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.