Gift of Love

 Joanne watched as the kids scrambled to get their belongings together so that when the doors opened they could deplane as fast as possible. Being 2 hours behind wasn’t helping either. Confident that Bobby, her 20 year old son and the oldest, would help his other siblings with their carry-ons, Joanne reached for her own bag sitting on the floor by her feet.

When the doors finally opened the captain and his crew were waiting to say goodbye to their passengers. Standing just inside the door of the plane, Captain Nevins watched as the lovely 5’2" brunette made her way over to him.

With a smile on his face, he extended his hand. “It was a real pleasure to be of service to your family and friends, Mrs. Bongiovi. We hope you and your family enjoy your stay here in London.”

 Shaking the Captain’s hand, Joanne returned the smile. "We truly appreciate all that you and your crew have done for us, especially the kids. They really wanted to do something special for their dads this Father’s Day. With your assistance, they will be able to do just that." After many thank yous and goodbyes had been exchanged between the kids and crew, Joanne finally led the parade down the stairs of the private jet to the vehicles waiting on the tarmac. When Joanne stepped off the last stair she turned to the people descending the stairs. "Everyone remember who is riding with whom, right?" Joanne asked the group. The mumblings of "Yes" could be heard coming from the group.

Satisfied with the response, Joanne clapped her hands together. "Alright, then let’s load up and move out. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I could use a nice warm shower."

 With everyone settled inside the 2 black Escalades, they were off, thankful the ride to the hotel was a relatively short one. Even though it was a short ride, it still gave Joanne time to make a call. Scrolling through her contacts, she hit the button to connect the call, and after only one ring the call was picked up. Hearing a warm "Hello" come over the line, she leaned back against the plush leather seat. "The Eagles have landed," Joanne chuckled into the receiver.

 A hearty laugh filled her ear. "Don’t let my son hear you say that!”

 At the mention of her husband, Joanne closed her eyes, giving a soft sigh. She missed him something fierce. Every tour that took him away from her just made them both more determined to talk more, touch more, love each other more. The sound of her father in law’s voice brought her back to the present. "You will see him soon, honey. He is missing you just as much." John Sr had heard her sigh when he mentioned his son. Determined to stay in the happy zone, he changed the subject, "So how long until you guys arrive at the hotel?”

 Joanne asked the driver who politely informed her it would be another 10 or 15 minutes before they would be there. Relaying the information to John Sr, Joanne gave another sigh. "Thanks, pops, for changing the subject. I just really miss him.”

  John Sr could hear the loneliness in her voice. "You’re welcome, honey." Joanne was about to ask how Jon was doing when she heard his voice in the background talking to his dad. She could hear him asking his dad who he was talking to. Not missing a beat, the patriarch responded, "I am talking to my girlfriend. So would you please leave so I can finish before your mother returns?!”

 Hearing her husband laugh caused her heart to skip a beat, then it was quiet. A few seconds later, John Sr came back on the line. "Always was a nosey little shit," he grumbled with a trace of laughter in his voice.

 Trying to keep her own laughter at bay, Joanne couldn’t help but respond, "He takes after you, pops, and you love it!" Seeing the hotel come into view, Joanne started to panic. "Pops, can you keep the guys inside their rooms? We are pulling up to the hotel now."

With a hint of mischief in his voice, John Sr tried to keep from laughing. "Did I forget to tell you that we are already at the Arena? Jonny wanted to go over a few things with Anthony and Obie before the show tonight."

"You know if I didn’t love you I would kick your ass for scaring me like that!" Joanne’s voice held no trace of anger. 

A full belly laugh flew down the phone line. "Yeah, yeah, you know you love it when I tease you!" Her father in law was enjoying himself way too much for his own good, it was time for payback.

"I do like it when you tease me, pops, but I love it when your son is the one teasing me," she purred into the phone.

 A loud groan could be heard coming through the line. "And on that note I am hanging up. See you in a bit, my sweet J."

 The sound of a dial tone informed Joanne that her father in law had indeed ended their call. Knowing she had gotten the best of him sent Joanne into a fit of giggles.