Chapter 16 Backstage

Amid many shouts, back slaps, and high fives, the boys came off stage. It was very apparent to Teri who was once again in Richie's quick change. The noise was almost louder than the show. Denise brought her in halfway through the last song of the last encore. She had gotten a signal from Richie that it was their last, so she showed Teri the way and then left her there so she could greet some friends Richie had at the show this evening. They were not close friends, but friends just the same. He wanted to say hello to them and see if next time through maybe they can meet for dinner or something. This trip it didn't work out for that.

Teri looked around. On the table was all the usual hair stuff, bottles of water, some beer in a cooler and the like. There was a mirror. To it was taped a few pictures. A couple of Ava she recognized. Even if she never saw the child before there would be no doubt she was Richie and Heather’s. There were a few pictures of older people Teri correctly surmised were his parents. A few others in groups were probably friends or family.

Moving from the table she noticed a couple of tour cases. Both were open showing t-shirts, jackets, and pants. On top of one had a couple of Richie's hats. Teri's hand itched to grab one. She refrained. Barely.

After a complete nosey look at his quick change area Teri sat on one of the 2 folding chairs there.

Richie burst into the room at top speed. Towel around his neck and almost ripping his sopping wet t-shirt off. He saw her and stopped. I can't believe I forgot she was here. The whole show I kept thinking it was taking forever to get through tonight's performance. Now that it's done I forget she's here? Someone call a Doctor. I need a shot or something!

"Baby, I got these people waiting for me."

"I totally get it," Teri replied. "Just tell me where to go to get out of your way. I can hook up with Denise if she's not busy or something."

Richie looked at her. Well, fool. Now you hurt her feelings. She's not Jon you know. She can't read your mind yet and you can't read hers. It takes years for that. Twenty-four hour a day years.

"No baby. I was just sayin' I can't do this."

He pulled her close.

"Or this." He raised her chin.

"Or this." He purred as he went in for a kiss.

He broke the kiss. She pouted.

"It won't take long Darlin'."

"Um, Rich...."

"Yeah?" He replied. His mind was already on getting rid of his friends quick. He'll fly out to see them next break to make it up. 

"Aww forget it. It can wait." Teri said.

 I've got to tell him that Darlin' thing is for fans. I don't feel anything when he says that to me. It’s not special.  She thought.

Richie did a quick change. Grabbed her hand and started out the doorway to meet up with some friends.

I really gotta tell him my feelings on that 'Darlin'' crap. Teri thought as they went toward the green room where the band could chat with friends and family after the show.

Teri left Richie to talk with friends. She headed to the bathroom. After she was done Teri couldn’t resist a quick look around backstage. She was wondering if they signed the wall like theatre people do.

Teri lost track of time. She got to meet the roadies. Just quick hello though because they were working. Their downtime is during a show. Right after, they have to tear down, and drive to the next city. Where they set it up, and tear it down again, and again, city, after city.

She couldn't find any wall signatures or murals which made her sad. Teri thought the tradition carried to all performing arts.  She also learned that in arenas there is usually no ghost light to help the good ghosts see in the dark, to keep the bad spirits away.

I guess just because they perform doesn’t mean their rituals are the same. 

She decided. On her way back she ran into Richie. He was wondering where she got to. Even a woman doesn't take half an hour to pee.

"Where did you go?" Richie asked as he grabbed her arm.

"I was wandering around meeting people and looking for your signature wall." Teri said a little out of breath due to the fast pace He kept walking at.

He found what he was looking for. Richie turned and lifted Teri onto a rolling tour case. He made sure the wheels were locked. Yup did that one before. He was doing some groupie behind the stage and they almost were the next act as the case started to roll toward the stage being torn down by roadies.

"What are you...?" Mmmmmm Teri said as Richie started to kiss her hard.

He was grinding up against her legs. She slowly parts her legs understanding what was going to happen.

The noise around them fades. All that either hear were their groans of pleasure.

"I'm sorry Darlin'. It's gonna be hard and fast. I've missed you so much. Need you. Now."

DAMN HIM! Teri screamed to herself. There's that word again. Fuckin' A!

As their kisses grew more passionate, Teri forget her dislike of the word Darlin'. She gave herself up to Richie's advances. She was more than willing to go to second base. Hell, she even went to third on an occasion or two at the theatre.

Richie was a man on a mission.

"Here. Now." He stated.

That was the only warning Teri got. He grabbed her waist and sat her on top of a tour case. Checked that the wheels were locked, he had done it once before and the wheels were NOT locked. Imagine her surprise when she started to roll sans a top or bra toward the stage. She just calmly walked back and took up where they left off. 

But I digress. Back to the story.

Their kisses intensified. Their hands more frantic. There was no turning back now even if they wanted to.  One or the other was in such a state, that stopping was not even an option.

“It’s going to be hard and fast. Baby, it has to be like this.” Richie stated as he started to remove some of Teri’s clothes to access her quickly. Richie wore no underwear.

Teri went along. She was turned on. And to be honest, there really was no choice.

Richie can turn her on easily. All Teri has to do is look into his eyes. Those eyes, those beautiful deep pools of chocolate eyes.

Richie is the best lover she ever had. Ever. He lived up to his reputation every time. What reputation? If it was sexual ANY reputation.

He dropped his pants and entered her quickly. Wrapping his hands on her hips he had to remember to slow down. He almost didn’t. Teri and he hadn’t had sex in about three weeks. Richie slowly entered. Once he was in. She took in a big breath, gasp really. It has been awhile. Richie started moving. Slow at first then more frantic. Teri held onto Richie’s shoulders and prayed he didn’t launch her into next week. That’s how hard and fast he went at it.

A couple of roadies were on their way to grab some cases. They heard the familiar sound of sex. Not unusual. Hell, they both had done it with some girl or another who wanted to meet the band and would do ANYTHING. A few smirks and they both turned around and walked away. Happened before. Will happen again. Just don’t let JBJ hear about it. Easy.

“Oh my God you feel amazing.” She exclaimed.

“It’s all for you baby. Here we goooo.” Richie moaned as his orgasm was building.

His solid body slapping against her. She loved the way he made her feel. A little slut is good for the mind, body, and soul now and again. 

Groaning with pleasure. She flexed. He grunted his appreciation.

She felt like a groupie, and it was pretty cool.  

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I missed you Ter. So much. Celibacy is not something I do well babe. I’m glad you’re finally here."

"I'm glad I'm here too Richie. But, can we dress now? I really don’t want to give the road crew more of a show than I think they already got."

She wasn't mad. Especially when she heard the word celibate. THAT said so much to Teri.

The tour went well. Teri and Richie had a great time. They saw some sites. Actually broke a bed at the Four Seasons. Had a lot of fun with the guys too. Teri found out what a joker Lemma really was and understood the nickname and tattoo.

Then it happened.

Richie got a phone call.

Chapter 15 On her way

She was on her way to the airport. Excited and a little bit apprehensive. Bestie Gloria was driving her to JFK. It was a good hour and Forty-Five minute drive where the two can talk away. A quick stop at Dunkin Donuts for coffee and they are off.

"Did I bring my book?" Teri asked

"Yup in your carry-on. I also slipped in a couple of the scripts you have been saying you wanted to read. Figured just because the theatre closed doesn’t mean another one won't need a director."

Teri smiled. Her friend got her.

"Oh, what about the cookies I made?"

Gloria smiled. Teri was a little freaked out to be going on tour. She was patient with her friend. She had to be. This is what Teri was all about. A little forgetful, but a huge generous soul.

They chatted about this and that.

When Gloria took the exit she smiled remembering a few years ago Teri forgot how to get to the airport. She was on the phone with her brother, who is a cross country truck driver. He said to her 'Just look for the orange cone at the exit. I cant remember the exit number but that will get you on 678 which will put you right at the airport.' Damn it the cone was there.

Gloria got her curbside to American Airline her favorite carrier. They both got out and an attendant got the luggage out of the back.

"Its a good thing that Richie is know for his extensive luggage on tour." Gloria said as the attendant lifted Teri's three suitcases and carry-on out of the back of her SUV.

The two girls hug.

"Safe travels my friend. Call when you get there." Gloria said as they broke their hug.

"I will." Teri was off with a wave.

The flight was pretty much uneventful. There was a crying baby back in coach. The attendant tried to apologize to everyone in First Class but Teri along with her 4 other passengers just waved the woman off. They understood.

At the airport she was met by a Bon Jovi staff member. Teri was surprised. She figured at the least Denise would be there. The staffer told Teri when he dealt with her luggage, and ushered her to the car, that there were issues at the Arena and Richie along with all the band members went there early. But, Teri still had hours if she wanted to freshen up and take a nap or something. You could tell his mind was on what was going on at the Arena that he was missing and not his passenger.

"Hey Glor, I made it fine. Teri said on her friends voice mail. Seems there are issues at the Arena so I was met by someone on the Bon Jovi staff. I guess Richie is there with the guys so I probably won't see him till after the show. Of course I'll wish him Break a Leg from you. I'm impressed. Some of my theatre background is rubbing off on you! Love you too. Talk to you later."


As Teri left her message, the staffer realized he was not being as nice as he could be, let alone should be to Richie's guest. He assumed she was a one night stand bimbo, from another state, but, hearing her part of the phone call made him think he made a mistake. Not to mention the three suitcases and a carry-on that she showed up with. That for sure is not a one nighter.

Teri ended the phone call and replaced her cell into her pocketbook. Her escort then spoke.

"Hey, I'm really sorry I was a little cold to you. I just thought you were..." He stopped realizing he couldn't call her a bibbo to her face."

"I was?" Teri prompted.

"Going to be one of those nose in the air people." He improvised.

"Nah, not me. I'm probably one of the more down to earth people around."

She smiled and then looked out the window. She knew he was covering his tracks with the inflection of his voice, just not what he was covering up.

The ride was not too long. They were in close proximity to the venue and the airport. She will be riding in The Jovi Jet with the boys from here on out until she went home.

" Is there any way to get most of my stuff on the Jovi Jet without going to the hotel? I think it would be easier. Especially when we are all running around in the morning."

He smiled at her. He can make it right between them now. He felt bad for his earlier assessment.

"The boys don't run around in the morning. They have people to do that for them. He said with a smile. Most of the guys have their stuff ready and at the door in the morning for whoever is in charge of luggage that day. The rest is usually carried on by their P.A.'s, or, them personally. I'll have it scanned and loaded now. I'm heading there to get all the luggage on the plane as we are taking off directly after the show tonight."

By this time they were pulling up to the boys's hotel. Teri was impressed and happy she dressed up a bit so she didn't look too shabby on the plane. The Westin is a nice hotel. She forgot where they were staying even after she looked at the itinerary on the plane.

Teri's door was opened, and a hand was at the ready to help her out. She appreciated the service of a nice hotel. Teri walked around to the trunk, and pulled out one of the small suitcases

 "This one is good for the time left here. I just want to take a shower and freshen up before I need to get to the Arena. "

Once in Richie's suite Teri took a luxurious shower and then took out her concert outfit, and with extra care did her make-up. Very tight in the butt jeans, a white silk cami that barely reached her waist, and a soft black leather jacket. Black heels with zipper up the back of the shoes, jewelry, and perfume and she was ready to go. Teri added her travel bag to the couple of suitcases Richie had stacked by the door after she took out her travel outfit for the morning. She grabbed her cell, put some money, a credit card, and her license in her pocket, and she was ready to go.

In the lobby, Teri realized she forgot to see if the car could pick her up again and take her over to the venue. So, off she went to find a cab. Of course, she couldn’t find one. There was a Bon Jovi concert in town. All transportation was booked. Just as she was dialing Richie against her better judgment, the kid who brought her from the airport was at her side. I really should know his name. Teri thought.

"I was just calling Richie's room," He said a little annoyed. "Time to go. I thought I would have to wake you by pounding on the door. There was no answer."

Teri's feathers got ruffled.

"There was no conversation about times, or where, or if I was on my own or not." She said with a huff.

"Well, we found each other and my car is right over there." He took her elbow, and half escorted, half rushed Teri to the car.

"Oh, no. I'll find my own way damn it. Just give me my credentials. I am NOT getting in a car with you. Your attitude is too big for us all to fit."

With that she held out her hand, and started tapping her foot. The staffer didn't see any way out. He was told to bring her in and deliver her to Richie. He couldn't not do it.

"Look, again, I'm sorry. My job is on the line if I don't personally deliver you to my boss. Which for this task is Richie."

Little did he know Teri still blamed herself for what happened to what she had come to know as 'her' theatre.She was still raw and took it out on others. She looked hard at him.

"Two things. First, Don't ever talk down to me or anyone like that again. Second, where are my credentials? What's your name? I forgot. And how do I find Richie?"

"That was four." He said.

"Deal with it." Teri said with a smile. She realized she was harsh.

"I won't. In an envelope on the back seat of the limo. Sean, and I'll take you to him."

Things were fine again.

The limo stopped at a checkpoint at the entrance to the arena. Then again about halfway in. She had to produce her id even though she was encased in one of the limos provided for the band. Security was always tight once the guys got to the venue. Once the fans were let in there was no telling to what lengths they would go to get backstage.

Teri was literally delivered to Richie.

"I got it from here." She stated over her shoulder as she walked toward her man.

He was on stage warming up his fingers and at the same time doing a sound check for his guitar. He was wandering around as he was playing and bumped into something.

"Huh?" He said.

"You really do get lost in your music don't you. Even sound check." Teri said with a grin.

His eyes popped open wide. A grin formed on her face. Their arms went around each other. No concern for the guitar that started to make an ugly racket very loudly in the sold out forty-thousand person Arena. Obie's head shot up from the sound table out front. Saw what was going on. Turned off Richie's guitar amps and went back to work. Not much distracted him from this part of his job. Especially Richie and a girl.

"Baby, you made it."

"I did at that." Teri replied. She gave him what she considered her special Richie smile.

Takumi came over and just took off Richie's guitar without asking. Now free they could have a nice slow kiss. Then the coughing started. First one, two, then four people started coughing and making a racket all around them. Richie was oblivious, which wasn't surprising. Teri wasn't she broke the kiss. He had lipstick smeared on his lips. She had beard burn even though Richie's beard was just on his chin. The way Teri said she liked.

Teri wiggled of the embrace, and while holding Richie's hand she turned to the rest of the band and took a deep curtsey. This just got them louder, with cat calls, and stamping of feet.

"Darlin', don't feed into it. They'll never stop." He said as he pulled her back to a standing position.
Richie took her hand and walked her to the side of the stage where she would be out of their line of fire at least for a moment until sound check was done.

"Aww don't we get to meet her?" One asked.

"Is she the cookie lady?" Another asked.

There were more called out questions which Richie ignored.

The process was no different than what Teri was used to with her bands at the theatre. The only difference was oh, about 39 thousand people. Teri wandered to the side of the stage and she found a temporary set of stairs. She double checked her credentials and went out into the audience. She sat in a newly placed seat in the inner circle and watched. She was in her glory.

It went quick. Richie came down and they went hand in hand to his quick change area for a little privacy.

Teri giggled as Richie took her in his arms for some serious kissing.


"Hey Rich, band meeting in five minutes." Jon's assistant announced as she passed outside his curtained off area.

He sighed. Put his chin on the top of her head.

"Bet that asshole is doing this just to fuck with me." Richie said.

Teri looked up at him.

"Come on. I'll find someone who won't tell stories to keep you company ." He declared as he lean her through the backstage maze with the confidence of someone who has done this for years.

They ran into Debbie who was a wardrobe assistant.

"Nope." He said.

The runner for sound.

"Nope."

Matt, Jon's brother.

"Definitely nope."

"What the hell." He exclaimed when he couldn't find anyone who would keep their trap shut.

Then he saw his savior. Denise his Personal Assistant and Teri knew her.

"Deni. You remember Teri right? Jon called some shit ass meeting. Can you two hang for a few?"

"Of course." Was the reply.

Richie left them chatting, and talking about a cup of coffee.

It was a band only meeting. Richie was the last to arrive.

When everyone was situated Jon started right in.

"So did she bring any cookies?"

Richie couldn't be mad. He wondered the same thing


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The concert was fantastic. Richie wanted her to stay in his quick change room.... For the night...So he knew exactly where she was at all times. He didn't trust some of the one day workers backstage.

No such luck. Teri was on his side of the stage. Jumping around dancing and singing. She got Denise to do the same. Deni had stopped all that jumping around years ago. But, always stood on his side and smiled a big smile like a proud Mama bear as he played.

Teri was told when he was able to hit quick change. The girls made sure to be there.

Richie was drying his hair. An assistant was trying to blow dry it, and as much of his sweaty body as she could at the same time, while holding his new shirt. Teri stayed back and watched. She didn't know the routine and didn’t want to get in the way.

He saw her. Went over took her in his arms and ground his pelvis into her. He was more than ready.

"Baby, you go out like that and it will be a problem."

"Not for me. Hate to say it but this happens." Richie said.

"Wasn't talking about you."

He grinned, walked back on stage to grab his guitar and do what he does best. Rock the house down.