Chapter 5

Kate gasped as the ride came to a close. Her stomach was located somewhere near her throat and her toes at the same time. "Well hell, girl, we gotta go on that ride again!"

Elena peeked at her friend through the fingers now crazy glued to her eyes. "And you call ME the crazy one." She'd lost her urge to eat three dips back and seriously doubted she'd eat again for days. "Hell yeah…we can do that again. Noooo problemo." When her stomach returned to its rightful place…like never.

She flipped her hair back, "C'mon, you wanted adventure! What's better than that as the first thing we do tonight?" Kate rolled her shoulders. "I feel all loose and hungry," she said with a big smile, then spotted the wannabes heading out beside them. "Well, I did feel loose until just now," she groused as they passed by.

Her eyes followed the tall dark guy as he walked by, "Goddamn look at that ass, Katydid. Now that makes me feel something other than tight for sure." She smiled before turning her attentions back to her friend. "So food or another ride?"

Kate looked over then back at her friend with an arched brow. "The tall one doesn't have an ass, Sugar.” Shrugging she let her head fall back against the plastic seat, waiting for the ticket boy to unlock their section. “Food, I guess. I could go for a beer and some fried dough."

"You looking at the same guy I am my friend?" She watched Kate a moment and caught where her eyes were following. "His is ok, but he’s no long tall drink of water either." She shivered at the thought of food, her belly still felt like it was on the roller-coaster. "A beer sounds good, let’s go."

"I wasn't looking at the other one," she said defensively.

"Liar, liar pants on fire," Elena giggled. "It’s ok to look, you know."

"Just because he has a nice ass and better hair than most of the women at this park doesn't mean he's any less of a jerk." She snapped her harness back and stood on perfectly steady legs. She was invigorated from the ride. In fact, she was feeling reckless. The last time she was reckless, she...well, she didn't want to think about it.

Elena pushed her harness away and took a deep breath before standing. She loved adventure and could be as wild as the next person, but just sometimes vertigo could really do a number on her. As she stood her knees wobbled slightly. Taking a deep breath she stepped out of the coaster car and started to walk with Kate to the fried dough stand. She inhaled sharply as they passed the "wannabes" her vertigo making the world fall away as her heel caught in a crack in the side walk. "SHIT!" she yelped as she began to fall only to be stopped inches from the ground by a set of strong arms.

"Hey steady there. You ok?" Jon’s eyes widened as he realized who he’d caught. He steadied her as she stood up then quickly removed his hands. "Watch yourself, sweetheart.”

Surprise shook her as Kate stepped forward, "You okay, honey?" She looked up at the lighter haired one of the duo. "Thank you," she said tightly. "C'mon, hon, let's sit down for a second."

"Yeah um, thanks.” She took a deep breath as the world stopped swaying. “That coulda been a nasty one," she turned to Kate and smiled. "I'm ok really, just a bit of vertigo. Let’s get that food."

"Are you sure?" Kate asked and put an arm around her.

"Are you sure she's okay?" Richie asked with a worried frown.

Kate looked over her shoulder, her eyes drifting from one man to the other. "Thanks guys, seriously. We'll be fine." She looked back to her friend. "Well I didn't see that one coming. I figured we’d be in an ER for sure. You do know it’s my night off, right?"

Elena smiled a bit shakily. "Stupid vertigo. I love the rides, just sometimes it gets me. So dough or popcorn? IF i should even ask."

Reading her friend's embarrassment, she locked her arm through hers. "Well, fried dough for me. My ass loooves it, Sugar, you know that." She couldn't stop herself from looking over her shoulder one last time. She really hadn't expected the over processed boy to be so quick on the draw.

Jon caught her glance and gave her a my pleasure ma'am style wink. Thank God he still had a pretty good reaction time even with a beer or seven in him. He was used to partying on a tour bus giving him a leg up on the balance department. Not to mention the feisty dark haired girl was saved a bit of pain so all was good. He grinned over at Richie, "Wow, you still look worried over that girl."

"She didn't look to steady on those stilts she was wearing," he said absently. He was still watching her. The painted on jeans and ridiculous shoes not withstanding she suddenly seemed a little fragile.

Jon cocked a brow upwards, “Ah, you know how girls are about their heels. She probably just didn’t eat or somethin’. Glad I managed to catch her though, she's got a cute face, would’ve been a shame to get it all banged up."

"A damn shame," he agreed. He shifted his gaze to the curvier one. "The other one's not bad, but a little too much mouth for me. The little one, she's sweeter…softer I think."

“The redhead had a mouth, bro, but that dark haired one had some sass. I wouldn’t count her out yet.”

Elena snagged a piece of fried dough right off Kate's plate. The scent of sugar had pushed the best of the nausea away. "Mmmmm , not bad girl, not bad at all." She grinned as she tilted the beer to her lips. Her eyes shifted around the eating area, sparkling when she caught those pretty brown eyes watching. "Shhhh. Don’t look now but I think we're being watched."

Kate tried to sneak a peek at the guys, but didn't want to be obvious about it. The dark one was pretty obviously watching them. The shorter one was ribbing him if she didn't miss her guess. "Well, don't give them any ammunition to come over here. It won't take but a smile."

Elena tilted her head, a rueful look turning her normally lively brown eyes murky, "You really dislike the shaggy one, huh?"

"He's an ass, but I can't be mean to him because he played knight in shining armor. So don't make me be mean to the hero. Aww shit, Lains...did you have to?" She blew out a breath as her friend couldn't help but flash her pearly whites at the tall, dark stranger.

"Whaaaaat? He’s cute, dammit." Elena blushed slightly, "It’s in my nature to flirt with the purty ones."

"Aww crap! What did I tell you? Here they come. I really hate you sometimes," Kate muttered and put her game face on.

"I’m sorry." Elena offered up, but the grin in her eyes said very clearly that nope, she wasn't sorry. Not one damned bit.

"Right," she muttered. She forced a smile as the two of them got closer. "It's sweet of you guys to worry, but she's all back to normal. You guys can go off to your next victims." Shoot. She wanted to drag that one back, but it was too late. Now she just sounded like a crabby bitch. She was way out of practice on the while dealing with men thing.

Elena grinned, "Or you could sit and share a beer with us, although maybe the hero should have a coke or something." She winked up at the tall one who had called himself Richie.

Nearly choking on a piece of dough Kate jumped when the shorter one patted her back. "I'm fine, I'm fine." she shrugged off his touch, her system suddenly super sensitive to him beside her. She rounded the table and sat next to Elena. "Sure sit," she said without a trace of welcome.

Elena's eyes flickered with a bit of disappointment, she had almost looked forward to seeing just how warm that hot dark guy felt, but forced the thought away and smiled. "So what brings you two fellas out here tonight?"

Richie didn't bother to pretend he wasn't interested. He hooked a booted foot through the picnic style table and sat down. "We've got some time off from our...jobs," he said trying not to smirk. "Thought we’d cruise our old haunts."

Elena's eyes shifted down to the boot, damn he had some long feet, before traveling back up to finally realize he had the darkest chocolate sin eyes she'd ever seen. "Old haunts, huh? You’re what? All of 22? What’s so old about them?"

Richie snorted, "More like 27, darlin'. We grew up around here. Well a far bit farther north from here, but we all came down to the shore when we were kids. I didn't know this fool then," he jerked a thumb toward Jon. "We met a little later. Normally he's a good guy," He said and tried to give Jon a few bonus points.

Elena quietly watched him talk, a smile playing about her lips. "Good reflexes at least."

Richie's eyes drifted down to the slash of red lips that kept bending into a smile and felt his jeans tighten a little. Her tongue kept flicking at the corner of her mouth as if she knew he was staring. He forced his gaze to lift and meet her golden brown eyes. The smile played there, lighting them and made him want to keep that smile going. "He has his moments. We like him enough to keep him around."

"Don't know why," Kate muttered.

With a self deprecating smile, Jon grinned, "It's simple when you sign the paychecks. Besides, I can actually be kinda fun to be around, most of the time." He turned his azure eyes onto Kate, his voice husky and soft, "If a person were to give it a chance to find out that is."

Kate crossed her arms under her chest and then dropped them when his eyes went from sweet to hot in a second. Damn, she was so sick of every man staring at her like she was meat. It was just a body. Wishing for a pair of dumpy scrubs she tried to get into the conversation. "I only give those who deserve it a second chance," she said tightly.

Jon tilted his head slightly wanting to remind her of who had saved her friend, but remained silent. His blue eyes calmly staring her down with a gaze full of heat and promise and a bit of mischievousness.

Kate lifted her chin and met his gaze. "So he can keep his mouth shut? Amazing."

Jon grinned and bared his throat then pointed to the jugular. "It’s right there sweetheart. Go for it again if it makes ya happy."

"You'd like it too much," she said sweetly and swung her legs out from under the table. "I need a drink. Want?" she asked Elena, but just rolled her eyes when she was far too intent on Rick? Rich? Richie? Yeah, that was his name, Richie. "I'll be back," she said. She needed to get away from him. The one she didn't know the name of. She just needed a second to breathe.

"I'll take a Corona if you don’t mind!" Jon called out after her, "Just one."

"You get a cold soda, I might like you better sober," she said over her shoulder and stalked off.

Chapter 4

Elena grinned, a wicked gleam in her eyes, "Oh yeah right…Asshole, that’s it. I keep forgetting.” She turned to Kate then back to Jon, “Too bad," she turned her back on the two men, letting her Irish whisper free, "Sad that his friend got saddled with such a jerk. Long, tall drink of water there seemed halfway decent."

"Well tall, dark and Richie has manners, unlike his friend, dickhead." Richie replied mournfully. He didn’t know what had gotten into him tonight, but Jon was about as obnoxious as he’d ever seen him. He was lucky that either one of the women hadn’t kicked him in the balls. He looked down at the rather vicious heels they both were wearing and decided he was VERY lucky.

Jon's teeth clicked together, his eyes blazing as he took a step back. "I’m not an asshole you tiny lil’,” he paused a moment, “Ever loving….girl." He finished instead. Even hundreds of miles away, he couldn’t stop hearing his mother’s voice in his head as he’d been tempted to let a slew of terms fly for the little dark haired girl. His arms crossed over his chest as he stood in line, determined to have the ride, even if his plans were shot to hell at that point.

Kate swung around and drilled a finger into his chest. "Look, Sugar, I know you've had a bit to drink tonight and may have a better handle on yourself in the light of day, but at this time we are not interested in anything you have to say." Her finger felt itchy as she realized she'd made her way into his jacket and the warmth of his skin was right there, distracting as hell. Disgusted with herself, she quickly turned around.

His heart thundered as he perversely enjoyed all that righteous indignation. She had that typical redheaded fire, yet a wholesome beauty underlying it. He had to find a way to turn it around and quick. Shaking his head he sighed softly. "Look I'm sorry OK? It's been a long ass couple of months for me." He turned to Richie exasperation shining in his gaze. "They can’t be that backwards can they?" he said, genuinely puzzled.

Pissed that he got under her skin even just a little, a pretty healthy mad was stirring in her gut. "Sugar, I'm a first year medical intern.” Dial it back, Kate. He’s not worth blowing your top for. She took a deep breath. “I don't even live in your time zone most of the time, so can we get past this she-must-know-us crap?"

Elena joined the conversation, her soft brown gaze traveling up to the taller guy’s face. "Why should we know you? We aren’t even from around here for heaven’s sakes."

Richie smiled down at her, his fingers itching to see if her dark hair was as soft and thick as it looked. His eyes dropped to the soft shoulders draped in a sparkling shirt that looked so sweet from the front and did so much damage to his dick from the back. Trying to decide if they were messing with them or actually telling the truth, he took another long look. "Well we're not exactly just local boys done good, Darlin'. We're known worldwide."

Elena shook her head, "Bullshit. I’m in college, I’m current with the daily news and even a few of the entertainment magazines. I’ve never seen either of you."

"Well turn the channel from CNN to MTv and you might have seen us." Richie said, getting just as exasperated as Jon.

"MTv?" Elena looked at him quizzically. "Hmm…don’t think I’ve seen that one.”

"You're kidding right?" This time Richie looked at Jon then back to the little firecracker. "You guys are in your twenties right?" Please.

Elena nodded, “I graduate college this winter. So, no worries about that there tall dark and intense," she grinned softly. She briefly glanced down at her body, "But you need some glasses if you think we’re guys."

"Nooooo," Richie said with a laugh. "Definitely not guys," they moved up as the line started to dwindle. "Well hot damn, Jon, I don't think these girls have cable or listen to the radio."

"Hey we have radio in college we aren’t THAT bad, but college doesn’t believe in cable, cutie." Elena let her smile grow into a smirk. “But what’s radio or cable gotta do with you?"

Richie pinched the bridge of his nose and just laughed. They really had no clue at all who they were and something about that tickled him. All they ever wanted was to go somewhere that they wouldn’t be recognized and here they were, still disbelieving.

Jon listened intently. It just wasn't possible that here in 1986 that someone hadn't seen MTv at least once. Risking a glance at the one that was tying his stomach in knots he let his mega-watt smile fly before he turned to his friend with a ‘now what?’ look on his face.

"Honey I don't care if you're Tom Cruise or President Reagan, I am not interested in you or the pretty smile you only use to get girls out of their pants. It may work with some women, but not me." Turning back to the line, she stepped up to the ticket person and handed him two. "C'mon," she paused, still unwilling to give either of their names as a matter of pride.

Elena glanced back at the tall guy for the briefest of moments then turned back to her friend. "Let’s ride girl."

Kate smiled nice and big at the operator of the ride. Every trick her mama had taught her was there for the pimply faced boy. "Think you can seat them as far away from us as possible?” When the kid’s face went a little slack with surprise, then a quick nod in response, she smiled even sweeter. “Thanks, Sugar."

Elena walked up to the car, but held Kate back, bending close to her friend’s ear, "Ya know, if he wasn't such a drunken ass he'd actually be sorta cute. Not my style or anything, but cute.”

Incredulous, she tripped over her words. "Are you out of your-“ she looked over at the guys waiting their turn then whipped her head back to Elena. “Are you sure you weren't drinking with him? He's rude and full of himself and seriously? Do I need to go on?"

Elena pitched her voice a bit louder a wicked grin playing about her lips, "Yep, those cute drunk ones who are too full of themselves are usually hiding behind the cockiness cuz of their extreme lack of self esteem. Too bad really, he might of been a decent sort in another life." She grinned a moment then lowered her voice back to a whisper, "But I notice you didn’t deny he was cute."

"Yeah, well whatever other life you’re talking about, doesn't include this one. I have a million other things to worry about and none of them include a wannabe rocker." So what if she skipped the cute part, dammit. Being cute was not an asset when a man thought he was entitled.

Jon's brow arched, his blue eyes brightening to a near glacial hue. He shook his head as the words "wannabe" and lack of esteem burned a hole into his brain. He glanced at Richie as the ride operator ushered them forward. "Man, can it get ANY better?"

"Sure can," Richie gestured to the girls going to the back of the coaster and them being shuffled to the front. "We've been cock blocked by a ticket guy that is barely sixteen."

Jon's eyes began to gleam as the urge to win rose within him like a tidal wave. He didn't like to lose, and he didn't like to be thwarted. "Eh let them have their small victory, Bro. The night’s still young." He fully intended to follow those girls until the snarly one admitted her knowledge of his identity.

Richie snapped down the harness and got himself situated. "Might have to find some charm under all that hair, Jonny, she's gonna make you work for it."

Jon made a rude gesture. "That one you were drooling over didn't seem all that swept up by YOUR charm either, asshole."

"The dark haired one? Nah, I've got a hold on her. See how many times she looked back at me?" He rubbed his hands together. "She’s already been snagged by my charm and obvious assets."

Jon snorted as he finished securing his harness. "She’s gonna follow that friend of hers, you wait and see."

"Yes, but where you're a jackass, I'm polite. The redhead already likes me. I might have a little trouble with the whole guilt by association thing with you though.” He felt the car move and he settled back to enjoy the ride.

"Fuck you." Jon gave a loud whooop as the ride fell into its first big plunge.

Chapter 3

"Psssst Richie man, RICHIEEEEE," his husky voice nearly whined as he leaned in toward his friend.

"What? Jesus you are like a whiny chick tonight, grow a pair or go home, man. You're killin' me." He shrugged him off and took a step to his right.

Jon grinned, the six pack of Corona buzzing in his brain. "Lookit there, about ten steps up in the roller coaster line. Look at the ass on that one, I could munch on that for hours man."

"Which one? The stacked one? Or that slim piece of heaven?"

Jon's eyes rolled dramatically, "Sticks? Man, when’re you ever gonna learn…Curves is where it’s at.” He bumped his shoulder. “Damn she’s one fine piece of woman. If the front's as good as the back I'll be in heaven before the night’s through."

Richie's gaze settled on the curvy one and decided it was pretty fuckin' nice, but his eyes kept drifting to the long line of her friend's back. Skin and silver teased along a petite frame ending in jeans so tight he was surprised she could breathe. "Well looks like we don't have to fight for a woman tonight. I'll take the tiny one."

Jon swaggered up to the ticket booth. "We never fight over girls anyway, cuz you have no taste. Let’s get a ticket and hop in line." His blue eyes flashed mischievously, "See which one of us makes the biggest impression."

"Simmer down Kidd, I always make the bigger impression. Your mouth is just bigger lately."

"I haven’t had any complaints on how my big mouth pleases a woman. Besides, the lead singer always wins out at the end of the night." A wicked grin played over his lips. "Not to mention the blue eyes get them every time and you know it."

"A smart woman goes for the deep soul brown, my brotha." He’d bet near anything that the silver crop girl would go for some of his brand of soul. And if she didn't, he'd just distract her with bling. He smoothed down the cross at his chest and hitched his leather jacket up to show off the chains that dripped down the back. "Besides, your track record speaks for itself."

Jon pulled a twenty out of his pocket and paid for the tickets before turning to his friend. "Some say a man has to overcompensate for their shortcomings with extra gold and silver, buddy." He pushed up to the line and with a few quiet whispers convinced the couple behind the girls to allow him to break the line. "See, I can do all things Richie."

"Does that ego ever get heavy? I think it might need a trip into the Jersey harbor, shit head." But he smiled his thanks to the couple, moving ahead in the line. When he got nearer to the women in question he decided the little one was even better on the close up. Freckles dusted distractingly down her back in a pattern that spoke of constellations and long nightly visits. He wanted to touch and see if the skin was as milky smooth as it looked.

Jon jostled Rich hard against the shoulder pushing his wingman into Kate nearly knocking her off balance. Jon snickered, "See what you did Asshole? I told you to watch where you put those big feet of yours."

"Watch it darlin'," Kate said in a slow, low drawl. She looked up at the taller of the two, finding him appealing from a purely female point of view. He wore a heavy leather jacket with enough chain and bling on it to weigh half of Elena. Long legs in snug jeans and a hand ripped tank top that probably had been a regular t-shirt at one time, showed smooth olive skin with only a sprinkle of chest hair. Thick motorcycle boots probably gave him another inch of height to the already six foot something he was sporting. Measuring the thought for a minute longer she slowly looked him up and down. "I don't tend to go for the tall, dark and handsome but I could be persuaded."

Jon’s heart nearly stopped as she turned around. Fuck, she was gorgeous. From her worn down in all the right places jeans to the barely there black halter that caressed skin so pale it could rival the moon’s glow, all of it was amazing. And she was looking at the wrong guy, for fuck’s sake. Throwing a hand to his chest he sighed, "You wound me. Here I go protecting your honor and you can't even say thank you?" he asked, his eyes still drinking in every single lovely inch of her.

Insult and annoyance cut at her like annoying pebbles. The smaller one with the fluffy hair was good looking in a way that made women feel downright ugly. Sweet Mary, no man should be so pretty. A short leather bomber was zipped at the waist to hold it together over an equally ripped t-shirt that showed much more hair and a lean body. From the waist down he was all ropy runner with ripped jeans that were worn in a few specific places that made her blood warm and her eyes cool in response. She had no business checking him out, especially when he was more than annoying. She didn’t want him to think she was welcoming his oh so obvious pick up lines. "So you're going to own up to your," she paused, realizing he was on his way to a good down deep drunk, but her mama had taught her better so the venom she was ready to hand out melted into sugar. "Clumsy ways, Sugar?"

Jon flashed a mega watt grin that was all white teeth and blue eyes. "IF that will get me your name I'll admit to anything, Baby."

"The last time a man called me Baby uninvited, he lost a tooth and I broke a finger." Her smile was all southern cream. "I've learned to pull my left hook better."

His blue eyes twinkled as the devil begin to ride his shoulder. "Oh, a lady who likes it a bit rough? I Like that." He tilted his head to the side, his eyes heating slowly. "So, I’m Jon and you are?"

"Uninterested," she said and turned back around. "I like men, not drunk boys," she said over her shoulder.

Elena grinned and offered the tall guy a wink before turning back around. "You told him, Katydid."

Kate tried really hard not to growl at her. "Just what part of not giving out my name did you miss, girl?"

Jon's mind whirled as he came up with plans within plans to find out the girl’s name, barely hearing the darker girl’s words. He wanted to know who she was and where she came from. The mix of red hair and green eyes with that translucent skin was enough to kick him in the gut with lust. He knew most of the girls in this area and couldn’t figure out how she had escaped his notice.

Elena gave her friend a grin, "He's so friggin’ drunk he probably can’t hear himself think girlfriend. Don't fret it."

Richie's grin widened. Respect and a little bit of awe slid through him as he realized neither girl recognized them. "Jonny, leave the nice ladies alone."

Jon turned towards Richie, his need to be on top making his eyes sparkle with a strange fire and his voice carry. "Don't like being ignored, Bro. Did you SEE that? Don't she realize who I AM? Shit."

"Far less important than you like to think, Sugar," the redhead said with that fluid southern flavor that made his dick twitch even as his eyes widened. How dare she talk to him that way? Girls fell into his bed like salt out of a shaker, and she dared to mock? "Baby, just where are you from?”

"Georgia," she said and half turned back to him giving him a once over that couldn’t disguise the disdain. "You know, where manners are cultivated and rude little boys learn at their mama's knee that you speak to a lady with respect."

Richie couldn't hold back his laugh. "Well, she told you."

Elena watched the interaction between her friend and the unruly haired boy. He was a pretty one no doubt, and she had never seen a fire lit in her friend quite like he was building. The entire moment was coated in hilarity. She started laughing, truly laughing at the look on Jon's face.

Richie's eyes connected with the slim, little brunette and the laugh only grew longer as they shared a moment.

"Who does he think he is Long, Tall and Dark?" Elena craned her neck to look upwards. "COULD YOU GET any taller? Damn."

"Well I happen to enjoy playing big strong man to a lady if it's all the same to you." He held out his hand. "Richie, but I'll let you call me Long, Tall and Dark if it makes you feel better."

She grinned his way. "I might come up with a better name, but Richie will do for now. SO really tell me who does this joker think he is?" Elena offered up a sweet smile but no name. There was safety in anonymity tonight.

"Don't mind him, he's had a little too much good cheer, I mean beer tonight.” Frowning down at Jon he sighed and shrugged. “He's normally better behaved," he elbowed him until Jon winced and shifted away.

"Hey watch the shoving, King." Blue eyes staked themselves on the tiny one. "Don't gimme that shit of who is he? EVERYONE knows our name."

"Not everyone," Kate said with an arctic chill to her deceptively soft voice. "I don't think I want to know you either."

Chapter 2

Hanging on, Kate watched her life flash before her eyes as she did every time she got in the car with her crazy roommate. "So where are we headed? Which interstate?" Please God, have a plan.

Elena gave her the I-know-what-I'm-doing look which usually signified she had no idea. "Oh I thought we'd go down 287 and take 9 to 195 and hit Atlantic City that way."

"Wouldn't it be easier to just head for the Parkway?" she asked with a frown.

"Maybe, but not half as fun!" Elena gave her friend a grin. "I promise to not get us lost."

"Good thing I love you, because I so don't believe you." Knowing she was just asking for trouble, she sat back and flicked on the radio.

Elena stuck her tongue out at Kate for the briefest of moments before settling in to drive. For two hours she hummed along with the song selections coming up over the random and varied channels her friend kept changing too. Kate never could keep it on one station. Before she knew it the urge to turn hit her and she slid the car into a sharp left turn, hitting highway 18.

Kate yelped and hung onto the door handle. “Okay, that so wasn't one of the routes you mentioned. Do you have to pee or something?"

Elena smiled, "OR something.” She shrugged lightly, "Had the urge to turn Katydid. This one leads to the parkway anyhow. We'll get there eventually."

"Eventually we'll hit the ocean too," she muttered and scrolled through the stations once more. It was going to be a long night. But it was a nice one she thought as she found herself rolling down the windows to catch the warm breeze. The sun had set and the stars were popping along the skyline. Hanging with her best girl couldn't be all bad, even if they were lost.

As they got closer to the shore, she could smell the ocean. At least that much was true, they were heading for the Parkway. It ran the coastal edge of Jersey and headed right into Atlantic City. At least she thought it did. But when she caught the streaming ribbon of lights dancing along the coast, she swore as Elena saw it too.

A soft gasp fell from Elena's lips, "Ohhh Look! Twinkly lights! KATYDID it’s…dare I say it?"

"It's not Atlantic City, dork."

"IT’S AN AMUSEMENT PARK!!" Elena grinned, her eyes wide with excitement. "You know RIDES and cotton candy and…It’s a PARK Kate!"

Knowing there was no changing her course, she played along. "So we're going to find a hot ride operator and eat cotton candy off his six pack abs?"

"Now I like how you think! Let’s do it!"

Adventure had to be more exciting than the numb ass she was currently sporting so she nodded. "Alright Sugar, lead the way." As the twirling lights of the huge Ferris wheel beckoned, they followed. The boardwalk was filled with pedestrian traffic, but surprisingly light traffic. It was always warm along these waters, even in late October. And because it was Jersey, Indian summer had a strangle hold and the temperature was mild even in the heart of the night. "Hey!” She pointed, “There's a parking spot. Quick! Now’s the time to drive like the lunatic you are."

Elena punched it and with all four wheels managing to stay on the ground she swung the car in a neat 180 straight into the slot Kate had pointed to. Shutting off the motor she turned to her friend, a sort of wicked freedom shining in her eyes. "So roller coaster or Ferris wheel first?"

"Roller coaster," she said with a bit of recklessness. She was first one out of the car grabbing her hobo bag out of the back.

Opening the door Elena slid out and stuck her ID and keys in her pocket along with enough cash to make it through the night. "Let’s rock this joint."

Kate looped a hand through her arm and hooked them together as they headed into the crowd. Neither woman noticed when men's heads turned, their heels forcing a loose hipped sway to both of their walks. They only had eyes for one thing and the beast had fangs if the screams were of any indication. "Damn that's a big drop," she said as the car dipped and the screams rang out again.

"Well you know what I think about things that have 'big' in it " Elena winked, "Big ain’t bad, it’s aaaall good."

"I'll buy first round," Kate said, laughing and dug for her wallet at the ticket booth.

"Nuh-uh, it’s my treat remember." Elena's leaned over and handed the ticket person a twenty. She let Kate deal with the booklet as she took in the sights and sounds of the area. Her eyes sparkled as the distinct aroma of popcorn and cotton candy teased the air, melding with the scents of hundreds of people and various food stands on the night air. "God, this place makes me hungry."

"Well, I think eating after the roller coaster is probably smarter; though I've yet to get on one that's made me hurl. Tonight could be the night," she said with a wild smile.

Elena nodded. "You got that right, if we even WANT to eat after." She laughed softly. "We may decide foods a no go right?"

Kate shook her head regretfully. "Nachos are my downfall," she said wistfully. "Fried dough, and kettle corn,” she hummed, “Even those stupid moon pies.” She stuffed the tickets into her bag, “See, this is why my ass is the size it is," she said with an air of disgust as they moved into the line.

"Your ass is just fine. At least you’re not a near stick like me. My downfall is gonna be the cotton candy, I just love things that are all sticky,” she said with extra edge and both girls laughed.

Chapter 1

Elena Masters slammed the door of her car, cramming starter bottles of liquor in her bag before heading to the front door of her on campus apartment. Class had been a bitch, plain and simple. The teacher just couldn't get her idea for the promotions assignment that was due. And because it was Mr. Imacock Wilcox riding her ass all day, it felt more like he just didn’t want to get it.

She’d been watching the clock for the better part of the day, she could admit it. Partly because she was heading into the home stretch of classes, but more importantly because she was going to drag her roommate, Kate…kicking and screaming if need be…out to celebrate her new internship. Hip checking the door to get it to move, she dropped her rucksack by the door. "HEY KATYDID you home?"

Kate peeked around the corner, a towel, turban style, dipped low over her left ear. She pulled it off her head and rolled her eyes. "No need to shout Lains, the walls in this place are so thin three apartments down could hear you."

”Yeah well, after the day I had with Imacock Wilcox be amazed I’m not screeching." Elena grinned, giving her a once-over. "You about ready to make with the fun?"

"Oh Sugar, do we really need to go out? Can't we just crack a bottle or two of Boones and watch a movie?" She fluffed her hair a bit, trying to get most of the wet out. “I even have Breakfast Club to drool over.” She used her best cajoling, southern voice.

Elena rolled her eyes heavenward as her hands dropped to her hips. "GIRL, that’s no way to celebrate. There’s no way we’re stayin’ in tonight. I've saved up for a month to do this right. Do I gotta drag ya kicking and screaming? Car's all gassed up and your bag is packed."

She frowned, "Why do I need a bag?" She squeezed the last of the water out of her auburn hair, nerves suddenly settling low in her belly.

Elena smiled, a devious little smile that had her brown eyes twinkling. "'Cuz we are getting the hell outta New York. I'm aiming for Atlantic City. Girl, we're gonna do it up right this weekend."

The last time she'd gone on a road trip with her they’d ended up lost in…hell, what was the state again? "Lain, what do I know about gambling? Not to mention the last time we tried a road trip we ended up in the wrong friggin' state."

A bashful look fluttered over her face. "But Katydid, we had fun in Maryland. Remember that attendant at the gas station? You had him eating outta your hand in ten minutes flat.” Knowing she was losing her best friend to her homebody ways she snagged one of her hands. “So we get lost maybe, but it might be fun too. What's to lose girlfriend? Come on you KNOW you wanna go."

She shook her hair back, pushing at the curls that wanted to spring everywhere. She'd been so lost in her studies and trying not to earn herself an ulcer before her boards that she’d forgotten how to go out, let alone try to socialize. She knew Elena was good at finding fun wherever she went…she pretty much always traveled with a friend name trouble as well, but it was always a wild ride. She sighed for effect, but she’d known she was going to relent. She deserved a little fun, but it wasn't a good thing to make Lain feel like she won too easily, it went to her head. She gripped her fingers back, "Alright, I'll leave myself in your capable hands."

"AWESOME! Just give me ten minutes to change out of good girl school clothes and we'll be ready to flyyy!" Elena moved over to the closet and pulled out a change of clothes and hip-wiggled her way to freshen up with a quick shower. As she closed the door, “Shot through the heart and you’re to blaaaameee, you give love a baaaaad name,” couldn’t be muffled. It didn’t bother her that she’d trashed every note of the song; she just liked singing.

Curious about the bag of doom, Kate moved to the overstuffed knapsack. She popped her knuckles first, paced the room, still listening to what was supposed to be a song, blaring through the bathroom walls then said, "Screw it," and unzipped the backpack.

The bag had everything from toilet paper to a strip of condoms and enough airline sized liquor bottles to stock a miniature bar. "Are we going to Atlantic City or Sin City?" she muttered.

Elena sashayed back in, ever the dramatic one, towel-drying her hair and singing at the top of her lungs.

You paint your smile on your lips
Blood red nails on your fingertips
A school boy's dream, you act so shy
Your very first kiss was your first kiss goodbye…

Her song stopped as she looked down at her friend, "I Like to be prepared. Maybe we'll find Sin City wherever we land," her brows waggled just a bit as she grinned still humming.

Kate winced slightly as she seemed to be singing the same song. "What, in all that is good and holy, are you singing?"

Elena put a hold on her singing career and headed for her room, she leaned back out with her hair dryer in hand. "Huh? Oh I have no idea, I heard it on the radio on the way home and it sorta stuck with me. Kinda catchy tune.” Her dryer roared to life, but the words she sang were still crystal and achingly clear.

Ohhh....
Shot through the heart
And you're to blame
You give love a bad name
I play my part and you play your game

She reappeared with her hair fluffed around her pretty face with her towel tucked at her breasts. “You give love a bad name” she paused and whispered, “Bad name," as if she were singing backup too.

Kate laughed, "Good lord woman, I hope the singer's version is better than yours."

Elena slid into her jeans, a fake pout on her lips, "What don’t like my singing?” she sighed in mock offense then grinned at her. “Yeah he was okay I think. The song seemed to fit me ya know?" She sucked in a deep breath and zipped her jeans up and pulled on her halter top. It was a silvery confection that looked demure from the front, but if seen from the back, she tugged at the straps until satisfied, well that was another story. She followed her friend into her room and studied her intently for a moment. "Tell me you aren't wearing THAT?"

"Considering I'm in a robe, that would be a no, smartass." Well, if she was going to do this, she was going to do it up right. Kate reached into her closet and found the ripped jeans she'd been cultivating since junior year of high school. They were worn and thin in all the right places. She nibbled on her thumb for a moment then reached into the way back for the black halter she'd bought on a whim but never had the guts to wear. She turned to Elena, "You should know the fact that I will be leaving this room without a bra on tonight is big."

"Oh My god, call the New York Times. Katydid is going braless for a change. She’s finally hit the 20th century." Elena grinned and winked at her friend, knowing a bit of teasing would rile her enough to go through with it.

Because modesty had been lost somewhere between their first and second year living together, Kate tugged on red panties and her jeans before she dropped her robe on the chair beside her bed. Tugging and tucking her ridiculous boobs into the halter she sighed when she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. "Good God, I can't wear this.” Her hands covered the low cut excuse for a shirt. “My boobs are huge."

Elena grinned, "All the better to catch the boys with my dear. You look awesome Kate.” She turned her around; a twinge of envy gripped her, “God to have all those curves.” She sighed, “I’d kill for them you know."

Kate just quirked a brow, "It's the men that like the little firecrackers like you, not the curvy brick houses like me. I just attract the dirty old men."

She rolled her eyes. It was an ongoing argument that she wasn’t going to get into tonight. "Ahhuh, and who was it had that gas attendant eating outta her hand? Weren’t me sugar lips." Elena grinned, "So we ready?"

Kate didn’t add that the gas attendant was nearly two years ago, she thought with a bit of disgust. God, had it really been that long since she’d allowed herself some fun? Shooting a glance back at the mirror she decided that her short self was definitely in need of some height. Returning to the closet she found her black suede boots with the killer heels and tugged them on. "Now I'm ready. Wait, fuck." She sighed, "Hair. One second let me just put my hair junk in."

Elena smiled, always with the hair junk. Kate never did like her curls just blowing free. Taking a quick glance in the mirror she ran her fingers through her long, dark hair and let it fall straight over her shoulder. "Well babes, I’m ready when you are."

Kate filled her hand with mousse and then gel, hoping against hope that she wouldn't look like a clown on meth by the end of the night. Deciding the cool night air would be better than a hair dryer she let it settle along her shoulders and down the middle of her back. She quickly brushed on mascara and her favorite pink gloss. "You'll have to do," she said to her reflection. "Alright, let's roll."

Elena picked up her bag and Kate's bag o’ fun and headed toward the door. "Let's get this party started." She ushered Kate through the door before closing and locking it. She quickly strode to the red cherry Mustang convertible and opened the door tossing both bags in the backseat.

Kate glanced at the car. "Umm...we are not going with the top down."

Elena sighed softly as a finely arched brow lifted, "We aren’t?"

"Well if we are looking for me to get laid tonight, then it would be better if I didn't look like Faye Dunaway at the end of Mommy Dearest.”

Elena offered her friend a slight pout, before she flipped open the locks at the top of her windshield. "Well ok, this one time I'll go top up." With that she turned the ignition on and the little car purred to life. With a quick push of a button, the top rolled over their heads. Less than three minutes later she had her foot on the gas and they were off, tires screaming in protest as she pushed the car to 60 in under a minute.

Welcome :)

Welcome to the wild and wacky world of TaraBonJovi and Tre.

We decided to try a fiction together as a team. It's a joint effort all the way, so we decided to even make up a new pen name to go along with it. This is a loooong fiction, with a little bit of a different take on things from time to time.

We're talking Saga here, kids. Just a warning. LOL You know how long winded Tre and I can get.

A general warning that we're going to delve into some dark stuff. It's coming later, but just wanted to put it out there so you don't get invested in a story and not want to deal with the not so pretty time in the life of Jovi.


CHARACTERS: Jon & Richie (Band makes many appearances)


ERA: SWW - ??

ADULT SITUATIONS: Many. heheh NC-17 more like it.