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Great Expectations

Part 7

By Starbearer TM

Disclaimer: KISS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are real persons, and this story is not meant to harm or demean them in any manner. It is a work of fiction. Trynia Merin and other characters are property of the author. Rated R for sexual content and language, so no readers under 18 please.  Image is from publicity site, and used only for entertainment purposes.

Slowly she stretched and turned over, loving the feel of the occupant of the bed next to her. He hadn't yet woken, and she peered past his shoulder to look at the alarm clock. Sheets poured off her shoulder when she leaned up to get a better look and realized it was a blur.

"C'mere you, where do you think you're sneaking off to?" someone cooed, and pulled her back down into the warm delights of the bed.

"What's this now... you sleeping in? I thought you had to do some working out first..."

"I plan to, baby," he whispered. Trynia moved eagerly into his embrace for the morning kiss he lay sweetly on her lips. Across his cheek she kissed a path, nibbling on his right earlobe and stroked her nose along the sensitive rim of his ear. Warm soft slickness danced down her neck and lightly nibbled along her collarbone. Moving up out of the bed, he placed one hand beside her hip and slid his thigh overtop of hers. She leaned up a bit and rubbed her cheek down the soft forest of hair on his smooth defined chest, inhaling his natural musk. With his body, he blanketed her in the early morning chill, pressing her securely into the bed. Teasingly she shifted her legs together, enfolding him in her arms. Paul traced the portrait over her heart of his alter ego with soft licks, shivering her goosepimples to life. Dark curly hair tickled her breasts even more as he lay his head between them and moved his hands up and down her sides, setting himself atop her hips.

"Hmm I like the way you tease, 'he laughed, trying to nudge his hand between her thighs but she playfully seized his wrists and placed his hands elsewhere.

"Just creating a challenge," she smiled innocently, her eyes sparkling with a sophisticated plan behind them. Paul smiled, kissing down her chest to her navel and beyond. At the feel of his tongue bathing her body she moaned, arching her back. He moved down her body methodically, tongue gliding over her belly.

Under the sheets he vanished, out of sight but very much in the sphere of her other senses. Soft hair tickled her body and thighs making her giggle though she continued to grasp his hands in her strong small ones. She couldn't resist and parted her legs, shaking in spasms of laughter. Paul stroked his tongue over her inner thighs, sampling the delights she ached for him to feast upon. So delicate was his touch that it sent her catereening into a tizzy of pleasure. Over his shoulders, she hung her calves, moving her hips up to offer herself fully to him. Fingers interlaced with his, gripping ever tighter as his intimate kiss continued. The combination of his hair tickling her hips and sensitive skin coupled with his hot demanding mouth and lips shot a hot wave of tingling shivers all throughout her body. Out of the heart of her being the cry rang in the master bedroom, heart pounding hot and red in her ears with thundering loud hammer blows.

For a moment she wondered if she had passed out, because the next thing Trynia remembered was laying close under his body, Paul gently stroking himself along her belly as he slipped his tongue lightly between her lips. Pulling him into her arms, she moved under him to guide him into herself.

"Mmm," Paul moaned, easing himself into the comfort he'd come to know over the past month. It had been a long time since he had such consistent contact with someone other then groupies or the occasional blind dates upon which Gene insisted. Drawing back from the kiss, he fixed his dark eyes into hers, smoothing her hair away from the curves of her soft face. Slowly and deliberately, they moved in unison, until she nudged him with a hand against his chest.

"What's wrong?" he asked, catching his breath as he lifted himself slightly off her.

"Paul, you forgot again," she whispered back.

"I'm sorry, I was just caught up in the moment," he apologized.

"We have to be careful. I mean after all I'm not on control yet... and I promised a certain good friend that I'd be a responsible woman and finish my education. I don't think it would be good to jeopardize that... do you?"

"No of course not, I'm really sorry baby," he whispered, pulling out of her for a moment. "Besides, I forgot to tell you I made you an appointment with one of the doctors for later today."

"How so?" she asked as he reached into his nightstand for the now familiar box.

"So you or I won't have to worry, baby," Paul urged her. "I'll pay for it, don't you worry..."

"You don't have to..."

"I want to," he whispered, preparing himself, and then lowering his body to hers again. "Sometimes on the tour people can forget things, and I don't wanna let anything screw up your education baby..."

"Thank you... but I am more worried about other things..."

"I do get tested regularly," Paul said slowly. "If that's what you're worried about..."

"I'm sorry to..."

"No apologies baby," Paul shushed her, moving into her depths again. "I just want to make things easier for you and for me..."

"It's much appreciated, but I've never quite had to deal with..." she began, but trailed off at the hearty thrusts which ensued, and terminated further conversation.

Both lost themselves in the moment that became many moments strung together into infinity. She banished from her mind all doubts and iniquities that threatened to undermine just what she was feeling at this space in time.

Only when they held each other after their lovemaking had ceased did reality again assert itself. Trynia glanced up into Paul's dark eyes, asking, "today's when we go back on tour, isn't it?"

"Yeah," he nodded, stroking her bared arm with the tip of a callused finger. "Sometimes people wanna forget that, but it's inevitable. But don't worry... it's going to be a blast, believe me..."

"Rocking and rolling all night, and part of every day?" she laughed. "No wonder you guys used to sleep till well after noon!"

"Hey, what can I say," Paul laughed.

Trynia disengaged herself from his embrace, and sat up to stretch. "I guess there's a lot of packing ahead, isn't there? You're awful, waiting till the last minute..."

"I have a good reason to procrastinate. Besides the flight doesn't leave till later tonight..." he laughed, tugging on her shoulder again. "Why don't we get breakfast, and then a little workout before we go at it..."

"I thought we already went at it," she joked back, slipping out of his grasp before he could pull her back down into the bed again.

"Argh!" Paul chortled, throwing a pillow at her.

Paul had shown her the correct way to do aerobic exercises, especially the pre workout stretches. Although it had been a mere week and two days, she fell into the routine of rising relatively early and joining him after the first day. One room was specially devoted to the all purpose workout machines and free weights he used for strength training and bulking up. Paul found that she was quite accomplished in swimming, and kept up with him easily on that count. Yet, when it came to pumping iron, she was most fascinated.

Normally she wouldn't even dream of going anywhere near a weight training facility, for fear of people staring at her body. Yet she couldn't help but be intrigued and want to spend as much time with him as she could. Joining his exercises was a natural step.

Sweat poured out of every part of her, drenching the t shirt and workout pants she wore. Downward she pulled on the weight bar with one thrust, exhaling, then letting herself glide back up.

"Don't jerk it now. One smooth fluid motion," he gritted to her, continuing his own set. When came time for other parts in the rotation, he would keep an eye on her to make sure she wasn't straining or stretching foolishly in some vain attempt to impress him. Still he couldn't help but be impressed with her endurance. Already she had progressed to the third set of weights on the adductor machine for lower body, but the upper was still a challenge.

"I think that's enough for one day," he laughed, throwing a towel at her suddenly when she sat up from the last set of reps for the biceps pull.

"You sure?"

"I'm sure. How do you feel? I hope you're remembering to drink plenty of water..."

"Yes."

"Don't want you passing out on me now," he teased her.

"I never realized I'd like working out," she panted, sponging sweat off with a towel. "But it's not so bad..."

"Good thing is you can work out anywhere once you get a pattern down," Paul nodded. "And just cause they give you all sorts of machines doesn't' mean you have to use them all. Just specific ones..."

"I know," she nodded, inhaling the strength of his sweat soaked body, which deliciously invaded her nostrils with its man smell. At the feel of his hands rubbing her shoulders, she couldn't resist a moan. For a few minutes she moved into the rhythm of his ministrations, letting her mind drift away on the music he'd turned on to workout to.

"But there is one thing that I forgot to mention. Sometime during this month is visitation... and well..."

"Yes, I know," she said. "If you want me to stay out of the way..."

"I didn't say that, sweetheart," Paul interrupted her. "It just means that Aaron is going to pay a little visit to daddy on the trip, that's all. Nothing to worry about..."

"I don't want to interrupt..."

"You won't," Paul said. "Don't worry about it. It won't change anything, just make things more creative..."

"What about the book?"

"Well I'm sure there won't be any problems with that. I mean you'll be using my laptop like you've been doing baby... and there's plenty of time to write..."

"But your son..."

"Don't worry. It'll be okay," Paul assured her. "Why don't we get a shower and start packing?"

Trynia opened her mouth to protest, but thought better of it when Paul rose from the bench, and extended his hand to her. It exasperated her how he'd change the subject so soon, but what he had suggested made sense. Many times, she let him take the lead, but she had a feeling that she needed to take charge when the time came. Especially when his family was concerned. The last thing she wanted was to get in the way of limited time with his own child.

They strode out of the exercise room, and into the main living area. For a few minutes, she drank in the details of Paul's apartment one last time. It was a pause before the hustle and bustle of packing to make another memory to file away.

"Don't be afraid to bring more stuff sweetie," Paul said. "I mean we have plenty of room..."

"All these clothes..." Trynia groaned.

"Hey, that's why we got the new luggage set," he assured her, tossing her a hanging bag. "I want my lady to look beautiful, remember..."

"For the fifty bazillionth time you've reminded me," she joked back. Already Paul had used his freshly made bed to sort out his own clothing for the tour. Neat piles of underwear, socks and t-shirts sat near the jeans he had tossed out to lay flat on the bed. Articles of clothes some fans would die to snatch away and add to their collections he treated just like the clothing she now assembled.

Only now did the reality of how many outfits she now possessed hit her. Dresses, blouses, and various other coordinates alongside of new underwear and stockings. New shoes and various other items all disappeared into the floral print suitcases and two hanging bags. To think she had joined them on the trip with little more then the clothes on her back, and the spare set of shoes in her car. For a moment her eyes traveled to the sturdy pair of sneakers, alongside the pair of jeans with the two concert T-shirts she folded neatly. These were the vestiges of her own reality, laying here on Paul's king sized bed.

Trynia glimpsed herself in Paul's dresser mirror, opposite the four poster canopy bed. In dark mahogany, it matched the rest of suite in Mediterranean style. For the trip, she had selected comfortable black slacks and a floral print halter-top beneath a button up sweater. Only the top button was done, revealing the halter beneath, and the mark of his face on her breast. At her throat hung the rose locket, matching a pair of gold hoop earrings he had gotten her to match it. She had a double set in, with amethyst studs occupying the third hole and a silver hoop earring far up in the top of her left ear.

"So is it by KISS jet or Bus?' she asked.

"Well we're heading to Indianapolis for a publicity promotion with the KISS ARMY, and then hopping a flight from there to Toronto where the next concert is..."

"Toronto," she muttered. "I've never been to Canada before..."

"You'll love it," Paul smiled, striding over to finger her cheek affectionately. "Now... are we almost ready to roll here?"

"I think... but are we driving?'

"Chris is stopping by to pick us up, and schlep us to the airport. Ace and Peter are already in NYC so they'll meet Gene and us out there. But that also reminds me I've got a charity dinner the day after the concert... for About Face..."

"I had remembered," she smiled. "But will you be wanting..."

"Busy time, but there'll be some time to work on the book," he joked. Then he turned, and grasped something hanging in a plastic bag, and urged her over.

"What's this?"

"Something special to wear a bit later on. You'll see what I mean..."

Her next question was interrupted by the loud chiming of his doorbell. Paul excused himself and moved out to answer it. There came the sound of two men's voices rapping, echoing from downstairs. She started to zip up her suitcases, and carry them downstairs when she noticed Paul walking with Chris up to join her.

"Hey, don't' worry about that!" Paul laughed.

"It's part of my workout!" Trynia called, still carrying a suitcase in either hand. Paul took them from her and pressed a kiss to her lips before she could protest. Among the three of them, they got all the pieces downstairs into the waiting limousine within fifteen minutes. Including Paul's guitars from his private collection.

It was probably two PM when they finally got underway, sailing along the LA freeway toward the airport. They took alternate routes to avoid clots of Friday afternoon traffic. Over diet coke and television, they enjoyed the ride; Trynia realizing that it might well be the only time she'd see LA from such a vantagepoint.

"Coming up on the airport now, Paul," Chris said, sliding the partition open first.

"Great," Paul nodded. The next hour was a time of bustling and rushing to get into the private part of the airport by threading the limo around other cars. Followed by a brisk walk to the VIP lounge with her hand clasped in Paul's. Through the comfort of the suite, she heard the dull roar of planes coming and going, tempered with the chatter of executive suits and other high fashioned figures on their cell phones.

It was difficult to believe that circumstances had swung full around to this point of departure. Fate had brought her here, and fate was sweeping her away. However, it did not control her destiny, for she had made the choice to grasp onto this chance. From the time she was a little girl, her mother had entrusted many words of sagely advice, one phrase still echoing now in the recesses of memory. Automatically it surfaced to whisper, "Life is Choice. You chose your fate. Even to chose not to chose is a choice..."

Up onto the gangplank of the KISS jet she felt Paul nudge her. His hand had slipped out of hers to curl around her waist securely. A tiny bit before himself he urged her, his bag slung over his shoulder. She had her own shoulder bag with her purse inside over her other shoulder, the one not facing Paul.

"Hey Stanley, I wondered when the hell you'd get here!" Gene shouted over the roar of the KISS jet engines firing into life. He leaned his head out of the plane hatch, curly hair ruffling. Paul's own hair swished like a banner out the back of his bandanna that held it confined.

"Jeez Gene, if some people would step outta my way we'd get onboard already!" Paul shouted back.

"Hey doll," Gene called to Trynia. "I see you convinced him to get up! Well done!"

"No comment!" Trynia shot back with a smile at Gene. He moved out of the way, as Paul nudged her past him. She felt Gene's hand swatting her backside affectionately, and flinched with a bolt of desire for a moment. Recovering, she reached around and gave his ass a firm healthy pinch that made him jump.

She settled into place in a window seat further up in the cabin. Glancing quickly, she noticed Terri already sitting in one of the easy chairs tucked behind a laptop computer. It was an Apple PowerBook, and Trynia wondered just what novel was springing into existence on that flat screen.

"Hello Terri," Trynia called.

"Nice to see you. I trust you slept all right," Terri smiled, pushing black framed glasses further up her face. Gene settled into a seat, as did Paul, both stretching out in the cushioned bucket seats to relax. For Paul that meant leaning his seat back a bit and spreading his legs wide and for Gene it meant crossing his long legs and delving into his leather planner.

Reaching into her bag, Trynia extracted a notepad with spiral binding. Paul wasn't incredibly surprised to see her flip it open to reveal gray pencil sketches. Digging further into her bag she pulled out a wooden box and set it to one side. Choosing a 2B, she resumed work on a sketch he'd seen before.

Gene seemed oblivious at first, but Paul leaned over Trynia's shoulder to see her hand fly with a jerky motion across the blank page. It amazed him to see how her whole arm moved, not just her wrist. Methodically she lay out a stick figure of someone sitting on two boxes. Cylinders built on the stick figure, slowly working to that of a fleshed out man. Thrusting the 2b behind her ear she pulled a second and third pencil out, and began shading.

There was a raw, primness about the violent strokes. They seemed blurry, till she held it back a bit for Paul to see. Instantly the shading and lines fused into a fair rendering of Gene Simmons poised over his planner.

"Hey, you got him down," Paul nodded. "Not bad..."

"Wonder if he'll approve?" Trynia winked back. She set to work on a sketch of Terri behind her laptop, thrusting the 6b behind her ear to retrieve the 2b again. Flipping to a new page, she smoothed the paper out and Paul watched her hand dance again.

By the time the plane pulled into a landing, Trynia had made close to eight sketches. Paul still looked on intently watching her form blank space into a gray, three-dimensional illusion. He had never asked to see anything before, and when she finally settled back to nap, she put the book on the tray table before her.

Paul waited until she settled asleep against his shoulder before he reached for the sketchbook. Tentatively he flicked through it, seeing the sketches before the eight she had done today, and those of the previous week. His eyes fell upon one in particular, dark eyes staring up at him from the white surface. A bolt of realization shot through him at the depths of the eyes peering into his own soul.

"Damn," he whispered. That face was his own, every line and curve set down with a bit of the usual artist variation. He guessed the smooth tones of his face must have been blended with the tips of her fingers, or with the gum eraser she pulled out. Replacing the sketchpad, he took her hand in his. Black smudges bedecked the fingertips and sides of her hands, and he chuckled.

She woke up when she felt Paul nudging her, and blinked. It was late afternoon, she could tell by the angle of the sun beaming into the plane. Gene grumbled and stretched, throwing off the blanket he'd pulled to his waist. Terri was fussing over him, trying to get him to wake up.

"What now?" Trynia asked Paul.

"Well we meet up with Ace and Peter at the hotel... we've just landed in Indy," Paul told her. "I was thinking we could get some dinner and relax a little bit after the flight..."

"Strange that you didn't just go to Toronto..." she laughed.

"Can't let our fans down," Paul laughed.

"How long we staying?"

"A day or two, then it's off to Canada..."

"Hey Paul, we have a problem," Gene said slowly. He had his cell phone poised at his ear, a serious look on his face.

"What?"

"We're gonna have to delay the Toronto concert a day."

"Why?" Paul asked.

"Been a fire at the damn place. They say they're gonna have to book us in another night..."

"Shit that's great," Paul muttered. "So what's the plan?"

"I figure we can talk about it over dinner..." Gene nodded. "Besides something else has come up... I'm surprised you didn't get the phone call..."

"I didn't... I was going to take my lady out for..." Paul muttered. Gene grabbed his arm and pulled him into the office in the back for a moment, a serious look passing between them.

"What the hell," Trynia asked, before Terri moved over to her.

"Don't ask. Band business probably. They'll probably be going at it for the next hour or so..."

"But what about..."

"It's best to let them hash it out," Terri suggested. "They've done this before. Best thing is to stay out of the way until they come get us. We're going on to the hotel first..."

"You've faced this before obviously," Trynia nodded.

"Yeah. Nothing to do with us. Don't worry about it..." Terri nodded. Already the door had been opened one of the security guards named Dan leaning his head in.

"Ready to go people?" he asked.

"Yes... I think Gene and Paul are going to be occupied," Terri tossed her head toward the back.

"Gotcha. C'mon, I've got the limo for the Marriott... I can take you ladies on over..." he said. "WE already have your luggage loaded..."

"Okay," Terri nodded. "Trynia, let's let the boys play..."

It was exasperating to be shunted around, but she followed Terri. After all, it wasn't as if she was a groupie to be conveniently tucked away somewhere. A short limousine ride took them to the sumptuous Marriott by the Indianapolis International airport, where they were bustled inside among Chris and Rodge with their belongings.

"This is really something," Trynia muttered to Terri when they were urged along by their bodyguards. "I feel like I'm some commodity... what's with all the security?"

"You get used to it," Terri whispered back. "They've been having issues with the Paparazzi lately... and Gene's gotten extra tight with the security..."

"We've got adjoining rooms in the suite," Chris explained to them. "Top floor. Just make sure you ladies let us know if you're coming or going..."

"This is new," Trynia muttered, getting off the elevator. She followed Terri down the white painted hallways, smelling of carpet shampoo and cinnamon.

"New to you," Terri laughed. "You get used to it... believe me. Now that you're Lady Starchild..."

"Oh man," Trynia gasped. Chris stopped before a door that said "Bradford Suite," and slipped the key card it. He opened the door and gestured to Trynia.

"Paul's room. You're down the hall Ms. Mason. Peter and Ace are already here, just up the ways," Rodge told Terri.

"See you later after you get settled in," Terri said matter of fact.

"But..." Trynia got out as Chris urged her in.

"Paul will come by soon don't worry..."

"What if I want to get coffee or look around?" Trynia asked him.

"Just let one of us know where you're going," he said. "Just like before. But Paul told me to tell you if there's anything you want or need, just call and we'll bring it. Why don't you get settled and relax... and I'll get you some coffee from downstairs..."

"You don't have to..."

"Hey it's my job," Chris laughed. "I'm sure Paul won't' take forever..."

Sighing she entered the room, and put her bag down. She heard the door shut behind her, and the sound of the lock engaging. Already her suitcases had been placed neatly around the sitting room, which led into a sizable bedroom. It was modest as most suites went, but spacious and comfortable. She shook her head at the sizable HDTV with Nintendo, across from a small kitchenette and a small refrigerator with a seal locked over its contents.

Everything smelled fresh and new, and she wandered into the main room, where a king sized bed was freshly made. Trynia sat down on the bed for a moment, and glanced at the curtained window. She nudged Paul's guitar case on the floor by the bed, near his pile of luggage, and laughed. All his stuff was there as well as hers.

Trynia opened the case, and gently lifted one of Paul's Washburn guitars out of it. She hoped he wouldn't mind her sneaking a peak at it. Draping a pair of jeans nearby, she fashioned other items into a still life, and took out her sketchpad. She arranged the pencils in order and began to draw.

Thinking, she pulled out her phone, and dialed a certain number she had stored. "Hello?" a voice answered.

"Hello, Cookie? This is Tryn..."

"Tryni! How are you girl? Haven't heard from you in ages!!!"

"Uh, I was wondering... I mean I'm in Indianapolis right now... doing a summer job, and I was wondering if you'd mind if I popped in for a visit..."

"Hey... that would be great... if you don't mind a messy house..."

"Would it be okay if I came over sometime later tonight? I mean I'm not sure about the place I'm crashing...and I was thinking it would be great to catch up on old times..."

Later, Trynia had finished shading the trademark star on the base of the guitar when a knock shattered her concentration. Opening the door, she saw Chris standing there with a Styrofoam cup and a small paper bag.

"Got your coffee, and something else Paul told me you liked," he smiled, holding the items out to her.

"Uh Chris, can you please tell me what all this is about?" she asked, urging him into the room. "Why is Paul so eager to just keep me up here? Is it secret KISS business or something?"

"Well," Chris muttered, handing her the coffee and the paper bag. He slowly closed the door behind them and turned to face her.

"What is it? Please tell me... I only want to be aware, just in case..."

"Paul got a call from his ex," Chris said matter of fact. "He had expected her to meet him in Toronto, but she insisted that she meet him in Indianapolis with the kid..."

"Oh..."

"Don't worry. No big deal. He's just wanting to make sure he's got everything straight. So don't worry about it..."

"Am I being punished by being kept here in this room like some little kid?" she asked. "What is the deal with you guys hanging around me?"

"Well, I wasn't supposed to tell you, but there is some religious group floating around who's been anti KISS since they found out there was a record signing going on tomorrow... so we were told to keep everyone inside till they dealt with it..."

"Well who's gonna know I'm here with Paul?" she asked. "Unless..."

"It's part of my job to keep him and his girlfriend safe," Chris said slowly. "I don't want something to happen... and you never know..."

"Well I just wanted to go down to the hotel gift shop and the café to stretch my legs actually. Where are Ace and Peter?"

"I'm sure that's not a problem. I'll walk you down, and I promise I won't get in the way. Just work with me ok?" Chris held up his hand. "But if anything happened to you Gene or Paul would have my ass handed to me..."

"Okay, but just try to keep out of sight," she joked.

She wandered into the hotel bar after a few minutes perusing the gift shop. Chris held a bag of items she had purchased there for friends as keepsakes. Just outside in regular clothes she recognized Dan casually sitting with his ear to a cellphone. He nodded to Chris very slightly.

"I could use a drink," Trynia muttered.

"Not a problem," Chris said. "Ace and Peter are in there actually, so I'll just wait outside if you want me to."

"Hope they don't' mind me joining them," Trynia asked.

"Not at all..."

"Hey, hey, look who's here," Peter said. "How are you doin little girl?"

"All right," Trynia smiled shyly at Peter. She knew that he could be a jerk sometimes, according to some fan reports, but he had been nothing but nice to her.

"Paul's hung onto you, I see," Ace commented. "I guess ya passed the ol' acid test..."

"Ace shut up,' Peter groaned. "Don't listen to him. He's still drinking that lemonade..."

"I thought it was diet coke," Trynia commented, picking up the can at Ace's elbow.

"Hey, I thought so... why don'tcha run a chemical analysis on it?" Ace cackled.

"Darn and I left my kit at home," she giggled. "Excuse me I'm just going to get a drink..."

"C'mon over and join us," Peter said. "Make Paul jealous for a minute!"

"Yeah, right," Ace said, throwing a piece of popcorn across the table at Peter.

Leaving them behind with a grin Trynia wandered up to the bar. She noticed Chris and Dan had started talking just outside the bar, and had wandered outside it. Purse in hand she leaned her elbow at the bar, and sat down on the stool. She didn't feel like sitting with Peter and Ace right now, even if they would have been pleasant company. Actually, Trynia wanted a small moment of comfortable anonymity right now, somewhere away from the band. Just for a moment.

The young bartender placed a bottle of Killian's Red on the counter with a chilled glass, and she poured half of foamy beer within. It tasted sweet and bitter on her tongue at once sliding down her parched throat. She finished half the glass when she happened to look up and see the people wandering past the restaurant. One of them was a blond, fashionably dressed, grasping the hand of a seven-year-old boy. There were a few words she exchanged with Chris, and he took the hand of the boy and lead him off. The woman waited, and tapped her foot impatiently near Dan.

Instantly she recognized the woman with the boy. It was Linda. She was striding into the bar now, glancing around as if looking for someone. Trynia fought back the fear, and tried to shove it far down. Sighing to herself, she wandered back out and started talking to Dan.

"Well, I don't see her anywhere. Is she here?"

"Who, Ms. Purcell?"

"The other woman?"

"I have no idea who you're talking about..." Dan played dumb.

"Just as well. Where's Paul?"

"Uh, he and Gene are caught up in band business," said Dan. "Chris will wait with him... and we have someone to look after Aaron when Paul's working..."

"why he insisted on visitation during a tour is beyond me," Linda grumbled. "But no, that's obviously something I don't have a say in anymore... but I'll let you know if Paul has any girlfriends around my son doing anything questionable, I'll make sure he thinks twice about taking my son... on tour..."

"I'm sure that we can discuss this calmly once Paul comes back... maybe if you had a drink..."

"I'm just going to wait right here," Linda muttered.

Trynia felt a sudden twinge of awkwardness. She put down her beer and walked straight out of the bar, past Dan and Linda. At sight of Trynia's KISS T-shirt she whispered something to Dan, "and I certainly have something to say about you letting KISS fans walk around the hotel they're staying in without..."

Trynia turned her head to look Linda squarely in the eye, saying, "Excuse me ma'am is there a problem regarding KISS fans?"

"I don't believe I was speaking to you," Linda said crisply.

"I have no intention of causing any problems to the guys," Trynia said. "Or of getting in the way of anyone... Not all KISS fans are into mobbing the guys and getting into their pants..."

"At this time of night?" Linda asked. "How coincidental you are in this hotel... when they are... but you already knew that didn't you..."

"Even if I did, what does it matter?" Trynia asked. Dan opened his mouth to say something, but shut up.

"IT does matter. Especially since some of us have lives outside of this band," Linda answered, pushing hair out of her face.

"Yes, we do," Trynia nodded.

"Why don't you just keep your nose into your own business then," Linda said. "The concert's not till tomorrow... so walk on by... there's nothing here for you to run and tell your little friends..."

"There is nothing little about my friends," Trynia said, taking a deep breath. "And I make no apologies for loving the guys."

"No you wouldn't would you? But then again, god forbid anyone say anything cross about KISS in front of an Army solider such as yourself," Linda said sarcastically.

"Do you have a problem that you'd like to discuss with me?" Trynia asked. Did Linda know who she was?"

"No, so I suggest you do what I suggested and mind your own business," Linda repeated coldly.

"Fine, I will then," Trynia said slowly. "And while I'm at it, I'll go ask Gene for my underwear back... unless the roadies are playing with them."

"I'm surprised you'd be wearing any," Linda muttered as Trynia walked past, just loud enough. "Or are you looking for some other trophy?"

"Hey, why don't' you get your own panties outta a wad, Pammy baby?" Ace cackled as he leaned out of the bar, eyes fixing into those of Linda.

"Shut up Ace," she snapped. A dozen eyes from the bar fixed right onto her, and she flushed bright red. Angrily she stormed off into the lobby, clutching her purse tightly.

Trynia stood there, trying to hide her laughter and the tears that sprang in her eyes. Suddenly Ace noticed her and called out, "Hey, c'mere and keep me and Petey entertained will ya?"

Trynia walked back over to the bar, and Ace waved her in. Leaning heavily on her shoulder, he guided her back to sit near him and Peter. "There you are, little girl. I thought you were gonna get a drink and sit with us Bad boys," Peter teased her.

"I thought I was going to get in the way..."

"Shit, the wicked witch didn't' even know who the hell ya were," Ace laughed. "and I thought I was the space ace!"

"Don't worry, she's always bitch queen of the north when it's visitation," Peter waved his hand dismissively.

"Even so, I don't want to get in the way of Paul's time with his son..."

"don't worry about it. He's got a nanny for the kid," Peter assured her. "And besides, he'll let you know when he needs the quality time..."

"This is coming from a guy who's been married how many times?" Ace teased.

"Shut the fuck up Ace," Peter shot back. "Look, my point is, chill and see what happens. Being a dad's just part of who Paul is. You'll have to get used to him being a daddy on the road, so why not get to know the kid..."

"He needs time with Aaron," Trynia said to both of them. "I'm going to go visit a friend of mine for a few days... since you said that we're stuck in Indy..."

"I don't think that's a good idea," Ace said. "I mean I know how pissy Paul gets when his women get away..."

"Don't go AWOL," Peter said. "Are you crazy?"

"Not enough to stay around and make Linda use me against Paul," Trynia said. "Please, I'm just going away for the night. I'll be back in time to leave for Toronto... ok?"

"You sure?" Ace asked.

"Yes. I called my friend earlier, and she'll be happy to see me," Trynia nodded. "She lives in Kentucky, not too far from Cincinnati. I can get a rental car and be at her place in a few hours..."

"I don't' think that's a good idea," Peter said. "Paul will have a shit fit..."

"Well, it was just a thought..." Trynia muttered.

"Hey, don't' give up so soon," Ace rubbed her shoulder.

"Why don't you just go back to your room and relax a little. Talk to Paul about what' bugging you and work it out," Peter said. "ok?"

"all right Peter. I guess it was worth a shot," Trynia sighed resignedly. "See you around..."

"Later, and give us a smile," peter grinned, clasping her hand. She wandered out of the bar.

"I'm going back to my room," she said to Dan, who nodded. He led her upstairs, and she strode down the hall in his company.

"don't' let Linda get on your nerves," he said.

"Well I didn't," Trynia responded, as Dan opened the door for her.

"Good. Look, Chris is staying with Aaron till Paul gets here, and we get the nanny. He'll be in the next room over. It shouldn't' be too much longer..."

"Ok," Trynia nodded. She closed the door, and sighed. Taking hotel stationary, she scribbled a note to Paul, and shoved it under the pillow. She slipped on her jeans, and her old sneakers. Taking the overnight bag with some of her things, she shoved her sketchpad into it. Her dress she left to the side, and put on the KISS T-shirt that she had first worn when she met Gene and Paul.

Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she opened the door tentatively. Dan or Chris was nowhere to be seen. Silently she crept down the hall to the stairs, and rapidly rushed down them.

A few KISS fans were milling around the hotel lobby, in varying outfits. She excused herself past them, and rushed out the door. She climbed into the Budget Rental bus that pulled up, and rode off to the car rental port.

That next day she sat in front of the television, watching Second Coming and trying to avoid the two children chasing each other around the house with water pistols.

"Jeffrey, Amy stop that ok?" Cookie shouted at them. "take it outside all right?"

"Aw Mom!" Jeffry groaned.

"No buts. This is an outdoor toy. Mommy's talking to her KISSter, so take it out side or play with an indoor toy..." Cookie struggled to explain.

"Hey, why don't you get out your crayons and show me how you can color my pictures in?" Trynia asked. "I've been working hard all day and I don't' think I have time to color them..."

"Ohhh... I wanna!" Amy said, grabbing a box of crayons as Trynia pulled her sketchbook out. Jeff stood reluctant to one side, as Amy eagerly started to scribble in one of the cartoon sketches she'd done of Gene.

"I have an Ace picture with a smoking guitar. I wonder who can remember what colors his makeup is..."

"Dynasty or Love gun or Destroyer?" Jeff asked.

"I dunno, maybe you can help me remember?" Trynia asked.

"That's Dynasty. His costumes blue and light blue, and his guitar is that lightup one..." Jeff muttered, and took the colored pencils from Trynia's tackle box.

"Thank you for helping me to remember that," Trynia smiled.

"I'll help you color the Ace pictures," he said, taking the drawing from her and starting to work to color within the lines. Cookie smiled a thank you as Trynia got up and sat on the floor before the television.

"So, don't keep me waiting..."

"About..."

"You saw KISS in concert a month ago and you didn't write a review? What's wrong with you, Tryn?" Cookie teased her.

"Well, it didn't go quite like I planned," Trynia said slowly.

"And what's this about a summer job? What were you doing in Indianapolis... or was it just cause you're taking a break?" she smiled. "Not that I don't mind ya dropping in to visit..."

"Well..."

"do you have a new boyfriend, or is it something else? There's something different about you, you know..." Cookie smiled. "You're looking great, and yet you're so preoccupied."

"I have to tell someone..."

"what?"

"well, the reason I haven't posted a review is this... well I... met someone at the KISS concert..."

"Oh? Another fan... or did you get backstage?"

"Uh well... I managed to meet up with the guys," Trynia confessed.

"Oh my god... did you... do an encore?"

"Yes," Trynia flushed.

"Holy... oh my god... why didn't' you tell me!" Cookie gasped, hand to her chest. "which one?"

"Uh well... Gene..." Trynia said slowly.

"Oh god how was it... WAY TO GO!!!" Cookie cried.

"It was something else," Trynia flushed.

"I want to know ALL about it..."

"Uh well... he and I did it all right, but then he had to leave the room..."

"Surprised he didn't kick you out..." she joked.

"Well actually, my car broke down, and someone picked me up. It was a limo and..."

"Oh my God! Gene picked you up!!!"

"I told him and the guys what was going on with my car. And they put me up for the night. And then my car was dead... and they offered me a job on the tour..."

"You are so..." Cookie's mouth dropped open. "So, let me get this straight, you've been traveling with KISS?"

"Yes," Trynia nodded, trying not to stumble over one of the two children who were playing Nintendo before the large console TV.

"Holy shit that's incredible," Cookie gasped, shaking her head. "Is that where you got this autographed picture of Paul?"

"I thought you'd like it..."

"Well why aren't you there girl?" she asked.

"Things got complicated," Trynia said. "I mean..."

Suddenly a knock sounded at the door, and Cookie excused herself. "Jeff would you get that..."

"Moom!" he groaned. "I'm busy!"

"Wait a minute... hold that thought..." Cookie said, getting up and walking to the door. She opened it, to see a tall gentleman behind it, in dark shirt and jeans.

"Excuse me, is there a Trynia Merin here..."

"Uh... may I ask who you are?"

"I'm a friend of hers. Chris..." came the answer. "She left a phone number and address of where she'd be..."

"Who is it?" Trynia asked, coming to the door.

"Someone named Chris..."

"Oh no," Trynia groaned. "I thought I left a note..."

"Someone wants to see you," Chris said. "Someone who misses you terribly..."

"I can't... I'm visiting a friend..."

"Who is this?" Cookie asked her. "Someone you know or someone you don't know..."

"I know him..." Trynia sighed. "Look just tell your boss I'm trying to stay out of the way..."

"Uh... do you want to talk privately?" Cookie asked. "On the porch, or do you want to come inside?"

"I'll just be a minute," Trynia said, stepping outside onto the porch.

"He's worried sick about you," Chris said.

"I'm sorry I left a note I was just trying to get out of the way..." Trynia repeated. "I saw how pissed his ex was... and I.... Didn't want to be trouble..."

"Well, don't shoot the messenger," Chris said. "But couldn't you just come with me and..."

"No, I'm visiting a friend..." Trynia said firmly. "I'm sorry but this is the way it has to be. Just tell him that I don't want to be found. It's easier this way......"

"Are you sure?"

"I can't come between him and his son," Trynia choked, trying to hide the tears as she slipped back inside. "Just... tell him I'm sorry but its far easier this way... just go back and let me work this out myself ok?"

"I'll tell him," Chris said, turning around and walking away as she closed the door.

"What was that about?" Cookie asked, as Trynia wandered away from the front door and into the sitting room. She buried her head in her hands, in a vain attempt to banish the tears.

Suddenly the doorbell rang, and Cookie moved to answer it again. Trynia felt the whole world crashing down on her, knowing she couldn't go back there with Chris. She was sure she had hurt Paul terribly.

"Oh MY GOD!" Cookie almost screamed. Trynia jerked up, seeing the look on her friend's face when she stood at the door, hyperventilating.

"Hey you okay, pretty lady?" a voice asked. "I didn't mean to scare you. Is Trynia here?"

"She... oh my god... she's in here... oh my god... is it really you?"

"Are you sure you're okay Ma'am... I didn't mean to scare you..."

"I'm your biggest fan oh my god!" Cookie practically sobbed, wiping tears out of her blue eyes. Trynia came running, and stopped short at the sight behind the door.

"Oh no... you didn't," Trynia got out, tears dripping down her cheeks. In bluejeans, bandanna and long coat he strode into the house, hand in hand with the little boy she'd seen yesterday.

"I did," he said, walking up to Trynia and taking her hand. "I take it your friend's a fan?"

"A huge one," Trynia whispered.

"Hey, c'mere and give me a hug then," Paul laughed as he held out his arms to Cookie, who looked ready to faint. "Trynia tells me you're a fan of little ol me?"

"Oh god," she laughed, wiping tears out of her eyes as she slammed the door quickly. Paul caught Trynia's friend up in a big hug, and she almost fainted against him.

"Uh Paul, this is Cookie...."

"I think she knows my name already," Paul teased.

"Daddy why's the pretty lady crying?" Aaron asked, looking up with confusion at his father giving the strange blond woman a hug.

"I think... it's because she likes your daddy a whole lot," Trynia said, leaning down to look at Aaron. "She's a big fan of him... and the Band..."

"Are you my Daddy's special friend we came to see?" Aaron asked.

"Uh... my names Trynia," Trynia said slowly. "If that's what you mean..."

"Daddy told me to give you these. Cause he misses you awful badly," Aaron said, holding up a bouquet of red roses wrapped in plastic, that he held behind him. "But Ssh, it's a secret..."

"Aww," Trynia got out, wiping tears out of her eyes as she took the flowers from Aaron. "You'd better watch out or the ladies are going to start wanting to take you home..."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Paul asked Cookie again, as she valiantly dabbed her tears with a tissue Paul handed her.

"Oh this is so... I wanted to meet you for years!"

"Well I guess it's your lucky day," Paul smiled. Two children wandered in, their eyes wide as they peered at the strange man and his son.

"Mommy..." Amy asked.

"Mommy's okay," Cookie laughed, and separated from Paul for a moment. "This is my daughter Amy and my son Jeff. He's... Aaron's age..."

"You like to play Nintendo?" Aaron asked, walking right up to them.

"Yeah..."

Aaron looked up to his daddy, brown eyes holding a question. Leaning down Paul whispered, "Why don't you go play with them for a little bit... while I talk to the ladies?"

"Ok,' Aaron nodded.

"Is it all right?" Paul asked Cookie. She nodded violently, a silly grin on her face.

"Why don't' you show them your playstation?" she told Jeff.

"C'mon..." Jeff nodded, and Aaron rushed after them eagerly.

"Come in here and let me get you something to drink!" Cookie fussed. "Oh my God the home's a mess..."

"Don't worry," Paul said with a grin. "Hey, relax..."

He focussed his attention on Trynia, who wiped tears from her eyes. Cookie noticed the tension crackling between her friend and her idol, and cleared her throat. Was it possible that Trynia had not been entirely forthcoming in her account of that encore? Why else would Paul personally travel to her home, unless it was because Trynia was there?

"Why don't you two go onto the screened in porch... to be alone..." Cookie suggested. "I'll get you both something to drink..."

"I hope it's all right, I don't want to be any trouble," Paul began.

"Oh no... it's nothing!" cookie laughed. "C'mon in and make yourself at home..."

"We have a lot to talk about," Paul whispered, extending a hand to Trynia. Shyly she took it and let Paul lead her where Cookie indicated. They followed Cookie out past the den, where the television still blared Second Coming. Jeff turned it off and punched the Playstation controls as Aaron settled down next to him. Amy watched Trynia and the handsome stranger follow her mother outside.

"Can I take your coat?" Cookie asked.

"sure," Paul nodded, taking off his long leather coat and handing it to her. "Thanks..."

"I'll be right back with some sodas," Cookie grinned, and threw Trynia a quick 'why didn't you tell me...' look as Paul sat down, and patted the sofa next to her.

"Paul I just wanted to say..."

"Trynia... I was worried sick," Paul whispered, taking her hand and stroking it between his. "Why did you run off like that..."

"Didn't you read the note?" Trynia asked.

"I did, but why did you feel you had to run away?" Paul asked, dark eyes fixing into hers.

"I didn't want to be in the way of you and Aaron," Trynia said. "I didn't want to make you have to choose between seeing him and me... I mean your ex wife..."

"Oh... baby," Paul sighed, and squeezed her hand. He lifted it to his lips, kissing it tenderly. "That's so sweet of you, but you didn't have to..."

"Well, it's hard enough when you're bringing him on tour to see you, and your time is limited... I don't want to..."

"You won't be in the way. Trynia, I want you with me. I want you to get to know my son... and I want him to know what's special about you. I want you to be involved..."

"He hardly knows me, and I hardly know you..."

"This is part of my life. If you're afraid, I'll understand..."

"I'm not afraid of children," Trynia smiled shyly. "But it's your visitation time with him..."

"Which is every reason why you should get to know him too," Paul said slowly, slipping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close to him. "Give it a chance. It'll be fine, I promise..."

"But your ex..."

"Has very little to do with you or what's going on in my life... except that she's the mother of my son. And that his Daddy has someone else with him right now... and that I want very much to get to know him..."

"I'll try," Trynia said slowly. "But what if he doesn't like me?"

"Give him a chance. I gave you a chance.... Didn't I?"

"Yes, you did," Trynia laughed as Paul tipped her chin up and pressed his thigh against hers. He was warm in her arms that wrapped around her strongly and securely.

"Mommy!" Amy called when she trotted into the kitchen where Cookie was pouring Diet coke.

"What sweetie?"

"Why is Aunt Tryni kissing that strange man? Is he a handsome prince?"

"What?"

"He's kissing her like in the Swan Princess, just like Odette and the Prince..."

"Sweetie, that's cause they're in love..." Cookie groaned.

"Like you and Daddy?"

"Exactly..." Cookie nodded, carrying the two glasses. "Now, sweetie, why don't you go pick a book and I'll read it to you, ok?"

"I wanna color Tryni's pictures," Amy said, folding arms across her chest.

"Well you go do that while your brother is playing games with Mr. Stanley's son," Cookie nodded. "I'll be right back to check on you..."

Mischief crept over her face as she watched her daughter rushing back out to join her brother and their new playmate. She crossed through the dining room on her way to the screened in porch, carefully holding the full soda glasses by their tops. Ice clinked against glass as she crept to the sliding door. There she saw the couple, Paul's curly mane tilted to one side to obscure Trynia's face. However, her left hand was twined in his hair, and his right arm curled around her shoulders. A shiver of desire crept over her body at the sight of his hand slipping up her bluejeaned thigh and her other hand stroking down his back. He wore a sleeveless red vest, overtop which a loose shirt was thrown, and faded comfortable jeans. The blue bandanna tied his hair out of his face, his boots scuffed and well worn. It only served to make him even more attractive, for Cookie enjoyed seeing her idol in a relaxed state.

Carefully she slipped into the room, and placed the drinks on the table. If Paul noticed, he didn't say anything as Cookie backed away and crept out of the porch to leave them alone again. What she failed to notice was Trynia watching her through a half-opened eye as she peered around Paul's curls in mid kiss.

They both surfaced for breath; their hearts pounding very fast now as Paul rested his forehead against hers. Her glasses lay on the table, near the two sodas, which had magically appeared. Glancing at each other again, they chortled conspiratorially.

"You're friend's a voyeur," said Paul with a grin.

"Hey, she worships and adores you... what can I say!"

"I don't blame her," Paul smiled, taking her hand that had slipped up his thigh, and slowly moved it higher.

"Paul... it's kind of hard to... continue knowing there are kids just in the next room..."

"You get used to it," he laughed, patting her thigh. "So, what do you say, are you ready to go back to Indy?"

"But my friend..."

"Would she like free passes to see us?" he asked. "Concert tickets? We are coming back this way in a few months..."

"She'd love it..." Trynia nodded.

"Cool. But I noticed the rental car..."

"I guess I well..."

"Don't worry. I brought both Chris and Rodge. One of them can follow us back... that is if you want to come back that is..."

"I'll give it a shot," Trynia nodded. "Besides it's a LOONG way to Toronto..."

"Thanks," Paul smiled. He took a sip of diet coke, and lifted the other glass to pass it to her. Slowly his hand crept steadily further up her thigh and she almost yelped in surprise.

"Paul, you're worse then Gene sometimes!" she groaned.

"I can't help it, I missed you," Paul pretended to pout, which drove her up the wall when he did that.

"It's gonna be a LOONG car ride back," she laughed. "So you got to understand, I am a little shy about PDA's in front of minors..."

"I understand," Paul nodded, moving his hand from her thigh to drape around her shoulders. He picked up the bouquet of roses and lay them on her lap before picking up his soda again.

"How do you like your roses, baby? I couldn't resist... and Aaron helped pick them out... the one in the middle was his idea..."

"In the middle?" she laughed. Trynia gripped them in her hands and buried her nose in their softness. Who knows how much they cost, but she didn't care. They were a deep rose red, moist with dew and highlighted with baby's breath. What floored her was tucked in the center was a single purple rose.

"You make it very difficult for me to say no," she finally said. Paul took another sizable swig of diet coke, and simply enjoyed the look of surprise and appreciation on her face at his gift.

"That's the master plan," he laughed. "Now, would it bother your friend if I tore you away now?"

"I think if you let her tell you her fantasy she would have died and gone to heaven," Trynia smiled. She got up first, and held her hand out to Paul, tucking the flowers in the crook of her arm. Paul let her pull him up, and slipped his arm around her waist to grip her hip.

"Hey, Cookie!" Paul called. "Can I talk to you for a minute baby?"

In a flash she rushed in, her blue eyes looking Paul up and down as she breathed, "Yes Paul?"

"C'mere... I was going to ask you something," he said with a smile. "I was going to take Trynia with me, and I know you two were visiting, and I hate to break up two girlfriends. So I was wondering if you'd like tickets to the next concert..."

"Would I... oh my god..." Cookie gasped, striding up to take Paul's extended hand.

"I think that means yes," Trynia said to Paul, with a wink.

"Aaron," Paul called into the room. "Say goodbye to your friends and run to the bathroom quick. We're gonna be leaving soon okay?"

"Aw dad!" came his protest.

"Jeff, show him where to wash up," Cookie called. There was a frenzy of excited voices, which receded in the hallway.

"Thanks so much for taking care of Tryn here," Paul whispered to her.

"I was afraid you'd hate me," she whispered back, still breathing heavily.

"Now how could I hate such a big fan of little ol me?" he laughed, and kissed her cheek. She just about fainted, leaning against him as a jolt of electricity shot through her. Across her face, she had a smile that Trynia knew would last a year. Paul also grinned when he felt the resulting hand slip down and give him a firm pinch on his posterior.

Trynia burst out laughing, and buried her face in her hands with mirth. So predictable, but she could hardly feel jealous for her friend. Especially seeing how happy this simple contact with her idol made Cookie. At that moment, Trynia felt she could share him with a few hundred thousand wives and mothers who drooled over Paul from afar. He was their fantasy, and she was his reality.

Finally, they were ready to go, Paul giving Cookie a last hug and a kiss on the cheek while Aaron said goodbye to her children. Trynia gave her friend an embrace, whispering her thank you to Cookie.

"Damn girl I should be thanking you," Cookie laughed. "You made my dream come true... I PINCHED Paul's ass!"

"I think he enjoyed it as much as you did," Trynia laughed back. "And I can share..."

"Just do me a favor, and let me tell the list..." Trynia whispered. "When I know what to tell them..."

"Can't I tell them about pinching Paul's ass?" Cookie pleaded.

"Well just tell them that I'm working for KISS, and that he came down when he found out what a big fan you were, and well... he couldn't disappoint you..."

"I will. And not a word of hem... you two... I promise..."

"Thank you," Trynia whispered back. Aaron walked over to Paul, and took his dad's hand, glancing expectantly at the family he'd visited.

"Ready to go?" Paul asked. Chris walked in, and picked up Trynia's overnight bag in his hand.

"I think so," Trynia nodded. She took the roses in one hand, and Paul's in her other, and followed him out the door after Chris. Cookie and her children waved them goodbye as they strode up to the medium sized limo parked out front. It felt funny for Trynia to be wearing that same outfit she had come to know Paul in and be stepping back into the world she'd temporarily avoided.

"We're riding in the big car this time..." Aaron said to her. "Right Daddy?"

"That's right," Paul told him, squeezing his son's hand. "And then it's meeting up with all your old friends..."

"Awesome Daddy! And I get to sit on Trynia's lap..."

"We don't need to in the limo, kid," Paul laughed back. "Plenty of room for everyone..."

"Aww man," Aaron pouted.

"Maybe later," Trynia smiled at him, as Chris opened the door, and Paul helped first his son, who gave Chris a high five, then Trynia inside. There was enough room for Paul and Trynia to sit in the back seat and Aaron across from them excitedly. A few dozen action figures were camped out on the floor of the limo, and Trynia had to avoid stepping on them. Gladly Trynia noticed they weren't power rangers, but they were both Star Wars and WCW wrestler figures. Including Stone Cold Steve Austin and others. Trynia almost sat on Qui-Gonn Jinn, which she held up with a laugh.

"Wanna see my Pokemon cards?" Aaron asked eagerly, pulling out an album and putting it on Trynia's lap.

"Oh cool," Trynia said, as Aaron happily explained his entire Pokemon collection to her. She in turn told him about her brother Shawn and his love of magic the Gathering.

"What's your favorite cartoon show?" Aaron asked.

"Scooby Doo..." Trynia winked.

"Cool! I like Pokemon, and Card Captors!" he nodded.

"And Star Wars?" Trynia asked.

"Yep!"

"Did you know I saw Star wars when I was your age?" Trynia asked with a laugh. "The empire strikes back... and my brother Shawn and I both had so many action figures... but they were not as cool as the ones now..."

"Wow, that was YEARS n' years ago, right Daddy?" Aaron asked, moving on the limo floor. Trynia scooted down off the seat and sat across from Aaron, picking up the action figures scattered all over the place.

"Yep years ago," Paul laughed. He too leaned over and listened to Aaron explaining his knowledge of Phantom Menace, and the Empire. Trynia laughed and told him about her favorite scene in Star Wars. Aaron listened entranced as she reenacted the battle where Luke Skywalker made his fateful shot and destructed the Death Star.

"I still LOVE that scene the most..." Trynia nodded. The limousine ride seemed a lot shorter back to Indianapolis, Paul reflected. By the time Chris opened the limo door in front of the hotel, Aaron grabbed Trynia's hand and pulled her out of the limo himself. Of course, Paul had insisted he clean up the action figures and other toys before he got out, himself.

"Terri will be glad to see you got here in one piece," Paul teased Trynia, taking her other hand, and carrying her roses for her. They strode into the hotel lobby, seeing nobody paying them any mind except for the other security guards around the perimeter, looking as unobtrusive as possible.

"Let's get you settled at the room, and then I'll fill you in what's going to happen the next week," Paul whispered to Trynia.

"Depends on what you mean by filling in," Trynia whispered back.

They had the same suite she remembered from the previous night, except there was an adjoining room with two beds. A sort of antechamber, Trynia thought with amusement. While Paul was getting ready for the meet and greet, she sat typing on the latest addition to his book while Aaron watched something on the television intently.

Paul strode out of the bedroom, buttoning his shirt as he glanced at the clock. He leaned over and whispered something to his son, who got up for a moment and wandered into the other room.

"Paul, I'd been meaning to ask you... about how the... er sleeping arrangements are going to work..."

"Aaron has his own room, for him and his nanny," Paul explained. "No reason you can't continue to stay with me as you have before..."

"Well how do I explain it to him?"

"Uh well, I'm sure we'll think of something,' Paul said slowly, noticing her awkwardness. "Besides, he's used to knowing that parents sleep in their own room, while kids have their own rooms."

"True... but..."

"Relax... don't worry about it unless he asks ok?" Paul urged, kissing her lips gently. Aaron trotted in the room and looked up at his dad.

"You look awesome handsome dad!" he said, holding up his thumb.

"You've been talking to Ace again, right?" Paul teased.

"Ace is funny!" Aaron laughed. His attention turned back to the television where the theme song "I wanna be the very best..." started blaring over. Ash's unmistakable image flickered over the screen with Pikachu, and Aaron rushed over to sit down and watch. "Wanna watch Pokemon, Daddy?" he asked.

"Okay, sure... I wanna see what happens to Brock..." Paul laughed.

"I'll watch it with you," Trynia nodded, sitting down on the floor next to him as Paul too moved over and sat next to Aaron on the floor. Team Rocket was up to their usual tricks to capture Pikachu, and Aaron soon became wrapped up in the action as he grabbed his stuffed Pikachu toy from the pile of toys to one side of the television. He had his action figures from Star Wars enacting a great battle with the Empire alongside his albums of Pokemon cards, and his WCW wrestling figures. Just then, the telephone rang, and Paul went to answer it. He left Trynia sitting down Indian-style next to Aaron on the floor, clutching his Pikachu closely as he continued to stare fascinated at the screen. He moved over to Trynia, and lay his head on her knee.

Holding his cell phone Paul walked back and leaned down to whisper to Trynia, "Sorry baby, but I have to go talk to Gene for a few minutes. You wanna stay with Aaron or do you want me to go get the nanny?"

"I'll watch him," Trynia whispered. "I mean what's the sense in uprooting him. He seems engrossed in Team Rocket's escapades... and what's going to happen to Charmander... I hate to bother him..."

"Great... thanks. Hey monkey boy, I'm gonna go talk to Uncle Gene. Trynia's gonna stay with you and watch Pokemon ok?"

"Yay, don't go away too long Dad!" Aaron said, looking up at Paul. He continued to lean against Trynia's knee, laying comfortably on the floor in full fascination.

"Later," Paul whispered, and pressed a kiss to his son's cheek. He leaned over to kiss Trynia's lips gently before leaving the room.

Nervousness set into Trynia, but she had watched her nephews and nieces before. She had three nephews by one older brother, and three nieces and a nephew by a sister. Surely one child wouldn't be too bad, especially one who was watching Television.

Aaron leaned against her and said, "You aren't like Daddy's other special friends, you know?"

"How is that?' she asked.

"You're not blond, and you're not all skinny and tall," he said.

"Oh? Well, I guess I'm just me," Trynia said with a laugh.

"Yeah, you've got dark hair and eyes just like my Daddy," Aaron said.

"I guess I do," Trynia said. "But you have dark eyes just like your daddy... but you look like an Aaron to me."

"Aaron Aaron Stanley," he replied. "What's your middle name?"

"Beth," she responded. "Trynia Beth Merin."

"Like Uncle Peter's song," Aaron chimed in.

"Exactly," Trynia nodded. Aaron turned over and looked up at her, dark brown eyes fixing into hers.

"Sometimes Daddy's special friends don't want me around..." Aaron said slowly. "Cause they wanna be with Daddy, and they always want Nanny to take me instead..."

"That's their loss," Trynia said, stroking his cheek. "I like having you around."

"I like you a lot, you're a really nice lady..."

"Aww thanks," Trynia blushed.

"Are you and my daddy gonna sleep in the same bed?" he asked her.

"Uh well..." Trynia fumbled, caught off guard with his direct question. "Well, you know how sometimes you get scared at night and need Mommy or Daddy to sleep next to you?"

"Yeah," he said. "When I have nightmares... my mommy or my daddy would come to sleep next to me so I know I'm okay..."

"sometimes your daddy can't sleep very well, and he needs a special friend to sleep next to him in the same bed," Trynia responded. "So yes I do sleep in the same bed as your daddy sometimes..."

"My daddy must sleep really well then," he said innocently. She flushed and laughed with relief.

"You have any other questions you want to ask me?' she asked him.

"Are you gonna go off and marry my daddy?' he asked her slowly.

"I don't know Aaron. But I do know this. I'm not going to replace your Mommy. You only have one Mommy and Daddy, and nobody can replace them. But I'd like to be your special friend if you would like..."

"I wanna be friends," he said, laying his head on her knee again and settling down. "that would be cool! Will you play Nintendo with me after Pokemon's finished? I can play REALLY good!"

"Well I think you'll have to teach me. I don't play really well, but I'm sure you could be a really good teacher and show me how well you play..."

"Great!" Aaron brightened up. "Let's play after Pokemon!"

By the time that Paul had returned to the room, he heard laughing and shrieking. Curious, he swung open the door and saw the television flickering with a video game, but nobody visible. Not until he strode into the room, and shut the door carefully did he see Aaron next to Trynia on the floor, both clutching the control units. Both of them were laughing deeply, guiding their characters across the screen in the latest version of the Legend of Zelda. He was glad he'd gotten the classic set of games for Aaron, which were based on eighties popular arcade games.

"I used to play Ms. Pac Man when I was only a little older then you," Trynia laughed to Aaron. "that and Donkey Kong..."

Paul didn't want to interrupt their fun, so he sneakily sat on the couch behind them and rested his hand on his chin watching his son duke it out with his girlfriend. Finally Trynia threw up her hands and burst into laughter as her character fell into a trap.

"I guess the Princess buys it again," she groaned.

"Next time we'll beat 'em," Aaron shook his fist at the screen. "Use your power spells..."

Paul clapped his hands, and both turned around in surprise to see him sitting there with a huge grin on his face. "Daddy!" Aaron cried, moving over to him as Paul knelt down on the floor with some stiffness in the right knee.

"Hey, you been beating Tryn here again?" he asked accusingly as he gave his kid a hug.

"I've been teaching her!" he reported. "She's gotten a whole lot better Daddy..."

"Well are you ready to go spend a little time with Nanny while Daddy goes to work? Then when I come home we can eat dinner together..."

"I wanna stay with you and Trynia," he pouted.

"I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem," Trynia said. "I mean what is it?"

"It's an autograph signing and a Q and A with the local chapter of the KISS army," Paul announced. "I was wondering if you'd want to go or not..."

"Well it might be nice to go and see who all is there... but if you want I can stay here with Aaron..."

"Well I was gonna bring the monkey boy to see the fans, briefly. And if it gets too much he can stay with the Nanny or Chris..."

"It's not a problem..."

"That would be great, but I wouldn't wanna impose on you," Paul insisted.

"Why don't we just see how it goes..."

"Okay sounds fair. Why don't you go put on something fun and Aaron and I will meet you downstairs after I get him ready..."

"It's a deal," Trynia nodded. Paul took Aaron's hand and led him into the adjoining bedroom to pick an outfit. She turned and started to dig through her hanging bag for a good outfit.

Finally, she settled on a short skirt, platform sandals, and one of her extra large KISS shirts, with the Solo album covers on it. She fixed her hair, and slipped on the leather jacket Paul had bought her, and the matching leather purse. It was nicely cut just at mid thigh, made of black suede, with a rose sewn to one shoulder in the place where his tattoo would be. She picked her rose locket and a pair of gold hoop earrings and diamond studs to match, with her new watch and bracelets. Paul soon finished with Aaron, and they strode downstairs with Chris to go wait for the limousine.

Terri Mason stood near Gene, while Ace and Peter with his wife Gigi strode into the lobby with their own security guards. Trynia stood hand in hand with Paul and Aaron, glancing casually at the others.

"All right, let's go do it, people," Gene nodded. They were shuffled off to the various limousines lining up, corralled and hidden by the security persons. Trynia shared a limo with Paul, Aaron, Aaron's nanny Shelby. It was a short ride over to the Convention Center, across from the RCA dome.

"We'll just be going in for the main talk," Paul explained. "And then you'll have plenty of time to meet up with people if you want to..."

"But it's no problem..."

"I know..." Paul nodded. "but I don't want you to miss out meeting up with your friends..."

"True," Trynia nodded. For a moment, she wondered if Paul was deliberately trying to keep her away, but she accepted what was to happen.

"Well you have your job to do," she said. "I don't want to interfere..."

"You won't. Have a good time..." Paul nodded. "and remember, it's dinner later..."

"Aaron?"

"He'll be with Chris, and his nanny... off to the side. Sometimes things can get a little hairy," Paul whispered to her. "I was thinking about it, and it's all right. I want you to enjoy yourself..."

"and not get in your way..."

"well..." Paul admitted.

"I understand. You're a member of KISS. I don't want to interfere in your job any more then you would in mine..."

"And I don't want you to think I'm pushing care of Aaron onto you, just because you're with me," Paul said. "It's not fair to you. That's why he has a nanny. And I'm his father. The last thing I want is to have you stuck being babysitter..."

"Thank you," Trynia whispered. "Even though I wouldn't mind being with him..."

"Well you did great, but this is your time as well as mine to relax..."

"Well then, why don't you just let me out and I'll meet up with you all later... since you have Aaron with the nanny and all..."

"You sure you'll be okay... I don't want to neglect you..."

"I'll let you get to work, Paul, and I'll just go meet up with some fellow fans. It'll be fun..."

"Thanks..." Paul said. "But remember you're meeting up with us for dinner ok?"

"Paul, we're here," Chris called from behind the glass as he slid the partition aside.

"Great. Let us out here, and then let Trynia out in the main entrance. She'll meet up with us later... is that ok?"

"That's fine," Trynia nodded. Paul took something from Chris, and handed it to her. It was an all access pass.

"You sure... I mean you could sit back with Terri and..."

"I'm meeting friends, remember," Trynia said firmly, and kissed his lips gently. He got out of the limo, his hand in Aaron's, with the nanny close behind them.