Chapter 35: Recognition / Messing with Her Baby

Julianna looked at Richie’s watch. “If we want to be back by two, we should hit the road.” Richie nodded. Julianna continued, “You’re sure you don’t want to go out through the kitchen?”

“Hell, no. I’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, babe. Besides, it’s all part of the package.” He leaned in to whisper, “and, I believe, you do want the whole package, right?”

Julianna laughed softly, and returned a whispered, “Baby, I’ve had the whole package.” She flicked her eyes downward making Richie chuckle, and said, “and you’re right, you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of.”

Richie laughed loudly, drawing more attention. He waved at the table closest to them, and the women there blushed, and turned back to their lunches. Richie grabbed Julianna’s hand, and led her out of the restaurant to the truck.

“Excuse me,” they heard from behind them. The pair turned to see a 40-something woman approaching. Richie smiled, turning on the ‘Rock Star’ switch. Jesus, that’s scary, Julianna thought. He’s a totally different man. The woman continued, “Are you Julianna Cavanaugh?”

Julianna smiled, unable to mask her surprise. “Yes, I am. How can I help you?”

The woman gushed, “I just wanted to tell you that my daughters and I just loved your last show, and they are so looking forward to Tommy & Gina. They just love Bon Jovi’s music, although I personally don’t get it.”

Richie stifled a laugh, and busied himself unlocking the truck. Julianna shook the woman’s hand. “Thank you very much, that’s very kind of you to say. We’ll be opening in just a few short months – I can’t believe it’s that close. If you can manage it, I’d suggest getting tickets for opening night. Your daughters will not be disappointed. It’ll be worth the extra hassle, I promise you.”

“I will for sure. Thank you again,” the woman said, and disappeared into the restaurant. Julianna waited until they were both in the truck before bursting out laughing.

“What is so damned funny,” Richie demanded.

“The look on your face when she recognized me and not you – especially after the reaction you got in the restaurant – well it was just priceless.” Julianna got herself under control. “Have a little bit of an ego, do we?”

“After more than 20 years, I think I’m entitled, don’t you?” he said with a grin.

“Yeah,” Julianna agreed, “you’re right.” She got herself together. “I’m really surprised she knew who I was. I’m pretty much a behind-the-scenes gal.”

“Maybe, but as founder of the Company, you’re in the literature and on the ‘Net.” Julianna stared at him, mouth gaping. Richie grinned sheepishly. “I wanted to learn more about your work. Why’d you never mention the Cavanaugh Foundation?”

Julianna had started the Foundation after Bring It On’s first successful run. She had wanted to give something back to the artistic community that had been so good to her family for several generations now. The Foundation provided talented kids the chance to study at Julliard, or to work internships with her Company.

“I didn’t think it was appropriate, and when exactly was I supposed to work it into the conversation? Anyway, it’s not something we really publicize. The family prefers to keep it low key, using BIO as the medium to tap wealthy patrons. Some of them are extremely generous.” She took a breath. “We really should get going, or we’re gonna be late.”

Richie leaned over to kiss Julianna. “There are so many facets to you, it’s just amazing. I feel I could spend a lifetime trying to see them all, but would only scratch the surface. You are a very intriguing woman, Ms. Cavanaugh.”

Julianna couldn’t respond right away; she was choked with emotion. After a few moments of silence, she managed to say, “That may just have been the nicest, the most complimentary thing anyone has ever said to me. You, Mr. Sambora, are an incredibly sweet, thoughtful, and wonderful man.” They came together for another kiss.

Conscious of the fact that they were sitting on the street in front of the restaurant, and that tinted windows only go so far toward privacy, Richie broke the kiss far sooner then he would have liked. He started the truck, and pointed it in the direction of the cottage. Julianna reached across the expansive front seat to take Richie’s hand in hers, “Next time we go somewhere,” she said, “either we take my car or use a service. I’m sitting much too far away from you.”

Richie laughed. “You got it, babe. Anything you say.”

They passed the time in companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Neither really registered that the radio was on until the music gave way to entertainment news. Julianna turned in fully when she heard her ex-husband’s name.

“Turn that up!” she exclaimed, fully alert now.

“… Sources say that Mr. Valentino, best known for being the producer of television’s newest drama, New York Minute, has been seen hanging about at rehearsals for the upcoming Broadway show, Tommy & Gina, the brainchild of Valentino’s ex-wife, Julianna Cavanaugh. While we were unable to reach either Valentino or Cavanaugh for comment, rumor has it that the two may be planning to reconcile …”

“Son of a bitch!” Julianna exclaimed. “That bastard.” She dug her phone out of her bag, and hit the speed-dial for Stan at BIO. “Stan, what is this shit I’m hearing about Mark? Has he really been hanging around the theater?” She listened for a few minutes, her color getting high. Richie kept glancing at her out of the corner of his eye, and finally had to pull over to the side of the road – he wasn’t concentrating on driving anymore and he didn’t want to get them killed.

“I want rehearsals closed,” Julianna continued. “You heard me right. No press, no family, no friends, and especially no Mark. He’s not to get within even listening range of my show.” She listened more, her frustration growing. Fumbling for the door handle, she jumped from the truck and began pacing along the road’s shoulder. Richie got out too, and kept an eye on a very agitated Julianna. Damn, but she’s sexy when she’s angry.


“I don’t care if he offers the moon,” she shouted into the phone. “I do not want him anywhere near my company or my show. I’m pulling rank here, Stan. Ultimately, it’s my name on show, the building, and the company. I will go over the heads the board on this, I guarantee it.” She listened again. “Hell yes, this is personal,” she continued. “Listen to me. I will not allow that man to have anything to do with my – yes, my – theater company. Make this happen. Make him go away, or I’ll pull the plug on the entire thing.” Julianna waited while Stan completed his tirade. “Are you through? Good. I’ll take the show to Canada or Europe. I have the talent and resources to pull it off. Don’t think I won’t do it.” She snapped phone shut, and it immediately rang again. “What?” she growled into the phone. It was Nicky. Julianna began pacing again.

“Julianna, I heard some gossip you should know about,” he began, “but it sounds like you already know”.

“If it’s about my asshole ex-husband,” she said, taking a deep breath, “then yeah, I know. I heard it on the radio on the way back from lunch with mama.”

“Are you alright? Where are you? Are you alone? Do you need someone to come get you?” Nicky fired questions at his baby sister.

“Nicky, I’m not alright. I’m beyond pissed off. I cannot believe he is pulling this shit. I thought I was rid of him for good.” She stopped pacing and turned back to see Richie standing next to the truck, arms crossed across his broad chest, watching her with concern on his face. Julianna’s heart melted and some of the tension drained from her body. Her voice softened as she walked back to the truck. “I’m on the side of the road, venting my mad before I need to get into the studio and sing a decidedly not-mad duet with Rich.” She laid a hand on Richie’s cheek. Richie promptly took her hand and kissed her palm, then twined his fingers with hers.

“No, Nicky, I’m not alone. Rich came with me to lunch, and – ” she broke off at something that Nicky said, and started laughing. “No, not yet, but I’m sure it’ll be coming soon. By the way, I’m a bit peeved at you, brother dear, letting Mama in on my secret. I’ll deal with you later. Anyway, Rich is driving, and we need to get going before Jon sends out a search party. Shit, am I actually saying that? I still can’t wrap my head around it. Anyway, I’m turning off my cell, so would you let everyone else know that I’m not alone, and have everything under control? I’ll be unreachable for the rest of the day.”

“Alright. Be strong, sis,” Nicky said. “I love ya.”

“I will. Love ya too, big brother. Bye.” Julianna closed her phone and turned it off.

Richie turned to wrap Julianna in a strong hug. He held on until he could feel the tension ease from her body, and she slumped against him. Lifting her face to his, she whispered, “Thanks, I really needed that.”

Richie smiled, and said softly, “You need more than that.” Gently, he lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her so tenderly, she wanted to weep. Framing her face with his strong hands, Richie slowly deepened the kiss, his thumbs stroking her cheeks lightly. He eased back and looked into Julianna’s eyes. He could still the traces of mad in there, but he also saw desire and something else he was afraid to name. He swallowed roughly. “Better?” he asked.

“Much, sweetheart, thanks.” Julianna gave Richie another hug and sighed. “I’m sorry about that.” She shook her head. “I just can’t believe his gall. This just – I don’t know – it threw me, I guess. I thought I was done dealing with him. He’s messing with my baby, and I can’t – won’t – stand for it.”

“Is there anything I can do?” Richie asked.

Julianna put her hands on either side of Richie’s face. “You’re doing it now, Rich, by lending me some of your strength, and letting me vent. You make me feel better.” She chuckled. “Usually, when I get a full mad on like that, it takes me days to put it in perspective and start to work through it.” She ducked her head sheepishly. “Italian and Irish tempers, you know.”

Richie laughed. “Remind me not to piss you off. While you are more gorgeous than ever when you’re pissed off, you are a force to be reckoned with, my dear. C’mon, let’s head back.” He escorted Julianna to her seat, and rounded the back of the truck, dialing as he went.

“Rich, man,” Jon answered, “where are you?”

Richie filled him in on what had happened. “Julianna needs a little more time to get through her mad, or she’ll be useless this afternoon. She needs a little time in the gym, beating the shit out of something, then she’ll feel better. We’ll be back soon, but will be downstairs for a while. We’ll be along when she’s got her head back on straight.”

Jon sighed. “OK, man, we’ll be waiting. Tell her we’re behind her, whatever she needs us to do.”

“Will do man, thanks,” Richie said, as he climbed back in behind the wheel. “See you soon.” He snapped his phone shut, and tossed it onto the console.

“What was that all about?” Julianna asked, curious.

“I was just checking in; sort of a pre-emptive strike. I told him we were running late.” He grinned at her, as he eased back onto the road. “Can you box in that getup?”

Julianna looked puzzled for a moment, then smiled. “Darlin’, I can fight in just about anything,” she said.

“Well, how about I help you work off the rest of your mad when we get back?”

Julianna laughed. “Really? Don’t we have to wor— hey, that’s what you were talking to Jon about?” Richie nodded. “Well, hell, man, put the pedal to the metal, and let’s get outta here.” She stretched her neck, boxer-style, and flexed her arms.

Richie grimaced. “Just don’t hurt me too much, babe, OK?”

Julianna laughed harder. “You hold the mitts right, and you’ll be fine. I won’t even hurt your beautiful hands. Your arms will be sore, though.”