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Chapter 97
Richie had anticipated the outcome of the custody hearing and made plans for the weekend. Within two hours of leaving the courtroom, he had Jesse on the road. He took her cell phone and lap top putting them where she couldn't find them when he loaded the truck. The first part of the trip had been quiet; lots of tears and Richie had held her hand.
Now, they were nearing their first destination and Richie looked over at Jesse. She was sitting curled up, bare feet on the dash, dark sunglasses covering her eyes, and earphones in her ears. He reached over to take one of the earphones out of her ear.
"Baby, get your shoes on."
Jesse took the other earphone out of her ear and looked around. "We're in Williamsburg."
"Yeah, for the night. I got us a room at The Williamsburg Inn where we're going to have a private dinner in our room and then tonight, we're going to take the Ghost Tour of Colonial Williamsburg."
Jesse gave a sad smile. "Sounds like fun."
"Get your shoes on...and take off the sunglasses."
"Are we going to be around people?"
"To check in and that's it."
"I'll take them off once we're in the room," she answered as she sat up to slip her boots back on.
"Come on, baby. I want to see your beautiful eyes," pleased Richie.
"You're driving."
"Not for long. We're here," Richie informed her as he pulled up to the door of the inn. Putting it in park, he reached up to caress her cheek. "Please, for me?"
"Richie, my eyes are bloodshot and puffy and I look like hell. I'd just as soon not be seen like this."
"Baby, who cares? You've had a rough day."
"And I don't want pictures taken of me looking like this. I can hear it now....Trouble in Paradise for Sambora and new Girlfriend?"
"No one is going to take pictures."
"Richie, if you used your name on the reservations, someone is BOUND to recognize it and....."
Richie silenced her with his fingers on her lips. "Jess, a lot of celebrities stay here. That's why I picked it. Our privacy will be protected. Please, take the sunglasses off."
Jesse couldn't resist his pleading and took them off. "Better?"
"Much," he smiled as he leaned to kiss her.
Richie got out and handed the keys to the valet. He was met by the bell hop at the back of the SUV where he pointed out the bags they would need, including his guitar. When he was done, he met Jesse waiting off to the side. Taking her hand, they headed inside.
It didn't take Richie long to get checked in and they were led to their room. Alone, Richie took Jesse in his arms and held her close. "I love you so much, Jessica," he whispered pressing a kiss into her hair.
Tears spilled forth effortlessly as she clung to him. "I love you too."
Richie set her back a bit and took her face in one hand. With his thumb, he wiped a tear away. "Shh, you're exhausted, baby. Why don't you go take a nap?"
"Do I have time?"
"For a short nap."
"Come with me?"
"Not this time, baby. I'm going to make sure dinner is set up and then I've got some work to do."
"Oh!" she replied, the disappointment clear.
Richie smiled and lifted her chin to place a kiss on her lips. "Go on, baby. I'll wake you in time for dinner."
Jesse kissed him again and headed to the bedroom.
Richie watched her knowing that it was going to take time for her to be 'better'. Kevin had completely ripped her heart to pieces this time but he also knew that the judge had had his reasons for the six months. He just needed to convince her that sometimes it was good to be selfish.
As soon as he saw that Jesse was settled on the bed, he grabbed his guitar. He also knew that she'd fall asleep quicker if he played. He began to play softly, a soothing melody that he'd been working on, something for Jesse. For close to fifteen minutes, he played the same melody. Lyrics poured through his mind. He wanted to finish the song before the wedding. He loved the lady so much and wanted to give her the world.
Glancing into the room, he saw that she was asleep. Quietly, he set his guitar down and moved to the bedroom. He carefully pulled a blanket over her and placed a kiss on her forehead.
With Jesse asleep, Richie decided to go do some shopping her her. He was going to spoil her even more this weekend. After making sure dinner was lined up, he called the valet service to have the truck brought to the front.
