Queen of the Nighttime World Part 4

"Sounds like we missed a good party last night," Gene said as he stretched his legs out in the armchair in Paul and Veronica’s hotel room. The four sat at a table in the room conversing about the previous night.

"Not to mention an outstanding performance by Veronica," Terri added.

"Thanks. It was tons of fun and I’m glad someone could benefit from it," said Veronica.

"Yeah, I hope that guy and his friends put that champagne to good use and didn’t get into too much trouble," Paul answered.

"Speaking of trouble, what’s on everyone’s agenda today?" Gene asked.

"I think I’m gonna swim a few laps," Terri said.

"I’m going to work out, too. Today’s weight-lifting day!" Paul enthusiastically exclaimed.

Veronica rolled her eyes and said, "Oh, brother," Paul laughed in response knowing Veronica didn’t share his enthusiasm about exercise, "Thank God today is my day off from exercise. Woohoo!"

Laughing Gene said, "Hey Veronica. Do you wanna go eat lunch and hang out while Terri and Casanova are swimming and pumping iron?"

"Yeah, that sounds like fun."

"Where do you want to go eat and what do you want to do?"

"I don’t know. I’m easy to please, though."

"That’s obvious. You’re dating Paul," Gene teased.

"Hey!" Paul yelled laughing.

Veronica doubled over in laughter at Gene’s joke, "Whoa. That was a double slam, Gene. Even though I was part of that slam, I must commend you. Good job!" Veronica high-fived Gene then added mock bowing, "Kneel to the master. And I thought I was good! Jeez! You’re the Yoda and I’m the Obi Wan of insults. You must teach me."

Gene heartily laughed and joked, "Well, you’re still young yet. Don’t lose hope. You’ll attain this level sooner than you think." The four laughed in response as Gene and Veronica said their good-byes to Paul and Terri.

"Oh, man. I hope we don’t have to bail those two out of jail," Paul said, "We’ve got Gene and Ginger from Gilligan’s Island, Xena, and Wonder Woman rolled into one on the loose without supervision."

"Yeah, the two most direct and blunt individuals on the planet out without supervision; who knows what trouble is in store for them?" Terri joked, "Seriously, though, they’ll be fine. I’m sure we won’t see them on the evening news or in the tabloids."

"I know. I just worry about that mouth of hers getting her into trouble even she can’t handle. I just can’t figure out the source of her directness."

"What do you mean?" Terri asked.

"It’s just funny how straightforward Veronica is since neither of her parents came across that way when I met them," Paul answered.

"Really? How did that go?" Terri asked.

Paul grinned and answered, "Well, her dad was determined not to like me but he said that since Veronica is an adult, he can’t tell her what to do and that since she’s happy he wouldn’t stand in our way. He also said if I ever hurt her, he’d kick my ass."

Terri laughed and said, "And her mom?"

"Oh, she was so funny. She’s a slightly heavier blonde version of Veronica except not blunt. She asked me, ‘Are you the guy who sings that song about put your hand in my pocket. Grab onto my rocket?’" Paul laughingly explained, "She blushed when she asked and I know Veronica wouldn’t blush about asking that question. Anyway, I don’t know where she gets her bluntness."

"Maybe she’s forging her own ground," Terri suggested.

"Yeah, probably."

"Well, I better get to the pool and swim those laps."

"Yeah and I better get to the weight room."

"Later, Paul."

"Later, Terri."

………………………………………………………………………………………………

"How does Italian sound to you?" Gene asked Veronica as they reached a restaurant on the main drag in town.

"It sounds good to me. It’s been a while since I’ve had a good Italian," Veronica joked.

Gene grinned as he opened the door and let them in the restaurant. The two found themselves amidst a crowded restaurant, but with no parties waiting. As they approached the podium for seating, the seated patrons briefly paused from eating to glance at Veronica and Gene and snicker. The two regarded each other questioningly then looked each other over with knowing looks as Veronica commented, "I guess we do look funny together."

"Yeah, we must be quite a sight, but your lovin’ the attention." Gene agreed.

"You bet," Veronica answered. At this moment, the host appeared before the two and asked Veronica, "Ma’am where can I seat you and your husband today? We have seats available in our smoking and non-smoking sections."

Stifling a smile and laughter Veronica turned to Gene offering him her hand asking in a pretentious tone, "Sweetheart, would you like smoking or non-smoking?"

Taking her extended hand Gene imitated her pretentious tone answering, "Now dahling, you know I can’t stand cigarette smoke."

"Oh yes. I always forget that," Veronica answered then turned to the host, "Non-smoking it is, then."

"Right this way," he answered and led them to their table, but not before casting them an odd glance.

Gene and Veronica laughed at their façade while Gene said, "That was some weird shit. He mistakes the two people who adamantly oppose marriage more than the whole hippie generation combined as husband and wife."

Veronica laughed with Gene and added, "I know! I almost burst out laughing when he asked me that. No offense."

"None taken."

"I almost corrected him, but thought our performance would be more fun."

"You were right. Good job at thinking so quickly on your feet!"

"Thanks. I have a big mouth and I know how to use it!" Veronica joked.

"That’s one thing we definitely have in common. I don’t know about you, but I’m always receiving lectures about getting a little too liberal with the directness," Gene replied before he and Veronica ordered and returned their menus to the server. Both settled on cannelloni covered in tomato sauce and cheese and sodas.

After the server left the table Veronica rolled her eyes and answered, "Oh, I know all about lectures on getting in trouble for speaking my mind. I hear it all the time at home. I think Paul has a filing cabinet in his brain entitled "Lectures on Veronica’s Bluntness" and he just randomly pulls out a file and gives me some lecture about how ‘Veronica, you don’t have to voice every thought you have when you have it’ along with ‘someday you’re gonna get yourself in a jam that even you can’t charm or talk your way out of and I’ll have to come rescue you.’ That kind of thing. I have to reassure him all the time that I’m a big girl who can take care of herself and that he shouldn’t be the one giving me lectures about abusing charm."

Gene heartily laughed at Veronica’s comments, especially when she imitated Paul’s voice and answered, "Finally, a woman who keeps Paul in line! Good for you! What does Paul say to all of this?"

"Not much because he knows I’m right," Veronica said then paused as the server brought their meal to them.

"You have an answer for everything don’t you," Gene observed with a smile.

"You better believe it! Paul sometimes wishes that weren’t the case…"

"What do you mean? How could that be bad?" Gene asked.

"Well, one time Paul and I went out to eat this older man approached our table reeking of alcohol turned to me and said, ‘Hey there little lady. Aren’t you cute? You’re so little and tiny. Aww, look at her she’s so shy and limp she’s shrinking away from me.’"

"And what did Ms. Bette Davis, Jr. say?" Gene asked as he took a bite of his meal.

Veronica finished chewing, smiled and answered, "Without flinching or changing my tone of voice, I said to him, ‘Kind of like your penis, eh?’"

Gene almost choked on his food, regained his composure and exclaimed laughing, "Holy shit, Veronica! That’s hilarious and cold! What did he say?"

"Oh, he just sort of tucked his tail between his legs and walked away in defeat. Paul’s eyes widened and couldn’t believe his ears when I insulted the man. Then I had to explain to him why the phrase "little lady" is so offensive to me," Veronica answered.

"That doesn’t surprise me," Gene answered rolling his eyes.

"Yeah, but he finally understood that it’s like saying ‘I’m a big smart man and you’re nothing but a little stupid woman.’ Once he understood my point of view, he didn’t blame me for my response."

"Bravo! You’re good and I’m so glad you and Paul are together," Gene answered.

"Thanks, me too, even though sometimes he drives me up the wall!" Veronica answered with mock aggravation and loudly laughed with Gene as the patrons in the restaurant gave them looks of annoyance each time the two laughed.

"I hear ya. What about the inordinate amount of time he spends on his hair?" Gene asked with an anticipatory smile awaiting Veronica’s reaction.

Veronica slammed her hands on the table exclaiming, "Yes! I swear that man spends more time on his hair than most women I know! Okay, it takes me an hour to get ready and that includes bathing, getting dressed, make-up, etc. Paul takes an hour just to fix his hair! Each time I try to get him to quicken the pace, he tries to pour on his charm and says things like "Oh, but you’re blessed with so much natural beauty, Veronica, and that’s why it takes you less time to get ready.’ I always just say, ‘All right, Don Juan, cut the charm and get a move on! You can’t out-charm a charmer!"

"That’s funny, but you’re so right. He takes forever to get ready for the shows."

"It’s a wonder you guys make it on time for the concerts!"

The two heartily laughed and ordered cappuccinos as the server cleared their empty plates from the table. As they sipped on their cappuccinos, the two continued their conversation, which ranged in subject.

"It’s a good thing I have Paul in my life, though. He can temper my sometimes brutal honesty and I can teach him to be more direct and open with others."

"Yeah, same with me and Terri. She helps keep me out of trouble for my big mouth and I help her express herself more bluntly more often."

"It’s funny how we’re so alike in so many ways." Veronica pointed out to Gene who nodded in agreement.

Veronica paused before continuing, "I have a confession to make, though."

"Let me guess. You’re really a man," Gene teased.

Veronica laughed aloud and answered, "Uh, no. I hate to disappoint you, but no. Anyway, I was extremely nervous and apprehensive about meeting you with your reputation with women and all. Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t think you were going to rape me or hurt me in other ways. I just worried you’d hit on me and I was, well, a little intimidated by you. To be honest, I thought you were gonna piss me off with some sexist bullshit. Then I realized our many similarities and made a cool new friend in the process."

"Oh, is that all? Jeez, Veronica! I thought you were gonna tell me something horrendous about yourself. Don’t sweat it, my friend. You’re not the first and you won’t be the last one to feel that way about me. I realized the resulting reputation the first time I donned the Demon make-up and costume, so don’t worry about it ok."

"Thanks for understanding, Gene," Veronica answered with a smile.

"Anytime," Gene answered then paused before adding, "And Veronica, you’re all right," Gene said with a smile.

"You’re not too bad yourself, Gene," Veronica answered.

"Well, I suppose we better head back before Paul and Terri start calling the prisons seeing if we’re inmates," Veronica said.

"Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go." Gene laughingly answered as he and Veronica rose from their seats and left the restaurant.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Veronica moved from her straddling position on Paul to lie next to him in bed, pulling the sheets up with her. Paul brushed her hair out of her face before doing the same to his own then smiled at her as he pulled the sheets up over him as well and they both leaned on their elbows. Veronica seemed pensive and slightly nervous to Paul who asked, "Hey, goddess, what’s the matter?"

"Um, nothing’s wrong, Paul. I just need to talk to you about something, but don’t know how to bring it up," Veronica told him.

"Well, you’ve never had problems bringing things up with me in the past," Paul flirted as he pulled Veronica closer to him oblivious to the serious tone in her voice.

Veronica pulled away and snapped, "Paul, I’m serious."

"I’m sorry, sweetheart. I was just kidding around. I was thinking with my lovegun as usual. I’m listening now," Paul answered with a serious tone in his voice and facial expression.

"Good, because I want your undivided attention,"

"You’ve got it. What’s on your mind?"

"Okay, Paul. Here’s the deal. We’ve got a wonderful thing going here," Veronica began as she squeezed his hand and lightly brushed a kiss on his lips, "and I’m happy. However, what are we going to do during the times that we’re apart?

"What do you mean?"

"Well, when you’re on the road while I’m in school and teaching, what are we gonna do? We’ll both get lonely and though I love you very much, we need to decide how we’re going to handle our loneliness and missing each other."

"Veronica, you know I love you very much and I’d never do anything intentionally to hurt you. I learned my lesson the hard way once upon a time."

"I know. We’ve got to decide what kind of relationship we want. I suggest an open relationship."

Paul, with eyebrows raised and eyes widened, "Oh. I wasn’t expecting that. You mean you want an open relationship like Gene and Terri where we openly sleep with and flaunt sex partners in front of each other?!"

"Oh, no! That’s not what I mean, Paul. That’s fine for them, but not for us. I don’t like the thought of you sleeping with anyone else---

"Nor I you," Paul interjected.

"What I’m proposing is an open relationship with an understanding. That is, when away from each other for extended periods of time, we’re free to experiment with others. We just don’t talk about it to each other."

"I see what you’re saying. You think we should have the open relationship, but not flaunt our experiences with other sex partners to each other."

"Yes, exactly. I don’t like the thought of you sleeping with other women, but I’m also realistic with your career and the lifestyle that comes with it. I knew that going into this relationship."

"I know. Me either. I want you all to myself, but know that’s not fair to you."

"So what do you say, Paul?"

"I think you’re right about the open relationship. Don’t ask. Don’t tell."

"So we’re agreed then?"

"Yes."

"And you’re not mad?"

"No, I’m not mad at all. Are you feeling better now that you got that off your chest?" Paul asked pulling her close again.

"Yes, I feel much better now that I’m no longer holding that in. There are other things I’d much rather hold inside of me…" Veronica teased studying Paul.

Paul slyly smiled as he straddled her this time and kissed her deeply as they continued making love throughout the night…

………………………………………………………………………………………………

"So they said yes?" Paul asked Gene as they seated themselves in Gene and Terri’s hotel room at the table.

"Yes, everything’s all set. We’ve just got to fly to New Jersey," Gene answered.

"What’s all set?" Veronica asked as Paul and Gene noticed Terri and Veronica enter the room the former sitting next to Gene on the arm of his chair kissing him softly and the latter sitting in Paul’s lap.

"Oh, Bon Jovi’s agreed to accompany us on tour as our opening act," Paul answered before placing a kiss on Veronica’s lips.

Veronica started before stammering, "B-Bon Jovi’s going to tour with you?"

"Yes, why?" Paul asked concerned about Veronica’s reaction.

"Nothing. I’m just a big fan is all."

"Well then you’re in luck because you get to meet them," Paul told her smiling remembering she enjoyed their music and admired Jon Bon Jovi for his philanthropy and musical talent.

"Oh my God! Are you serious? I get to meet Jon Bon Jovi!" Veronica exclaimed.

"You sure do, my love."

"Wow. I can’t believe this!" Veronica answered.

"Congratulations! Not doing too bad with your chance to meet yet another music legend!" Terri pointed out.

"You’re not kidding! I just hope I don’t make an ass out of myself, especially in front of Jon," Veronica said.

"Don’t worry, love. You didn’t make an ass out of yourself when you met us." Paul reminded her then grinned in sudden realization, "Oh, I know what it is. Veronica’s got a crush. How sweet."

"All right, Loverboy. You’re skating on thin ice," Veronica joked back as Paul chuckled.

"Hey, Veronica. Now you get to have that good Italian you mentioned at lunch a while back," Gene joked.

Veronica opened her mouth wide in mock disbelief, put her hands on her hips and exclaimed, "Damn! What is this? Pick on Veronica Day? Jesus Christ!"

The four laughed at the usual banter Veronica shared with Paul and Gene.

"Anyway, so when’s the big day? When does Jon get the pleasure of meeting me?" Veronica joked.

Laughing Gene answered, "When we get to Jersey tomorrow. You and Terri can come to Giants Stadium with us for rehearsal and soundchecks and meet him then."

"Okay great! I’ll be looking forward to it," answered Veronica.

"Me too," Terri agreed being a bit of a Bon Jovi fan herself as Veronica smiled excited about her meeting with Jon…

………………………………………………………………………………………………

"Hey, Jon. How’re you doing? It’s been what, 17 years?" Gene greeted shaking Jon Bon Jovi’s hand.

"Yeah, it has. It’s good seeing you and I appreciate the opportunity to tour with you again. Reminds me of old times," Jon answered.

"Me too. It’s good to be in Jersey playing Giants Stadium. I know we share a similar fan base and I’m sure they’ll jump at the chance of seeing two of their favorite bands onstage at the same show."

Jon nodded in agreement as he noticed Terri walk into the room standing next to Gene who kissed her on the cheek and placed an arm around her shoulders.

"Hey, babe. I thought Veronica and Casanova were coming with you," Gene answered.

"They’ll be here shortly. Paul received a last-minute call from Evan and wanted to let you guys know he’d be in Los Angeles a couple of days to see him, but would definitely be back for the concert Friday night," Terri mentioned.

With a concerned look Gene said, "I hope everything’s all right. Is Veronica going with him to Los Angeles?"

"Oh, all is well. Evan’s playing the lead in his school play tomorrow night and naturally Paul wants to see him. Veronica wants to see him, but suggested Paul go alone so he and Evan could have some quality time together. She’ll arrive shortly, though," Terri said.

"Oh, that’s great for Evan! I bet Paul and Veronica are excited and proud of the little guy," Gene conjectured.

"Definitely. They’re both beaming."

Jon regarded their conversation patiently waiting to meet Gene’s girlfriend and wondering who this Veronica woman was Terri mentioned.

Gene remembered Jon’s presence and said, "Oh Jon, this is my girlfriend, Terri Mason. She’s a scriptwriter and my main squeeze."

Terri rolled her eyes at Gene’s latter description, put out her hand and greeted Jon, "Nice meeting you, Jon. I’m a fan. Not as big a fan as Veronica, but a fan all the same."

"Nice meeting you, too. Who is this Veronica you mentioned?"

"Oh, she’s Paul’s girlfriend, my best friend, and Gene’s favorite female friend and girlfriend of Paul," Terri said.

"Yes, she’s a cool woman," Gene added.

"What’s she like? Have you and she…?"

Gene and Terri exclaimed in unison, "She’s hot!" to which Jon responded with a laugh.

"And no, she and I are strictly Platonic. We’re way too much alike," Gene answered.

"Yes, knowing those two, they’d argue about who gets to be on top," Terri joked.

The three laughed and Gene answered, "Yes, she’s right," letting his hand steal down to her bottom giving it a pinch as Terri cast Gene a grin and a wink.

"So tell me more about the woman in Paul’s life. She sounds intriguing."

Gene and Terri looked at one another the former asking, "Where do we begin? How to describe Veronica…"

"Well, she’s basically a female version of Gene except with completely opposite physical characteristics," Terri explained, "She’s blunt, direct, funny, and very beautiful. She has an answer for everything and is not afraid to tell you. Veronica has no qualms about openly discussing anything and everything with people and she definitely keeps Paul in line."

"Yes and she and I are almost as close as she and Terri," Gene added.

"It’s like they’re long lost siblings or something," Terri added smiling with Gene.

Jon smiled and answered, "Interesting. Tell me the story about she and Paul. I mean, how did they meet and get together?"

Terri and Gene recounted the story of Paul and Veronica meeting, their short break-up, and their reconciliation to Jon who listened intently saving commentary until they finished the story.

"Wow. I can see she’s not a force to be reckoned with. I can’t wait to meet this character!" Jon exclaimed grinning.

"She’s excited about meeting you, too. She’s a huge fan and nervous she’ll act like an imbecile around you. Veronica’s shy when you first meet her, too, so do your best to put her at ease. Also, you guys are both ardent liberals and Democrats, so I’m sure you’ll have plenty to talk about," Terri advised.

"Okay great. I’m sure we’ll have interesting discussions once she gets over her shyness around me."

"Believe me. She will and you guys will become fast friends," Gene reassured…

………………………………………………………………………………………………

"Well, I think I’m all set. Are you sure you don’t want to come with me? I know Evan would love to see you," Paul asked Veronica as he picked up his suitcase from the bed along with his flight information.

Veronica smiled and answered, "Yes, I’m sure. You and Evan need some quality father and son time. Besides, Pam’s not exactly my biggest fan."

"Thanks, Veronica. I appreciate your concern. I’m disappointed you won’t come with me, but appreciate your consideration of my relationship with Evan. I’ll be sure to send him your love, though."

"Thanks, Paul."

"Well, I better head to the airport. I don’t wanna miss my flight and disappoint my little boy," Paul said.

"All right, babe. Be careful and be sure to take plenty of pictures of his acting debut and I want to hear all about it when you return," Veronica instructed.

"I definitely will. I’ll miss you. I love you, baby," Paul said embracing and kissing Veronica softly but deeply.

"I love you, too, sweetheart. Good-bye."

"Good-bye."

……………………………………………………………………………………………

"I wonder what’s keeping her," Terri said looking at her watch.

"Maybe Veronica and Paul decided to have one for the road," Gene guessed slyly smiling.

"I doubt that’s the case, Gene," Terri disagreed rolling her eyes while Jon smiled at them.

"I don’t know. Those two are like us. They fuck like rabbits," Gene observed.

"Dammit, Gene! Can you observe some modicum of decorum here? I seriously doubt Jon really wants to hear all about Paul and Veronica’s sex life or mine and yours," Terri exclaimed.

"Hey, it’s okay. We’re all friends here," Jon answered.

"Even so, Gene, you’re wrong because I think I see Veronica walking this way," Terri retorted.

Gene moved his gaze with Terri and answered, "Yeah that’s definitely her."

Jon looked with them anxiously awaiting Veronica’s presence. As she neared the three, Terri and Gene noticed Jon glanced at her and did a double take before they walked over to Veronica. He intently studied her figure and face taking in the way her bellbottom jeans clung to her legs along with the way her black shirt hugged her breasts.

"Hey you guys," Veronica greeted.

"Hey there womyn," Terri greeted and Gene greeted her in turn.

"So did Romeo get off okay?" Gene asked.

"Well, he got off quite a few times last night, but he went to the airport a few minutes ago," Veronica explained as Terri and Gene laughed, "I’m gonna miss that man, though, but oh well. It’s not like we have to spend every waking minute together or I’m never going to see him again."

Gene turned to Veronica, escorted she and Terri to Jon and said, "Veronica, this is Jon Bon Jovi. Jon, I present you Veronica Lee…"