Cowboy Diaries - a Jon Bon Jovi fan fiction

21: Blood On Blood

21. December 1991, Count Basie Theater, NJ

Jon's  POV

"So here it is." I said as I handed Richie the set list for this evening. He took it and skimmed over the songs, nodding his head in approval. His eyes stopped at the end of the sheet. 

"So you're really gonna do it?" He wanted to know. 

"Yes, I think it's the only chance to reach her. And Bed of Roses was just written for her, so why not? It's the only reason I want to perform it."

"Alright. But can we practice I Want You one more time with the boys? I still don't have everything in mind." 

I nodded and went  to search Dave, Tico and Hugh. Yes, we had a new bass player now. Hugh McDonald. He was the one who already had played on Runaway, so I knew him.

And he was the only one we could think of rather spontaneously. For our next album we wanted to hold a proper audition, but we were happy that Hugh had agreed for now and even though he didn't talk much he was a nice guy and a good player. We all got along with him well, and also with each other again.

At first I had not wanted to admit it, but our therapy session had really helped us a lot, we now knew what our issues were and we were willing to get rid of them.

We played for around two more hours. Soon, people would be showing up. I looked at the still empty seats. I couldn't help but wonder if anyone would even appear later on, even though I knew the concert had been sold out immediately. 

It will be strange standing on a stage again after such a long time. I know it may not seem as too long, but it was my longest break from playing a stage ever, and admittedly I was nervous.

What if everything would turn out wrong again? Well, we had security this time. 

But what if I didn't know how to perform anymore? If I couldn't reach the high notes?

My worrying was interrupted by our makeup artist telling me it was my turn now. Yes I had wanted to get rid of the glam look, but a bit of makeup was just what every artist would normally wear, especially when being broadcast on tv.

So I quickly changed my clothes and then got into one of the spare rooms where our styling crew had prepared their desks. About 15 minutes later I was done. I took a last look in the mirror, checking out if I looked okay. 

I had decided for a rather basic outfit: blue jeans, a blouse with different blue patterns and black sneakers. Also I decided to put on my snakeskin jacket for the first songs. I was excited that I now finally got to wear it for an occasion.

I quickly ran a hand through my long hair, which this time wasn't styled at all, just how I wanted it. Then I smiled slightly, being satisfied with my appearance, and got on my way to find a can of beer or coke in the little fridge that stood here. 

I needed to wake myself up a bit, even though I knew the excitement and also the fear would kick in anyway soon. I grouped my band for one last motivational speech and to tell them some more details about how I wanted the show to work and where I would put my two main speeches.

Yes, I really had two very important things to say. One was for all of the fans, but the second one was a very personal one. But you will see later...

Mary's  POV

Boston, USA