Chapter 24

Standing at the closet trying to decide what to wear, Frannie’s eyes rested on her Soul Jersey, bringing back memories of a few nights ago. Shaking off those thoughts for now, she reached for her chocolate brown pants and a dark red v-neck shirt. Tico was arriving today and, no matter what Jon had said, she was nervous about meeting him. She had just stepped into her pants when Jon walked in.

“Hey baby, you about ready?” Frannie buttoned her pants and pulled on her shirt, “almost. What time is he supposed to be here?” Jon followed her as she walked to the bathroom and leaned against the door frame, “his flight gets in” he glanced at his watch “about now, so he should be here in about 40 minutes or so.” He watched as Frannie fumbled with her brush and he moved and took it from her, “there is no reason to be nervous” he told her as he ran the brush through her hair. She watched in the mirror, “you keep saying that but it’s not helping. Besides, it’s not just him.” Jon set the brush down, “what else is it?”

Frannie sighed and turned to face him, “it’s the show.” Jon’s eyebrow quirked, “the show?” She nodded, “it’s been so long since I was actually at one, I can’t help but think that maybe this is a mistake.” Frannie walked back into the bedroom to find her shoes, Jon close on her heels. “Why would you think it was a mistake? You should be proud of your work and want to be there to show it off.” She sat to slip her shoes on, “I am and I do, but it’s the ‘what ifs’ that keep rearing their ugly heads.” Jon chuckled, “the ‘what ifs’? What might they be bugging you about?” Frannie smiled and stood and moved to the mirror, making a final once over. “What if nobody shows, what if no likes this particular grouping?” She caught Jon’s eye in the mirror, “what if they don’t like me?”

Jon walked up behind her and turned her to face him, “I’ve seen what you can do and if people would have to be blind not to like your work. I wouldn’t worry about people showing up. I’m going to be there, as is Tico and judging from your past shows, even without you there, the people came out in droves.” He pulled her into his arms, “as for them liking you, what’s not to like. You’re very talented, very beautiful and I like you, so does anyone else really matter?” Frannie laughed at that, “thank you.” She kissed his cheek, “I guess as long as you like me that’s all I can ask, right?” He kissed the end of her nose, “you got it. Are you ready to go downstairs now?” She nodded “let’s go.”

An hour later, Frannie had to admit even it was only to herself, that Jon had been right. Tico was as nice as Jon had made him out to be. He even got a smile and a giggle out of Sophie. “Bella” Tico looked over at Frannie, “do I get to see your work now?” She stood, “of course.” She turned to Jon who was holding Sophie, “are you coming too?” He walked over to where they were standing, “lead the way baby.”

When they got to her makeshift studio Frannie flipped on the lights and let Tico roam the room. She and Jon stayed by the door, not talking, just watching. Tico walked the room, stopping and studying this drawing and that painting, not saying a word. When he got to the ones closest to Frannie and Jon he stopped. The one on top was the one of Jon from her old studio, the one she had named “Rock Star at Rest.” Tico looked up at Jon, “she even managed to make your ugly mug look good.” Then he looked over to Frannie, “you should be very proud of yourself bella, these are very, very good.” Frannie felt herself blush at his compliment. “Thanks, that means a lot coming from you.” They started to talk, totally ignoring Jon. Jon watched the two of them as they walked the room, talking about her use of color and the type of pencils and such. Jon decided to leave them be and took Sophie upstairs to Geena.

Jon came back to find them still deep in discussion, “are you two still at it?” They looked over at him and Frannie smiled at him and then looked back at Tico, “he’s pouting, I think he’s feeling a little left out.” Tico laughed and Jon bristled at her comment, “I am not pouting.” Frannie laughed and walked over to him, planting a kiss on his lips, “yes you are, but it’s so damn sexy.” Jon couldn’t help but smile at her, “come on you two, let’s go eat.”

After a wonderful meal Jon took them out to the pub. There was one more drawing that he wanted Tico to see and, at the same time, they could enjoy a game of pool and a drink or two. The sketch that Frannie had done of the whole band held a place of honor on the wall over the bar. She gasped when she saw where he had put it. He hadn’t told her what he had done with it. “You didn’t tell me you put it out here.” Jon moved up behind her, “now if I had told you it wouldn’t have been much of a surprise, now would it?” Frannie just shook her head, “you amaze me.” She turned her head and kissed him. Jon deepened what was supposed to have been just a chaste kiss, both of them getting lost in it.

Tico turned from drawing to find them locked at the lips and he chuckled to himself. He hadn’t seen Jon like this in a long time. He was different today. Happier, more relaxed, not as wound up as he used to be and Tico considered this to be a very good thing. As he was thinking all of this he noticed Jon’s hand roaming up Frannie’s side. Tico cleared his throat, “Mojitos anyone?”