Chapter Twenty

Back in the car with Alex, he told me Di had managed to move me to the Marriott a little further across town, the guys had decided they would stay at the Ritz Carlton to keep the press away for as long as they could; Rich was going to drop off my things later so not to arouse suspicion with the press too.

I sat back and thought on the conversation and meeting I had just had with Michael, I had to talk to Dot too and let her know the outcome, even though she was spitting mad with me, and more than likely would hang up, she had to be told.

Alex pulled up to the Marriott and with no press, getting settled into my suite at the Marriott was a breeze. How long it could be kept from the press though, was another matter.
It was a waiting game. Although the staff had been sworn to secrecy when money was offered its amazing how things slip out.

My suite was light and airy, furnished in pastel green and cream, with aqua accents, the usual things were accessible, mini bar, fridge full of snacks, together with coffee making facilities, TV, and everything else that's normal in hotel living.
I needed a drink, despite Michael being professional no drinks were offered and my throat was dry.  walking over to the fridge I opened the door and looked inside, a selection of alcoholic beverages were there, but I needed something to freshen my mouth so grabbed a bottle of water.

The drapes to the veranda were drawn and left the room looking dark, I needed light.
Daylight burst into the room as I opened the drapes and threw open the door, the breeze blowing through to the room clearing everything including the cobwebs that was haunting my mind. I stood overlooking the city and drinking the water that was chilled and soothed my throat as I drank.

Putting my bottle on the table, I pulled my cigarettes from my pocket, took one from the pack, lit it and inhaled deeply, the nicotine relaxing my body and mind allowing me to think about the call I was going to have with dot, I played it through over and over until I was comfortable in what I was going to say. As I threw the butt over the edge I thought about how Dot would have reacted to me smoking again. She had banned me smoking in the house and round the kids as she detested it; she asked over and over what was so enjoyable about smelling like an ashtray, which made me smile.

I really missed Dot. We had been through so much together; she was my rock always strong, independent and with her own voice. She refused to live in my shadow and had proved on more than one occasion her own strength.

Grabbing my water from the table I walked back into the room and across to the phone table; with
Phone receiver in my hand I dialled home. It rang and rang but eventually the phone was answered, "hello" Jesse had picked up the call.
"Jesse?"
"Dad?"
"Yeah, are you and the guys ok?"
"Were fine pop, but what's with mom, all she seems to do is walk around cussing you and crying, what's going on?"
It was clear that the kids had not seen the TV, which figured as they had so many outside activities they were never home long enough for TV, and they had heard crap from friends before, but unless they heard it from me or dot they always refused to believe it.
I knew my son needed to know, shit all my kids did, but now was not the time.
So I made out it was nothing.
Jesse seemed ok with my explanation as he continued the conversation.
"So, you want mom?"
"Yeah, please...."
"Ok, I'll go get her,"
"Jesse..."
"Yeah"
"You know I love you guy's right?"
"Course pop, you sure everything's ok?"
"Yeah, I'm sure, go get your mom."
"Ok"
I heard the receiver being laid on the table as Jesse set off to get Dot calling out for her. I waited and could hear the hallway clock ticking in the background. It was like it was ticking away the minutes of my life and I was on borrowed time, tick tock, tick tock, my thoughts were broken as dot picked up the handset and spoke.
"Jon?"
"Yeah"
"What do you want, I am right in the middle of teaching a Karate class, can this wait?"
"Sorry, but know it can't wait, I need to talk with you."
I was greeted by silence at the end of the phone. I spoke to check she was still there.
"Dot?"
"Yeah, I'm here, I'm waiting, can you hurry this up already."
frustration and lack of tolerance was noted in her tone.
"I have been to see my lawyer today, about everything that is happening."
"with your affairs right?"
"no Dot, with the stalker, I am not having a god damn affair, I wish you would believe me."
"Whatever Jon, I am tired of this crap, so what he say?"
"He is worried about you and the kids safety"
"Why?, that's bull, were fine."
"really are you? you receive a letter from someone that claims to have had sex with me and has a child and because she seems to have my features you automatically condemn me? that's not my Dot, or my wife."
"pretty strong evidence Jon, the child is the spitting image of you"
"Really so I am the only Bongiovi then that could be the pop right?"
"What?"
"What I am saying is, Rich remembered the girl and that Matt went out with her a couple of times on the last tour. instead of assuming I am guilty look for my innocence and trust me?"
I knew what I had said had given Dot reason for more thought.
"right, ok, well yeah that does shed another light on it, but I will talk with Richie too, your not off the hook yet."
"Hey that's fine, just give me a chance babe."
"So what this lawyer guy suggest then."
"He's applying for a restraining order, and wants me to increase security at the house for you and the kids. He said the restraining order may not stop her, but at least she can be arrested when she breaks it. I've spoken to Colin and he is sending over a team to sit and survey the house and make sure your all safe."
"Ok, but what if the kids ask questions about security Jon, they aint stupid ya know."
"just tell them the truth Dot. we have no reason to lie."
"Ok, but they will have questions."
"if they do they can ring me, and I will be home on Friday."
absent mindedly I lit another cigarette while on the phone. "You smoking again?"
"Yeah, I'm smoking to many right now."
"Well smoking aint gonna help is it?, apart from kill you quicker... Jon, quit the weed please, if not for me, for your kids. we all hate it, you know that."
"I will, I promise."
"Ok, right well I have to go, my class is waiting."
"Ok, fine, and Dot, Thank you..."
"for what?"
"for finally listening to me.."
"fine, look I'll talk later. bye"
the phone was hung up and left me with silence, but I felt far calmer than I had for ages, Dot had listened to me and we had a rational conversation, one without blame for a change. In my heart there was a new hope. stubbing out the but of the cigarette I left my room and decided I wanted some company and headed down to the hotel bar.