Thursday, March 26, 2009

Chapter Seven

The following two weeks went by faster then Jon had anticipated. He was kept busy spending time with his kids, dedicating at least one day with each individually. His day with Stephanie was spent shopping in the city, Jesse’s was spent at a Notre Dame College Football game, and Jake’s and Romeo’s each consisted of just playing around the house. Jon’s time with his kids had always been few and selected due to his line of work, so he had always made sure that during his breaks he spent as much time as he possibly could with his children.

Now here he was in Philadelphia once again, sitting at his desk looking through some of the proposals that several charities had sent his way. Just as he was starting to think to himself that he needed some coffee there was a knock at his door. “Come in.”

Nikki slowly opened the door peaking in to make sure that Jon wasn’t in the middle of a meeting or phone call. Seeing that the coast was clear, she made her way into the office, closing the door behind her and walked up to Jon’s desk setting down a cup. “I thought you might be ready for a nice cup of coffee.” The site before her frightened Nikki slightly, in the time that she had been Jon’s assistant at the Philadelphia Soul, and the time before that when she had been a fan; she couldn’t recall ever seeing Jon look so down before. He had dark circles under his eyes, and at least a two or three day beard growing, just to look at him sent a shock of sadness through Nikki. “Have a rough couple weeks at home Jon?”

Thanking her for the coffee with a nod, Jon held the cup with both hands as he felt the hot liquid go down his throat. “What do you mean?” Setting the cup down after a few more sips, Jon again started sorting out the papers scattered about his desk.

“Oh.. Nothing.. It’s just that you look really tired or something. Looks like something is bothering you is all.” Nikki was afraid that she may be pushing slightly, but she had always been the type to make sure that everyone was ok.

“Oh. Yea.. Its nothing.. Just some things going on at home. I’m fine. Thanks for asking though..” Nodding her head Nikki gave Jon a small grin and then turned on her heel to leave his office. “Oh Nikki.. Before you leave.” As she opened the door, she looked over her shoulder to Jon still sitting at his desk. “Can you see to it that I’m not disturbed today, with visitors or phone calls. Besides Richie.. He’s suppose to be stopping by to talk shop with me.”

“Of course.” With that Nikki gently closed the door and went back to her own desk.

About an hour later, as Nikki was finishing up one her ‘spokesperson’ projects she heard a slightly familiar voice down the hall. Looking in the direction the voice was coming from, she waited to see who it was. As he came into view Nikki felt her heart skip a beat. What are you doing!?! Get yourself together Girl! She thought to herself as Richie approached her desk.

“Well Hello there darlin’” Richie flashed a smile at Nikki as he walked around her desk to embrace her in a hug.

“Hello there Richie.. Good to see you again.”

“How have you been?” Richie perched himself on the edge of her desk.

Taking a seat in her chair, “Oh same old same old. You know how it goes.”

“Yea I know what you mean. So how’s the boss??” Richie motioned towards Jon’s office as he rolled his eyes.

“Keeping himself busy, which from what I know is the usual. Although he does seem a bit down today compared to usual.”

Richie hesitated for a minute, trying to find his words and quickly before she suspected what was going on. “Oh really?? Hm.. I don’t know. Guess I’ll go find out.”

As Richie got to his feet and started to walk away Nikki spoke up. “Richie!?” Turning around Richie gave her a curious look. “He mentioned something about things at home. I know its really none of my business. But is everything ok?”

His eyes widen, as she spoke he could see the sincerity and concern in her face. “Well darlin’, I honestly don’t know what’s going on. But even if I did, it wouldn’t be my place to say. If Jon wants anyone to know, he’ll let them know.”

“Oh, ok. Sorry its just, it really looks like something is bothering him. Just worried.”

Nodding his head, Richie step forward and leaned closer to Nikki. “I’ll let him know darlin.” Leaning back he gave her a wink and turned on his heel making his way to Jon’s office. After knocking on the door once he walked in and closed the door behind him. Nikki turned back to her desk, took a deep breath then stood, grabbed her things and headed out for some air.

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for the new chapter:)

    Hope Richie is able to cheer Jon up a bit....

    ReplyDelete
  2. Richie. Cheer up Jon...

    Poor thing...

    ReplyDelete