Chapter 72 - They're All The Same

Errands were the chore of the day.  They needed to settle up with the boys and then plan for the next step in the tour.  A few weeks home would do all of them some good.  Jon and Monica have talked at length about where they want to take Bon Jovi and where they see them in 5 years. 

Jon's vision is much like Monica's, but hers is a little more go get it style.  She reminds Jon that they need to make more videos, since they are on the in the early stage of their 2nd album release.  The album that Jon hates, the one he felt that they were rushed through.  "We already did a couple; Silent Night and In and Out of Love."

"I think we need to do one for Only Lonely."

"Why?"

"It's a song about being away from the one that you love and what you would do to get to them.  I think it's a good way to lead your fans into what life is like on the road."

"You think?"

"I think it would help gain some numbers, specially if they think that you're miserable out there.  Sympathy for the band.  I can see it."

"What's your vision for the video, what's your concept idea?" he asks, trying to get a feel of what she may be thinking.

"I see some live shots, a little acting and maybe a little gang type activity, with Bon Jovi winning in the end."

"You do?" he has a look on his face like she was talking about a whole other band, it didn't sound anything like them, but he knows that he needs to trust her.  "When do you want to start shooting?"

"I need to head into the city and get some new equipment, but as soon as you guys get a wardrobe together, I'm ready whenever."

He jumps up and says, "Let's go see what they are up to."  he reaches for her hand, in a quickness she grabs his with both of her and pulls him down to her.  "You need a girlfriend for the video."

He quickly stands, "A what?"

She laughs, "I see your character as having a love interest in the video that seems to be making you choose - her or the band."

"You can do that."

"I won't do that." she tells him, with a loud period at the end.  "I don't need to be in your videos."

He looks at her and smiles, picturing her in their videos, immortalizing her in their relationship forever.  "You would be so beautiful, it would be great to share the screen with you."

"Nope, not gonna do it."

He's bummed about it, but he understands.  "I'm sure Richie knows someone." he laughs and that makes her laugh.  They both know that Richie would in fact know someone.

They get dressed and head over to Richie's.  As they knock on the door, they are walked into by some girl running out of the house upset and crying.  When they get a better look, Monica see that it's an old girlfriend of Richie's.  With her shoes in her hand, Monica mumbles to Jon, "A one night that wanted more."  Jon watches the girl walk down the driveway, quite upset.  Monica is used to seeing that with Richie.  He was like a rolling stone, never let himself get attached to anyone or stay with anyone too long.  He didn't have time for it and he wasn't letting his music, his career fall to the wayside.

They walk in, like Monica always does and say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Sambora.  The Sambora's wave and say hi as they walked down stairs to find Richie.  He was in the basement, sitting on the couch with his acoustic guitar on his lap, strumming a few chords.

"Hey, what are you guys doing here?" he asks, surprised to see them, this early in the afternoon.

Monica is the first to respond, "Why was Nikki here, Rich?"

He just smiles.

"Man, she's crying."  Jon says to her, "What did you do?"

"I gave her some of the Sambora and told her that she had to leave."

"That's cold."  Jon adds, "But anyway, we're here to talk about a video idea.  Do you have a few minutes?"

"Sit, sit."  Richie motions for them to sit down, "What about a video.  For what song?"

"I think you should do a video for Only Lonely."  Monica starts to explain.  "With a story line."

Richie sits up, interested, "Story line, what kind of story line?"

"I see a little bit of a love interest, a little bit of fighting and Jon having to decide between his girlfriend and his music."

"Interesting."  Richie states, winking at Monica.  "Jon will have a love interest?  Will it be played by you?"

"No way!  I'm not going to be in it, I'll just shoot it and edit it." Monica explains, she has no desire to appear in any video or anything involving the band.  "This is your thing, but I do want you to find a girl to play a part in it."

"Any girl?  Jon and Richie say at the same time.  Both looking at each other with smiles in their eyes and on their faces.

Monica shakes her head, "Yeah.  Do you have someone in mind?"

In synch and like they were speaking for each other, they both said, "Dorothea."