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 

Note:

Dear readers:

I haven't abandoned this story. It's too much a part of my life and catharsis to let it go. I just can't. BUT, I am waiting for four chapters to come back from editing so I can start posting again.

Be assured this story will be back and continue for a very long time... I have so much material and so much to tell you all about Teri, Richie and their family. My story resumes as soon as I get those chapters back.

Much love,
 - Teri

Chapter 7 Dinner in Connecticut

Hi: It's a long chapter to make up for the delay of posting. I hope you enjoy it. Comments as usual are welcome.  - Teri

Chapter 7

Teri went back into the theatre after her conversation with Richie. She pulled Al aside and laid it on the line for him.  They walked to the back of the house and took a couple of seats. Away from the chaos but, close enough if needed.

“I got a huge problem, Al.”

Without taking his eyes off the stage, he answered.

“Yup. If those damn dancers don’t move fast enough, they’ll get whacked in the head by the second Audrey as she grows.”

“HA! Wish it were that easy to fix. I have a dinner thing Wednesday night, and a tech rehearsal here. What the hell am I gonna do? I need to be at both at the same time.”

“Well, technically, it’s a tech rehearsal right?”

“Yup.”

“So, it’s my rehearsal. I called tech in at noon, to see if we can iron some stuff out. Just flip it. Full tech at noon, and then you can blow outta here by three or in your case, four, or five. Then get ready for your date with Richie. I’ll keep tech crew, and we will run cue to cue at night instead. If people have to work, and can’t stay they are of course, excused as it’s a last minute schedule change. I know most of the cast took the next few days off from their day gig to be here for tech, and to take the next as a full day off from life. They will stay.”

“Oh. That’s a great idea! I lo…” Teri’s sentence died. “How did you know about Richie?”

Al grinned.

“I have ears Ter. Just cuz I’m male, doesn’t mean I’m immune to girl talk, gossip shit. I heard ya talking to Richie about the date when I went to look for you. Easy enough to put two and two together.”

Teri grinned, and sunk further in her seat. She put her legs over the row in front of her, and relaxed. As much as she hated to be away for the cue-to-cue tech part of the show, it DID belong to the stage manager.

Things worked out great all around. As usual, Susan showed up at Teri’s Wednesday morning. She does every morning of hell week so the girls can get their game plan set.

 Susan wakes up Teri with the smell of coffee that she either brought with her, or made in Teri’s kitchen. By the time, she hit Teri’s bedroom the smell had her director waking up.

On this particular day however, it seemed that the first task was to find something for Teri to wear for her date with Richie. Susan discovered her in the closet. As she looked at all her clothes, she dismissed each piece as she came across it on their hanger.  There was stuff all over the bed, discarded shoes on the floor, and Teri in her panties, and an oversized t-shirt hair rumpled from sleep and a frustrated look on her face.

“Here take this.” She said to Susan without a hello.

Susan juggled the two coffees she held, and grabbed a bunch of hangers from Teri

“These are the possible pile of tops. I got the jeans but, can’t decide on shoes until we figure out a top, and accessories.”

After a frustrating twenty minutes of trying on tops, Teri gave up.

“Fuck it, let’s go shopping. I don’t like anything. I’m gonna hit the shower. Ready to roll in like half an hour. We got a busy morning, and I can’t take too much time but, damn it, I gotta look good tonight.”

True to her word, they were in the car in half an hour, and on their way to a couple of Teri’s favorite stores. Susan drove so Teri could hopefully make a few calls and relax a bit.

The first store was a disaster. Nothing was good enough. The second store was better, but still no luck. Teri finally looked around the mall and headed toward Nordstrom.

“Come on, let’s hit one more store. Then we gotta roll. Rehearsal’s called for noon due to my date tonight. I can’t be late.”

Susan fully agreed. They took off toward Nordstrom. With a silent prayer from both they entered.

“BINGO! This is the one!”

Teri wasn’t ten feet into the store, when she saw her top on a mannequin. Of course, none were

 in her size, but she talked the sales woman into selling her the one on display. It was perfect. This is an amazing Caribbean blue; it’ll make my eyes pop! A tank top, with very thin straps. Hmmmm I can pair it with a pair of my light colored jeans. Oh, and those damn cork sandals Glor made me buy that I never wore this season.  Yup, sandals in the fall.  I just can’t tell her she was right… again. She thought as the outfit began to take shape in her mind. It was perfect. A jean jacket, or, her thin leather jacket to dress it down and she was ready to go.

Cue to cue tech rehearsals are boring at best. The cast stands in their spot on stage. The director, lighting director, costume, props, and stage manager all analyze the stage and move to the next cue It’s the tweaking with the department heads that takes a lot of time. By 2 p.m. they were pretty much done. The cast was told to relax and leave for a few hours. The band was dismissed for the night.  The rest stayed and sat around a table on stage with lunch and notes to discuss what did and didn’t work.  An email on the changes is sent to cast and band just like most director’s notes.

Teri was so engrossed in the process she never saw the time. By union rules, they had to have breaks at specific intervals. Al called dinner. Teri looked up from her notes that she was going over with the house manager, and realized she waited too long. It was going on 6 o’clock. She had no one to blame but herself. Susan left half an hour ago to run some errands, and wasn’t expected back for the rest of the night.

“Fuck! Gotta fly everyone. Al, I’m turning over rehearsal to you. I’ll see very one tomorrow. Enjoy yourselves.”

Teri ran out of the theatre, hopped into her car and was on her way home with minutes to spare. She had to stop and say hello to Cheryl who was hanging out at Teri’s little slice of beach. She was one of the neighborhood kids Teri knew. She liked Cheryl; but now wasn’t the time to have to entertain her.

Cheryl followed Teri into the house.

“Ter, when are you going to be around? Debbie and I want to come over. “

“Sorry honey, you know what it’s like when I am in production for a show. Opening night is coming up fast.”

“What are you doing tonight?” Cheryl asked.

She followed Teri upstairs, sat on her bed as Teri went into the closet, and got the outfit that she and Susan put together. Thank God, Susan was able to get back to the house, hang up my new purchase, and put away all their rejected clothes and shoes, Teri thought. No wrinkles. She wondered if Susan ironed it too…. Nah, even the best of PC’s won’t iron even with being asked. Teri chuckled to herself over that as she started toward the shower.

“I have a date tonight.”

“TONIGHT? You never date during this week.”

Teri turned to her young friend.

“He’s kinda special. I know you know who Bon Jovi is. I play their stuff enough around the house. I have a date with Richie Sambora.”

“OH, he’s sooo cute! I love him. Will he talk to me too? Can I come with you? I promise to behave. I want to date Richie too! Where did you meet him? You never told me.”

Teri smiled. She happened to glance at the bedside clock.

“If you go downstairs and let him in, you can meet him now. I haven’t told you cuz I’m in hell week, and haven’t even seen you since I got back from New York. I won’t be long. Tell him that I ran late and to make himself at home,” Teri said.

“Sure Ter, I’ll let Richie in.”

She ran downstairs as Teri hit her en-suite for a quick shower.

Cheryl was so excited to see and meet Richie. She decided to sit outside on the front steps and wait for him. She expected to see a black stretch limo and driver dressed in black with a hat. Cheryl’s mom always teased her that she got her imagination from Teri.

A car pulled up and into the driveway. It was a black 1997 BMW convertible. Richie stepped out of the driver side and rounded the front of the car. He didn’t notice Cheryl until he was almost to the stairs. She jumped up.

“Richie, Richie. Hi, I’m Cheryl come on in. Teri’s in the shower she ran late at rehearsal. Not like that’s unusual.  She’s always the last one to leave. My mom said it’s her second home. But, I don’t believe that.”

She chattered nonstop as she opened the front door and let Richie into the house.

Richie took off his sunglasses and looked at the child in front of him. She couldn’t have been more than seven years old. Damn, David was right! They are getting younger. The fans now span generations.  He followed Cheryl into the house.

Cheryl made sure Richie was comfortable in the living room and gave him a soda to drink.

“So, you’re going out with Teri, how cool. She’s so excited. She is up in her room now dressing.”

“You’re friends with Teri?”

“Oh yeah, for years.”

Richie smiled at the child for her “years” comment.

“Teri always lets me come over when she’s not busy with her work stuff. She says I distract her too much. We laugh a lot. And, we go shopping, even for boring stuff like food. And, we go to the beach, but her beach is really small, so, sometimes we go to Watch Hill, cuz Teri says those are real waves, not the small stuff we got here. And, we even went to Florida last year together. Mom and Dad wanted to go, and so did Teri, so we all went together, it was a blast! We swam and body surfed in the ocean, and went shopping, and we all flew to Grand Bahamas where Teri says the best Dolphin stuff was. We stayed overnight right across the street. It was so cool. We got to swim with them in their lagoon. Teri knows them, the people who run it. Not the dolphins. But, she does know them too. So, we got to go early, and stay late, and a boat took us over, and there is one dolphin which Teri always swims with her name is Ruballa and…”

“And, I’m sure Richie has heard enough of your chatter child. I heard you all the way up stairs talking a mile a minute. “

“But, I wanted to tell Richie about your bikini…”

“Oh, please continue.” Richie said with a wink at Teri.

He got up when Ter came in, and went over to give her a hug and kiss hello.

Cheryl watched her eyes wide at their kiss.

Richie handed her a bouquet of roses, which he picked up on his way in. Teri buried her face in the flowers and inhaled deep.

“Thank you so much. They are beautiful. I’ll just take a second to put them in water and we can go.”

Richie said, “We should go. My PA told Frank we’d be in around 7.”

“Considering it’s 7:15, yeah, I would say let’s go.” Teri replied.

Cheryl dragged her feet, but left with them, and watched Teri lock the front door.

“Well, I guess I’ll see ya tomorrow.”

“Probably not, Cheryl, remember its hell week.”

Chery nodded. She watched them walk to the car. Richie opened Teri’s door, and helped her in, then walked around the front to the driver side.  He gave Cheryl a wave.

Happy, she waved back and watched them drive away. When she went home for dinner, Cheryl told her parents all about meeting Richie. They were extremely happy for her, and impressed. Teri deserved a little fun in her life.

Richie and Teri drove to the restaurant. Teri gave directions and Richie drove the very luxurious car.

When they arrived, the couple made their way through the crowd who were waiting in line at the popular restaurant. Richie posed for pictures and signed some autographs. He was genuinely glad to do this, so Teri stepped to the side and watched with a smile on her face. Richie Sambora…. Dinner…. Him and me… Life is good.

Once inside, the hostess immediately sat them at Frank’s reserved table in the back.

“If you want, when you are ready to leave, we can get you out the back door. I’ll have someone bring your car around for you.”

“No worries. I don’t mind a few fans. Let’s see how it goes.” Richie replied.

He knew that word would get out quick. Many people will think that Jon was with him too. They usually do.

At that moment, Frank Pepe descended on their table.  Richie stood and hugged the older man. He then introduced him to his date.

“Frank, this is Teri.”

Frank leaned over and gave Teri a kiss on the cheek.

“She looks familiar. You’ve been here before, right?”

“Many times,” Teri said with a smile. “Normally take out though. The wait here is always super long.”

“No more. Now, you call Frank, and get a table. Anytime.  A friend of Richie Sambora’s is a friend of mine.”

Teri smiled and thanked Frank for his kindness.

“Now, I bring you antipasto, and some bread. I keep the good wine for my friends. You will enjoy that too.”

Before either could say a word, Frank was on his way back to the kitchen and the wood stove ovens that were signature to some amazing pizza.

“Pays to know people in high places,” Teri said as the wine was placed in front of them. “No more wait at Pepe’s! My friends are going to think I’m royalty or somethin’...”

Their dinner progressed nice and easy. They talked and laughed their way through the meal.  Frank had stopped by again and insisted on picking up their tab. After a few pictures taken with the two and Frank, they were free to go. Richie left a very generous tip, and they couple walked out the front door to their car. Teri suspected the large tip was done on purpose, as Frank picked up the meal, it was the least Richie could do as a thank you to sign a few autographs for staff and patrons waiting outside for a table.

Back at the house, Teri and Richie made themselves comfortable on the couch.  Teri talked about her show and Richie about the album and tour they had coming up. After a while Teri got them a snack and a glass of wine each.

“It may not be as good as Franks but I like it,” she said as she put the glass in front of Richie.

When they started to kiss more than talk Teri suggested it was bedtime. She got up turned off the lights and put their glasses and snack plates in the dishwasher. When she got back to the family room Richie had turned off the stereo and was waiting. Teri grabbed his hand and they climbed the stairs to bed.

Chapter 6

Let's make a date

Not sure, of restaurants in Teri’s area, outside of the famous Wooster Street Pizza place Pepe’s. Richie had his assistant Deni make a call; she got them a private table. Frank Pepe always had a private table at the ready. The establishment was used to famous people, who, stopped in for a slice or two. From President’s, to Rock Stars they all ended up at Pepe’s private table at some point. Hell, Frank, and Dean ate there. In Richie’s mind, that was the highest praise. Casual it is. There is enough time for nice dinners, and all that hearts and flowers crap. This is a first date. I may not even like her outside of a great lay.  Richie decided.

Teri had tried a few times to reach Richie through the day. She finally left a message for him to call when he was free, and she would try to be available. Susan, Teri’s Production Coordinator took Teri’s phone and kept it with her so this important call wouldn’t be missed. Teri being Teri would most likely, put the cell down, as she does her walkie-talkie. Lose it, and miss Richie’s call.  Teri added Wanted as Richie’s ring tone. It had them both humming the Bon Jovi song all day.

When it DID ring, it was of course, the most inopportune time. Susan had decided on a coffee run, word got out among the crew. She was picking up coffee for fourteen people. All with different wants.

Muttering under her breath, as she waited at a nearby Starbucks. Macchiato, Frappuccino, double espresso, mocha latte… this bullshit gotta stop. Next time it’s Dunkin Donuts Box of Joe, or nothing. She planned to talk to Teri about it at their morning wake up Teri, meeting tomorrow. Susan started to hum.  Yikes, THAT’s another thing I’m  gonna tell Teri. Wanted is stuck in my head. I’m still singing… Crap it’s the phone not my singin’!  Susan dug for the phone in her pocketbook and actually got it in time.  

“Teri’s phone.”She warned. 

There was no way she was going to answer and have Richie say something, she really didn’t need to hear. As it was, Susan wondered if she could see if any other band member was single. They were all sexy bad boy rockers.

“Hey, she around? This is…”

Susan cut him off as she got her drinks and started to her car with her cell under her chin so she could carry the beverages.

“I know who it is. I’m at Starbucks, and you’re on speaker, cuz, I’m trying to juggle fourteen different fucking coffee concoctions, to my car. This is the last time I say out loud, I’m doing a coffee run. They’re like locust!”

“Want me to call back?” Richie asked as he grinned. The band was the same way.

“Nah, just give me a second. I parked in front hold…. FUCKIN’ A!”

Richie waited, he figured she probably dropped everything; He listened for the fourteen cups of coffee concoctions to hit the ground.

After a few moments, Susan was back on the phone.

“Sorry about that. I forgot to take my keys out of my pocket, had to put all this shit down on my car.”

“No drop?”

“No drop. I’m not Teri’s PC for nothing my friend.” She said in a smug tone.

Richie laughed aloud. He heard the car start and figured she was on her way back to the theatre. He would hang on. Richie wanted to know how things were going for Teri.

“She doing okay?”

“Actually, better than okay. Usually by now, she is a bear to live with. It always seemed nothing is good enough for her. It could be perfect but, she always pushes for the best performance we can give her.  For SOME reason, she is very happy today. Any idea why?” Susan asked. She knew the answer.

“No clue Suzie.”

Richie said, as he adopted a pet name for her. Susan hated the name Suzie, but for Richie Sambora to say it… It’s all more than good.

Susan made it back to the theatre in no time. She talked with Richie about this show a little bit. Susan filled him in on a few of Teri’s ideas. He was intrigued.

“Hang on; I gotta call for back up. No way in hell I’m gonna carry all this inside.” She put her phone on top of the coffee, and used the walkie-talkie to get some help. The words ‘I’m back with coffee!’ had people running to the stage door to give a hand. She grabbed her own coffee and Teri’s, then went to find her boss.

“Hey Ter, I got your coffee and your boyfriend.”

“Thanks for the coffee. I don’t have a boyfriend.” Teri replied as she took her caffeine from Susan’s hand.

“No problem Ter. I’ll just tell Richie I’m free to date him.”

Teri’s eyes got wide. A grin engulfed her whole face, as she put her hand out for the cell. Susan obliged and gave her the phone.

“Hey you! Sorry about that. I gave my cell to Susan, so I wouldn’t miss your call. I lose my walkie-talkie all the time. Didn’t want to misplace the cell too.”

Richie grinned at another little piece of information. Teri put’s stuff down and forgets where it is.

“No worries Darlin’. Suzie and I were just gettin’ better acquainted.”

“Suzie, huh?” Teri questioned a she looked at her PC with a raised eyebrow.

Susan shrugged.

“Your timing is great. I was just thinking about a break. Hang on,” Teri called out to the crowd. “Ten minutes everyone. Grab some water, a smoke, or whatever. Back on stage in ten.”

As she walked away from the stage, she heard Al her stage manager reiterate Teri’s break.

“You heard the lady, ten minutes and we are back. Enjoy your break.” He then grabbed his own coffee from the dwindling pile, and went to sit down, to relax for a bit.

Teri meandered outside through the lobby. She knew smokers would be by the stage door. She wanted a little privacy, and decided on the front of the theatre for a smoke, coffee, and Richie would work.

Richie got quick to the point, as, he knew his time was limited.

“Okay, since I only know of one place for dinner out in Connecticut. I got us a table for Wednesday night.”

Teri cringed a little. She usually gave the cast Friday off before Saturday opening night not Wednesday. She didn’t even think of it ‘till just now. She changed around some daytime meetings but never thought about tech rehearsal.

What the fuck am I going to do? I totally forgot about Wednesday rehearsal when I made plans with Richie… FUCK! Why didn’t I put that in my calendar? Cuz you always remember tech Wednesday dufus.

“It’s totally casual. I figured we could go there, and just hang out for dinner,” He continued not knowing Teri was in a dilemma. “Do you like Pizza? I got us a table at Pepe’s.”

Teri pulled the phone away from her ear and looked at it. First, date and its pizza? From a normal every day guy sure. But I thought …. Oh, forget it. Answer his question.

“Love Pepe’s. You got a table?”

“Yeah. Frank Pepe’s an old friend.”

“Aaahhh… Sounds good. It will be fun to go. I usually do take out. The wait for a table is regularly hours long. This will be a blast.”

They talked a few more minutes. Both knowing time was not on their side.

“Hey Richie?”

“Yeah?”

“Bring your toothbrush.” Teri simply stated.

Message received. He smiled his dimple smile into the phone.

“I will. See you soon Bright Eyes.”

It was Teri’s turn to smile into the phone.

“Yeah, see you then.” Her voice was husky.  

After they hung up, Teri took a sip of coffee, and looked over the small grassy area in front of the theatre. She stamped her feet like a little kid.

“YYYYIIIIEEEE!” She screamed.

She hugged herself, and swayed back and forth. With a smile as big as big could be.

I have a date with Richie Sambora!!

Pepe's

No wonder Richie knew about Pepe's

Chapter 5 - The Boys Are Back in Town

On the way home, the girls discussed their stay in the city. It was a great time for both of them.

Teri was listening but she really didn’t listen.

“Ter, you can come back to earth now.”

She grinned at her friend, and shook Teri’s leg a little.

“Sorry Glor. Still reliving last night.”

“I bet you are. And?”

Teri sighed. Then grinned at her friend.

“He was so much fun to be with. We laughed, teased, and talked. We had breakfast at this little hole in the wall that had the most amazing food. We stopped by Central Park on the way back to our hotel. Glor, we’re gonna see each other again. Playing it casual. Nothing serious. Richie said, he’s got a lot on his plate.  I’m not exactly twiddling my thumbs either.  As you know, we’re gonna have dinner Wednesday night.

“Do I get any more details?”

Teri smirked.

“Nope.”

“Nothing?”

She grinned at Gloria.

“The rumors are true. Moose is an accurate description. “

Both laughed… hard.

They spent the remainder of the trip talking about anything and everything. As best friends do. These two were no exception.

Once they got home. Teri spent the rest of the day on the phone, as she worked on her production. There were a zillion details, which she needed to address. Teri jumped right into it after she changed clothes and made something to eat. And, of course, a pot of coffee. By nine p.m., the director thought it was time for dinner, and some down time. She had to be in her office at the theater, early in the morning.  Teri had a full day of interviews, and meetings. These last few days before hell week were the worst, but the best. This is what Teri thrived on.

As she settled in front of the television with her dinner of Chinese take-out, she decided to watch something mindless. This just gave background noise; she let her thoughts go wherever they felt like. Which of course was to Richie.

                                         ***        ***        ***        ***        ***        ***

 “We done?” Richie asked of their producer, who was working preliminaries on the new album with him and Jon.

“Yup. We’re good. I’ll see you two tomorrow.” The three stood and made for the door

“Rich, feel like grabbing dinner?”

“Nah, thanks. I’m heading back to the hotel. See ya tomorrow.”

“Got a girl waiting?”

Jon didn’t know when THAT would have happened. Rich told him that he left his “date” at her hotel this morning. There was no time. He must have called someone during one of their breaks.  

Richie, just grinned at Jon, as he took off out the front door, and hailed a cab to his hotel. Once in his room, he poured himself a drink, ordered room service, and got comfortable. He picked up a nearby guitar, and mindlessly played as he waited on dinner. His thoughts were not on his guitar, but on the night before.  Dinner arrived, and, he made short work of eating. Richie poured a second drink, and picked up the phone to call Teri. As promised, Teri answered Richie’s call. She grinned when she answered, as she knew it had to be Richie.

“Hello?”

“Hey baby.” A sultry voiced Richie purred.

Fuck! If he growls, I am sure to have phone sex tonight. Teri thought with a smile.

“Hey yourself, hot stuff. How was the session tonight?”

“Good. We worked on laying tracks, so when the boys show up, it’s ready to go. A couple of more days and then the boys are back in town.”

Teri laughed.

“It wasn’t that funny.” Richie stated.

“The Boys are back, the boys are back in tooowwwnnn.  Boys are back in town,” Teri sang “That Thin Lizzy song from the late seventies. You know it right?”

Score another point for Teri. Richie thought. She knows her music.

He laughed aloud. Then, settled more comfortably on the couch. He was looking forward to their conversation.

They talked for over two hours. It was after midnight when Richie needed to get off the phone.

“Baby, I can talk to you for hours, But, I still have to call my kid, and get some stuff done.”

“No problem Richie. I need to do the same. Well, not call my kid, but I have early meetings, and some press tomorrow. I need to prepare for those and a rehearsal tomorrow night, Hell Week starts.”

“No problem baby. I’ll call again,” he was running the day through his head. “Maybe in the afternoon tomorrow.”

“Hmmmm… Let me call you. Tomorrow is going to be touch and go on my end.”

Richie agreed. His voice got low and sultry.

“I miss you not here in my bed tonight.”

“That’s it gotta go!” Teri exclaimed as she jumped off her couch.

“What?” Richie questioned.

Confused. In his mind, what he said was a GOOD thing.

“If we keep this up, I can see phone sex in our near future, and I’m kinda a more, do it for real type of gal.”

Richie grinned. She had spunk.

“Well, you could come out here. It’s not that far.”

“And be back for a 9 a.m. interview, composed, and not looking like I just left your bed? Not to mention, the two plus hour commuter rush hour drive? Sorry baby. Not tonight. Though, if you want to come here…”

Richie sighed.

“No can do Darlin’. I have to be at the studio tomorrow. Same issue on my end.”

They kept on talking for another forty-five minutes. During that time, Teri straightened up, and put her dishes in the dishwasher. Her housekeeper would be in the next morning. However, Teri liked to at least tidy up at the end of her day. Once upstairs, she sat on the bed and continued her conversation with Richie. Finally, sleep began to take over. She shook herself awake.

“Richie, I gotta go. Falling asleep on the phone with you would probably not make a very good impression.”

They both chuckled.

“Okay, baby. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. G’Night”

“G’Ni…” Teri never finished the sentence. She fell asleep.

The Boys Are Back in Town

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

After their shower, then re-shower, Teri dressed for her trip back to her own hotel suite. This is always the awkward part.  She thought. But, this time I never wanna say goodbye. I just experienced what sex should be like. Not what I’m used to for sure.  Richie was amazing, and not just as a sexual partner. He’s witty, charming, funny, and really listened to what I had to say last night. Perfection all rolled up into one amazing man. Richie Sambora.

“So…” She said as she glanced round for anything that could occupy her, as she waited for Richie to say something.  

“So…” Richie replied.

Not much, help there my friend. Teri screamed to herself.

“Well, I guess I should get back to Gloria.” Teri said. Though, she really wanted more time with Richie.

“I guess you should,” He mumbled without much enthusiasm, but added hesitantly. “Or, we can get breakfast and I’ll get you to the hotel after word.”

“Perfect!” Teri exclaimed.

 “How about this little hole-in-the wall place, that serves the best breakfast anywhere? I go there all the time. It’s small but great food.” Richie said he was glad their time wasn’t over just yet. The two left the suite and were on the way to breakfast. In the elevator, Teri grinned.

“Good to know your suite wasn’t mine.”

Richie grinned too.

“I’m almost afraid of what the retributions would have been if it was.” He said with a fake shudder. Richie toyed with his shirt buttons as a subtle hint of Teri’s animal lust that she couldn’t be held accountable for.

Breakfast was as good as Richie built it up to be. They ordered, and coffee was on their table with in seconds of sitting down. The staff knew Richie well.

After their meal, hey strolled toward The Plaza hotel at a leisurely pace. It was almost over.

“Ter, I had a great time.”

Teri gave him a look. As if to say, you should have. We had some mind-blowing sex last night.

He smirked.

“Not just the sex, which was fucking fantastic. I mean the whole thing. The piano bar, our singing, great conversation… What I’m saying is I’d like to see you again.” He gave her his famous dimple smile. It melted 

Teri’s heart the moment she saw it.

Teri grabbed Richie’s arm, to stop him from walking any further.  She motioned across the street to Central Park. He took her hand, as he made sure they got across the street and to the park safely. The two found a bench nearby, and sat.

“I’d love to see you again Richie, and not just for the sex. Which I may add, was more than amazing. I enjoyed last night. I too had fun singing with you and hanging out.

Richie nodded his head. He had thought about that at breakfast. There will be a way. There’s always a way.

“We’ll work it out Ter, I’m here a lot. Do you get to the West coast at all?”

“Actually, I do. I’m heading out for an awards-thingy next month. I also have a few pre-production meetings with the producer of my next show who’s based out there in L.A. He’s a big contributor to the theatre I work for, and, as such, I go to him. He pays extremely well and picks up all expenses for the trip.”

Richie grinned. There’s always a way if you look hard enough.

“Well, then, now that this is settled. How about dinner this week?”

Teri grinned.

“Sure, if you want to head out to Connecticut. I’m going into hell week for my show. We go up in about a week and a half. I bet my cell, is chock full of messages. Turned the sucker off, the minute I got into the back of the limo yesterday.”

“I’m between here and my Mom’s in Jersey this week. I can make it work. I want to hear all about your shows. It sounds like a great job.”

Teri put out her hand. Richie looked at it as she offered her hand. He wasn’t expecting a hand shake to seal the deal. Then, he shook her and smiled with his dimple grin. It was a cute gesture.

The two walked the rest of the way to The Plaza, and up to Teri’s suite. Glor had packed for both of them, as she wasn’t sure exactly when Teri would return.  She could tell the minute Teri and Richie entered things were good. Very good if you go by Teri’s smile, glow, and voice. Gloria couldn’t wait to get Teri alone in the limo for some girl talk.

The three sat in the living room and got to know each other a bit better.

Gloria said, “Jon was so great last night. When we got here, he actually looked through the entire suite to make sure everything was okay, and no one was lurking around a corner, or in the shower. Then, we sat around and, had one more drink before he left. He said he hopes to see us soon.”

“Oh, good,” Teri responded. “I was a little worried at the time but, when Jon said he’d make sure you got back here okay, I had a feeling things would be fine.”

 Both Teri and Richie looked at their schedules to figure out dinner in the next few days. After some thought and a few rearranged meetings, they both cleared up the following Wednesday.

Teri gave Richie a hug. He didn’t let go right away.

Chalk another point up in Richie’s favor. He loves to hug. Teri mentally said.

“Promise I’ll call you later tonight.” Richie said as they all stood to leave.

“Promise I’ll answer.” That got Teri a tweak on her nose from Richie.

Gloria gave them a few minutes by themselves to say good-bye, after she gave Richie a small hug.

“I’ll go wait for the bellman.” She said in parting.

After the bellman arrived and got everything on a couple of trolley carts it was time to go. Richie walked them downstairs and waited with Gloria as Teri settled the bill for their mini get-a-way.  They stood with all the girls’ things across the lobby from Teri who was at the front desk.

“So, you had a good time last night?” Gloria glanced at the front desk and saw Teri was occupied with the staff member. She couldn’t help herself from asking.

“Have a good time last night?”

 “Yeah.”

“Up late?”

“Yeah.”

“Not gonna to get anything from you, am I Richie?”

“Nope.”

There was a few moments of silence.

“Don’t hurt her.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it Gloria. I’m just going to see her again for dinner. I have a lot on my plate right now. It’s casual.”

“Just treat her right, and we’re cool. I gotta look out for my girl. She doesn’t need to be hurt. She’s a good person, and my best friend. I would be a bad best friend if I didn’t watch out for her. I got her back. 

Always.”

“Message received. Glor, I have no intention of hurting Teri. We’re just gonna see where this goes, if anywhere. For the moment, as I said it’s casual.”

Gloria nodded, and then changed the subject. The two of them were talking about the evening before when 

Teri returned.

“All set. Let’s roll.” Teri proclaimed. She was ready to go home.

Richie escorted the women to their limo, and supervised the luggage and all their purchases, as they were loaded into the trunk. It didn’t fit. The driver put the overflow of packages in the front passenger seat next to him then went to help his clients into the car. Richie tipped him, and then turned to the girls. The driver opened the door and waited for them.

“Gloria, it was a pleasure meeting you. Hope to see you soon.” Richie said as he kissed her cheek.

“I hope so too Richie. I had a great time last night, thank you.”

She got in the car to leave the two one last moment alone. Richie turned to Teri.

“Talk to you later Sunshine. I have your number and will call after my session in the studio tonight.”

“Sounds perfect Richie. I’ll look forward to it. Hope your session goes well.”

They kiss goodbye. It was a little more intense then Teri expected, but she wasn’t complaining at all.

The driver closed the door after Teri was seated and comfortable. As they pulled away, Teri looked out the back window and waved. Richie couldn’t see her because of the black out windows. He waved just the same as he watched their car move into traffic and off to Connecticut.