JJ arrived just as dinner began. Marlene Putman answered the door and looked at her quizzically.
"Hi, I'm JJ. Jordan was supposed to bring my dishes here," she said hesitantly as Jon reached around his mother and opened the screen.
"Hi, JJ. Come on in. We're finishing the casserole tonight for dinner. Have you eaten yet?" he asked as she stepped nervously into the house, very conscious of his nearness. Marlene smiled knowingly and returned to the kitchen. JJ paused at his last question.
"I'm in no shape for a family gathering," she said tiredly.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
JJ looked up at him, her brown eyes searching his face. His face was open and honest, but his hazel eyes seemed to hide things. She shrugged, more because she wanted to get to know him better than for any other reason.
"I'm short of temper; it was a long day," she said by way of acceptance.
Jon grinned widely. "Come on, then. Jordan'll be glad to see you." He turned and led the way into the dining room. She was a little surprised to see Sam, and not at all surprised to see her by Danny.
"Good, you came," Jordan grinned from the head of the table. "I didn't know if you'd make it."
JJ grinned. "Jon turned on the charm," she teased. She didn't see the startled look Jon gave her.
"He does that occasionally," a blonde told her from across the table.
"JJ, that's Donnie, next to him is Joe, Danny, and you know Sam and Jordan," Jon said. "Fellas, this is JJ, Jordan's chef for the past week and a half, and Sam's roommate." She bowed regally, then sat in the chair Jon pulled out for her.
"Where do you work?" Jordan asked after a while.
"The recording studio as a bass player. This guy that hired me is totally obnoxious! He doesn't realize that the music he's giving me sounds ridiculous. It's discordant..." Her voice had risen, then she stopped with a blush and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I warned you," she told Jon.
"Who is this?" Donnie asked.
"Some Maurice Star," JJ said. She didn't understand the following laughter.
"He finally decided that bassist had to go!" Joe laughed. "Good. You want to tour?"
"What? Wait a minute! You guys know him?" she asked.
"He's my boss," Sam grinned. "I'm glad he got a new bassist. The last was horrendous."
"How do you stand him?" JJ demanded. The others watched with smiles on their faces.
"We'll find out tomorrow," Sam said. "I've never had to write with him, just play what he's already worked out."
"He's the guy who writes our stuff," Jordan said quietly. JJ glanced at him, a little worried. Jon caught the look and sighed softly. Danny gave his friend an odd look, then glanced at JJ, and he smiled almost involuntarily.
"Not all," Donnie grinned. "Crickets hasn't died yet."
"I hope not," Danny said fervently.
"Crickets?" JJ asked.
"That's us," Donnie grinned. "Me, Danny, and Jordan. We did some stuff with Tommy Page, and helped write "My Favorite Girl"."
"Oh," JJ smiled.
A while later, after Marlene had left the table, JJ noticed Jordan was pale and had a hand over his chest. She leaned over to Jon, gently touching his arm.
"Hey. I think Jordan's in trouble. You might get him to bed," she whispered. He looked over at Jordan, who was speaking to Donnie and Joe and looked alittle pale. He nodded, then stood and walked over to his brother.
"How are ya doing?" he asked.
"Fine," Jordan responded softly, closing his eyes for a moment.
Jon shook his head. "No, you ain't. Come on." He stood Jordan up and pushed him gently into the back of the house. The others left then, except JJ, who decided it would be rude - but only after she realized she wanted to see Jon again - so she began to clean up.
She had nearly finished when Jon returned.
"What are you doing?" he demanded, grinning at her.
JJ looked up from the sink. "Dishes," she responded, smiling at him. "I didn't want to disappear on you, and I thought you'd appreciate the help. How is he?"
"In pain," Jon said, leaning against the counter.
"Oh. Will he be okay?"
"Yeah." He felt very discouraged, but tried to hide it from her.
"Look, I've gotta go. Thanks for inviting me, I'm glad you talked me into coming in." She dried her hands and turned towards the door.
"I'm glad you came in. Talk to you later?" he asked.
She turned a brilliant smile on him. "As soon as you come in to record, I guess. See ya later." Jon opened the door for her, watched her drive away, closed the door, and leaned against it.
"Damn you, Jordan," he mumbled.
JJ drove slowly, trying not to think about Jon. He was a very gentle person, cared a lot for his brother, but she dared not consider that he might care for her like that. She could wish, though. She arrived home, parked the car, and walked up the stairs.
Inside, Sam sat on the couch looking dazed.
"What happened?" JJ asked.
"He kissed me," Sam breathed. JJ burst into laughter.
"It's about time," she said, thankful for the distraction. "It seems he'd wanted to for a long time."
"It was wonderful! What am I doing?"
"It looks like you're dating one of the most eligible bachelors ever. That's pretty amazing," JJ grinned tiredly. "There are a thousand girls who would die or kill to be in your place."
"Great," Sam muttered, then looked at her. "What took you so long?"
"I did dishes while Jon made Jordan go to bed, then Jon walked me to the door and I left." She shrugged with feigned nonchalance and turned towards the back rooms. "I have to face Maurice again the morning. I'm going to bed." She disappeared into the back before Sam could ask questions she didn't want to answer.
Go on to Next Chapter | Grounds for Vengeance
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