Chapter 20

By the time the Christmas break came around Brianna was more than ready for it. Dealing with Jon was like working with Jekyll and Hyde. She never knew from one day – sometimes one minute – to the next which one was going to emerge. She didn’t have to talk to Dorothea to find out how she was feeling – Jon’s moods spoke eloquently.

The worst was the night of the first show in Montreal. The Canadian air in December was the only thing cold in the Bon Jovi camp.

Brianna surveyed the table in Jon’s dressing room, ensuring that everything he needed – or wanted – was ready and available. She checked her watch. “Do you want your ginseng now?”

She wasn’t totally surprised at the explosion that followed her simple question – he’d been surly all day.

“NO I DON’T WANT MY FUCKING GINSENG NOW!  Haven’t you learned anything? Jesus!”

Closing her eyes for a moment, she sighed and quietly left the room. Five minutes later she was sitting in the control room eyeing a bottle of wine on the refreshment table, when his raised voice echoed down the hallway.

“BRI! WHERE THE FUCK IS MY GINSENG? You know I want it fifteen minutes before showtime! How many times do you have to be fucking told?!”

Paul frowned. “Didn’t he just say he didn’t want it?”

“Yeah, but that was a couple minutes ago. Guess he changed his mind.” Dragging herself from the chair she rushed to fulfil the boss’.....request.

“Wow!” Eileen, Paul’s second in command commented softly. “I’ve never seen him like this before. What’s going on?”

“I don’t know.” Paul shook his head. “Whatever it is, he doesn’t want to share.”

“I wonder how long Brianna’s going to put up with it?”

“You and me both, Eileen, you and me both.”

“It’s too bad, she’s good. And I like her.”

“We all do. I hope he snaps out of it before he chases her off.”

Back at the hotel after the show, Jon disappeared into his room and Brianna headed for the bar. Finding a seat at an empty table in a corner, she sat and waved over a waitress. “White wine please.”

“Glass or bottle?”

“Bottle.” There was no hesitation.

She was on her second glass, her head resting against the wall, eyes closed, when the scrape of the chairs beside her told her she was no longer alone. A hand settled on her shoulder and squeezed.

“You okay nina?”

Brianna opened her eyes and managed a smile. “I’m fine Tico.”

“Are you sure?”

She turned to the concerned brown eyes on her other side. “Yes, Richie, I’m sure.”

“Well, I don’t know how you can be.” David interjected as he joined them. “Jon’s been riding you pretty hard. I’ve never seen him this bad.”

“And he won’t say what’s crawled up his ass and died.” Richie shook his head. “Whatever it is, I hope he gets over it and soon.”

Don’t count on it. I have a feeling the worst is yet to come. Brianna struggled to keep her expression neutral and not reveal her thoughts. Instead, she shrugged. “It’s no big deal. I can handle it.”

“The point is, you shouldn’t have to.” Tico argued. “There’s no reason for him to be treating you like his personal punching bag.”

The others rumbled their agreement. And for the rest of the leg of the tour, every time Jon yelled her name or raised his voice in anger, one of them would suddenly appear to help diffuse the situation, or distract Jon until he calmed down.

Her knights in shining armour coming to the rescue of a damsel in distress is how she described them to Dorothea when she called to wish her a Merry Christmas. “It’s almost amusing.”

Dorothea chuckled and shook her head. “I warned Jon he should tell the guys. If this blows up in his face he’s got no one to blame but himself.” She paused. “But I’m glad you’ve got some help. And hopefully you won’t have to carry the burden of our secret for much longer.”

“Oh? You’ve gotten some news?”

“My treatments are done, but we decided to wait on getting the results until the new year.” Her voice got so quiet Brianna almost had to strain to hear her. “I just want to forget about it for a few days and enjoy the holiday with my family.” Especially if it turns out to be my last one.

The whole sad situation wouldn't leave Brianna's mind, even during her visit with her family over Christmas.

"So how's the job going?" Her mother asked as they sat at the kitchen table with a glass of wine, enjoying the calm before the rest of the family arrived. "You've stayed on the east coast so far, right?"

"Yes. It's going pretty well. It took a little bit to figure out my routine, but I've got it down now."

"And you still like it? Or him, or whatever?"

"Yes, I do. It's interesting and exciting and for once I understand the product we're creating. And the guys are great to work with."  

Sara couldn't miss the smile on her daughter's face - one she hadn't seen in a long time. But still, she could sense something wasn't right. "Is Alex bothering you?"

Brianna's brows rose. "No. I haven't heard from him for  awhile now. Why?"

"Something is obviously bothering you. Don't look so surprised. I'm your mother. I can tell when you're upset. So what is it? Work or personal?"

Brianna sighed, but knew from experience that there was no point trying to deny it. Her mother was like a dog with a bone when it came to getting information out of her children. They could never even keep Christmas surprises if she decided she wanted to know. "Kind of....both."

"Is it your boss? Is he acting inappropriately?" It wouldn't be the first time.

"No. It's not like that." She paused. "His wife has pancreatic cancer and it doesn't look good."

"Oh, that's too bad. It's always so sad when that happens, especially to someone so young, and with young children. So is he cancelling the tour?"

"No. In fact, he even refuses to tell anyone, but she insisted that I needed to know.....and she's asked me to keep an eye on him and run interference."

"So basically you get to bear the brunt of what is sure to be some pretty difficult and emotional mood swings, with no one to share the burden, as you travel all over the world?" Sara asked incredulously.

Brianna's lips twisted into a wry smile. Trust her mother to cut right to the chase. "That pretty much sums it up. Although the guys try to step in if his temper gets too bad - even though they don't know why he's so angry with the world these days."

Sara lifted the wine bottle and emptied it into her daughter's glass. "Here, you need this more than I do. No wonder you look stressed."

“Yeah.” Brianna lifted her full glass. “Thanks.”

They sat and sipped in silence for a few minutes. Sara recognized the signs that her daughter wanted to talk, but she also knew that she needed to wait until Brianna was ready.

But it also wouldn’t hurt to push. “How are you holding up through all this?”

Brianna grimaced. “Okay, I guess. It’s just that I feel kind of useless. I’m not a grief counsellor. How do I help them? Or do I even try? I mean, it’s not really any of my business.”

“From what you’ve told me it sounds like his wife is making it your business. But at this point, I can’t see much you can do. Just be there when they need you, however they need you, whether it be a shoulder to cry on or a sounding board to vent at.” She reached over and patted Brianna’s hand. “You’ve always had good instincts on what the people around you need - that’s what’s made you such a good assistant. Trust your gut.”

Brianna nodded. “Thanks, Mom.”

Chapter 19

But of course, life doesn’t work that way.

When Jon arrived at the airfield to board the helicopter for the short trip to the Mohegan, it was obvious that his foul mood was back. Brianna hadn’t received her usual pass off call from Dorothea and had a sinking feeling that her health had taken a bad turn, but a crowded helicopter wasn’t the place to have that discussion.

In Jon’s dressing room, Brianna checked over his personal items on the counter while he flipped through the shirts in his stage wardrobe. The tense silence in the room was thick enough to cut with the proverbial knife. She opened her mouth several times to speak, then thought better of it – she still wasn’t comfortable intruding into their personal business - and closed it again.

But her conscience and the vision of Dorothea’s face when she asked her to look out for him finally forced her to speak. “Jon.....is something wrong? Is it Dorothea?”

He froze for a second, then continued shifting hangers in silence.

Brianna sighed, but pushed forward. “Jon? Did something happen? Is she feeling worse?”

“Can you just mind your own fucking business and leave me the fuck alone?!”  

Calmly, and quietly, Brianna set down the bottle of cologne in her hand and left the room. The sympathetic looks from several staffers told her everyone in the vicinity had heard him and sent her in search of some fresh air. Leaning against the side of the building, she stared at her phone for several long minutes before dialing. “Hi Dorothea, it’s Brianna. Is something going on I should be aware of?”

Dorothea sighed. “Is he bad?”

“Let’s just say the bear is in residence.....and refusing to talk about what burr’s stuck up his ass.”

“That’s some visual.” Dorothea laughed.

“Is there a problem?”

“Kind of.” She hesitated. “My hair has started falling out. Stephanie was brushing my hair and a clump came out. She freaked out. I told her that when you get to be my age and you have long hair it tends to break more. Not sure she bought it.” She sighed. “Then Jon and I had a big fight when I brought up telling the kids again.”

“Okay, yeah, that explains it. So.....not a good week then huh?”

“Not really. Pretty much feeling like crap.”

Brianna winced sympathetically. “Sorry, I’ll let you go rest. Call me if you need anything.”

“I will. Thanks Bri. And call me if Jon gets out of control.”

“Jon? Out of control?” Brianna snorted in disbelief.

Dorothea chuckled. “Just let me know. I’ll call him and see if I can calm him down.”

“Will do. Take care Dot.” Brianna hung up, but didn’t rush back inside.

The door beside her opened and a staffer stuck his head out, his relief evident when he saw her. “He’s looking for you.”

Brianna grimaced, but nodded. “Okay. Thanks.” She waited another minute, took a deep breath and went to face the bear.

Hesitating outside his door, she felt hands settle on her shoulders and squeeze. She turned her head to see David smiling at her gently.

“His roar is worse than his bite.” He assured her. “If you ever need a shoulder.....”

“Thanks David.”

The door in front of her jerked open. “BRI....oh. There you are.” His eyes narrowed at the scene in before him. “Am I interrupting something?”

“Just offering a little moral support for Red Riding Hood here about to enter the bear’s den.”

“Careful there Goldilocks or you might be the one on the menu.” Jon retorted, motioning Brianna into his dressing room.

“You guys need refreshers on your nursery rhymes.” Brianna managed a realistic frown as she stepped past her boss. “You’ve got them all mixed up.”

“Holler if you need rescuing.” David winked at her. “Maybe we can distract him with a nice pic-a-nic basket, hey Boo-Boo?”

Jon shook his head as he closed the door.

“He’s.......nuts.” Brianna spit out around her laughter.

“Just wait. You’ve only seen the tip of that crazy iceberg.” He motioned her towards a chair and waited for her to sit before speaking again. “Bri....I want to apologize for my behaviour earlier. You didn’t do anything wrong and I shouldn’t have yelled at you.” He started to pace. “Dorothea says I need to stop bottling up my feelings about....all this...and talk to someone.” His glance shot to her. “In case you haven’t noticed, she’s volunteered you to be my sounding board.”

Brianna smiled wryly. “I’m aware. I’m also aware that this is an intensely personal situation and that it’s not easy for you to talk about.” She paused. “If you really don’t want to I understand, but it might help a little – if only to vent some of those feelings so that they don’t burst out at some inopportune time and at some unsuspecting soul.”

The stubborn expression that hardened his face didn’t surprise her and she wasn’t sure how to bring him around – or if she should even try. “Jon....I’m here if you want to talk, or vent or whatever. I’ve got a thick skin, I can take it. And better that you blow up at me than at your friends or the crew. I’m willing to be your buffer.” She searched his face. “Think about it. I’m here to help you in whatever way I can.”

Jon turned on his heel towards his wardrobe and raked a hand through his hair. “There’s one thing you can help me with right now.”

“Sure. What do you need?”

“Pick out a shirt.” He waved at the dozen on hangers in the wardrobe.

“What colour pants are you wearing?”

“Black.”

While she flipped through hangers, he sat in the vacated chair and closed his eyes.  This time the long minutes of silence weren’t uncomfortable. Finally, he sighed. “Dot’s hair is falling out. Steph saw and freaked out.”

Brianna debated whether to acknowledge that she’d talked to Dorothea, but decided to just let him talk and get it out. “That must have been rough – for everyone.”

“Yeah.” He was silent again for several moments. “Dot wants to tell the kids.”

“And you don’t want to.” It was more of a statement than a question.

“No.”

Feeling totally at sea, unsure how to deal with him, she didn’t know whether to push or let it be. I’m not trained for this! Taking a calming breath she went with her instincts. “Why not?”

“They don’t need to know. It would only upset them.”

“Is that it? Or is it that if you tell them it becomes real?” Even though he scowled at her, Brianna pressed on. “Their mother is sick. Even at their ages, they – well, maybe not Romeo but the rest - can see that. Especially Steph. If you just ignore it, they may resent you later. Plus it’s got to be hard on Dot to try and pretend everything’s fine, particularly on her bad days.” Her voice gentled and she chose her words carefully to instigate consideration, and not sound accusing. “That’s a lot of extra stress on her.”

Deciding she’d gone as far as she dared, Brianna handed him a shirt. “I’ll let you get changed. Let me know when you’re ready for your tea.”

That night when he got home, Dorothea awoke as he crawled into bed. “How was the show?”

“The show was fine.”

The emphasis on the word ‘show’ told her something was bothering him...and he was ready to talk about it. “What’s wrong?”

He was silent for so long she began to think he wasn’t going to talk after all. “Jon?”

Jon rubbed his hands over his face. “You really think we should tell the kids?”

Dorothea’s eyebrows rose in surprise, but she wasn’t about to let the opportunity pass. “Yes. At least that I’m sick.” She paused and lifted a hand to smooth out the frown wrinkling his brow. “I know you don’t want to upset them, but I don’t know how long I can continue to try and pretend that nothing’s wrong. It’s exhausting. And I don’t think Stephanie is buying it anymore.”

He sighed heavily. “Okay. We’ll tell them tomorrow – not that it’s cancer, just that you’re sick. I still don’t want to scare them unnecessarily, but maybe we should be honest about you not feeling well.”

It wasn’t everything she wanted, but it was a step in the right direction. “I’m not complaining, but you were so set against telling them anything, I have to ask. What changed your mind?”

Jon grimaced. “Bri doesn’t fight fair.” He frowned at his wife. “I don’t think you being so friendly with her is such a good idea.”

“Oh?  Why not?” Dorothea fought back a smile.

“You’ve obviously taught her what my weakness is and she’s not hesitating to exploit that.” Grimace turned to a scowl. “You’re joining forces.....and that can’t be good for me.”

The smile won out, along with a chuckle. “Poor baby.” She patted his cheek. “Somehow I think you can survive it. The bigger question is whether she can survive the bear.”

“David suggested a nice pic-a-nic basket.”

Dorothea burst out laughing. “Are you Yogi or Boo-Boo?”

“Boo-Boo.....I think.”

She laughed even harder. “At least you’re the smart one. And look at the upside.....if you don’t give up the cigarettes you could be Smoky.”

“Ha, ha.” He rolled onto his side facing away from her, not bothering to tell her he hadn’t had a cigarette since the day she was diagnosed. Obviously – and understandably so - her illness was weighing so heavily on her mind she hadn’t even noticed. “I’m going to sleep. Good night.”

Dorothea snuggled up against his back, still chuckling. “Night honey.” She kissed his shoulder. “I love you.”

Chapter 18

Over the next few days Brianna was kept running learning the routine of a tour and her place in it while keeping the peace between Jon and......everyone else. Luckily, Jon was making an effort as well and seemed calmer.

As she watched him, Brianna started to wonder if it was the music that soothed him – which made sense, since God knew it had worked for her many times in the past. The only time he seemed truly at ease was when he was on stage.

And if watching him up there, doing what he did so well, was anything but soothing for her, well, she – and her libido – were just going to have to suck it up and deal. While the swirling stomach and spreading warmth further down were her body’s typical reaction to seeing him in concert, it wasn’t exactly the appropriate response of an employee to her boss.  Of course, if he didn’t strip off his sweaty shirt and toss it at her every time he left the stage it would be a bit easier.

After DesMoines and Chicago they had a couple days off and headed home. As soon as they landed at Teterboro and Jon climbed into the car, Brianna pulled out her phone, feeling like a relay participant handing off a hot potato.

“Dot? Hi. He’s in the car and headed home.”

“Okay, thanks. How was your introduction to tour life?”

“Not too bad. After that first day he made an effort to control the temper and focus on work.” Brianna answered.

Dorothea chuckled. “I was asking about you not him.”

“Oh. It was okay. I’m still trying to adjust to the vampire hours and figure out exactly where I fit into the routine, but I’m learning.”

“You’ll find your place quickly, I’m sure. Are you enjoying it?”

“It’s only been a few days, but....I am. It’s exciting and challenging and I love it!” And if Dorothea was healthy and Jon was happy it would be perfect.

“I’m glad. Don’t let the guys give you a hard time.”

Brianna laughed. “So far so good.  Although I get the feeling they’re still seizing me up.” She’d noticed Richie and David in particular watching her a lot. Her ego would like to think they found her attractive, but her rational side said that they were evaluating her abilities.

“Probably looking for a good way to punk you. Be on the lookout.” Dorothea warned her.

“I will.”

Two days later the process reversed.

“Tag. You’re it.” Was Dorothea’s greeting when Brianna answered her phone.

Brianna laughed and gave Vicky the thumbs up. This flight would be on time. “You sound like you’re feeling pretty good today.”

“I am. This round hasn’t been as bad as the last one. Plus I finally got a couple nights of solid sleep and that helped.”

Dorothea’s upbeat mood and voice gave Brianna a ray of hope that the treatments were working and there might be a happy outcome after all. “That’s great!”  It also meant that Jon was probably in a better mood as well and that made everyone’s life easier.

Her premonition was proven right an hour later when Jon arrived and bounded up the stairs and onto the plane. “Everybody here? Good. Let’s go. Paul! What have you got for me?”

With a collective sigh of relief, the mood of the plane lightened considerably, and everyone settled in for the short flight to Cleveland.

Arriving at the hotel, Jon turned to Brianna. “Bri could you bring me the report on that project with Habitat please?”

“Do you want email or hard copy?”

“Um....hard copy....with your notes.” When she started digging in her bag, he waved a hand. “Get settled in your room first and bring it by my room later.”

“Okay.”

Behind them David and Richie exchanged glances.

With the tour routine back on track, Brianna could focus on defining the boundaries of her role. The guys and the crew were more than happy to help her. Sometimes they were helpful, sometimes she knew they were messing with her......and sometimes she just wasn’t sure.

“Bri!” Jon opened the door to his dressing room and yelled down the hallway.

“Yes?” Brianna stepped out of the control room where she’d been waiting for Jon to shower after the show. She was looking forward to going back to the hotel, having a glass of wine and putting her feet up. She might even manage to get more than 4 hours sleep.

“I’m out of deodorant!”

“Do you have any at the hotel?”

“No, I’m out there too.”

“Okay.” She started to turn away when two more doors opened.

“If you’re going Brianna, I could use some toothpaste.” Richie called.

“And I’m out of shaving cream. The kind for sensitive skin.” David added his request, one hand rising to stroke his chin. “I have a very delicate face.”

Brianna snorted and stared at them, trying to determine if they were serious. Finally she decided it didn’t matter and sighed. “Anything else?”

At their negative reply, she turned and headed for the nearest door. “Could they let me know this afternoon? Or anytime before the show? Nooooo.” She grumbled to herself. “They have to wait until midnight and the majority of the stores are closed, just to make it more challenging for me.”

“Hey Brianna, where you going?” Mike, the head of security stopped her as she passed him in the hallway. “We’ll be heading out soon.”

“I’m heading out now. Have to find an all night drugstore or a variety store or something. I’ll find my own way back to the hotel.”

“Are you sure? Do you want someone to go with you?” He didn’t like the idea of her wandering around a strange city at this time of night alone.

“No, that’s okay, I’ll be fine. I’ve got my phone.”

“Okay, but be careful.”

She smiled. “I will.”

Hopping into a cab, she asked the driver to take her to a 24hr drugstore. Inside, she hit the toiletry aisle, thankful she’d taken note of Jon’s preferred brands when she set up his dressing room. As for the other two….if they were going to send her out at midnight they were going to have to take what she got them.

Arriving back at the hotel, she found a bag full of laundry leaning against the door to her room. “You’ve got to be kidding me! We’ve only been away from home for four days!  There’s no way he’s got this much laundry already!” It wasn’t stage wear – that was done by the wardrobe department.

Opening the bag, she frowned at the pair of jeans that were on top. Something didn’t look right. Pulling them out, one glance at the long length of the legs told her what was wrong. The shirt underneath had her growling….since she’d seen it on a certain curly haired keyboard player just yesterday.  “Hey!”

Suddenly her frown slowly turned into a grin. “Okay. If you want to play it that way….game on!”

After grabbing a few hours sleep, Brianna went in search of the concierge. “Hi. Can you tell me where a decent laundromat is?”

“We’d be happy to take care of that for you.” The concierge assured her.

“Thanks, but this is something I need to take care of personally.”

At the laundromat, Brianna surveyed the vending machine options. Detergent, fabric softener…..ah, here we go...bleach and starch.

When Jon climbed onto the stage for sound check, he couldn’t help but notice David having trouble stepping up onto his riser. It was like his leg wouldn’t lift that high. Turning to Richie to crack a joke, he found his wingman walking like he had a pole up his ass.

“What’s wrong with you two?”

“What do you mean?” Richie asked.

“Why are you and Lemma moving like your legs or your backs are broken?”

Richie exchanged a glance with David before answering. “You’ve had Brianna do your laundry before, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Ever had any.......problems with it?”

“No, why?”

“Well, we kinda snuck our laundry in with yours outside her door last night.”

Jon was beginning to see where this was going. The corners of his lips started to lift. “What did she do to it?”

“Put so much fucking starch in my jeans I can’t bend my legs!” 

“Is that all?” Jon was a little disappointed. He was expecting more.

David grimaced. “Well.....no.”

When he didn’t elaborate, he had Jon’s full attention. “Well? What did she do?”

With another exchanged glance, Richie and David both undid their jeans, turned their backs to Jon and pulled them down to their knees.

Centred on their asses were perfectly shaped hearts bleached into their dark boxers.

What started as a snicker quickly escalated into full out laughter. “How did she get them so perfectly shaped?”

“Nevermind that! What are we going to do about it?”

“Maybe next time you assholes should ask her to help, instead of just dumping it on her and expecting her to.” Tico suggested as he stepped up behind his kit.

There was a moment of silence while his bandmates considered that idea.

“Naw!”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

Jon shook his head. “If you guys piss her off and push her into quitting, I’ll kick both your asses!”

“And she’s already drawn you the targets.” Hugh pointed out.

Standing to the side and slightly behind the stage, Brianna listened to the men’s conversation and grinned. This was exactly what she’d been hoping for when she applied for this job. Challenging, interesting work, and fun people to work with. She just hoped it stayed this way.

Chapter 17

Brianna slid into her car and gripped the wheel, her conversation with Dorothea swirling around her head.  She still couldn’t believe it. Cancer! Wow! And from what she picked up from Dorothea’s expressions and tone even more than her words, a good outcome was not expected. Poor Dorothea! Those poor kids!  Poor Jon!

She closed her eyes and leaned her back against the seat. How was she supposed to help him through whatever was going to happen during the tour?  She was his assistant, not his social worker! What the hell did she know about grief counselling?

The thought of what the next few months would bring added to her fatigue and fanned the embers of the headache smouldering behind her eyes. What she’d been looking forward to as a dream adventure was going to be more like a nightmare journey.

A knock on the window startled her. She opened her eyes to see Stephanie standing beside her door and rolled down the window. “Hey Steph.”

“Dad said this is to go back to Paul.” She handed over a thick folder.

“Thanks.”

“You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m just tired.” Brianna managed a weak smile.

Stephanie shot a glance towards the house. “Lot of that going around lately.”

“Mmmmm. Tour preparation is taking its toll on everyone I guess.” Brianna was pleased to be able to keep her agreement not to tell the kids while avoiding an outright lie.

That agreement for silence was harder to keep over the next few days.  She didn’t like lying to people, but she respected Dorothea’s right to her privacy. But it wasn’t easy. While Jon no longer ignored her calls and tried to be more available, he still didn’t want to talk about it – which was fine by her since she had no idea what to say anyway – and he still missed several meetings and a few interviews had to be rescheduled. When that happened, Brianna was forced to field a lot of questions without giving any concrete answers. I could be a politician! Brianna shook her head at herself as she hung up after rescheduling yet another interview, then trying to calm an agitated PR department. Good thing the band is already well established, because this isn’t enticing the media to help them out any.  It wasn’t doing much for crew morale either. And she had a feeling it was only going to get worse.

Finally it was tour departure day.  Brianna arrived at the Teterboro airport three hours before takeoff to make sure everything was in order and she hadn’t forgotten anything.

Vicky, the band’s long time flight attendant, smiled sympathetically as she watched Brianna pace the length of the plane, checking that everything Jon could want or need was available. “Relax Brianna. We’ve pretty much got this down pat by now. He won’t have any reason to get upset.”

Not here anyway. Brianna grimaced. “I know. You and the rest of the flight crew are extremely competent.” At Vicky’s raised eyebrow she shrugged. “Jon wouldn’t hire you otherwise. It’s just....”

“That this is your first tour and you want everything to be perfect.” Vicky finished for her. “I get it. Stop worrying. You’ve got everything under control.” Her lips twitched. “Jon wouldn’t have hired you if you weren’t extremely competent.”  

Brianna smiled at having her assuring words given back to her. “I guess we’re about to find out.”

By the time the band members started to arrive, Brianna was pacing the tarmac, checking her watch every few minutes and ignoring the brisk November wind.

“Nina! What are you doing standing out here?” Tico handed his bags to a crew member to store in the baggage compartment and gave her a hug. “Why aren’t you on the plane?”

“I’m waiting for Jon.”

“And trying to wear off some nervous energy?” Richie guessed as he joined them.

Brianna smiled wryly. “Maybe.”

“Why don’t you pace inside the terminal?” Richie shivered. “It’s the fucking Arctic out here!”

“You’ve been in California too long Swingman.” David announced his arrival. “This is just a nice fall day in Jersey.” He bent to kiss Brianna’s cheek. “You look tired Beautiful and we haven’t even gotten started yet.”

Brianna grimaced. “Gee, thanks David.”

One strong arm circled her shoulders and squeezed. “Don’t worry, you’ll adjust.” David glanced around. “Where’s our fearless leader?”

“Not here yet.” Brianna checked her watch yet again. “You guys should board. I’ll wait for Jon.”  

“You should board too.” Richie argued. “You don’t want to catch a cold.”

Brianna couldn’t hold back a shiver as a gust of wind blew over them. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

The guys had barely disappeared from sight when Brianna’s phone rang. A glance at the display told her it was from the Bongiovis, but not the one she was waiting for. “Brianna speaking.”

“Hi Bri, it’s Dot. I just wanted to let you know Jon’s on his way.”

Brianna checked her watch again. “Did he just leave?”

“Yes. Jake threw a bit of a fit about his daddy going away.” Dorothea hesitated. “All things considered, he had a hard time leaving.”

“I’m sure.” Brianna grimaced. “I’ll let the crew know.” They were supposed to be wheels up in ten minutes, but that obviously wasn’t going to happen. “How are you feeling today?”

“Not too bad. Better than I will tomorrow.” The next day was her next chemo treatment. She swallowed and took a deep breath. “Bri.....take care of him for me.”

“I will.”

“Please don’t let his foul temper chase you away. He....needs you. Be patient with him.”

“I’ll do my best.” Amber eyes filled with tears. “I promise.”

“Thank you. I’ll touch base with you regularly and let you know what’s going on.....and try to help you deal with him.”

Hanging up, Brianna took a moment to bring her emotions under control then boarded the plane in search of the pilot.

“We’re going to be delayed about an hour.”

“Jon get held up?” Vicky asked. Brianna nodded.

“What’s the matter, didn’t want to leave hearth and home this time?” David asked.

If you only knew! “Jakey threw a fit about his daddy leaving. It took him awhile to calm him down and get away.” Again, not the whole truth but not a lie.

When Jon appeared an hour later one look at his face warned everyone to give him a wide berth. He was not a happy man.

Paul decided to ignore the warning. “Jon, there’s a few things I need to go over with you before we land in Des Moines.”

“Can I not have five fucking minutes to sit down and get settled before you bombard me?” Jon snarled.

The group fell silent while eyebrows rose and glances were exchanged.

Oh yay. Here we go. Brianna took the seat beside Paul as Vicky closed the doors and prepared for takeoff. “What do you need from him?”

Paul eyed her for a long moment. “This is going to be a long tour isn’t it.”

“I have a feeling that it isn’t going to be an easy one at least.”

“What the fuck is going on with him?”

“Who can say?” Brianna replied noncommittally.

Paul sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. “There’s a bunch of guitars and other merch I need him – and the others to sign, and a local promoter would like a few minutes ....”

Brianna made notes as he reeled off the list of items he felt Jon should be aware of. “Okay. I’ll make sure he’s got it and get you what you need.”

“Thanks.” Paul was more than a little pissed that he had to deal with Jon’s assistant instead of Jon himself – he thought their relationship was beyond that – but if that’s what it took to get the job done, he’d suck it up. And it wasn’t her fault. “Brianna....I’m sorry you have to deal with this.”

She smiled and patted his hand. “No problem. I’m happy to help any way I can. And it’s not the worst I’ve ever dealt with.”

When they reached cruising altitude and the captain gave the signal they could release their seat belts, Brianna approached Jon. “Coffee or wine?”

He looked up at her and grimaced. “Better make it coffee.....please.”

The politesse was obviously an afterthought, but at least it was something.

“Food?”

This time he just shook his head.  Brianna hesitated, set her hand on his shoulder and squeezed before retreating down the aisle to pass on his request to Vicki.

Returning, she took the seat facing him. “Are you ready to take a look at what Paul needs?”

Jon sighed, but nodded. “Yeah.” He glanced around the plane until he found the head of his management team. “Paul!” He waved him forward. A glance at Brianna had his lips twisting. “Yes, I’ll apologize.”

At Paul’s approach, Brianna moved over and let him take her seat.

“Sorry man, what do you need?” Jon forced himself into work mode.

On the other side of the plane, Richie nudged David. “Did you see that?”

“What?”

“Brianna and Jon.”

“Yeah. Wonder what the deal is. Looked like a little more than boss and assistant to me.” David eyed the two in question.

“Yeah. Me too. I warned him hiring her might not be such a good idea.”

“I hope this doesn’t blow up in his face.”