Chapter 122
Richie and the guys made their way off-stage laughing and talking about the show. They were pumped from an awesome show and looking forward to the next 12 shows. It was nice to be in one place for more than a show or two.
Richie spotted Jesse and Ava waiting for him and he stopped to simply watch his girlfriend and talking. He was so glad that Ava had taken to Jesse as easily as he'd hoped. It made things so much easier.
He smiled watching them because Jesse hadn't seen him yet as she leaned against the wall. She was wearing a pair of black leggings and a silver halter top - both from his clothing line - and her hair hung freely on her shoulders. He could see that she was tired despite the nap she'd had that afternoon but there was still a smile on her lips and in her eyes that made his heart skip a beat. He felt like a teenager watching her. She was his.....sweet addiction! There was no other way to describe the way he felt. He couldn't go a day without at least talking to her and the week without her in his bed had been pure torture.
Jesse looked up to see Richie staring at her and she nudged Ava saying something that he couldn't hear. The next thing he knew though, Ava was in his arms hugging him.
"The show was awesome, Daddy!"
"Thanks, sweetheart!" he replied as he kissed the top of her head.
Jesse felt her heart swell with love watching the exchange. She knew just how much Richie adored his daughter and he really was a great father despite not having physical custody of her.
With his arm around Ava's shoulders, Richie walked over to join Jesse. He reached out to up her cheek as he leaned to kiss her. "You're exhausted, Jess. I promise, I won't be long."
"M'kay," she answered softly putting her hand on his.
Ava scooted away from the couple to give them privacy but Richie called out to her, "Don't go far, Ava."
"Yes sir."
Alone, Jesse stood up, her hand still on his. She put her other hand on his chest and played with his necklace. "What are we going to do tomorrow?"
"I don't know. Why?"
"I want you to spend the day with Ava."
"Baby, we've been apart for a week. I don't really want to leave you alone."
"How long has it been since you've seen Ava?" pointed out Jesse. "Besides, I really need to rest and it's not fair to her to be cooped up all day."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"Tell you what. I'll take you to dinner tomorrow night before the show...just the two of us."
"I'd like that."
Jesse tried to stifle a yawn but Richie saw it and laughed softly. "Two minutes, baby," and he gave her kiss.
Richie started to go to his dressing room but Jesse held onto his hand. "Richie."
Looking into her eyes, he saw the moisture of tears. Putting his other hand on the other cheek, he said, "I love you, Jesse."
"I love you too....more than I can tell you in words."
"You don't have to use words. Your actions are speaking louder than any words you could possibly say. If you never say the words again, I will know in my heart the depth of your love for me. I just hope that I'm worthy of that kind of love."
"More than worthy," she whispered as she stood on her toes to kiss him.
"I'll be back soon and we'll head to the hotel."
