One Light Burning: A Bon Jovi Fanfic

Chapter 4

We were downstairs in the hotel lobby waiting for Tico to come down. I just met David who was pretty cool. Him and Jon were talking to me and Richie when Tico finally appeared and we were introduced.
"Nice to meet you. Richie hasn't shut up about you since you guys met." Tico gave me a big smile as Richie punched him in the arm.
"I should get going, it was great meeting you all. I'm off work tonight Rich if you're free." I said as I grabbed my purse.
"Oooo can I come too?" Jon asked excitedly.
"That actually sounds like a good idea. Why don't we all go out together? That way you guys can all get to know each other better." Richie suggested.
It did sound like a lot of fun. The band was pretty sweet and considering the fact that they were on their way to becoming famous rock stars they probably knew how to have a good time.
"Sure why not? Be at my apartment when ever." I gave Richie a quick hug before saying my goodbyes and we parted ways.
<****************************>
I'd just finished putting on my heels when I heard a knock at the door. I looked in the mirror one last time before going to open up.
The guys greeted me with a chorus of hellos and we were off.
They ended up taking me to this little bar with great music and so far the night was going well.
All of us ended up having a little too much to drink and before I knew it I was completely wasted. I clumsily danced, Tico spinning me around, both of us laughing idiotically. Richie grabbed my other hand, almost making me trip as we tried to dance which was becoming harder and harder to do.
Somehow I ended up on Jon's lap, giggling uncontrollably as he kissed my neck. I remember looking over at Richie at this point, the only thing I clearly remember from that night, and seeing a look of anger and frustration on his face. What was he so mad about? Did he not like me making a move on his friend? Or did he not want Jon to make a move on me? Either way the second I saw him I got off Jon's lap, ignoring his attempts to pull me back, walked right over to Richie and gave him a tight hug, hoping in my drunken state that this would make up for it.
It apparently did because he wrapped his arms around me in response and when I pulled back I saw a sweet, hazy smile on his face. We finally went back to the hotel and me and Richie stumbled up to his room to pass out.
<**************************>
I woke up strewn across Richie's bed, his head resting on my stomach, his hand gripping my shirt.
I sat up, giving little consideration to the person using me as a pillow, causing him to wake up with a startled grunt. We both groaned, the hangover hitting us like a brick.
"Oh shit." I said, rubbing my head. All Richie did was let out a pained groan in response, rolling into his back, stuffing a pillow over his face.
Gosh how wasted were we last night?
Richie literally dragged himself out of bed and started out towards the bathroom but ended up tripping.
I would have laughed but I felt too terrible.
After a good minute he got up and shuffled into the bathroom, splashing cool water on his face.
He then left and came back 15 minutes later with some coffee from the breakfast downstairs. I took a sip before setting the cup down and resting my head on a pillow.
"I. Feel. Like. Crap." I groaned.
"Me too." He replied, setting his cup down as well and coming to rest next to me.
"When my head stops pounding so much I'll go get some aspirin from David or something."
"Thank God."
An hour later me and Richie left the room to retrieve more coffee and stop by David, who seemed to be in just as bad a shape as us, dark circles under his eyes, hair disheveled. Thankfully he had a spare bottle of aspirin, anticipating the end to our aches and pains.
We were relaxing on the couch when I decided to ask him about the thing with Jon last night.
"Richie do you remember last night...when I was sitting on Jon's lap?" I attempted to ask casually.
"Yep." He replied with bitter sarcasm.
"I saw that it upset you and I'm sorry, but why did it bug you so much?"
He sat there for a minute thinking.
"It's just I care about you a lot and I got a little protective. Jon's my buddy but I know how he is with girls and I don't want you to become another one of his little play things. Just do me a favor and steer clear of him. Sure you can be friends and get along but I'd prefer nothing beyond that." I don't think I'd ever seen him so serious.
"Of course anything you want.Thanks for looking out for me." Though I didn't really care for him telling me who I could and couldn't date I appreciated his concern. He leaned over and gave me a hug, butterflies swarming in my stomachs and I almost pulled him back to me when he ended the embrace, not wanting him to let go.
How had I befriended such a great person? Our relationship was odd and sudden yet I felt like I'd known him forever and I'd never care for anyone else the way I cared for him.