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Great Expectations

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 Dynasty's site, and used only for entertainment purposes.

Quickly she slipped into the ladies room, and pulled something out of her purse. Smirching her face with white, she began to smear on the design that would guarantee her anonymity. In case anyone might have seen a picture of her with Paul, she decided to take this step.

It felt good to walk around without anyone staring in her direction, she realized. Other then to admire her makeup job. Other fans strode about in their full costumes, in anticipation of who was about to visit. She saw plenty of Ace and Gene's, a few assorted Paul's, and even some Eric Cars. Others in t-shirts and makeup, some in bluejean vests with patches, others in leather and jeans. Many different people who were united by one thing, their love of KISS.

Someone tapped her on the shoulder, and she turned. "Jeff?" she asked, with surprise.

"Hey, how are you? Did you get home ok?"

"Yeah," she laughed. It was her friend she had met up with from the concert, next to his other friends. They all admired her outfit, particularly the fine lines of her body under that form fitting skirt she wore with the stockings and shoes.

"Awesome! Great you could come all the way here!" he laughed.

She turned to find two other familiar faces. Both were coming from the Demon wrestler's booth, a Polaroid in hand.

"Misha, Cyn?" she asked, seeing the two walking up. They both did a double take.

"Tryn?' they asked, surprised. "Is that you?"

"Must be, she's in warpaint," Misha laughed. "Looking good!"

"Do you know Jeff?" she asked with a smile.

"Don't but I do now," Misha said, shaking her other friend's hands. They excused themselves and gave Trynia a thumbs up as they walked on by. KISS was scheduled in an hour to come before the assemblage of KISS army soldiers, many who had also come with booths of merchandise to sell and exchange.

"So, where have you been, girl?" Cyn asked her. "You haven't posted on the list forever!"

"Uh well, I've been busy..."

"Shannon said that you and she met up with Shandi to see Hotter then Hell..."

"Yeah..."

"We were worried about you," Cyn told her. "Desiree said she saw you in LA with Paul and Gene... what's up?"

"Did you... meet up with the band somehow?" Misha asked.

Trynia felt a tearing in her allegiances. She knew both her KISSters had her best interests at heart, but she was loath to reveal anything private about her and Paul.

"C'mon... I'll get you both some pizza before we go see the guys come out," Trynia said to them.

Misha and Cyn followed her to the refreshment stand, where they bought a pizza to share. In a quieter corner they all sat down and began to eat, washing their pizza down with Coors light. The cold beer tasted good to Trynia in the early afternoon.

"So... what happened..." Cyn asked.

"Don't leave anything out..."

"Well... my car broke down after the concert. Then I was walking down the side of the road..."

"Omg, were you ok?" Misha asked.

"well this limo drove by... and Gene and Paul were inside of it..."

"Holy shit," Misha gasped.

"Gene and Paul?" Cyn repeated, her mouth wide open.

"Yes. They asked me to tell them my story, and they said they couldn't leave a devoted fan walking in bare feet... so well.. they treated me to a hotel room..."

"And..." Misha asked.

"Well.. Gene and I... we..."

"You and Gene... holy shit!" Misha gasped. "Did you... and he... have an encore?"

"We sure did," Trynia nodded.

"What about Paul?" Cyn asked.

"Well he was there too..." Trynia admitted. "But he was seriously tired and had to sleep. Whereas Gene and I... well we made wild passionate sex for hours..."

Slowly she told them the details of her encore, focussing totally on Gene. Misha and Cynthia gasped and listened with rapt attention. Finally, she got to the morning after, leaving out the obvious detail.

"so Gene left you in the room, right?" Misha said. "Makes sense. He probably had some other 'fans' to please..."

"Sure did," Trynia nodded with a laugh. "Then Paul and I... met for breakfast, and he asked about my car. When he found out that it would cost a lot to get fixed, he offered me a job on the tour."

"You and Paul..."

"Well I'm sorry gals, but I can't tell you anymore about that," Trynia said slowly. "You know that Paul is private about things..."

"Oh..." Cyn said. Misha was about to ask more, but stifled her words off at her friend's warning look.

"I'm sorry," Trynia whispered.

"Well, don't be," Misha said slowly. "I mean hey, thanks for telling me about the whole Gene thing!"

"We're just glad you're okay, girl," Cyn nodded, giving her a hug.

"You girls are my friends, my KISSters. I just couldn't well... fib to you..."

"Don't worry. You only tell us what you want to," Cyn said.

"What you told us... WOW!" Misha laughed. "I gotta go change my panties!"

"Oh man," Trynia laughed with relief. Her KISSters seemed happy enough with what she had to say, and what she refused to say.

"By the way... we brought our story..." Misha said. "Do you think there is a chance Gene might read it?"

"I think I can make certain of that," Trynia winked.

Later, Trynia took Misha and Cyn near the autograph table. She waved her pass at Chris, and whispered to him, nodding at Cyn and Misha.

"I guess they could stand in line first... but just this once," he whispered back.

"They're huge Gene fans, and they have a story they want him to read," Trynia explained. "Speaking of the which, where is Gene?"

"Uh well he's taking care of business..."

"He could take care of some with my friends," Trynia joked. "They just want to show him their story... Unmasked."

"Wait a minute," Chris winked, and strode back. They waited for a few anxious minutes. Finally, Chris returned with another security guard, James.

"What's the word?" Trynia asked.

"Gene has a few free minutes," James said. "So where are the two young ladies with their story?"

"right here," Trynia nodded at Cyn and Misha, who were wide eyed. Misha clutched the printout of her story anxiously.

"Follow me Ladies," James said. "Gene's waiting for you. He's most interested in hearing about your story..."

They followed James, hands shaking and knees knocking in excitement. Both of them disappeared into one of the other back rooms, where the guys were getting ready for their part of the program.

"Thanks," Trynia smiled at Chris. "I owe you one!"

"Not a problem... once I told Gene they were your friends, he was only too happy to meet them..."

"That's because he's a man of distinct taste," Terri laughed. Trynia smiled at her friend walking out from the back.

"There's still fifteen minutes before they go on..." Terri said. "Want to sit and talk for a while... or are you still meeting up with fellow KISSters?"

"I'd enjoy a talk and walk actually," Trynia said.

"What's with the warpaint?" Terri asked, as she and Trynia strode out onto the floor, past the security line. She pretended not to notice Joe moving out after them at a careful distance.

"Well, just in case someone has taken a picture of me with Paul, and well..."

"You were sure that you wanted to protect your own identity," Terri nodded. "And you wanted to protect Paul's, right?"

"Yes," she sighed.

"No harm in that," Terri nodded. "Shows you respect his privacy, and your own. Especially since you don't' know where this relationship is going."

"Thanks for understanding... I feel silly about it and yet..." Trynia whispered.

"Don't," Terri laughed. "It's still your life. And anyway, you seem to be working out with Aaron ok..."

"I'm just nervous about Linda... I mean in a few days she comes for Aaron again... and... well we didn't' get off on the right foot."

"Well then you need to convince her that you're not a threat..." Terri told her.

"Oh boy..." Trynia laughed. "I don't know if I can..."

"You can," Terri said, taking her hand. "You're strong, and getting stronger..."

"I'm not as strong as you," Trynia sighed.

"Bullshit," Terri said firmly. "You are. In your own way. Granted you don't have a mouth on you like I do, but in your own silent way you are very strong... with a stronger sense of self then I had before I met Gene."

"Thank you," Trynia whispered.

"You're welcome. Give yourself credit... I do."

"So what do I say to Linda?" Trynia asked, stopping and turning to face Terri.

"Well, be direct and up front. Spell out that you're a woman with your own brains. If she sees you as an airhead, prove her wrong..."

"I will," Trynia nodded. "No question."

"She worries about her son. Use that to your advantage... I've seen you with Aaron, and you're really good with him. Let her know that..."

They heard the announcement coming over the loudspeaker, and Trynia and Terri turned around to see the line forming in front of the stage. A podium was set up near a table with four chairs, and the announcer stood behind it. He gave a few opening remarks, and then introduced the "general" of the KISS army, who also gave a welcome to all assembled. Finally the announcement was given, and everyone screamed with delight, his or her fists pounding the air as their idols strode onstage one after the other.

In full makeup and costumes. Trynia let out a gasp, realizing she had expected them to simply come on in regular clothes.

"Makeup?"

"It was a surprise," Terri said smugly, her hand on her hip. "Gene hinted to me, but he was very tight lipped about it..."

"figures, even if you're on the inside there's a part of them that will always be private," Trynia nodded.

"that was a profound statement worthy of Paul," Terri teased her, punching her arm.

Gene spread his arms, batwing cloak flaring as he raised his boot and waggled his tongue. Paul blew kisses to the audience while Ace gave a wink and thumbs up, and Peter waved with a grin worthy of a Cheshire cat. Cameras flashed in chorus as the whole room was filled with a roar worthy of a jet engine in its intensity. One by one they strode behind the table and sat down to answer any questions that were submitted. People lined up for items to autograph, and each of them made a statement first about their Farewell Tour.

Inevitable questions surfaced, and each tried to field them as best as possible.

They felt someone's hands on their shoulders, and she turned her head to see Joe near them, with an apologetic look on his face. Terri asked, "so, is it time for us to come back into the fold?"

"Sorry Ms. Mason, but Gene was anxious to see if you were okay... I mean the baby..."

"Is perfectly fine, it's still here," Teri rolled her eyes.

"Could you come back with me anyway..." Joe apologized. Trynia exchanged a glance with Trynia and both of them laughed. They decided to follow the security guard back through the crowd to the rear, along a back hallway. Finally, they sat in a prepared lounge, where various buffet tables were being set up.

"You'd think this was a concert," Trynia muttered.

"Well, it looks like this thing is taking longer then they thought, so it's time Dinner came to us," Terri joked.

"Feel free to eat ladies," Joe offered. "They'll be coming back here to meet with us..."

At one table, Aaron and his nanny sat. At sight of Trynia and Terri he got up and rushed over with his arms held out.

"Tryni! Aunt Terri! Where were you?" he asked.

"Just meeting friends," Terri said, and gave Aaron a high five. He moved over to Trynia and wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly.

"Missed you," Aaron said, glancing up at her. His nanny, Shelly gave a smile and strode over.

"He was anxious to see if you were ok. And if you were still going to meet us for dinner," Shelly laughed.

"So should we wait or start now?" Trynia looked to Terri.

"Let's get something now, I'm starving," Terri said. "And besides, if I don't this baby is going to break a rib in protest!"

"It wouldn't really would it?" Trynia asked.

"Well no, but it's pretty active," Terri laughed, moving over to the buffet line. Looking down at Aaron Trynia asked, "You wanna wait for Daddy?"

"I see no reason why we can't start and let him join in," the nanny Shelly nodded. "C'mon Aaron let's get you some food... they have all kinds of stuff to chose from..."

"I get to sit next to Tryni," he said eagerly, slipping his hand into hers.

"Great," Trynia nodded. "Why don't you let me get some food and we'll come join you..."

"Ok," Aaron nodded.

Following Terri, Trynia took a heated plate and glanced at the silver buffet dishes. Already Terri was helping herself to roast beef, French fries, and a generous helping of vegetables. She noticed the salad and the chicken Parmesan hungrily, putting measured portions on her plate just like she saw Paul do often enough. Finally, Terri sat down, eyeing her plate hungrily as she rubbed her hands together. Trynia put her own food down, and met Terri's gaze.

"What?"

"Oh nothing, aren't you going to have some desert?" Terri teased.

"Uh, I just want to see if this will do it..." Trynia said seriously, but saw the sparkle of humor in Terri's eyes. She began to dig into roast beef and her other generous portions with relish, while Trynia started with a small piece of chicken and carefully counted her chews.

"Admit it, you're dieting... aren't you?"

"Is that a crime?"

"No... not at all... unless you're doing it for the wrong reasons..."

"Why? Is it a sin to be healthy?" Trynia asked.

"Nope, not at all," Terri laughed. "In fact, you look like you've lost five pounds!"

"Wow," Trynia asked. "really?"

"Yeah. You're toning up too. You look great..."

"thanks... it's that obvious?" Trynia asked.

"Yep, and I think a certain someone is noticing," Terri laughed.

One by one, they strode together back together into the buffet area, each eager to devour his portion of what was offered. They laughed and joked while they entered, and Paul felt his own stomach growling.

"Here they come," Terri said. "Ready or not!"

"Gene, you are so full of it!" Peter said, slamming him on the back. "One more crack about dysfunctional families..."

"Aw come on Petey boy, they ate it up, right?" Gene laughed.

"We are a family... a screwed up one, but we are a family..." Paul joked.

"With an outer space brother," Ace added.

"Great, My Favorite Martian," Gene groaned.

"I'm from Jendel!" Ace laughed. "Get it right Gene, damn!"

"God forbid we think that someone like Ace is from our planet," Peter laughed.

"Yeah really," Paul added. Gene hit the buffet tables first, grabbing a plate and starting to dig through one of the nearest casserole dishes. Peter and Ace went right for their favorites, while Paul made a careful inventory of each dish's contents.

"Are you going to eat Paul or just hunt and gather?" Gene asked him.

"He's doing the grazing thing, since he's only eating twigs and leaves and shit," Peter joked.

"Hey, if I want chicks to dig my million dollar ass, I have to eat right," Paul shot back.

Trynia burst out laughing, and then noticed the guys all glancing in her general direction. She flushed red for a moment not realizing how loud her laugh was. Paul also noticed that his son was in the room, and slowly his mood changed. He was immediately embarrassed by his crass language, and moved over to where Aaron was sitting with his nanny, near Trynia.

"Hey, monkey boy, how are you doing?" he asked as his son gave him a hug.

"Daddy, you took forever," he commented. He was apparently not phased at all by seeing his father in full costume and makeup. Paul set his plate down and sat next to his son, softly talking to him. He pulled his kid to sit on his knee, and they began to eat.

Peter and Ace lowered their bantering, as Gene moved over and sat near Terri. He glanced over at Trynia, who was still finishing what she had.

"I'll have to thank you for sending your friends back. They were most interesting," Gene said to her.

"Thanks for agreeing to see them... privately," Trynia said.

"Any more friends you have, feel free to introduce them," gene winked at her, and continued to eat hungrily. It was strange seeing them all chowing down in full makeup and costumes, each with their own meal choices.

"C'mon over here," Paul said, waving to Trynia. "Don't be a stranger..."

"Better go over and get him, lady Star-child," Terri whispered to her friend. Trynia got up and took her plate and drink over to sit near Paul and Aaron.

"You'd think it was a concert tonight," Trynia laughed. She well knew that they were going to have one soon after this shindig, at the RCA dome. That left precious little time to spend alone with them, but she didn't care much. Just being near him was what she loved most.

"Can I stay up to watch the show, Daddy?" Aaron asked.

"Sure, but just tonight okay?" Paul said to him.

"Will you watch Daddy play with me?" Aaron asked Trynia hopefully.

"Well... depends on what he says," Trynia said. "I'd be happy to, but it's up to him..."

"Please?" Aaron asked.

"Sure, if she says it's okay. You can both watch from offstage, if that's ok..."

"Awesome Daddy!" Aaron clapped his hands.

By the time they got to black Diamond, Aaron's eyes were starting to droop. In the comfort of the backstage suite, he and Trynia watched the concert on closed circuit television. She could hear the pounding sound of rock pulsing, punctuated by giggles from fans being sneaked backstage. For a moment Ace opened the door, his arm around a girl with a tight rhinestone babydoll T-shirt, her lips pressed to his ear. It was during Paul's I Still Love you song, and she held up her finger for him to be quiet.

"Oh... sorry," Ace said, noticing Aaron leaned against her. Without another word, he closed the door and left. Trynia heard giggling and laughing soon followed by moans, and sighed.

This was no place for a seven-year-old boy, especially if Ace was doing what she thought he was. She turned up the sound on the television to drown out Ace's noises. She heard Gene's pounding on the door, and then he opened it up. She saw a few groupies clustered behind him and shook her head.

"Oops, let's take this to the dressing room, babies," he said, and looked apologetically at Trynia. "didn't realize this room was occupied..."

"We were just leaving, weren't we Aaron? It's late... and don't you wanna get something to drink..."

"I'm tired, when can we go back to the hotel?" he asked.

"You want to go now?" Trynia asked.

Aaron sleepily lifted his arms to her, and Trynia grabbed her purse, and struggled to pick him up.

"You sure?" Gene asked.

"I don't want to inconvenience you," Trynia said. "After all, you have business to conduct."

Aaron was heavy, but she backed up to the sofa and boosted him onto her back, taking his legs behind her arms. She started to carry him piggyback out of the room before Gene stopped her.

"I don't think Paul..."

"Well this is no place for a seven year old kid," she whispered back to Gene. "and I don't see his nanny anywhere... and I'm not gonna just leave him if he's tired... got it?"

"Gene, you're back on in five!" called Doc McGhee. Gene was about to say something but Trynia already carried Aaron part of the way down the hall toward Chris.

"Chris, where is Aaron's nanny?"

"Uh she went back to the hotel..."

"I have to take Aaron back... he's tired and I don't..."

"Hey, I understand. I'll take you back myself..." Chris nodded. He helped carry Aaron in his arms with Trynia following.

"But Paul..."

"I'll let him know when we're on the way. This is no big deal. You're doing the right thing I think..."

"I hope Gene isn't pissed at me..."

"why should he be?" Chris asked her.

"Well..."

"He's just like that between acts, don't let it bother you," Chris said as she told him what had just happened. "C'mon let's get you both to the limousine..."

Trynia and Chris walked upstairs, Chris carrying Aaron in his arms. Trynia knocked on the door, and Aaron's nanny opened it, rubbing her eyes. Trynia whispered, "Uh sorry to bug you but Aaron..."

"Oh darn I'm sorry to have left you with him... bring him right in and I'll put him to bed..."

"Can I help?"

"Don't worry, I'll take it from here. Why don't you go wait for Paul... I'm sure you two will want to be alone..."

"But Aaron..."

"Just a moment... Chris will you carry him into the bed? I'll be there to change him into his PJ's in a moment..." Shelly said. Chris carried a sleeping Aaron back past Shelly. She then turned to Trynia, and whispered, "It's sweet of you to bring him back here. I had fallen asleep and I figured that Paul wanted time alone with him, with you. But I totally forgot, and... well I was about to call..."

"Hey don't worry, I was with him the whole time."

"I've warned Paul about this. He should have called for me... I'm glad you were with him... but I'm annoyed he was left backstage... and I won't rat on him to Linda about this..."

"Hey, it's okay..."

"Yeah, I'm glad that you brought him back. I'll just change him and make sure he's comfortable. You're a good girl, Trynia..." Shelly said, taking her hand and giving it a grateful squeeze. "I just wish sometimes that I wasn't so flustered..."

"Does Paul use another nanny or do you work for both Paul and Linda?"

"I work for Linda. She insisted this time the only way that she'd let Aaron out of her sight was if Paul took me as Aaron's nanny on the road. I'm the only person she trusts with him besides herself... because the last nanny Paul had with Aaron ended up having a fling with Ace..."

"Damn," Trynia groaned.

"You've got a good head on your shoulders, not like the other girls Paul has had since Linda and he split up..." Shelly said. "Now don't worry. Go have fun with him..."

"All right," Trynia nodded. She strode down the hallway to the other room, and slipped in the key card. She entered, and set her purse on the table, exhaling as she turned to shut the door.

It was blissfully cool and dark in the suite, and Trynia sat down on the sofa, pulling off her shoes. She picked up the phone and dialed the service desk for a few items. It was late and she knew that the guys would most likely have some sort of a wrap party after the show. Glancing at her watch, she knew she had plenty of time to complete her preparations.

It was actually twelve-thirty when Paul opened the door to his suite and found a purplish light shining softly from within. Someone had tossed a purple scarf over the lamps, and he heard equally suited music drifting from within.

He chuckled when he saw the silver bucket with the bottle of chilled champagne, by which there were two goblets waiting on the coffee table. Back and forth, he glanced for some sign of Trynia, the flowers still fresh in his hand.

"Sweetheart, are you here?" he asked.

In the distance, there was the dull rush of a shower turning on, and Paul smiled mischievously. Taking the champagne, he prepped it and popped the cork. Quickly he shoved each glass under the neck to catch the stream of golden foam. He began to unbutton the shirt he wore, and set the two goblets down for a moment. Paul pulled off his sneakers and socks. He had changed into a pair of jeans and comfortable clothes after stripping off his costume, and wondered where Trynia had gone to with Aaron. He was relieved to hear Chris after the show.

A smile came over his face. He moved over to the connecting door, and knocked on it. Shelly sleepily answered it, closing her bathrobe. He apologized, "Sorry to wake you, but is Aaron..."

"He's fast asleep. Trynia brought him back..."

"Great, I'm really sorry that this happened..."

"It's okay," Shelly said. "I've got it under control..."

"Thanks," Paul nodded.

"Good night, Mr. Stanley," she smiled, and let him walk past her to see his son fast asleep in the bed. He leaned over and pressed a kiss to Aaron's cheek before leaving. Satisfied his son was okay, he returned to his own room.

Trynia had become weary of waiting, so she turned on the shower when she heard Paul at the door. Hot water streamed over her tired body, as she slowly lathered luxurious hotel soap over her breast and shoulders. Carrying Aaron had been a bit of a surprise, and her back ached in protest. How were other women, half her size able to lug seven-year-olds around?

Perhaps it was something they got accustomed to. In a way she was annoyed at Paul, but realized that it wasn't her place to say anything. However, she couldn't help but see Linda's point of view for a moment. What sort of environment was it for a seven-year-old, backstage at a concert?

She jumped at the sound of the door clicking open, and searched frantically for something to defend herself with. Grabbing the shampoo bottle she held it up and shouted," Stop right there, creep!"

"Hey, easy baby, it's only me!" came Paul's laugh. She put her hand on her chest, gasping as she hid her breast reflexively.

"Paul, you are a rotten sneak," she groaned. "Scaring me half to death..."

Paul slowly opened the shower door, a look of guilt on his face. He clutched two glasses of champagne in one hand, his other on the frame of the door as he stood there in little more then a towel precariously hitched around his waist.

"I'm sorry..." Paul apologized again. "I didn't meant to scare you... I thought you'd enjoy some company..."

Trynia lowered the shampoo and glared at him for a moment, "You have some nerve mister, just sneaking in here like that... what if I was armed and dangerous?"

"I really am sorry," Paul apologized. "I shouldn't have left you alone with Aaron..."

"It's not that, Paul... I was just worried..."

"Didn't you know that you could have called the nanny any time you felt..." Paul asked her, offering her one glass. She made no move to take it, resting a hand on her hip as she glared at him.

"You realize Ace almost walked in with a groupie on us?" Trynia asked, with concern.

"Well you were with him, and you had every right to..."

"I know he's not my kid... and far be it to suggest what I should do, but Gene seemed pissy that I interrupted his fun, so do you think Ace would have listened to me? I wasn't sure if I should take him back or not..."

Paul set down the champagne glasses, and sighed, "It wasn't something you had to worry about... you could have let me know... if you felt inconvenienced..."

"He's your son, not mine, and I didn't' want to interfere..." she said, putting her head in her hand, not listening to what he was saying. "But I just didn't' think it was the best place to be when he was falling asleep..."

"He's not your responsibility, you don't have to worry..." Paul said firmly.

"I'm sorry for caring then," she burst out, biting her lip as she turned away from him, and tried to pull the door shut in his face. Paul stuck out his hand and stopped it from completely shutting. Yet Trynia's own strength pushed it back, and Paul pulled his hand back to stop her from slamming it inadvertently on his fingers.

"I'm glad you did," Paul said, voice muffled behind the closed shower door. "And I really am sorry... look, will you please look at me..."

"I... I'm sorry I had..."

"Trynia, you did the right thing... and I screwed up. I just hate to admit it sometimes..." Paul said softly. "Now will you please let me in... I feel really silly with this glass door between you and me..."

"Okay, you win," she said. Paul slid open the door, and held out his hand to her. She pulled him into the shower, and he let the towel drop from his waist as he slid shut the door behind himself.

"That's better," he nodded, grasping the bar of soap and tracing it over her bared shoulders.

"I thought you already took a shower," she said, glancing up to look him right in the face. He towered over her, his hair damp and curling over his hairy chest.

"I did, but I wanted to help you with yours," he whispered.

"Be careful," Trynia warned, as he squirted shampoo into his hands and worked it through her hair.

"Why?"

"Because... you know what happened last time when you trapped me in the showers..."

"Does this mean I'm forgiven?" Paul asked.

"You do press your luck mister," she said, as he slipped his arms around her and pulled her close to his wet slick body.

"Champagne?" Paul asked. "I poured us two glasses..."

She let him go for a moment so he could open the door and pick up the two glasses he'd set on the floor. Smiling he handed one to her, and slid the door shut again. Hot steam fogged up the semi translucent door, and the two glasses, chilly to her touch. Paul moved before the showerhead, blocking her from the main blast as he raised his glass to hers.

"I have to admit this is the weirdest place I've drunk champagne," Trynia laughed as they each took a sip.

"I could think of worse," Paul laughed, as she took another swig. "Thank you for the nice surprise. I couldn't just come in without checking on you, knowing you were in here... all alone... and hot... and wet..."

"Sounds like a slasher movie or a porn flick," Trynia said.

"You know I wouldn't let any harm come to you," Paul laughed, and slipped an arm around her. "Especially with me here..."

"Really?' Trynia asked, glancing up into his eyes which darkened with desire.

"Really," he whispered, in that low voice that drove her wild. She leaned up for a kiss, and Paul bent his knees slightly to lower his lips to hers.

"Damn I hate six inch differences," she muttered.

"Depends on which six inch difference you're talking about..."

"I wonder who's worse, you or Gene," Trynia groaned.

"Why don't we find out?" Paul asked with a laugh. "Hang on a minute and I'll get you a towel..."

Trynia walked out after Paul handed her a towel, wrapping one around himself. She took the robe he handed her, and laughed as he helped her to dry off, and helped him in turn.

"Why don't you dry your hair off baby, and I'll get ready first," he whispered, showing her where the hairdryer was. He moved off into the bathroom, and she flicked the dryer on full. She took a moment to glance over the package of birth control pills and select the one for the particular day. So far, she had managed to keep up reasonably well, and felt a lot more at ease with a 99.9 percent proven method.

However, there were other concerns. She hoped she wouldn't pay for someone else's past mistakes, although Paul had been open about his own history as she had with hers. It was sobering to start seeing these pieces of his life laid open to her.

Finally she finished, and turned off the drier. Placing it to the side, she strode into the room, and Paul smiled at her from over on the bed. He had folded back the sheets, and was lying contentedly with another glass of champagne.

"Bathrooms yours if you want," she said.

"Thanks, I'll just be a few minutes. Make yourself comfortable, before I make you even more so..." he smiled, and rose from the bed to press a kiss to her lips. She watched him disappearing into the bathroom, and closed the door slightly. Soon the sound of the hairdryer zizzed through the crack of light.

Trynia let the robe drop, and simply climbed into the bed. She turned over and lay on the side furthest away from the bathroom. Reaching out one last time, she put out the light, plunging the room into darkness.

An eternity later she felt the bed shifting under her as someone lay down on it. For a moment, she wondered if she had fallen asleep, because she felt arms reaching around to embrace her from behind.

Paul's soft kiss sweetly invaded her ear through the darkness. She felt his arms draw her in and embrace her, bare skin pressing tightly to hers. A strange thought filled her head, coupled with awkwardness at the realization that Aaron was in the next room.

"C'mon over here," Paul whispered, hot breath flooding her ears, and shivering her body with desire.

"Paul are you sure..."

"Shh, gotta be quiet, cause we don't wanna wake anyone," he whispered again, his laugh tickling right against her ear.

"Uh this is like having your parents in the next room..." Trynia whispered back. "except in reverse..."

"No, worse. My mom wouldn't come paddling in, asking, "Whatcha doin'?"

"Great, now I've got the mental picture of your mom in the room with us," Trynia groaned, and punched his arm.

"Owwch!" he said, with a laugh. "I guess I deserved that... but let me help paint another picture..."

Trynia groaned and melded her body to his warm firm one. Pitch darkness formed into a palate of varying textures to her sense of touch, some soft, some warm and hard, others unidentified. She moved up for a moment, to his left side and whispered into his ear, "Someone really missed me, didn't they?"

"Uh huh baby," Paul whispered back. "Me and my love gun..."

Soft kisses walked all over her, and there was temporary coldness as the cocoon of softness lifted and was replaced with a warm muscular body. Fingers stroked her face in the dark, and she probed the location of her partner with an extended hand. Smooth hard flesh covered with a soft silky coating of hair met her touch, along with a deep sigh of pleasure. Strong fingers seized her arms and pulled her over, her sense of up and down reversing quickly into a sideways motion. For a moment, she slid over softness that was slowly hardening to excited tenseness.

"Mmm," Paul groaned, and she could tell he was stifling the bulk of his noise in his throat. Under her, his own hips rose and fell, working her onto his excitement. Slick and solidly it thrust deep inside, making her gasp suddenly. She would have thought she'd be used to accommodating him by now, some inward portion of her mind wondered. Whimpering with the intensity of skin to skin contact, she buried her cries in his shoulder, running her tongue along the hollow of his throat and that sensitive area between neck and shoulder.

Again, she kissed his left ear, running her tongue along it as she moaned his name as quietly as possible, "Paul..."

"Ohh say my name again," Paul groaned, stifling his sound into her neck.

She leaned over to his other ear and whispered, "I love you so much..."

"What was that sweetheart?" Paul whispered. He moved her head over by his other ear, and pleaded her to repeat what she had said.

She did, frightened that he wouldn't believe her, and almost choking the last word. Warm lips closed over hers, his tongue slipping between them as it danced with hers. Under his body, he pressed her in an embrace, wrapping her tightly in his arms. One last time he thrust deep, impaling her as he flooded her inside with his love.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I probably shouldn't have said that..."

"No, don't be," Paul whispered back, kissing her forehead as he lay his full weight on her. "I'm very glad... because you know what?"

"What?"

"I love you too, baby," he whispered back, kissing her again.

"Are you just saying that... to humor me... I know it sounds awful for me to suppose that but..."

"Can I lie in the heat of passion?" Paul asked, still inside her, softening but still moving his hips slightly.

"No, you can't," Trynia laughed. Rolling her over, Paul laughed lightly and began the slow process of teasing and pleasing he knew she'd enjoy.

"We have all night baby, to have truth between us," he said. For hours, they took turns luring each other to the brink and back. It was early morning when they fell into deep sleep together, arms intertwined with bodies locked together.

They made their way north through Ohio and New York state to get to Toronto, then they would work their way south again. Time was speeding rapidly by, and each passing day she knew brought her closer to that point of inevitable and increasingly painful separation.

Another separation faced Paul more immediately, the time fast approaching when Linda would return for her son to return home with him to where she lived.

On the fateful day, Trynia had decided it would be best to try to stay as far away as possible from Paul and Linda, until she could speak to Linda privately. This would be hard because she was sure that there would be the inevitable debriefing of the nanny who was assigned to Aaron. If she indeed worked for Linda, would this be a chance for her to spill any 'dirt' of the past week's events?

She had just finished chapter 10 of Paul's book when she felt his soft kiss against her ear. Aaron looked up from where he was playing on the floor, and saw his dad and his dad's "special friend" talking quietly together.

"Sweetheart, I think it would be best if you said goodbye to Aaron, sometime soon," he whispered.

"Today's the day?" she asked Paul. He nodded soberly, hand on her shoulder.

"Well I think when she comes to get him, I'll just bugger off and let you have some private time with him... to say goodbye to him yourself..."

"You sure?"

"Absolutely. I'll just go down and have coffee with Terri or something..." she said. "In the hotel lobby..."

"Thank you," Paul whispered. "But you don't have to hide from my ex, you know..."

"I know... but I don't want to create problems..."

"Sweetheart you won't. She didn't even know who you were the first time she saw you..." Paul said.

"I'll say bye to Aaron now," Trynia said, closing the subject. She moved over to where Aaron sat on the floor, and crouched.

"What's up?" he asked.

"Well you know what today is right?"

"Yeah, Mommy's coming to pick me up right?" Aaron asked.

"Yes, and your daddy said that it was time for you and me... to say goodbye..."

"I don't like goodbye a whole lot," Aaron said. "It's really sad... and sometimes people cry and things like that. Especially my mommy..."

"Sometimes I don't like to say goodbye either. Why do you suppose that is?" Trynia asked.

"Because sometimes when you say goodbye it means you won't see that person again," Aaron suggested. "And because goodbye means they go away and don't' always come back..."

"I know. So you know what, I'm just gonna say see you later..." Trynia nodded. "Because that means what..."

"That the person wants to come back, right?" Aaron nodded. "So I'll see ya later then, right?"

"Yes." She whispered, and he reached up his arms for a hug. Wrapping her arms around him, she hugged him gently to her.

"But you know what, sometimes when Daddy says goodbye to me, I know he's gonna come and see me again, so maybe goodbye isn't always 'I'll never see you again,' "Aaron suddenly suggested.

"I never thought of it that way," Trynia laughed.

"Yeah, 'cause Daddy wrote a song called Goodbye but he said it wasn't about people saying goodbye and never coming back, it said something about 'Goodbye is only for now... I'll come again, I swear it somehow...' "

"Sounds very special. Do you know what I means?"

"Yeah of course he told me it meant that the person singing the song had to go away but they promised to come back..."

"I will see you again," she nodded.

"G'bye," Aaron whispered, kissing her cheek. "See you!"

Gently she disengaged herself from his embrace and backed away. He smiled and waved as she slipped out of the room. Paul didn't try to stop her as he sat down next to his son for a moment.

Chris leaned his head in the door when he saw Paul sitting there, and gestured to him. "Wait a moment, Aaron," Paul said, and got up. "What's going on?"

"Uh, mommy's here, and she wants to talk to you privately... out of earshot..." Chris whispered.

"Oh no," Paul groaned. "Where's his nanny?"

"I'll go get her... but I really think you should talk to her. She seems pretty anxious..."

"Oh brother," Paul sighed. "Aaron, hey why don't you go help Shelly pack your things. Mommy's just about here. You wanna make sure that you don't forget anything, ok?"

"Okay daddy," Aaron nodded, and Paul led him back to his room.

"Dad's gonna go talk to some people right now, but when he comes back, he'll take you down when Mommy comes okay?" Paul told him. "Can you be ready when Daddy comes back for you?"

"Sure," Aaron nodded.

Paul rushed past Chris, and closed the door. AT first he was worried that Linda had run into Trynia, but when he saw her standing in the hotel lobby anxiously tapping her foot he knew that something else was seriously on her mind.

"I heard you needed to talk to me," Paul said quietly to her.

"Yes," she nodded. "I have to talk to you about your taking Aaron to a one of your concerts... I thought we'd agreed that was not the sort of place..."

Trynia stirred her coffee, and cupped her hands around the mug. Was she being a coward for not talking to Linda herself, or rushing off away from the situation?

"It's not my affair," she told herself. "I mean I'm the girlfriend, and the last thing she needs is to have another thing to yell to Paul about..."

She glanced down into her coffee, and poured creamer into it. Swirls streaked across its surface in a micro spiral galaxy as she stirred. Sighing, she took a sip, and enjoyed the bittersweet combination pouring down her throat. A hand on her shoulder almost startled her, and she looked up at Terri Mason glancing down at her, clad in a maroon business suit that fit her flatteringly yet allowed for the obvious stage of her life.

"Oh hi Terri... you look all spiffed up, what's the occasion?"

"Well I was just going off to a book singing at a local Boarders here in Toronto," she said. "What are you doing down here instead of up with Paul and the kid?"

"Linda's come to pick him up, and I want Paul to have a chance to spend some time with him alone before he goes back to mom."

"That's nice of you, but aren't you just avoiding the issue?" Terri asked.

"Excuse me?"

"Are you hiding from his ex?" Terri further queried, sitting at the booth next to her.

"I guess, but can you blame me... we didn't exactly meet under good circumstances... and I don't want to give Linda anymore reasons to yell at Paul..."

"Trynia stop putting this crap onto yourself," Terri groaned. "Their fight has been going on long before you even got into the picture. So stop feeling sorry for yourself and face your fear ok?"

"Now wait a minute, I'm not feeling sorry for myself. You can't blame me for wanting to make things smooth..."

"Linda and Paul are adults, but you're not responsible for their behavior. You are part of the equation now whether Linda likes it or not. By hiding yourself away you aren't letting her know that you're not some airhead bimbo that's using her ex for money..."

"Since when did you become the Jiminy Cricket to my Pinocchio?" she asked.

"Since you and Paul became an item," Terri answered.

"You are totally irritating sometimes, even if you do have a point..." Trynia grumbled, sipping another mouthful of coffee.

"I know, but sometimes that happens," Terri said casually. "It's advice. Take it or leave it. But I couldn't just walk by without putting my two cents in..."

"Two cents, it's more like a dollar," Trynia shot back.

"Hey, inflation," Terri said.

"Gene really has corrupted you..." Trynia groaned.

"I'll take it as a compliment," Terri laughed. "Now look, It's only concern okay? I mean you can feel free to tell me to get lost..."

"I would but it would be rude, and you do have a point..." Trynia sighed, looking back at her. She got up, and set her coffee down.

"Going somewhere?"

"Yeah, see you later," Trynia nodded, walking out of the restaurant. "And... thanks..."

"No problem," Terri waved, and then picked up the menu to look at the available lunch options. There was just enough time.

"I will NOT let my son be subjected to your groupie hopping ways." Linda snapped at Paul, hands on her hips. "He will NOT grow up like you".

"Don't you think I'm trying to prevent that?" Paul yelled back.

"Then what is this?" Linda demanded, holding a copy of National Enquirer magazine in his face. "Paul Jr. at his old man's concert... backstage!"

"Damn I thought I told those photographers to stay away!" Paul cursed. "And for your information, I might have made a mistake, but Trynia brought him back to the hotel when he was getting tired..."

"So now you're having your groupies take care of my son?" Linda laughed angrily. "Where the hell was his nanny!"

"Available, as always," Paul yelled back. "And for your information, Trynia is a responsible woman, not just some groupie!"

"You're absolutely hopeless when you have your floozy girlfriend watching our son instead of the care I provided!"

"You don't even know her," Paul shook his head.

"That's what you say about all of them. I know the kind of woman you prefer Paul. Isn't she just like all the others?"

"No," Paul said, shoving his hand in the pocket of his jeans. His fingers closed around a folded piece of paper and he tugged it free. Unfolding it he scanned the contents and suddenly waved it in Linda's face," See, she is not jsut a groupie. She gives a shit about me!"

"What is that to do with..."

"See she cared more about my happiness then her own! When you first dropped Aaron off she left!"

"Paul, don't you dare change the subject!" Linda rolled her eyes.

"Read it, if you don't believe me," Paul demanded, shoving it into her hands. Linda took the note and scanned it herself.

"How noble, but still..." she sighed. "Why is this any concern of mine?"

"Because she knows how important Aaron is to me..." Paul continued.

Linda sighed and shook her head. Thinking for a moment, she said, "But you don't realize how important Aaron is to me!"

"We are DIVORCED, get it?" Paul snapped. "Aaron is my blood, and Trynia is my love. I have a right to my happiness".

"At the expense of our son?"

Suddenly Chris knocked on the door. "Hey, I hate to interrupt, but Aaron was anxious to see his mommy..."

"Oh... well..." Linda said.

"I have to say goodbye to him," Paul snorted. Linda sighed and strode out of the room, anger filling her face as she turned away. She heard the hotel had a nice coffeehouse, and decided to go drown her anger in a cup of hot black java.

Trynia returned from the ladies room to reenter the coffeehouse. Teri was still at the table they had occupied, ordering some pastry. She realized she had left her cup there without paying the bill, and hastened to correct the oversight.

As she walked closer, she noticed a familiar woman sitting alone at a side booth, sipping quietly at a cup of coffee. Opportunity had presented her with itself, and it was glaringly obvious what she had to do. She could only guess why Linda was upset, but this was no longer the time for imagination to fill in the gaps.

"Hello, Ms. Bowen, can I speak with you?" Trynia asked. In her short floral minidress and purple sweater, her hair pulled back in barrettes, she looked different then when Linda had first seen her.

There was no recognition in Linda's blue eyes as she glanced up at Trynia with annoyance, 'Look, Paul and I are no longer married. I have no interest in an interview".

"I'm not here to ask you for an interview," Trynia said, clearing her throat.

"Then what do you want?"

"My name's Trynia, and I wanted to speak to you, alone," Trynia reiterated. "But if you're busy I don't want to bother you..."

"Wait, I remember you. You must be that KISS groupie I ran into in Indianapolis. Look, I didn't mean to be impolite... but I'm not in the mood to talk about..."

"I'm sorry for that circumstance under which we met," Trynia said. "You obviously had a lot on your mind that day..."

"That's... nice of you, and I accept your apology," Linda sighed, rolling her eyes. "I suppose now you want to know how he is in bed...."

"No, that's not what I want to talk about," Trynia held up her hand. "I don't dig for KISS dirt. There's enough of it floating around already..."

"That's a novel concept. Who are you?" Linda asked, her eyes narrowing when she lowered her gaze to Trynia's throat. Looking down, Trynia realized the locket had slipped out of her dress. At first her hand moved to hide it, but the sparkle of anger in Linda's eyes made her lower her hand and grip the side of the table in preparation for the angry tirade.

"Oh, you're HER," Linda said coolly. "Where's my son?"

"With his daddy saying goodbye." Trynia said levelly, her gaze fixing not directly into Linda's but between her eyes as she had been taught to do in many interviews. "I wanted to give them a private time saying goodbye..."

"Really?" Linda asked, not exactly believing her, but attempting.

"Yes. Really," Trynia said, and tried a smile. "I didn't want to complicate things..."

"I want you to know something now," Linda said firmly. "My son is everything in the world to me. I worry about the bad things he might encounter out on the road with Paul"

"That's exactly why I wanted to talk to you..." Trynia nodded. "I don't think that it's a great place for kids either. I wanted you to know that I consider your concern for you son very important too, and I'm not just saying this to suck up to you or try to get on your good side. I just want you to know that I'm not some airhead that only wants to be with Paul for his money..."

"That may be. I don't know you, and I know you don't know me, but put yourself in my shoes... Miss..."

"Trynia. Trynia Merin," Trynia said. "As you were saying..."

"The hardest thing in life for me is to let Aaron go with Paul for 2 weeks." Linda sighed. "That's why I insisted he break it into two one week sessions on this tour. He'll have Aaron the second week later on in this tour over the holiday. I just don 't want Aaron to risk being put in this environment for too long of a time..."

"Because you worry about what he'll encounter on the road..."

"And I've traveled with Paul and I know what's out there. I just don't think some of what's available is right for a 7 year old."

"Absolutely NOT!" Trynia nodded. "Especially the after hours parties and the encores, and the rabid fans..."

"Good I'm glad you understand that. But I know that Paul loves him to death, so I have to trust that he will take care of him".

"I wouldn't let my child be around the groupies... in my own humble opinion," Trynia nodded. "But I know one doesn't have much choice. Aaron asked Paul if he could go to a concert, and then I asked if that was a good idea... and Paul seemed to think it was all right. I decided to stick right by him in addition to his nanny being there..."

"She had told me about that incident. I was upset she had been sent back to the hotel, but she had mentioned to me that Paul's girlfriend had brought my son back herself. I didn't want to believe it at first, but now I see it was true..."

"Why wouldn't it be?" Trynia asked. "Shelly is someone you trust, right?"

"Yes... I'm sorry but I can't be too careful..."

"I understand," Trynia nodded.

"It's a temptation when she's on the road that she'll be swept off her feet by a member of KISS. I don't' want my son around the drinking and smoking of encore parties either. No kid should be near that stuff..."

"I'd rather play ninentdo with Aaron then sit through that," Trynia agreed. "I don't smoke and I don't drink around children, and I'd be caught dead before I'd do drugs..."

"And the sex. I don't want my son to see that bed hopping is OK".

"No. I'm nervous about even holding Paul's hand around Aaron." Trynia said slowly. "I don't want him to think I'm trying to replace his mommy. You're his mommy..."

"That's a very refreshing point of view," Linda nodded. "What exactly do you do, Trynia?"

"I'm a graduate student in chemistry..."

"Chemistry? What on earth are you doing with KISS and Paul?"

"There are lots of women who are KISS fans who are highly educated," Trynia said softly. "My meeting with Paul was pure chance. He invited me on this trip, I didn't insist on going. If anything I was ready to go on my way..."

"Why are you here now?"

"Paul offered me a chance to edit a book he was doing. I know that sounds very lame..." Trynia flushed when Linda rolled her eyes.

"That would be an excuse he used," Linda said with a slight laugh. "You're a reasonably intelligent girl to be a chemist. I'm relieved that you aren't some airhead bimbo for a change."

"You're not an airhead bimbo yourself," Trynia smiled. "There's a lot more to being an actress then looks alone. And I doubt Paul would want to marry a bit of fluff."

"He'd get bored and send them home after three days," Linda laughed. "I'm just surprised to see you aren't tall and blond..."

"I don't' know if life would be easier if I was," Trynia said.

"No it wouldn't. If you're blond they think you shouldn't have a brain in your head," Linda snorted.

"Men are weird," Trynia shook her head. There was an awkward silence, and Linda invited Trynia to sit down. Now they sat face to face.

"By the way, have you had any encounters with Samantha Fox?" Linda asked. "That bitch?"

"Uh... yes... unfortunately." Trynia said slowly, remembering the painful night. "She and Donna Dixon got into Gene's party... for his book promo."

"I had heard that they were there," Linda said. "What happened?"

"I told them to be quiet so I could hear Paul speak and they got all catty on me." Trynia groaned.

"That would seem like her," Linda shook her head.

"I take it there's no love lost between you and the Fox yourself," Trynia said.

"Well, she told a NUMBER of people about how Paul got some little Texas girl knocked up."

"Oh my word!" Trynia groaned.

"Apparently, that was her theory on why we got married."

"I'm sorry," Trynia sighed. "That's awful!"

"What words of wisdom did she impart to you?" Linda asked Trynia.

"They said I was a desperate groupie, and Paul was scraping the bottom of the barrel with me."

"They would considering you're not blonde and dumb," Linda sighed. "But how did you take it?"

"I got pissed. I told them they were fake two faced tramps... and that I was a real woman..."

"Good for you," Linda nodded with a smile, clapping her hands. "You know, she said the same about me, only with me I was a little Texas hillbilly who trapped Paul into marriage".

"They know NOTHING about you, Linda." Trynia said. "And you're a hell of a lot more talented then Samantha Foxx as an actress."

"Thank you. I guess she was right, though. I was never meant to be with Paul".

"I'm sorry that it happened." Trynia said.

"Likewise." Linda nodded. A moment of understanding dawned, and both women looked away for a time. It was Linda that finally broke the silence once more by saying, "Paul needs someone to understand that his true bride is Kiss. After Aaron came along, I just lost interest in the endless traveling and touring, the nonstop parties, the constant barrage of fans. Paul and I grew further apart. I guess I made him choose, and he followed his heart."

"Men sometimes have a habit of doing that, don't' they?" Trynia said.

"You understand that better than I do, Trynia. About him being married to KISS and all."

"Ohh... well I guess I have no other choice," Trynia shrugs. "But you have your acting career... and you are your own woman. And THAT says a lot..."

"I am, and honestly, I don't have to worry about money any more. Aaron and I can just live our lives".

"Yes, you are lucky. Me, I will go back to my job... and school..."

"I just wish that I could deal with Paul without feeling a great deal of anger and betrayal. Maybe someday...."

"I hope so too, Linda. I know it hurts to have that to deal with..." Trynia sighed. "I only hope I have the strength to deal with leaving him when I have to go back to school."

"On one hand, I can't stand the S.O.B. and on another hand, I can't deny that I once was madly in love with him".

"Yes. I can imagine. You did love him, and Aaron's from that love..."

"Just make sure you take your own advice, Trynia, and get your degree. One way or another, Paul will always choose Kiss. Just make sure you get all you want out of life before you commit to be with him wholly."

"I made that same promise to Terri, Gene's girlfriend," Trynia told her.

"You should do it."

"Thank you for being candid and honest," Trynia said.

"And thank you for having the courage to talk to me, face to face. I'm glad to see you're not some dumb bimbo, but a woman with intelligence and a good sense of right and wrong."

"So are you."

"Look, next time you're with Paul, and Aaron's visiting, do me a favor. Please take care of him for me."

"I will," Trynia agreed. "He's a good kid. He has good parents."

Linda nodded, and sipped her coffee with a sigh of relief. They spent the next few minutes talking about other things until the hour had passed.

Epilogue:

Paul Stanley was dreading the last week of August. They were almost to Philadelphia again, set to play at Hershey Park. Trynia had all but finished the last chapter of his book, her work approaching its end.

Paul fretted about what he was going to do on that fateful day. He knew it would be hard to say goodbye, and fight the temptation to ask her to come along with him. Would it be easier to break things off and let her go? He contemplated that as a possible solution.

The thought of this shamed him when he entered the room again, and saw her typing away on the computer that he had loaned her. Slowly he lifted her hair from the back of her neck and kissed it softly.

"Hello," she whispered, reaching up to clasp the hands that stole down to stroke her chest and embraced her from behind.

"How are you doing baby?" he asked, kissing her cheek softly.

"Good, and you?" she asked.

"Just wondering about the book..."

"Been editing the last set of your notes," she said. "I finally have it down how to decode your handwriting."

"Mm," Paul laughed. "So that's what takes you so long huh?"

"Very funny," she said, giving his wrist a slap. Paul then noticed that there were several suitcases neatly stacked by her side of the bed as he glanced backwards. The floral luggage was packed, or so it seemed. Breaking his embrace he left her side and crossed over to inspect them more carefully.

"Tryn... what's this?" he asked.

"What's what?" she asked.

"Your suitcases... all packed?"

"I have to get back home," Trynia said softly, turning her gaze to meet his. "This coming week I get my teaching assignment, and I have to turn in the forms that say if I'm accepting the fellowship or not..."

"I thought it was the first week in September..."

"I have to be there... very soon. I thought you knew," she said slowly. "Which brings me to ask another question, is my car fixed?"

"Yes," Paul said soberly. "Don't worry about the bill. I took care of it. You can drive it any time you want..."

"Thank you," Trynia smiled, dark eyes sad and moistening with what appeared to be tears.

"I had forgotten baby, when you had to go..." Paul said after a long pause.

"I wanted to," Trynia sighed, and rose from her chair. She crossed over to him, still retaining the distance between them.

"Forget?" Paul asked.

"Yes," she said, taking his hands that he offered her, and squeezing his fingers tightly.

"Baby, don't forget the lovely outfits I got you..."

"I didn't, but there is a LOT of stuff," she flushed.

"All the better to have luggage," he nodded. Both lost their true feelings in inane conversation, skipping around the real issue.

"In fact it might be better if I left tomorrow..."

"Why?" Paul asked.

"Hershey isn't too far from me," she said. "That's why."

"But you could ride with us to Philly. Please... reconsider..."

"It makes it harder to wait," she said. "Each day longer makes it even more difficult, don't you see?"

"Yes, I do," Paul sighed. "Unfortunately."

Next day the bus pulled into Philadelphia, toward the Spectrum. It was a Saturday night concert, and already the fans had gathered in droves to await the convoy. Trynia peered out the bus window at the familiar skyline she had left behind two short months ago.

It was the same city, but very much a different one. Her heart seemed older by far, beating in the breast of a woman still the same age. She tried not to think about the concert, the last she'd see in quite a while.

Would love survive? She hoped silently, but even if it did not, she would never forget her short summer. Her hand slipped around the pendant, closing it in her fist as Paul pulled her closer against him while they bounced and rattled their way into the rear of the complex.

Ace slumbered in his own world, his earphones jamming the outside reality out of his mind. Peter muttered and rubbed his arms, anticipating the pain of yet another night's performance. Gene glanced over his planner, occasionally taking a sidelong look at Trynia resting against Paul. He seemed aware of what was about to happen in the next twenty-four hours. Dark brown eyes met lighter ones, and Gene nodded. Almost as if he knew what she was thinking.

One last concert, and one last backstage pass she would endure. Surpassingly it began like every other, a frenzied rush of crate pushing and costumes tugging. Followed by the painstaking arrangement of taping firework leads, and guitar techs and sound level checks. Backstage she watched Paul outlining the patch of skin, which would hold the black trademark star, fixing his makeup into its place. She said little, simply letting her #2 pencil dance over the white tablet that begged to be filled.

Then the tension mounted to fever pitch as the stadium went dark, and KISS exploded onto the scene. She beheld the frenzy of sound and fireworks that droned into a sad realization that she had once sat close to the light, but would soon fall away to something called normal life again.

For a time she hid in the cheer of the wrap party, forcing down mouthfuls of champagne, hanging on Paul's waist and banishing the impending emptiness. The world was again light sound and laughter, mingled with congratulations. Party brightness gave way to the dim coolness of a posh hotel, and the soft erotic sheets of a king sized bed. Gasps of passion and cries of climax were the last realities that sleep whisked away.

The white Ford Tempo pulled up to the apartment building Paul had only seen in pictures and the words of her description. It was in a suburb of Villanova, called Radnor. Unassuming but perched above Brownie's tavern. Trynia pulled into the lot by the building, and pulled the brake lever forward until it wrenched in protest.

She turned off the radio, which had been blaring Y 100, new alternative Rock. Beside her, a hand closed over hers, and squeezed it tightly.

"I have to go, Paul," she said, glancing over to him. The black limousine parked across the street, its lights flashing.

"At least let me help with your luggage," Paul said.

"If you want," she said.

"I want to," Paul insisted. "Is Sharmane there?"

"She'll probably be out with friends," Trynia said, glancing up at the second floor of the apartment building. Paul opened his door first, and pressed her down into the seat, insisting she wait until he get up and open the door for her. Behind them, the trunk popped open, to reveal her luggage stowed away.

Paul gathered two suitcases, and hung her bag over his shoulder. She grabbed the overnight bag, and a smaller suitcase with her backpack and purse. Paul followed her around the back of the building's rear entrance, as she fished out her keys. Up the narrow stairs, they wandered to the landing where her wooden door was.

She unlocked two deadbolts, and let the door slip open. It was a small two-bedroom setup, with a plush sofa and small 13-inch television atop a VCR and DVD player. Flowers decorated the hall table, and she invited Paul inside. He carried her suitcases with him, and she picked up the Welcome note Sharmane had left her.

"She was expecting you," Paul nodded.

"Yes," Trynia smiled. She opened the door to the far right, down a small stretch of hallway. Paul kicked the front door shut. He peered past her to a little room taken up by a full bed and a small closet and corner dresser.

"Where should I put all this?" he asked matter of fact.

"Just leave that one... and this one..." she said. "I'll find places for them later..."

"You want' help..."

"It's okay, I can take it from here," she laughed, turning to face him. He saw the oil painting over her bed, done by her own hand of the Grand Canyon. Other framed pictures graced her walls, with a huge Paul Poster above the head of her bed. The Star Child was mounting his trapeze, hooking his hand around the strap as his guitar hung over one shoulder. How well he knew that pose.

Paul took the purse from her hands, and dropped it on the bed. Gathering her in his arms he pulled her hips to his, and lifted her lips to his. A long hard kiss pressed to her lips, his tongue slipping past her lips to coax them apart.

For the longest time, they held each other close, not wanting to break the embrace they'd started. Paul rocked, holding her in his arms as he buried his worries and sadness in that one last kiss. She pulled out of the kiss, struggling to fight her tears. He tipped her chin to peer into his face, his own eyes swollen with moisture.

"I hate goodbye," she whispered.

"I know," Paul sighed. "So do I... but I'm coming back. I swear it... somehow..."

"Do you?"

"You'll have to believe me," Paul choked. "Please."

"Go now, please..." Trynia whispered.

"Can you do me a last favor?" he said. Into her hand, she felt him press something wrapped in silver paper. Trynia glanced at him wondering when he said, "Close your eyes... and don't open that till later... love."

One last press of the lips, and she was crushed to his body. Suddenly she was holding empty air, and she heard the door closing quickly. Tears blurred her vision when she opened her eyes and saw Paul was absent. All she held now was the small box, wrapped in silvery paper, and gripped it tightly.

Moving to the window she pushed open the curtain and saw him walking across the street, peering back at her apartment. He stood there for a good ten minutes before the limo pulled up and he slipped reluctantly into it.

"Goodbye Paul," she whispered, sitting down on the bed. She watched the limo pull away and blend into the Radnor traffic of Sunday evening. For a long time, she sat there, holding the box in her grasp and not moving.

At last she heard the door opening, and a voice calling, "Trynia, are you here girl?"

Trynia rose from her bed, and willed her legs to carry her out into the living room where Sharmane stood looking her up and down.

"Trynia! You're here!' she smiled. "And you look great girlfriend!"

"Sharmane, I'm home," Trynia nodded, wiping a tear from her eye as she walked over and hugged her roommate and fellow graduate student.

Together they sat down, and ate the takeout Chinese Sharmane brought. The emptiness eased only a little bit, she reflected. Surrounded by the familiar things of her past life, she felt it absorb her into it once more, but her heart ached for another life she had left behind. It always would, she nodded, answering Sharmane's inevitable questions. It always would.

"What's in that box," Sharmane asked, noticing the small wrapped gift. "Aren't you going to open it?"

Trynia peeled the paper back and opened the small velvet box. Her mouth dropped open at the amethyst jewel sparkling in a small silver ring. She saw the note attached to it, and wondered as she opened it.

"Oh goodness!" Sharmane gasped. "It looks like... a ring..."

"But not what you would think..." Trynia muttered, and smiled as she wiped away the tears.

"No diamonds, but an amethyst? Looks like a promise ring... not an engagement ring..."

"A promise ring?"

"Yeah, it's what you'd call a 'going steady' ring," she grinned. "Is that from your boss? Look there's a note in the box..."

"Tryn, please keep this safe for me, will you? Love Stanley Eisen," was all it said. She removed it, slipped it onto her right hand pointer finger, and held it up for Sharmane to see. Both of them said little except to admire and ponder just what the gift meant. Was it a parting gift or a promise of things to come?