Chapter 26
“I can’t believe you’re friends with that slut,” seethed Kristen as she washed her hands.
“Jesse? A slut? Why would you say that?” questioned Leigh in disbelief.
“Who’s the father of her child?”
“I never asked.”
“Just keep an eye on her and Howie.”
“I’ve known Jesse ever since the ‘Black and Blue’ tour and she has never hit on any of the guys…including Kevin. They’re friends, that’s it.”
Kristen knew she couldn’t tell Leigh any more so she let the subject drop.
Returning to the table,
Leigh was excited to tell Howie her news. “Howard, Jesse’s in town with Richie
Sambora. Did she stop by and speak?”
Kristen demanded, “Where’s Kevin?”
Howie nodded in the direction where Kevin was as he answered his wife. “I saw
Jesse.”
Kristen took a seat as all three looked in the direction Howie had indicated to see Kevin talking to Jesse and Richie join them.
“I take it she stopped by .”
“No, she avoided the table,” answered Howie. “Kristen, are you okay?”
“No. How long has he known she was in California?”
“You’ll have to ask him,” answered Howie as Kevin returned to the table. “Leigh and I will give you some privacy.”
“No, stay put,” said Kevin. “Kristen, Howie knows about Stevie.”
“How long have you known she was here?”
“Howie showed me a picture of her with Richie at LAX taken this morning.” Taking a deep breath, he said, “She called me yesterday…she was the business call I ignored. She wanted to talk to me about Stevie so I returned the call before dinner, while I was in my office. We’re going to meet tomorrow for breakfast in Laguna Beach.”
“When were you going to tell me?”
“After dinner.”
Leigh asked innocently, “Why would Jesse need to talk to you about Stevie? He’s Richie’s son.”
“No, he’s Kevin’s son,” announced Kristen coolly.
“Why would you think he’s Richie’s son?” asked Howie curiously.
“His name is Richard Stephen….just like Richie’s.”
Kristen looked at Kevin as the realization hit home and she gave an evil sneer. “You didn’t know, did you?”
“I knew his name…I just didn’t…” Kevin’s voice trailed off as he looked over his shoulder at Jesse as she leaned to Richie to kiss him. “I told her not to use any part of my name…and she didn’t.”
Howie spoke up, “Kevin, your confrontation with her didn’t go unnoticed. There was a photographer snapping pictures near the bar.”
“Fuckin’ wonderful,” mumbled Kevin. “Let’s go.”
“No, we leave now and the press will jump all over it. We’re going to stay and you’re going to suck it up,” insisted Kristen. “Call Phil in the morning and let him do damage control.”
“Kevin, I’m going to speak to Jesse,” said Howie. “Give her a heads up about the press.”
“Fine,” conceded Kevin. The time would give him a chance to calm Kristen down.
