffy.  

She had read the card over Teri’s shoulder without even trying to hide the fact she was nosy.

Al raised his eyebrows at Susan’s comment but kept his thoughts about THAT to himself. No time to delve into the info as he had a show to do. He called three minutes and then places into his walkie-talkie and left the two women to ooh and aah over the flowers. Thank God, Susan had enough sense not to mention that Richie was in the audience.

Once the show was up, Teri and Susan left the building through the stage door so Teri could have a cigarette as they walked around to the front to Teri’s office to change and relax before intermission. There was a speaker in her office and the box office so they could keep an ear on what was going on in the theatre. A quick wave at the thumbs up from Box Office staff and they were in Teri’s private domain. A bottle of red wine stood open with two glasses next to it. This was another tradition. Al would always buy a really nice bottle of red and leave it open to breath and wait for Teri and Susan to enjoy and hopefully calm Teri’s opening night jitters as she changed.

They sat with the wine and discussed the upcoming trip to LA. Richie’s flowers placed in the center of the desk and Susan vowed to make sure Teri took them home with her, as it may be her last hurrah with Richie if what she heard was any indication of the status of Teri’s relationship with him. Teri and Susan were set to leave for L.A. Sunday after their Matinee and return Wednesday in time for brush-up rehearsal. It was short but they would have a longer trip in about a month once auditions were over and rehearsals started. Teri penciled in dance and music rehearsals, which she didn’t have to be at the theatre for so they could spend ten days on the West Coast. Albeit, not without a ton of phone calls. Nevertheless, it worked.

The girls heard what song was being performed, as they realized they had to change and get ready right then or they would miss intermission.

Looking great in a new pair of black jeans, heels and a cute off the shoulder burgundy silk off-the-shoulder top Teri was ready. She just finished her make-up as Susan came back from checking the lobby. They sold snacks and drinks, alcoholic and non-during intermission.

With her own glass of the traditional wine from Al in hand; Teri took a deep breath as she opened the outer door into the lobby, which was filling up with patrons. Intermission was fifteen minutes long. In actuality, usually twenty or more as they tried to get people back into their seats by flashing the lights. Teri would to stand by the bathrooms and put men in the women’s and women in the men’s single bathrooms off the lobby to move things along if she had to.

Susan and Teri worked the room in separate directions. The moment was not lost on Susan when Teri saw Richie. A huge smile engulfed her face as she made her way in his direction. Knowing Teri probably left her walkie-talkie anywhere but with her, Susan grabbed hers, as she knew it was safe to talk without being over heard by her director. She spoke into it as she walked out the front doors away from the sure to be explosion from Teri when she saw Richie with another woman.

“Red alert, red alert. Al, Al, Susan. Do you have your ears on?”

“Yup, what’s up?”

 “Oh nothing much. The Mad Hatter is following the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole!”

 “Whoa? What the hell are you talking about Susan? I have no time for your bullshit. I have a show to do.”

“Al, I for one am totally aware of that. Teri and Richie are going to collide with his girlfriend in about two seconds.” She said without thinking others would hear her conversation.

Susan peeked into the lobby to watch the Titanic hit an iceberg.  Teri was steps away from a broken heart, and there was nothing anyone could do to stop her. As she watched, Teri and Richie kissed and hugged. He slung his arm around her shoulder and turned them to the woman standing next to him.

Rut Row Susan thought. In her mind, her fingers were in her ears to avoid the big bang from fireworks that she expected. No, not Teri. She will paste a smile on her face and move to the next group.

Nothing happened. Susan, confused, moved further into the room toward Teri. Al was nowhere to be found. Typical male Susan fumed. Leave it to me to get Teri out of this and pick up the pieces of her broken heart.  She took a deep breath and approached the small group off to the side of the room. Richie had his back to the crowd. Arrogant prick. Susan thought as she almost stomped her way over. He can’t be seen at a little theatre production. He has to keep it low key. HE’S not the one with the spotlight this time. Heaven forbid he actually did something nice for someone else. Back toward the crowd my ass.

As Susan mentally berated Richie, he suddenly left Teri alone. With his DATE? Susan wove her way around the patrons to be by Teri’s side, before too much damage happened by the other woman. With a sigh, she saw that Teri’s best friend Gloria was in the group. She would not let anything happen to Teri. Wait, they are laughing. LAUGHING? Seriously? What the hell?

“Susan, come over here. I wanted to thank you for your covert operations on getting Richie and Denise to our opening night. Talk about perfect. Richie even had the flowers delivered to throw me off.  They were telling me all about it. Oh, you probably haven’t met yet. Denise, this is Susan. Or, as Richie has taken to calling her Susie. MY right hand here at the theater. I can’t make a move without her.  Susan, this is Richie’s right hand Denise. From what I am told HE can’t make a move without her.”

Teri smiled. 

She has no idea the internal conversation that Susan just had. Susan to her credit had the grace to say hello and that it was nice to meet her. She again had an internal discussion. Richie’s right hand? Of course, he has an assistant. Of course he would bring her along, if he was going to something that was a-bring- a- date event. You are so off base this time. Shit, speaking of off base. I better find Al and clue him in before he says or does something…

“It was very nice to meet you Denise. I hope to see you at the gala after. We can compare notes on being the right hand for these two. Right now though, I have a show to help get back up for act two. IF you all will excuse me? Teri, I know Al is calling places soon; I’ll take bathroom duty if you would like to stay with your friends a few moments more. Oh, they have The Seat Next to You so if you ever get in the theatre you can actually sit and enjoy the second act.”

With that, Susan left. She passed Richie on his way back to Teri, but only waved as she was on her way to bathroom duty and a quick call to Al to let him know what happened.  They did follow her advice and headed to the theatre.

Act Two was perfect.

 Or, perfect as far as the audience was concerned. Teri on the other hand, who sat between Richie, Denise, and Gloria, kept that internal conversation going. If you don’t speed up the music I am gonna break your fingers. If that costume rips, any more we’re gonna to be shut down for indecent exposure. That damn prop is gonna be cut if they can’t seem to get it off stage in time.

This is why Teri and many, many directors do not sit in the audience other than opening night. Some don’t even do that. Once the show is up, they are somewhere working on their next production.

As the final curtain call was completed, Al walked over to Teri with a cordless mic so she can say her thank you speech.

“I’ll make this short everyone. I know we all want to get to the gala and have a good time,” Teri said as she moved from her seat and down to the stage, which she sat on.

“Thank you all so very much for coming to tonight’s performance and gala. There are too many people to thank to mention each individually. But I do want to acknowledge our long standing staff and crew, the cast, and of course all of you. I will let you in on a little secret. I’ve already picked the next show and have approval from the board. Auditions will be in about a month or six weeks. We are taking a cruise here at the theatre. Be prepared for tap dancing and all that goes along with the Cole Porter classic “Anything Goes”. I have to head out to LA to meet with Don our producer.” She said as she acknowledge Don and his guest. “And go over some stuff. But, we will be back. Don and I are in negotiations right now for next season as well. I guess they like what we do here. I hope YOU do too. It looks like it will be a very exciting year for us. Oh, crew and department heads. You all have your jobs through the next season if you want them. There are some things in the works I can’t talk about at this time, but I want you each to know we will be meeting one on one in the next week to re-negotiate your contracts. That’s it! Enjoy the party and Thank you. Each of you. YOU are the reason we are still here.”

As Teri got up and started to move stage right to exit, a cast member came out with what looked like three dozen flowers wrapped in colorful paper. She took the microphone from Teri’s hands and spoke to the crowd.

“Everyone. Please help me give a round of applause for our fearless leader. This is an important day for her too. It marks the beginning of her fifth season here at the theatre as Artistic Director Extraordinaire.”

Everyone applauded, whistled, and stamped their feet in recognition, and praise, for Teri and her work. Teri went over and took the massive flowers bouquet kissed the female lead who make the speech then left the stage with a wave.

The Gala was a lot of fun. It was relaxed, and everyone enjoyed them self. The caterer that Susan hired for the event was a favorite of Teri’s. The florist who transformed the lobby with plants coordinated the whole thing from stage to lobby was perfect and the booze flowed freely.  After about an hour of working the room and spending some time with friends, and schmoozing patrons, it was time to go. Teri never stayed for the whole party. She looked around for Richie and found him in deep conversation with some of the band and audience members. As she got closer, she heard it was about football. She slid her hand around his waist and smiled up at him.

“Hey, I’m done here. Anytime you want to leave just say the word.”

“I’m set too. It was great to meet everyone,” he said to the group in general. “Let me just find Deni and let her know I’m leaving.”

The couple walked over to where Denise and Susan were chatting. They really enjoyed each other’s company.

“Susan, I’m done. Talk to you in the morning for wake up.”

Richie, Teri, and Susan smiled as they thought about the LAST wake up they got from Susan.

The foursome chatted a bit. When Susan found out Denise was heading back to New York City by herself she would have none of that. There was no way her new friend should have to drive for almost two hours alone this late at night. Driver or not she was not accepting that. It was decided Denise would stay with Susan then Richie and she would go back to New York, pick up their stuff from The Four Seasons Hotel, and hop the plane back to L.A.

With plans set. Teri and Richie took their leave of the theater. Hand in hand, they stopped to say goodnight to friends of Teri’s and the ones who wanted one last moment of their time. The Richie fans were happy, very happy. He stopped for pictures with everyone who asked. He was in such a great mood it was his pleasure to talk with fans.

When they were finally in Richie’s hired limo, and on the way to Teri’s home, they were able to start what both had wanted all night. It began with a kiss.

Chapter Nine The next morning

The next morning, Teri and Richie were awaken by sounds downstairs. Teri opened one eye, moaned, and rolled over into Richie who wrapped his arms around her. He heard the noises again, and sat up. The next thing they knew, the bedroom door opened. In walked Susan with two cups of coffee in hand.

“Holy shit!”

Susan stood in the middle of the room. The coffee almost spilled on the carpet. Her mouth wide open. Richie Sam f’n bora was naked in Teri’s bed. The blanket at his waist so she got an eyeful of his chest.

“Morning Susan.”

Both Richie and Susan heard from under the blankets. Teri had pulled them over her head when she heard Susan downstairs. It was their routine. She would wake Teri with coffee for both of them; they would talk about the show as Teri slowly woke as she sat in bed with her coffee. She forgot. Totally forgot about this. Damn, damn, damn. Now what? She kept silent under the blanket, and prayed it would just go away. Eventually, Teri poked one eye out. No such luck. She sighed, rolled over and pulled the blanked down from over her head to her neck.

“Have a good night?” Susan asked with a smirk. She handed Richie both cups of coffee. “I’ll be downstairs.”

She left the room and went to the kitchen.

“Um, yeah?” Teri said to Susan’s back as she sat up.

Richie put down the coffee and grabbed her hand as she started to get out of bed.

“Got my morning meeting with Susan. I didn’t realize the time. I’m so sorry Richie.”

He shrugged.

“I got a flight to catch.”

“Okay then.” Teri responded not sure how to take his cavalier attitude.

“I better get going.” He said.

Teri was confused about what had just happened. She got up and slipped on a silk robe.

“You want coffee?” She asked as she was about to go downstairs and apologize to Susan. The coffee Susan brought up forgotten.

“Sure,” Richie said as he headed to the bathroom. “I’ll be down in a second.”

Richie knew he played that wrong. He didn’t want Teri to know he was doubling back to see her opening night. He planned to lay low at his moms or, more than likely at the Four Seasons in his suite. What he wanted to say and what he did say was boarder line rude at best.

Once Teri got to the kitchen and apologized to Susan. The two set out to put breakfast together. Teri had coffee going as Susan took control of the stove, she knew Teri’s lack of kitchen skills almost as well as Gloria did.        

They heard the front door slam.

“Did he leave?” Teri asked concerned.

“Why would he leave?” Susan questioned as she cracked some eggs into a bowl to scramble.

She gave Susan a look that implied Susan’s wake up was embarrassing to say the least.

The two rush to the front door to peak out the long window at the side of it. They saw Richie go to his car. He opened the driver’s door.

Teri’s heart sank. She thought he was leaving.  It wasn’t THAT bad that Susan walked in on them. What the HELL?

Then, they watched him pop the trunk and take out his carry-on bag. As he headed toward the house, the girls made a mad dash to the kitchen and got back to work.

Richie deposited the bag on the stairs, and then joined them for breakfast.

“Hey, sorry I acted like an asshole. I was surprised with Suzie coming into the room. That hasn’t happened in so long, I really didn’t think about it. It was an automatic response, like I got caught in some girl’s room in high school.

Everyone smiled. All was forgiven.  Richie sat down next to Teri at the island. The three talked as breakfast was prepared. They enjoy the food and company.

“Ter, I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but it’s time to get rolling. We have a long day… REALLY long day ahead of us. You and Richie can play kissy-face another time. It’s opening night tomorrow; you’ll have some time once it’s up. Today we need to start on pre-production for the next show, and finish up this one, so you can hand it over to Al tomorrow.”

Teri reluctantly agreed after she gave “Suzie” an icy glare about the kissy face remark. With the cast free, a director’s work is never done. Even WITH Richie f’n Sambora in her bed.  She got up and left the island. As she headed for the shower, Teri asked over her shoulder.

“Rich, time for a shower before you have to go?”

“NONE OF THAT!” Susan exclaimed with a snicker as the two left the kitchen.

They were up the stairs in the Master Bedroom when Richie stated forgot his bag.

He headed downstairs supposedly to grab it but went to find his Suzie. She was in the office getting Teri’s day in order.

“Hey Suz, got a minute?”

“Sure, what’s up Richie?”

“I need a ticket to opening night. Actually, I want two. Can you get them? I’ll just give you my credit card. I want to surprise Teri, and be there for her. “

Susan’s heart dropped. How the hell am I going to produce two fuckin’ tickets to an always-sold- out opening night and Gala? She knew Teri had the box office hold a few “Oh shit!” tickets for last minute issues or, exactly like this situation where an important person calls at the last minute. Can I grab two of those without Teri finding out? This is an “Oh shit” moment if there ever was one.

“Sure Richie, no problem. Consider it done. I’ll just give the tickets to Teri…”

“No can do Suzie,” Richie interrupted. “I want to surprise her. Which is why I said I had to catch a flight... I’m gonna be in the tristate area, and will double back tomorrow without her knowing I’m in town. Give me your cell number; I’ll call you in like an hour or two.”

“Sure, that’s fine. I can leave them at will-call in the box office for you.  The Gala is semi-formal as the show is fun. Formal reception doesn’t make sense. So jacket and jeans will work. ” Suzie then handed Richie her cell number.

“Got it. I’m gonna wash up and take off like I’m heading home. Not a word to Teri.” He winked and left the room.

Fuck, fuck, fuckin’ A. Sure Richie.  No problem Richie… Whatever you say Richie.  You’re an ass,”Suzie” it’s a HUGE fucking problem. Been sold out for weeks. Susan mentally berated herself. She grabbed a handy phone and started to make some calls while the two upstairs got ready for their day. If THIS is what it’s like to have Teri dating Richie F’n Sambora. I need a raise. A big one...

The couple took turns in the shower. They both wanted to be in there together, but Teri knew her time limitations. It just wouldn’t work. As it was, the girls were in her office, discussing logistics for their LA trip before Richie left.

As Richie was on his way out of Teri’s neighborhood, he picked up his phone to have his assistant get a car and driver to bring his Mother to Connecticut. They could swing through the city to grab him on the way out if he decided not to head to Jersey today.

 “What’s up Richie?” Denise asked as she answered his phone call.

“I found someone out here and am gonna need you to arrange to bring Ma up for her opening night. She’s a director.” He said with pride.

Hmmmm gonna have to examine THAT. He thought. Already proud of someone I just met.

“Richie, you aren’t serious about bringing Ma are you?”

“Of course,” He said. “She loves this kind of shit.”

Richie’s mind was already on other things. He needed to get a bouquet of flowers for Teri for opening night.

A little exasperated Denise took a deep breath and continued.

“Rich, you obviously just met this girl since I talked to you yesterday and you didn’t say a word. How do you think she would feel meeting your MOTHER?” She emphasized. “On the second or third date?”

Richie thought about that.

“Okay then, my bad. You need to get here by tomorrow. Get yourself a room and book a car for us to get to Connecticut. Show is at seven Saturday. Oh, and order a bouquet of flowers for me to give her. Jacket and jeans dress for me semi casual for you.  There is a gala after.”

Denise did what she had to do and was in New York City at the Four Seasons the next morning. It wasn’t unusual for Richie to change her plans on a whim. She was actually curious, and cautious, about this new girl. She had learned a long time ago that his heart and points south drove Richie’s love life. It should prove to be an interesting few days on the East Coast. 

After she checked in and took care of her luggage with the bellhop Denise called Richie before she even hit her room. His phone went straight to voice mail. Great she though. I rearrange things at home that I had to accomplish for Richie, fly all the way across the country and now his phone is on voice mail?

She unpacked and ordered coffee and a snack from room service. Just as she signed for her food, her cell rang. She sighed; the ring tone notified her it was Richie.

“Hey boss. What’s up?”

“Did you order the flowers yet? What time will the car be here tomorrow? I plan to spend the night in Connecticut so you will have to find a way back here. Where are we on that proposal?  How are things going with the new house I bid on last week? Ava is whining that her room in West Lake is too small. I need to find a place that will accommodate her and the boys and my mom. And, a couple of extra bedrooms on top of that. It’s a party house. I want a place where Ava feels comfortable bringing her friends. I need a place where I feel comfortable bringing friends and family too. There is also that little matter of the copy write infringement that needs to be settled. I will not have someone taking my shit and changing some words.”

“Richie, stop. Breath. I just got in. Let me at least pour a cup of coffee. I’ll be up in a few minutes. Oh, and my flight was fine thanks for asking.”

“Forget the coffee I’ll order some up here. I need to get answers soon.” Richie hung up the phone and dialed room service. He knew Denise would be right up and didn’t worry about hanging up on her. He’s done a hell of a lot worse than that over the years.

Denise sighed. Took a quick sip of coffee, grabbed her travel bag with her computer and notes and all that she would need to deal with Richie. At the last second, she grabbed her coffee cup, took a bite of her snack, and headed to Richie’s floor with cup in hand. She doesn’t stay with him anymore even if there is a second bedroom in his suite. It is easier all around for her not to know what he is doing on his down time. There had been too many times where she was kept awake by his sexual actions in the suite. Even in the bedroom with both doors closed AND locked.

 As Denise and Richie worked so did Teri and Susan. The day was busy. That evening Teri had dinner with her neighbors. Cheryl was ecstatic to see her. She was nonstop talking about Richie. Teri was glad to answer her questions. It felt good to think that Richie was a little more than a one-night stand. She wasn’t getting her hopes up yet. BUT, It was nice to talk about him and them with people who were interested in her date rather than him as Richie Sambora.

“No Cheryl, He won’t be at opening night. His daughter has some soccer game or something tomorrow afternoon. I can’t see him making it out here in time. I didn’t even ask him.”

“You didn’t? Well I would have. He’s your boyfriend so he HAS to be here. I want to see him again.”

The adults smiled at each other over their after dinner coffee cups. Cheryl was so young and innocent to explain that a date and a couple of “sleep-overs” did not really constitute as “dating”.

After a pleasant evening with her friends. Teri walked home and decided to watch a movie. Any work not done can be dealt with in the morning.

Her mind was not on the movie. It was on Richie. Teri picked up a phone and dialed the number Richie gave her. She just wanted to make sure he got home okay. Or, at least that’s what she told herself.

Meanwhile, after a day of work with Denise they decided just to keep it low key and order room service. Denise left after dinner to call home and relax a bit. Sometimes it was stressful working for Richie. He is hard to work for and has admitted that over the years. But, She knew how to deal with him. They have a good relationship as employer, employee, as well as friends. She had helped him with Ava in the beginning. “I’m a musician what do I know about raising little girls.” And no truer words were said. Many a time Denise was on Richie not to be so soft with Ava. Many families are divorced that doesn’t mean you give in to EVERYTHING she wanted.

Richie’s phone rang. He looked at the display. It was Teri.

“Hey Bright eyes. How are you doing?”

“Just fine. I wanted to make sure you made it home and to Ava’s game in time.”

Richie closed his eyes for a moment at the blatant lie he was going to make.

“Oh, it was great! I’m so glad I made it.” Okay, that wasn’t too bad of a lie he justified.

“How was your day off. When I left Suzie had you up to your eyebrows in work. I know the feeling well. Denise does that to me a lot.”

“Denise?”

“My assistant.”

“Oh, Suzie kept me busy all day. I didn’t even think I would make it to dinner with my friends. Oh and by the way, If you didn’t know it already Cheryl has a crush on you and wants to date you herself.”

They both chuckled at that. The tension Richie was feeling about the phone call vanished as he got comfortable on the couch and settled in for a nice phone call with Teri. He really wanted to see her. He knew that jerking off tonight was not going to be as satisfying as one might think.

“You know, I agree with that,” Teri replied to Richie’s comment with a big yawn. “Wow, that was rude. I’m sorry. I am so tired and the only time I can see of getting some good sleep is when… I am out your way next week. Suzie will…” Teri had nodded off midsentence.

“Teri? Ter?” When she didn’t answer Richie hung up his cell. He figured the call would disconnect. She feel asleep on him.

“Good night Little One. You don’t know it but I will be seeing you sooner than you think.” He said aloud.

With a sigh of resignation. Richie headed to bed. He hoped he could fall asleep after he took care of his sexual frustrations of being so close but yet so far away. 

Chapter 8 Hell week

Chapter 8

Teri was in the final rehearsal of hell week. Her show opened that Saturday.  They were off on Friday for the cast to rest and Teri to do the same, which never happened.

She’s distracted. Which made sense Richie thought. Her focus was on the production. He knew she wouldn’t be available much in the next few days. I’m gonna surprise her and be at opening night. It’s a big night for her. He WANTED to be there... Richie reminded himself. He walked up the stairs and into the theatre lobby. The box office had a few people in line to pick up tickets. There was no one else around. Richie thought about Teri and their conversation last night and cuddlin’ after their marathon round of sex. She was so tired she fell asleep mid-sentence. Again…  Hope she’s not working too hard. More stuff to examine. He sighed at the thought. Am I really going all in again already?

He opened the theatre door into chaos. There was an energy that you could feel the moment you walked into the room. Songs sung near the piano, a few people running lines sitting in the audience seats. There was another group on stage practicing a dance with whom Richie assumed was the choreographer.   The costume master was walking across the stage as he looked for Teri to get approval on the clothes he had in his hands and over his shoulder. There, in the middle of it all Richie saw Teri. She had on torn jeans, sneakers; her hair was in a ponytail that didn’t stay in place as many pieces fell around her shoulder. She wore a t-shirt, which was oversized, and looked very soft and worn with a silk cami under it as the shirt fell off the shoulder too far. He looked again and smiled. It WAS oversized because it was one of HIS t-shirts.  Richie had wondered where that was. He thought it ended up under the bed or something... She had left him in bed this morning with directions written out to the theatre. He was so comfortable; he rolled over and slept a few more hours. 

Richie took a seat in the audience and watched Teri as she worked. She answered tons of questions while at the same time signing stuff that someone he could only assume was Susan, kept putting in front of her as she talked to staff members and looked at props, scenery, and costumes. 

“Marty, will you run the light cues for act 2 scene 3? I want to see how it works with the new costume and your set design changes.”  Teri shielded her eyes from the lights as she yelled up to the lighting booth.

“On it. Give me a minute to cue the board.” An anonymous voice from above in the lighting/ sound booth replied.

“Clear the stage please.” Al yelled into the room as he walked by Richie. He stopped and looked at the unfamiliar shadow of man who sat in the house.

“Can I help you?” He asked. “These are closed rehearsals. No one’s allowed to be here.”

“Hi, I’m here to see Teri.” Richie turned to talk to the man.

“Oh, wow. Hey, man. I didn’t recognize you. Sorry. I’m in hell week mode and you here is not something I would think of... I’m Al, Teri’s stage manager. So, you know Teri?”

“Yes.” He said with an inward grin as he remembered how WELL he knew her.

Al looked on stage for Teri she was just there… Where the hell did she go THIS time he thought? Al then grabbed the walkie-talkie off his belt. He looked around once more and didn’t see Teri. She disappeared again. He sighed and spoke.

“Teri, Ter, Al.  Need you in the house.”

He waited.

“Ter, you on?”

Still nothing. With a sigh of resignation, Al once again spoke into his unit.

“Lookin’ for Ter. Who’s got eyes on her? I bet she put down her damn walkie-talkie again.”

He waited for a response. There were typical, funny responses about Teri and her walkie-talkie issues that involved duct tape and her ass. It happened every show. These people work with Teri often. She is fair, and she always tried to get the same crews each time. In the theatre world as with any performance-oriented job, people keep moving from one show and venue to another. They contract per performance or per theatre so it’s always a shot-in-the-dark who they will be working with or for. Teri on the other hand had gained respect and loyalty of her staff. She had gone to bat for them all on some occasion or another when she felt it was justified. AND she was fun to work with.

“I got her. She’s with me in the costume room.” Dan the costumer and friend of Teri said.

“She’s got a visitor here in the house. Please send her my way.”

“Got it.” Dan said.

Teri appeared from stage left and looked into the house. She couldn’t see anything as the light cues were being run and blinded her from anything past the third row. She hopped off the edge of the stage with the ease of someone who had done it many times, and headed toward where she could now see Al as he stood talking to someone.

Teri got a huge smile on her face when she saw Al was talking to Richie. She hastened up the aisle. Richie stood when she approached. They hugged tight then; Richie tilted Teri’s head up by a finger under her chin and kissed her.  All of a sudden, a spot light was on Teri and Richie during their kiss. Thanks to the ever-efficient Stage Manager, and his walkie-talkie, he felt the scene needed more light. 

There was a cough, then another, and another. Soon everyone in the house on stage and the lighting booth were coughing loud.

“Alright, alright already you heathens, get back to work.” Teri said with a fake growl.

She and Richie sat and they talked.

“How much longer are you here for? I never got around to asking last night. Did you have trouble finding the place?”

Teri had a grin on her face. They didn’t do a whole lot of talking last night after they got home. That bed got a workout like it never saw before.

“No issues finding it. Your directions were perfect. I’m here Just for the day Bright eyes. I have to be in LA tomorrow.”  Richie lied through his teeth. He DID have to get to LA but not until after Opening Night. He ran his finger down her cheek and traced the pretty, little pout on her lips.

“Bright eyes.” She gave Richie a soft smile.

“My cousin Don used to call me that. Wow, many years ago. He’s passed due to AIDS. Whenever I hear Bright Eyes I think of him.”

Richie stuck that piece of information in the back of his mind as he planned to use that as one of her pet names. He surprised himself at that. Guess there is more to this one than just a good lay he thought.

“I’m stuck here all day,” Teri continued.  “Lunch break will be after we run act one of the show and I do an interview. I actually thought you were the reporter now. Can you hang out? Or, maybe do something and come back?”

“Yeah, I have some calls to make. I could run to the house if you want me out of your hair.”

“You don’t have to leave. Stay here. Why bother going back and forth?  Of course, you can go to the house if you prefer. You probably would be more comfortable. Or, I can set you up in my office if you want something quieter than this madness but stay here instead of driving back and forth. I know that, there are a couple of unused offices but I stole the comfy chair... so using mine is your best bet, “She grinned at that. “This is a great space. I love not having to schlep all my crap back and forth.  Being able to have an office in the same place as your show is so much easier. Then you can sit in on our full dress rehearsal. That would be so great! I’d love to get your feel on the show.” She was rambling as she was so happy to see him.

As they talked, Teri showed Richie to the lobby, then, through a locked entrance. They headed to her office. She opened the door with a nameplate.

Beware
Artistic Director
Enter at your own risk

Richie laughed. The place looked like a cyclone went through. There were costumes, props, old programs, and just stuff everywhere. Teri grinned.

 “It’s a sign of a good director,” She said with a smug voice at the mess. “Us creative types thrive on it. That nameplate was a gift from the cast of one of my shows. They still tease me about it.”

Richie sat at the only available spot. Teri’s comfy desk chair. He swiveled the chair around and grabbed Teri by her waist, she ended up in his lap, which was his intention. They sat there for a moment just to bask in the warmth of their bodies together.

“Hey Ter, Oh, sorry,” Al walked into the office through the open door. “That guy from the Register is here. He brought a photographer. What do you want me to do with him?”

“Feed him to Audrey?” Teri replied. 

 Teri gave a huge smile as she sat in Richie’s lap. He didn’t let go of her when Al showed up. He even tightened his grip on her waist to keep her in place.

They all laughed. Teri was directing Little Shop of Horrors and Audrey was the man-eating plant.

“Actually, have the finale set up. I want him to have a shot of Audrey, as she gets so big she moves out over the audience. Tell Curt to help with that. He made some changes yesterday so she goes past row 4. He needs to be on hand anyway to make sure she works properly.”

“Hey, you know what would be a cool shot? You, sitting on stage with the big Audrey looking over your shoulder into the camera like she is going to eat the photographer.”

Teri and Al laughed at Richie’s suggestion. It was good. VERY good. Al discussed it with the photographer and even took a couple of the pics with his own camera to use in the lobby where they set up some rehearsal shots for patrons to see before they enter the house during the interview.

Rehearsals during hell week were always a mess. What could go wrong, did go wrong. Teri was constantly up from her spot at the “table” the crew had for her made from a sheet of plywood, over some of the audience rows of seats. She constantly stopped, adjusted, and fixed things. The 50-minute act took close to two hours. Richie and Teri’s production coordinator sat with her at the table.

“Pick it up. Pick it up. Someone pick up the damn prop. Don’t leave it on stage.” She kept saying as the cast ended the scene.

The prop was left on stage. Susan moved to grab her walkie-talkie. Teri took out of her hands and used it herself.

“Al, that damn prop is still on stage. Make sure it’s off during black out. This is not acceptable.”

“I’m on it Ter. Saw it happen, and probably had the same internal ‘Pick up the damn prop’ conversation you had.

“HA! Mine wasn’t internal. Surprised you didn’t hear me. Thanks Al. Note on this Susan. Okay, keep going... No time for this kind of shit.” She said to Al, Susan, and the theatre company in general.

At one point Richie moved from his seat.

Teri, as she watched the scene with extreme concentration didn’t notice Richie move. The next thing she knew there were two hands on her shoulders. He massaged her neck, and back. It felt wonderful. She almost moaned with pleasure.  She called dinner break soon after. The need to de-stress was too tempting not to give into it.

Susan leaned into Teri to tell her dinner had arrived, and was setup waiting for everyone. Immediately Teri jumped at the chance to break.

“Dinner break everyone. ‘Bad rehearsal, good performance.’ I get it. But come on! Dinner is in the green room, ready for you Hoovers. Go enjoy your break and forget about the show for half an hour. Al, call dinner. I’ll see everyone in a little bit. We are staying on schedule tonight.” Teri said to her department heads over the walkie-talkie. Al called dinner and they were free to go.

Teri, and Richie, along with Marty, Dan, Susan, and of course Al all moved to a conference room where they set down their dinner to get a break from everyone. Teri ordered pizza, salads, garlic bread, and soda or water for everyone so no one had to leave, except the PC, who would run out for coffee for Teri and probably Richie, Al, Marty, and Dan before the final dress rehearsal began. They run it like the show with no stops no matter what happens so time was of the essence for her to get the coffee.  It was not required of her but something she knew Teri wanted, craved, and needed. She leaned over Richie’s shoulder to ask in his ear if he wanted coffee too. She didn’t want to let it get out or she would spend the next hour getting and delivering orders for everyone. He said yes then pulled out his wallet. Richie gave Susan enough money to pay for them all.

The full performance was run with a very short 10-minute break between acts for everyone to do their intermission jobs. They had to be out of the theatre by 11:30 per the union and board’s directive.

 “Okay everyone. That’s it! Quick notes and we are outta here. Susan keep me on time by 11:15 I need to stop to meet curfew.

The ever-efficient PC Susan, had her watch on the table, she passed Teri her notes, as well as Teri’s. Susan sat back, knowing her part was done for the night, other than clarification and time. She knew Teri well enough, to know that she wouldn’t look at any notes tonight. They would meet for breakfast in the morning for that. Then Susan would send out an email with notes to the entire production after her meeting with Teri. It was more efficient and less time consuming to get everyone out on time. Now Teri would just hit the big issues.

“Teri, ten minutes.”

Teri thanked Susan.

“Ter, eight minutes.”

Teri thanked Susan.

“Ter, five minutes.”

Teri just waved.

Richie watched the process. In some ways, it was a lot like his own on stage rehearsals, and sound check. but in many others it wasn’t. This was all new to him. He was fascinated. He’s seen his ex in rehearsal but TV is very different from a live stage show.

“A couple of things. First, you all got this. Just relax and have fun. Issues will be discussed and resolved in your emails tomorrow morning. Department heads we are meeting no matter what tomorrow. Susan will give you a time. Probably morning as I have a full day. We can meet and run over the issues and then be good to go.”

“That’s it. Thank you everyone. You have 11 minutes to get your stuff, and your ass out the door. I’m gonna turn over the stage to Al. Be prepared to be on stage at seven tomorrow night performance ready. We are at opening night. Call is 5 p.m. Callboard will be as usual by the stage door. I can’t wait to see what y’all came up with for the board. G’Night.”

With that, Teri left the front of the stage. She walked to Richie.

“Ready to go?” She asked.

He was surprised. He thought for sure she would stay.

“We’re not staying?”

“Nope, they’ll survive. I only have so much time with you.”

With that, they hand and hand left the theatre.     

Feed me Seymour (Get it) Little Shop of Horrors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ea5jKFGgUw